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
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You’re so sneaky*!
Appreciate this review and comparison.* I have been resistant to the tracker device but must say you’ve got me thinking….
Love the blog!!
I love reading about the Apple Watch and am curious * about the Fitbit too*.
I invested in a Garmin when I had ideas of running a half marathon, but haven’t used it much over the years since I decided yoga/barre/spinning are much more enjoyable ways to move than running for me! I am keeping my eye on the Apple Watch since I think it would be perfect for when I teach barre but haven’t made my move yet! *
I just started using a fitbit charge 2 and I love it so far but the smart watches like Apple’s are very tempting to try *
*I love tracking my fitness, early FitBit adopter here. Currently using an AppleWatch and I like it..although I do miss wearing my regular watch! I also don’t like it when the watch yells at me for not wearing it (not completing the rings)*
I love my FitBit but an Apple Watch would be awesome, too! *
I am a huge Apple product fan and would likely * choose it
I’ve only ever used the little clip on Fitbit. It would be cool to try something a little more advanced!*
This is awesome, I was just looking at a smart watch today. thank you *
I used to love my fitbit but never tried an apple watch!*
I’ve never used a fitness tracker but I’ve been thinking lately I’d like to try one. The Apple watch music feature sounds awesome. I assume it works with your blue tooth speaker? *
I have a garmin, but the apple watch seems so much cooler! It is so *stylish* for everyday wear!
I love the music component of an Apple Watch*
Is love to try the Apple Watch. I have a Fitbit but love that you can swim with it! *
Good review! I go back and forth on what I want but I think I’ll Probably end up with the watch since my previous fitbits fell apart so quickly. *
I have been eyeing fitness trackers – wondering if I’d really love it. Sounds like I would!**
What a great post! I have been following your blog for at least 6 years. As the new year, healthy start yours was the first blog I went to check! I realized my subscription was on my old yahoo email and had to update so I won’t miss any of your awesome advice. I have the fitbit charge 2, old school. After reading about the Apple Watch, I’m in want!*
I have a fitbit now but I think the Apple watches look so much sleeker and fancier, so I want an Apple watch so badly!*
I had the Alta, but I’m dying for an Apple Watch because everything I have is Apple and I like how it all syncs. The only downside is that I can’t participate in the FITBit challenges with all my friends who have an Alta. *
*The Apple Watch sounds amazing!
I was going to get an Apple Watch but ended up going with a Garmin. I love it for running but would love to try the Apple Watch as I would wear it for everyday use too!*
I haven’t used a fitness tracker for about a year. My Fitbit started giving me a rash, so I stashed it away in my nightstand and haven’t given it much thought since, haha. I do find myself curious about how many steps I’m getting in, especially on days like today when I’ve been snuggled on the couch reading most of the day. 🙂 I find myself jealous on occasion of my hubby’s Apple Watch, so it would be fun to try. 🙂 *
Big fan of fitness trackers – just cracked the screen of my Fitbit Charge 2 🙁 Definitely need a new one*
I’d love the Apple watch! * And I love the pink band you have! 🙂
I’m a Fitbit user but am definitely have been interested in the Apple Watch! Thanks for the comparison *
I have a fit bit which I love*, but I would love to upgrade to the apple watch with all the fancy features.
I use the Fitbit Alta, but would love an Apple Watch!*
I’m currently using a Fitbit Charge 2 – and I think its great….but as you said, the sleep tracking is depressing as a mom of two little peanuts (3-6 hours of broken sleep! ugh…)
I’ve been eyeing something more technical, and I would love the music syncing and ability to respond to text messages and calls! I’m trying to be more cognizant of my time on my phone and I just started running again soI would love the additional features of an Apple Watch*!
I loved the Fitbit Alta but I may want to try the Apple Watch thanks to your review!*
So helpful! Trying to decide between these and a Garmin so appreciate the notes, esp on battery life. *
*i would love an Apple Watch! I have been looking into fitness trackers and think the Apple Watch would be perfect. Thank you for the chance to win one!
I have a Garmin that I use for running, but would love to try out the Apple Watch! I have friends who love theirs! **
* I’ve been using my Garmin for so long now but I’d love to try the Apple Watch!!
I’ve loved my Fitbit but it’s old and doesn’t do much. Now as a busy mom who wants to be more hands free, I’d love to have an Apple Watch! It’s so nice to sync with our Apple products. :*)
Thanks for the comparison! I’ve been using garmin which is super simple compared to these two. It sounds like the Apple Watch has slightly better features, but the Fitbit is a better size and pretty accurate. I would take either! *
I’d love to see a comparison of the Fitbit ionic and the Apple Watch… I feel like those are more comparable. I got the ionic and it is kind of a pain to set up and figure out but so far seems to do (eventually) what I want (which is gps and music for running) I feel like apple might be that but next level, also next level price but maybe next watch ??
*I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, but reading about those circles in the Apple Watch sounds like it would be super motivating!
I have always been interested in an Apple Watch!!*
I’ve looked at the Apple watch but haven’t pulled the trigger. It’s nice to see another option like the Alta!*
*I have a Fitbit, I love the platform on my phone, I don’t have anything apple, It kind of intimidates me. Great Review
I have a Fitbit Alta HR* but have been looking at an Apple Watch. Thanks for writing this comparison as it helps me consider whether the extra money for the Apple Watch is worth it!
I’ve been eyeing the Apple Watch for about a year. I’ve seen fellow fitness instructors use it when doing tabata style workouts. Since I’ll be teaching fitness classes in a couple weeks, thr Apple Watch would definitely come in handy!**
This is great information! I have the fitbit charge, and still use it when I work out, but I am definitely due for an upgrade*
I have a Garmin, but have never had a Fitbit or anything like that. I’d love to try the Apple Watch! My cousin has one and LOVES it!!*
*Totally agree that tracking sleep as a mom is depressing!*
I love my Apple watch!!!! *
Mybhusband has an Apple Watch and he loves it!
* I used to have a Fitbit but it stopped holding a charge like 3 months in ???
I have an older Fitbit but both of these sound awesome!*
I think the Apple Watch sounds awesome! *