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
988 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thank you for posting, Gina! This post makes me want an Apple Watch* even more than I already did 🙂
* I use the Fitbit Charge 2 and I really like it, but every now and then I get Apple Watch envy when I see my husband’s watch. I like that both can serve as a distraction for ‘Terrible Two” tantrums. 🙂
Thank you for the review!!
Thanks for taking the time to put together this review!*
This post* makes the Apple Watch sound very tempting. I have an office job and am often concerned that hours pass without enough activity. I am also very interested in its capacity to track sleep…I’m sure its depressing, but I often wonder if my lack of sleep compromises my health.
Great review! I have the Apple Watch and I love it!*
* Thanks for the review. I wear a fitbit right now but am wishing I would have gone with the apple watch now.
Thanks for the post! I’d love to win an *Apple Watch
*I’ve worn a Fitbit for a while and it died. So I’ve been doing my research and really really want a Apple Watch! I just had my third baby and need some motivation and the watch is so cute. I hinted that I wanted one for xmas, but clearly I didn’t hint hard enough bc my husband bought me workout clothes instead.
I have been using the Fitbit One for almost 5 years, but have started to eye up the Apple Watch. You are not helping my growing *need* Thanks for the review!
*i have such a hard time with fitness and using technology to monitor!
I’ve been using a Fitbit for a few years. Most recent one is the charge2. I’d love to try out an Apple Watch. * I’d just hate to have to charge it sooo much!
I have previously owned a Fitbit force which I loved but lost on my trip in Europe. I just bought my mom the Apple Watch series 2 for Christmas and she loves it!
* forgot this
The Fitbit Alta looks like a great tool for those of us who use Android devices*
*I would love to start tracking with an Apple Watch!!
Interesting! I love my Alta but I too have been looking into the Apple Watch! I hate that the Alta doesn’t even register steps for spin class! **
*I appreciate the review! I’ve been debating getting a smart watch but I need more arms so I can still wear my fitbit and analog watch!
*I’ve been wanting the Apple Watch, but told myself I needed to upgrade my cracked iPhone 7 first lol. I’d also be interested but nervous for the sleep tracking
*Thanks for the review! I’m so partial to Apple but recently bought a Garmin Vivoactive 3 because of the enhanced running features.
I’ve always wanted both, but never have tried either!!! Would love to win, thanks Gina!!! *
*The apple watch seems great for running and syncing music apps!
* Thank you for the review. It is nice to have a comparison with different devices. It’s always hard to know which one is right for you.
I wear a Fitbit charge 2 right now but feel like sometimes it freezes and doesn’t track quite right. Wishing I would’ve went with the Apple Watch also for the feature of being able to answer texts right from the watch and not have to check my phone!! Thanks for the review!
*i don’t use a fitness tracker but would love to! I love the idea of setting small goals like walking every hour
*thanks for the review. I have a Fitbit charge 2 and love it. But I have an iPhone and would love an Apple Watch.
*Would love to try out the apple watch! I heard the heart rate monitor is suppose to be so much more accurate now!
* I have been looking for a new and updated watch that tracks fitness and plays music. An added bonus is tracking sleep!! I will definitely be considering the Apple Watch thanks to your detailed review! 🙂
*Whoops. Love activity trackers!!!
I agree–you definitely have to see what works for you. I was leaning towards the Apple watch based on your reviews, but then towards the end of your post I thought that I would probably be better off with the Alta. I probably wouldn’t use all the features of the Apple watch, and like you said I would probably be better motivated to get more movement in throughout the day.*
So cool to hear your perspective on both! I don’t have either, but would love either one 😉
I have been thinking about a fitness tracker for about a year – just not sure if I’m ready to fork out the money! Love the visuals of the Apple watch though *
I use a Fitbit charge 2 right now. It’s pretty basic, but it works! Kinda wish I would have gone with the Apple Watch for syncing music apps and running but….student budget*
Maybe one day 🙂
Love it!!
Team *fitbit* all the way, but the Apple Watch has me curious enough to try
Thanks for your comparison Gina! *
*Love your honest review of both trackers. I am in the market for a new one and I want something more than just for fitness goals. I look forward to going shopping instead of dreading it!
I had the Alta, but it broke. I’d love to upgrade to the Apple Watch. It sounds amazing.
I’ve been thinking I need an Apple Watch to keep me honest in *2018. It would be great to keep track of my activity and stay motivated every day. I’ll need to check it out. Thanks for your review!
Love the color of your watch *
I have a Polar A370 and love it! Although I wish it was a little bit slimmer so that it would be something I could wear all the time. An Apple Watch would be a dream come true!
I *love my FitBit by tbhave been curious to try the Apple Watch as well!
I haven’t tried a fitness tracker*. Nice review!! Your blog keeps me motivated.
Thank you
* forgot this in my last comment
Thank you for the review! Love the watch *
I have a Polar A370 and love it! Although I wish it was a little bit slimmer so that it would be something I could wear all the time. An Apple Watch would be a dream come true! ***** forgot that in my post!
I’ve been thinking of getting an Apple watch*
Would love an Apple Watch!!*
* Thanks for the post! I’be been thinking about a fitness tracker for post baby #2 – due in a few weeks. The Apple Watch seems really suited to my needs- although I may have to steer clear of the sleep tracker until the bambino is a little bigger- haha!
Thanks for the review, I really like Apple Watch better *
* I love the review! Thank you for sharing I also love the recipe ideas on your web sight!
An *Apple Watch would be amazing!