my thoughts on the Apple Watch vs. the Fitbit Alta
Hey hey! How are you? I hope you’re enjoying the day so far. Today, I’m re-sharing this post with updated info – comparing two fitness tools: the fitness alta and the apple watch. They no longer make the Alta, but the Luxe is similar here.
Apple Watch vs. the Fitbit Alta
Something that has helped a lot with my motivation to get moving and stay active throughout the day has been my Apple Watch. I’m a huge fan of fitness trackers – I’ve used multiple Fitbit models, the Tom-Tom Spark 3, Garmins, Polars, I’m kind of a nerd about fitness trackers – and the latest fave is the Apple Watch. It’s sporty but cute enough to wear every day, and the stats and interface are amazing.
When I switched over to the Apple Watch, I’d been wearing a Fitbit for the most part, and most recently the FitBit Alta. I like that the Alta is much smaller than other fitness trackers and it gave me similar stats (plus the heart rate model tracks your heart rate). I’ve been a Fitbit fan for years and have consistently used the Fitbit as an effective way to track my steps and workout stats. I’d been eyeing the Apple Watch for about a year, but wasn’t sure if the cost would be worth switching over.
When we first moved to Valdosta, we attended an auction for Liv’s new school, and on one of the tables was an Apple Watch. I decided to put it into destiny’s hands. A couple of mint juleps later, and lurking around the auction table, I was the proud new owner of an Apple Watch (and a pair of Prada sunglasses. Yolo. <— do people still stay that? hah)
Here’s my review of the Apple Watch vs. Fitbit Alta:
Interface:
The Fitbit interface is simple. It tells you everything you need to know (steps, distance, calories burned) without any extra bells and whistles. If you log into the app, you can also track data on sleep, which can be extremely insightful.
The Apple Watch takes things to the next level. Your goals for the day are split into little circles: move goals (calories burned), standing (I think it’s move for 5 minutes of every hour), and workout (30 minutes of activity per day). It’s SO satisfying to see the circles build throughout the day, and an easy way to glance and check how you’re doing.
Since the Apple Watch is obviously…a watch…you can also change the face to a picture on your camera, or any from their gallery (some of them move, like the jellyfish and butterflies). It’s kind of fun to change the face to Minnie Mouse when we’re at Disney World. 😉
Sleep tracking:
To be totally honest, I haven’t used this feature on the Apple watch. I find that as a mom, sleep tracking is one of the most depressing things ever. Ignorance is bliss.
I did use this while I was wearing the Alta, and it was helpful to see how much deep sleep I was getting vs. light/interrupted sleep.
Battery life:
This is where Fitbit wins. My Alta would easily last a few days, and my Apple Watch lasts about a day and a half. This means I either have to charge it overnight or take a midday charge break, which is kind of annoying.
Workout mode:
The activity tracker is next-level stuff, and one of the reasons I LOVE the Apple Watch. You can select swim, indoor walk, outdoor walk, cycle, spin indoors, or quick start, and it will target your stats based on your activity. It also tracks heart rate, which I find to be pretty accurate. Sometimes when I get super sweaty it slides around my wrist and doesn’t read it quite as well. I like being able to tell it what I’m doing so it can provides more relevant info. For example, if I’m outside, it includes distance and pace on my stats.
Music:
The Fitbit Charge is much more limited in this aspect so it’s one of the huge perks of the Apple Watch. It displays the music I’m currently playing from my phone, and I can adjust the volume. This is SO AWESOME while I’m teaching a class because I can turn the music down for more thorough coaching and increase the volume for an intense part of the workout.
The Apple Watch also syncs my text messages and I can answer the phone from it (and speak into the watch). I find that with these features, I’m not on my phone nearly as much. I’m not constantly checking to see if I have any missed texts or calls.
Design:
They both have their advantages. The Alta (now Luxe) seems more indestructible and is still small and chic. You can swap out the Fitbit bands and make it as fancy as you like.
The Apple Watch looks a little more tech-y, but in the end, it just looks like a pretty watch. I like that you can swap out the wristbands and change the watch face.
Conclusion:
I feel like with anything else, you have to find out what works for you and what you prefer. When I wear a fitness tracker, I feel more motivated to get in small bits of movement throughout the day and really aim to hit those 10k steps. The Alta is a great tracker (and is less expensive than the Apple Watch), and the Apple Watch provides a little more insight, settings, and options. They’re both awesome in their own way, but for now, I’m using and loving the Apple Watch.
Do you use a fitness tracker? What’s your very favorite? What movement goals do you set for yourself each day?
I aim to hit 10k steps – some days it’s super easy and others it’s challenging – and get in my 30 minutes of movement.
xoxo
Gina
I just wrote how much fitness trackers help! What I liked so much about Fitbit was the app and challenging friends. Well recently (like yesterday) I figured out sharing on Apple Watch and it’s so awesome!!! I agree fitness trackers are Awesome. I’m an Apple Watch user all the way now and even thinking of upgrading to the series 3 (I have 1) because my battery only lasts from 5 to 8-9 when I workout a bunch and because it has GPS and cellular so you can just bring your watch with you on runs/walks or swim. Happy New Year!!!
I agree that the Alta and Apple Watch don’t really compare. However, Fitbit released the Ionic this fall that does everything the iWatch does, plus significantly longer battery life.
One of my cycle class participants was showing me her watch and we compared it to my Fitbit and the only thing I like about it was the ability to see your heart rate. I’ve had my Fitbit for years and like that I can hide it discretely on my waist and not wear it on my arm. Have too many fancy watches that I bought when traveling overseas to wear!
This is very timely because I just got my series 3 Apple Watch yesterday! I’m really excited to wear it for my run today. I’ve only used one other fitness tracker—the Misfit—and I liked it, but it didn’t track my heart rate, so my strength days didn’t count for anything, which was annoying. Hoping this solves that issue, and I also love that it’s another Apple product that works alongside all my other Apple products. One big web of connectedness.
Oh im getting a new one… initially the Fitbit charge 2 but then saw the Fitbit splurge so getting that one instead!
I’ve used Garmin 410 in the past but was sooo complicated for me. I’m ready for Fitbit!
i have had two different fitbits in the past, more recently the fitbit HR charge, and i really did love it. but i had been eyeing the apple watch as well. i think they’re really two totally different beasts. but for me, i really like the apple watch cuz one, it’s aesthetically visually pleasing and great for bracelet stacks! two, i’m not as obsessed as hitting my steps or calorie count! it’s more about closing the circles..and i think that’s good for me mentally! but the battery life…man….
*one important thing was i wanted simplicity!!! and apple watch had that. i’m sure i don’t maximize it, but i enjoy having something to wear
I’ve been contemplating getting a Nike+ Apple watch forever. I’m a pretty serious runner and hate running with my phone. We have a family Apple Music plan and I would love to listen to that while running. I’m just so married to my Garmin while running (it might border unhealthy relationship status, lol). Have you tested the GPS while running? I’m so neurotic about my pace/distance being accurate…
I was one of the first Fitbit adopters in like 2010 and used them for years, then I just burned out and can’t do it. I found I rarely did strength or yoga or anything not STEPS because it felt like it didn’t count. I’m much happier trying to have a more relaxed relationship with fitness without an app or device to nag me and tell me when I can stop for the day. But unlike most, I can take tracking to extremes. It’s a balancing act to be accountable to myself but keep things casual and fun, too.
Ha, I’m the same way. I stopped doing yoga b/c I was not getting enough steps. Now, I’m easier on myself and if I have a lower step day, I’m totally fine with it. But it took years to get to this place of acceptance!
I’ve always had a FitBit and recently spent months debating Garmin vs. Apple Watch for run pacing purposes. I was worried the Apple Watch would just be an extension of my phone, and since I’m trying to use my phone less, I went with the Garmin. I’m really happy with it as I was only looking for something that could track my runs, but sounds like the Apple Watch has more functionality for those who are not *just* running.
So now I have a Garmin on one wrist and a Fitbit on the other….total nerd.
I use a FitBit Charge 2 and really like it. It also has heart rate tracking and I can pick the kind of workout I’m doing (running, strength training, bike, elliptical). Sounds like the Apple Watch has a few more features than my FitBit does.
Great post! Any thoughts on accuracy of FitBit vs the Apple Watch? I’ve tried 2 heart rate FitBits (the Charge and the new AltaHR) and always felt that they’d over credit me for things like walking the dog and then barely register any activity for things like a barre class. Just wondering if the Apple Watch does a better job recognizing those types of workouts.
I am an avid swimmer (pool and open-water), and my old Garmin broke just before the Apple Watch 2 was introduced. The Apple Watch was actually less expensive than a new Garmin that would track both pool and open water swimming, so I was sold. While the battery life is annoying sometimes, I LOVE it! I try to drop it on the charger when I’m working at my computer because I used the vibrating alarm for early-morning wake-ups that don’t disturb the rest of the family. I find the swim tracking to be very accurate, and I really like the idea of closing the rings instead of aiming for a particular step goal.
Thanks for the comparison, I have had a Fitbit for years and love it, but have been eyeballing the Apple Watch recently.
I have a fitbit blaze, which allows you to select types of workouts your are doing (treadmill, bike, other) which seems like the Apple Watch, but find the Blaze to really underestimate my heart rate compared to when I owned a Polar heart rate monitor with strap.
Did you find the same lower heart rate issue with the Alta as I do with the Blaze?
Do you think the Apple heart rate is as accurate as the Polar monitor w/ chest strap?
Curious, since it appears that my Fitbit Blaze vs Polar heart rates and calories burns are way different. Just trying to figure out which heart rate is the most accurate. I’m confused ! lol
I use a Fitbit Charge 2. It does everything I need it to and it’s easy to use, battery lasts a couple of days.
This story is only tangentially related, but I hope it will at least give you a laugh. So when the apple watch first came out, I was dating this guy who was SUPER EXCITED to get one. The first time I saw him after he did, he was showing me how cool it was, all the nifty tricks, the heart rate monitor, etc. I wasn’t as excited about it as he was but figured hey, whatever makes him happy. Anyway, so one night he was wearing it during ummm… *adult activities*… and what was the very FIRST thing he did after? Checked his heart rate, and then showed me. “Look at what my heart rate is! How cool is this?” Cue awkward silence.
Shockingly, things did not work out with that guy.
LOL!
Also, *
I charge my apple watch at night when I’m getting ready for bed and then reading in bed. It’s usually fully charged by the time I’m actually ready to turn out the lights. I don’t like to charge it over night to try to save the battery long term.
I have the Fitbit One, which is just as not fancy as the Zip. I use it to track steps, so it works for me and fits discretely in my pocket or clipped onto my waistband. I’ve had it for a few years. When I first got it, I was walking about 8-9K/day. I made it a prority to hit 10K, and since then I’ve worked my way up to a daily minimum of 12K. I totally agree how some days that goal is nbd and other days, it’s a struggle (like yesterday, when it poured all morning and I had a lunch meeting — aka no walking break, so I walked after barre when my energy level was on fumes).
Thanks for the comparison/review.
I’d love to try the Apple Watch one day!.***
Your post makes me want an Apple Watch even more!!! I hope I win since Christmas was more for the kids than me.
I was just comparing the two of them when I was in Tucson for Christmas!! I couldn’t decide and this helps.*
I love Fitness trackers because they remind me to stay on track even when my mind might be telling me it doesn’t want to!*
I have had a Fitbit, and while it was great for losing the baby weight, I have ALWAYS been intrigued by the Apple*Watch!!!!
My husband and I are on different teams! I am on team Apple Watch and he is Team Fitbit! ***
*I’ve been considering the Apple watch, thanks for the comparison! Are you ever worried about the screen scratching? (asked by the person with a cracked iPhone screen…;)
*Would love to kick off 2018 with an Apple Watch!
I’ve had a Fitbit for years, thinking about upgrading now*
*Happy New Year*
Excited to utilize your blog/newsletter for motivation this year 🙂
Nicole
I have not read much about the Fitbit Alta, but the Apple Watch sounds awesome. ***
Thanks for the comparison and helpful info! I’m contemplated them but felt like I didn’t know enough about them! 🙂 *
Your review notes are so helpful! I have had my eye on an Apple Watch for QUITE some time now – thought Santa might bring one, but he didn’t! So now, I’m back in research mode. Thanks for these thoughts! ***
I’ve been on the fence about an *Apple* watch. They’re just so expensive. It would be awesome to be able to try one out for a week!
I don’t move enough anymore and really need to get a fitness tracker so that I can be motivated to move more each day.*
Thanks for this post – it’s nice to see a comparison. Interesting that the Fitbit battery lasts longer than the Apple Watch! *
Happy New Year! I’ve been looking at fitness trackers* though I’d probably find the sleep info depressing too!
I’ve been using the Fitbit charge 2 and really like it but I bet the Apple Watch would be great! *
*I would love to try out the features of the Apple Watch!
The Apple watch sounds amazing! *
*Thanks so much for your detailed review!! I’ve been debating between an Apple Watch and one of Fitbit’s Smart Watches – I love all things Apple, and think the watch is gorgeous!
I love my Fitbit, but have always been intrigued by the Apple Watch. Thanks for the helpful review!*
The Apple Watch sounds amazing!! I like the progress circle and how you can listen to your music! *
I’ve been wanting an Apple Watch forever and this review is confirming how badly I want it! Great way to begin 2018 *
*I have really been considering a fitness tracker for 2018. I have been using my phone to track steps and workouts, but feel like I’m not getting the most accurate data. I really try to hit 10,000 steps each day.*
I would love to see how the Apple Watch holds up to my long distance running!*
I’m *ready* to keep track!
I love my fitbit alta, though I’d LOVE to try an apple watch! Great review! *
Thanks for the post, I’ve been trying to decide between these two, and this was so helpful! * I lost 43 lbs this past year without one, so I know I can do it, but it would be fun to have the data! Cheers!
*I hadn’t even considered an Apple Watch until reading this! I love the activity circles and the music capabilities! Thanks Gina!*
*I would love to try the Apple Watch. My husband loves his and I think it being right in front of me each day would keep me more accountable. I have used the polar but find I only used it when working out, not daily. The Apple Watch is perfect because of the music component too!!!*
The sleep tracker is so ideal I know I wake up and I would love it figure out what is wrong *
I am team apple watch all the way, it rocks*!!!!