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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*I’ve never used a fitness tracker before, mostly because I’m afraid I’d pull a David Sedaris and end up walking dozens of miles a day out of pure compulsion. That being said, I’m intrigued and Gina, you make it sound so useful and delightful! My husband also has an Apple watch that he loves, so maybe normal sane people can use it without leading to obsessive behavior?
*I used to be afraid of fitness trackers, because back in the day I would get obsessive about my Polar Heart Rate monitor. However, I really think that fitness trackers can be extremely beneficial and a good reminder of just how much you are or are not moving during the day!! *
I would love to try either and see if it can help make me more accountable throughout the day!! Awesome giveaway! *******
* I have the fitbit alta but not the one that does heart rate. I wish I had one that monitors heart rate!
*Your hair is so thick and gorgeous! I wear my hair back in a ponytail at work (I’m a teacher) quite a bit and a girl came to line up, looked at me, then turned to the girl behind her and said, “you know, some people just don’t look like they have any hair when they wear their hair in a ponytail”… Lol out of the mouths of babes!!!*
*Awesome comparison between the two! I know I’ve been curious about the differences and similarities.*
I’ve *ALWAYS wanted to try the Apple watch, but they’re so expensive! Awesome you were able to get it a fun school auction 🙂
I’ve never had a tracker, so this was a great review. Love Apple all-the-things. *
I’ve never used any fitness trackers but recently have been thinking of getting an Apple Watch*. I’m working through your postpartum workout program and could use something to keep me accountable once I go back to work!
I also love my *Alta, but Apple seems pretty rad too!
I’d love to try *either*!
*I love the motivation of a tracker and I love my alta!
I would love* to try the apple watch.
*Helpful review Gina! I’ve had a fitbit for a while now, but the apple watch sounds like the next best step–plus the idea of adding Ariel on the watch face while I’m at Disney is too cute lol
I’ve had many *Fitbit fitness trackers, but I’m definitely on the lookout for something different these days.
I currently have a really old polar fitness watch. I’d love to try the Apple Watch!*
*I have been a garmin fan for years but would love to try a different tracker as well!
I’ve worn a Fitbit Surge in the past, but would love to have an Apple Watch* for the extra tech features.
I don’t have a fitness tracker but would *love* to try an Apple watch!
I’m impressed when I hit 8k steps a day! #deskjob #momof2tho *
I have never used a fitness tracker but have been researching them for the last couple of months as I think it would amp my workouts! I love how the Apple Watch syncs to all the Apple devices! *
I was on the Fitbit train for a long time but I do love my apple watch! Convert for life!*
I’ve been seriously considering getting a fitness tracker for ages but I’m not sure the benefit is worth the expense. This is the sad reality of the grad student life *
I want to try aerial yoga SO bad! It looks like the most peaceful thing ever can you swim with the Apple Watch? Totally waterproof?? *
I’ve never owned a fitness*tracker and would love to! Now that I sit all day at work, it seems like a great way to be more motivated to move!**
I’ve never used either, but I have a few friends and family members who are in love with their Apple Watch! *
* I had a Jawbone Up in the past, but I would love to try out an Apple Watch. I think it would be great to have all the features in one place!
I love that you walked us through both of them! I don’t have the budget to currently go for either one, but am so interested about the specs for a future purchase!* Also, thanks so much, Gina!! What a fun opportunity!
The Apple Watch seems amazing and it definitely makes for a nice watch*
Ive used Garmin before for running , but Norbert as a step counter. I didn’t know Apple Watch did sleep tracking; that’s neat, but, you are so right, as a mom it’s depressing! Ha!
An *Apple watch would be so fun!
*I have the Alta and would love to try out the Apple Watch! *
*** As a mother of two with no time to track her fitness goals, I would love to see the Apple watch compared to the fitbit. I’ve heard people can’t live without their watches – it seems like a great tool to benchmark and create fitness goals. What could be better for a new years resolution?! 🙂
I LOVE my Fitbit* Alta but it would be so cool to have so much more information. Those circles look really motivating! I assume you can still set alarms like you can with the fitbit? I use my alarms for everything!
Ive used Garmin before for running , but not as a step counter. I didn’t know Apple Watch did sleep tracking; that’s neat! * But, you are so right, as a mom it’s depressing! Ha!
*I would love the apple watch as I think it would work best with my phone and tracking my runs.
I have had a Fitbit Alta for a couple of years now, but have recently been looking at other varieties of trackers. *
I havent bit the bullet on a new one yet though, too indecisive!
Can you swim with the apple watch on?!?!? * That seems crazy to me! 🙂
I have been curious about the Apple Watch. Thanks for the review *
I currently have a fitbit and I like it but I’ve been thinking of an Apple Watch so thank you for the comparison of the two.*
Would love an Apple Watch. I used one of the original fitbits and loved it, but eventually stop using it while pregnant with my first son, because I didn’t wanna feel bad about not walking when I felt so crappy, ha ha.
I’ve never used a fitness tracker before, so the comparison between the Fitbit and Apple Watch was helpful! *
I love the swim tracker on the Apple watch and appreciate the three rings as opposed to just a step counter.
i just got an apple watch and am loving it so far! do you have any other favorite uses or apps?
I loved my fitbit, but the first one broke within a few months and the replacement broke 6 months later. I hate that they’re so unreliable… I’ve been curious about the Apple watch and enjoyed your comparison between the two! *
I have been an avid fit bit fan from the beginning, but I am ready to upgrade to the Apple life ha ha ! *
I use a fitbit and its so hard to get my 10k in in the winter! ***
I haven’t invested in a fitness watch, but I’ve always wanted to try one! *
I have yet to use a fitness tracker! But I’ve always wanted to…I’m super curious to see how many steps I take on days when I’m not even trying, just living the mom life! *
* This watch sounds amazing! Thanks for the review…I’m always wanting to try out the best trackers.