Best Fitbit Comparison And Reviews

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The Fitbit is a device that has taken the fitness and wellness industries by storm and is typically the go-to product whenever anything thinks about a smartwatch or fitness tracker.

When used correctly, a Fitbit can offer you valuable insight into your overall health and wellbeing, recording how much exercise you have taken, and offering recommendations to help you stay fit and active.

You can log and record sleep, receive reminders to move and stretch, track your water intake, and keep a record of your meals and snacks.

Overall, this is a great tool to help you take charge of your fitness, and remain strong.

Purchasing a Fitbit is an exciting investment – but also one that can be a little confusing and overwhelming, particularly if this is the first time you have invested in such a product.

Not all Fitbit models are created equally; some offer their own perks or advantages, while others are sleek and simple.

Let me walk you through what we believe are the top models!

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Our Top Picks: The Overview

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Our #1 Pick: Fitbit Versa 3

One of the best Fitbit options on the market, the Versa 3 has everything that you need to keep track of your health, measuring heart rate, location, and sleep quality – this is a convenient health specialist that lives comfortably on your wrist.

One of the major perks of the Versa 3 is the battery life – you can expect up to 6 days of wear per charge, helping to make this a convenient option.

As an added bonus, this model is water-resistant up to a total of 50 m, allowing you to wear it while swimming, and ensuring that your medical data continues to be collected – this can be very important in monitoring and managing ongoing progress.

The display sits at a comfortable 1.5 inches, allowing you to check your stats at a glance, and the overall aesthetic is sleek and smooth, thanks to the decision to replace a physical button with one that is built into the bodywork of the case.

In terms of tracking, the Versa 3 does it all and is particularly strong when it comes to monitoring the quality and consistency of your sleep.

The PurePulse heart rate monitor is also included – this is a new innovation from Fitbit, and the inclusion of built-in GPS is ideal for helping you track and monitor your runs.

In terms of using your Fitbit Versa, you can integrate your Fitbit with the Amazon Alexa, control your watch using your voice, and even take calls via your Fitbit, though you will need to have this paired with your phone first.

Pros:

• Integrates with Alexa, and can be controlled by voice – ideal when you have your hands full during a workout
• Stylish overall appearance – allows your Fitbit to go with any outfit
• 6 days of battery life makes this a convenient and long-lasting option
• Monitor every area of health and fitness for total control and maximum information

Cons:

• Built-in button is not as responsive as the physical one
• PurePulse heart rate monitor is not as effective for HIIT workouts
• GPS can be inaccurate

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Editors Choice: Fitbit Ace

If you are keen to share a passion for fitness with your nearest and dearest, the Fitbit Ace is an ideal option and can be used with children aged eight years and over.

The device is designed to encourage children to hit a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise per day, and will track progress and information on sleep, steps, and fitness – this can be super useful for keeping parents up to date.

One of the main perks of the Ace is the ease with which it can be connected to other devices and Fitbits, allowing the whole family to come together and stay active.

When paired with your mobile phone, you will also have the option to receive notifications, offering another easy way to stay in touch with your child when they are out of the house.

With brightly colored straps and a motivational, can-do attitude, the Fitbit Ace is geared towards getting kids moving, and is a stylish addition to any child’s sports kit!

The design is classic and simple, emulating the adult Fitbit models, and this can help your little one to feel as though they are as grown-up as the adults in their lives – this can be a great incentive to hit their daily goals and targets, and to keep moving.

Pros:

• Can be connected to family Fitbits – ideal for bringing everyone together, and allowing you all to participate.
• Sync to your phone for text and call notifications – important for when your child is out and about.
• Designed with children in mind thanks to colorful, adjustable straps
• Range of tracking tools help parents to stay on top of their child’s health and fitness

Cons:

• Not waterproof, though the Ace is water-resistant
• No heart rate monitor is included

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Best Value: Fitbit Flex 2

Sleek, discreet, and oh-so-subtle, the Fitbit Flex 2 is achingly stylish and perfect for those who want the benefits of tracking their fitness, without having to worry about the bulkiness of a large watch or device.

The overall design is sleek and slim, and the tracker is fully removable.

This allows you to wear it alone on your wrist, or for it to be styled as part of a piece of jewelry – this is one of the most flexible and versatile options we have seen, and it comes as little surprise that the Fitbit Flex 2 is one of the most popular models.

The device is far from a case of style over substance, however – the Flex 2 includes a super accurate tracker, allowing you to collect stats and data on the miles you have covered each day, as well as the number of minutes spent moving, and the overall calories burned over the course of the day.

Colored LED lights allow you to stay updated, or alert you to your need to move using vibrations and flashes of colored lights, offering less bulk than a larger, traditional LED screen.

All of your notifications will be sent straight to your phone, and you will have the option to log in to the official Fitbit app to receive all of your daily progress, goals, insights, and sleep records.

This ensures that you continue to receive the information that you need, but without the bulk of a larger smartwatch or fitness tracker.

Pros:

• Super versatile, easy to accessorize, and flexible – the Flex 2 can be taken from day to night in no time thanks to the removable tracker, and range of jewelry and customization options.
• Waterproof up to 50 m – making this the perfect option for swimming, and all-around fitness monitoring.
• Sleek, lightweight, and discreet – great for combining style with serious data
• Receive text and call notifications for added convenience.

Cons:

• Lacks some features included in other Fitbit models – heart rate monitor and GPS, altimeter and GPS are all missing
• No LED display screen – this could make understanding the Flex trickier for some users

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Runner Up: Fitbit Alta/Alta HR

For an all-in-one fitness tracker that takes care of all your workout needs, the Fitbit Alta, or the update, the Alta HR, is an ideal investment, and the perfect solution to those who are looking for more advanced features, such as serious athletes, fitness fans in training for larger events, or those who are simply looking to push themselves to the next level and see real results from their training and hard work.

The Alta and Alta HR does not include heart monitors built into the device – a feature that is missing from some of the more affordable and older models.

You can keep track of your heart rate while exercising and at rest, helping to calculate your maximum heart rate and plan your training and workouts to maximize results.

As well as heart monitoring, the Alta and Alta HR also come with a huge variety of additional features, including counting steps and distance, recording calories consumed, detailing the minutes that you have been active that day, and recording your sleep patterns.

All information is beamed straight to your mobile phone for instant results – your calls and texts can also be taken this way. The Alta is also set up to be able to recognize your exercises, and offer recommendations on how to improve over time.

You can enjoy around 7 days of battery life with each charge for the ultimate convenience.

This is a Fitbit that is super easy to customize and make your own thanks to a wide range of accessory bands, color options, and even a designer range.

Pros:

• Includes a heart rate monitor – making this a functional and versatile way to keep an eye on your fitness.
• Interchangeable straps – including a designer range to allow you to find the perfect match for your needs.
• Seven-day battery life allows you to make the most of each charge
• Enjoy text and call notifications to your phone for added convenience

Cons:

• Not waterproof – unfortunately, this is not suitable for swimming
• No GPS included

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Runner Up: Fitbit Ionic

For something stunning as well as functional, the Fitbit Ionic is an ideal pick – the display and appearance is unique and striking, with a retro look and a range of customizable watch faces allowing you to create the ideal design to match any outfit and mood that may capture your eye.

The display is large and clear, making it easy to see all of the data and information that you need at a single glance.

You can also sync all apps across Android and iOS operating systems, allowing you total freedom to create a device that is an ideal fit for your needs, and this is fast and easy to achieve.

As an added bonus, you can take and respond to calls and texts using this addition, as well as make payments and store music!When it comes to functionality, the Ionic once again ticks plenty of boxes – including coming equipped with its very own Fitbit coach!

The purpose of this feature is to offer you ongoing inspiration and motivation, and you will be offered a list of workouts, all tailored to your unique fitness levels, and customized to your needs and abilities – all you have to do is choose the best one for you!

Built-in GPS allows you to maintain your pace, track your route, and record your distance – all important for helping to track your training and improve your results.

Pros:

• Waterproof casing – allows you to use your Ionic while swimming, or in adverse weather
• Make contactless payments and store up to 300 songs – there is no need to carry multiple cards or devices
• Built-in GPS and heart rate monitor for convenience and ease, allowing you to take total control of your training and progress
• Personal training with your own Fitbit coach to allow you to make real progress
• Retro design allows you to blend style and functionality

Cons:

• Can only receive text notifications, not respond to them
• Quite expensive compared to other models

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Runner Up: Fitbit Charge 3

A great option for those on a budget, the Fitbit Charge 3 offers quality features and the ability to track and monitor your health, without the hefty price tag that comes with some of the more expensive models.

Small but mighty, the package includes the ability to track and monitor sleep, a heart rate monitor for ongoing stats, the option to link with your smartphone for notifications, and even the chance to set workout goals – with all targets based on the stats gathered – as well as guided breathing exercises to help you stay calm and focused in everyday life.

While GPS is not included in the watch itself, you can sync the Charge 3 with both the MobileRun and Fitbit apps for up-to-date information.

This is a device that can be beneficial no matter which form of exercise you favor, thanks to the water-resistant coating – there is no need to invest in multiple fitness trackers for different activities.

For an extra bonus, the Charge 3 also boasts a female health calendar. This is amazing at helping you to track your cycle and highlight your fertile dates.

Pros:

• Cheaper than other options, without compromising on quality or features
• The built-in heart monitor is easy and convenient to use
• 7-day battery life per charge ensures that you are always ready to track
• Customizable- change clock faces or bands to suit your mood
• Water-resistant for versatility and flexibility; this Fitbit even works in the pool!

Cons:

• GPS is not built in to the device

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Runner Up: Fitbit Inspire

One of the original models and prototypes for Fitbits, the Inspire family still holds its position as one of the most popular options, particularly for those who are looking for a cheaper version, perhaps to test out how much they will really use the device.

It is a perfect starter model, and takes care of all the basics, including counting steps, measuring distance, tracking active minutes, and calculating the number of calories burned.

Users can select their chosen activity for more accurate results and data, and record your workouts to help you track progress and development.

The Inspire is also a great option for tracking your sleep and allows you to set a silent alarm, which will wake you at your chosen time by gently buzzing on your wrist.

This can be a more relaxing wake-up call than a blaring alarm, and this, in turn, helps you to wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to face the day.

Everything you need is on screen, and the touchscreen is intuitive and super easy to scroll or swipe through – this is a model without a huge learning curve.

The backlit display can be seen and read in a range of conditions, and the device is designed to operate at temperatures from -10° to 45° C for the ultimate versatility.

As an added bonus, you can enjoy a celebration of your success with regular on-screen notifications when you hit a milestone such as a daily activity goal – perfect for helping you stay motivated and on track!

The sleek, slim design is also a major plus for many fans – this is unobtrusive and comfortable to wear, allowing you to track your progress with minimal disruption of discomfort.

Pros:

• Sleek subtle and style design for an unobtrusive feel and aesthetic
• More affordable than many of the higher-end models.
• 5 days of battery life from a single charge
• Track your sleep quality and quantity, and wake up to a gentle buzz on your wrist, rather than a blaring alarm.
• Celebrate your success with on-screen milestones and achievements.

Cons:

• Charger can be a little fiddly and tricky to connect

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Best Fitbit Comparison Buying Guide

Now that we have had a chance to take a closer look at top Fitbit models on the market, you may be wondering just how you go about choosing the best one for your overall needs?

There are a few features that can help to seal the deal, and we have put together the ultimate guide to purchasing the perfect Fitbit below.

Extra Features

One of the major factors in your decision is likely to be the range of features and extras that are included in the Fitbit – in other words, just what can it do? Some of the main features that you may wish to consider include:

Heart Rate Monitor

A quality heart rate monitor is often considered to be an essential element of any fitness tracker, as it offers relevant, up-to-the-minute information on your resting heart rate, the strain that training places on your heart rate, and helps you to calculate your resting heart rate to plan training and workout sessions for maximum benefits and results.

As an added bonus, all Fitbits with heart rate monitors included also come with a program called “Active Zone Minutes”, which is designed to track and monitor your progress towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, as recommended by a number of health experts and authorities.

The heart rate monitor is also great for tracking sleep quality, including offering information about your deepest and most restful sleep periods, as well as calculating the Cardio Fitness Score of the wearer.

This is equivalent to a VO2 max measurement and offers an estimate of your overall levels of cardiovascular fitness by comparing the data collected to the average stats for your age and sex.

The Cardio Fitness Score then offers recommendations on how to improve this number, where you should be aiming, and even offers suggestions to improve this.

In some cases, heart rate monitors will also be useful for tracking menstrual cycles and fertility, and this can be useful if you are in the process of trying to conceive or need to track your cycle for health reasons.

Most Fitbit models come with a heart rate monitor as standard – the only exception is the original “Inspire” model, which is more basic.

This is probably one of the most useful tools for tracking fitness and wellbeing, and so we would recommend splashing the cash to make sure that your chosen model includes this.

GPS

The GPS offered by trackers and smartwatches tends to be more accurate than that on your accelerometer.

GPS allows you to track your route, and this can be important when you are working hard to improve specific times or get more experiences on terrain. It can also offer a useful safety feature, and provide backup if you get lost on your route.

The Sense, Versa 3, and Charge 4 Fitbit models all offer built-in GPS for extra convenience, while the Versa 2, Inspire 2 and Inspire HR offer the option to connect to your phone with the power of Bluetooth. This will also allow you to obtain a GPS signal.

While GPS that is built into the device tends to be more accurate, this can also come with a higher price tag.

Water Resistance

Whether or not you need your device to be waterproof or water-resistant will depend largely on your activities – if you are not a keen swimmer, then you can opt for a lower level of water resistance; this allows you to wear your Fitbit in the shower, or run in the rain without worrying about damaging your device.

Keen swimmers, however, will need to ensure that the tool they are investing in can withstand the demands of the pool.

Most Fitbits will come with water resistance of 50 m, and those at the higher levels will be more accurate at deeper levels.

Different models also offer different benefits; the Inspire will track time and estimate calories, while the Charge 4 counts laps.

At the top of the range, the Versa and Sense models track laps and pace in real-time, as well as identify the strokes that you have used.

They will also clearly display this information on the screen. Ultimately, the level of waterproofing and accuracy will depend on whether you swim or not.

Music

Another great benefit to make the most of is the ability to stream music to your device – this eliminates the need to take your phone with you on a run, or while you are at the gym.

While music integration is not uniform across the Fitbit range, you will be able to both stream to wireless headphones, and store music.

Fitbit devices can be integrated with premium subscriptions on Spotify and Deezer – the latter also offers the opportunity to sync your playlists when offline, though there is less choice than with other smartwatches and fitness trackers; this is not Fitbits area of expertise.

If having music is important to you, you will have to opt for a model at the higher end of the budget.

ECG Sensors

If you are concerned about heart health, have a family history of heart issues, and want the option to catch any particular causes for concern as early as possible, then selecting a Fitbit with a built-in ECG may be a priority for you.

The Versa 2 offers this directly, while the Versa Lite and Ionic via FibriCheck – a third-party app.

Your Fitbit will contain sensors, and these can detect an irregular heart rate rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation. This can increase your risk of suffering a stroke and can be a sign that you need to see a medical expert as soon as possible.

While this is no replacement for a medical opinion, it can offer peace of mind to those with extra cause to worry about these issues, or who want extra reassurance about their health.

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Best Fitbit Comparison – FAQ’s