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 love my Apple Watch! *
My son has a Fitbit and I’m so tempted to get one for myself. *
I’ve been trying to decide between a fitbit and an apple watch – thanks so much for doing the comparison! *
I have a Fitbit Charge but love the look of the Alta since it is smaller! I really want to try the Apple Watch!*
Thanks for the review! I have an Alta and like it, but have been so curious about the Apple Watch. Sounds like the Apple Watch really takes it to the next level! *
Haven’t tried any trackers yet but the apple watch looks great *
My fit bit broke last year and I’ve been lost ever since *
* I just started my work out journey and am looking at getting one still not sure yet I’m thinking Apple Watch for music reasons and getting text messages if I’m jogging!! Thanks for the info!!!
I would love the opportunity to see just how many steps I take in daily life chasing my babes + daily Crossfit workouts. Apple Watch or Alta would do that!*
So helpful! I’ve been in the final stages of trying to pick a new tracker and you’ve sold me on Apple Watch.*
I converted to an Android almost 3 years ago and haven’t missed having an iPhone, except now the Apple Watch kind of has me interested in going back to an iPhone*
I have an Apple Watch and my hubs has a fitbit. After seeing what the Apple Watch can do, he wants to convert! It’s truly an amazing little device! ??*
I have been coveting the apple watch since the new one came out! I used to workout with my garmin all the time but hated that I couldn’t use it to track swim workouts (I used to swim competitively) so when this came into my inbox I was SOOO** pumped at the thought of maybe winning one!
No sugar January sounds like a excellent plan! I’m with you on the wine though *
I have used a FitBit for about a year, and sometimes track my steps with the Health app on my iphone. A few friends have started to use the Apple Watch and I am intrigued.*
I use (and love) the Fitbit Alta but have really really been wanting to try the Apple Watch! *
I have an Alta and love it, my husband Really wants an Apple Watch so it would be neat to have both in the household! *
LOVE my Apple Watch – as odd as it sounds, it does keep me off and away from my phone more because I’m not constantly picking up my phone to see if I’ve missed a call or text, as you mentioned. *
I used a Garmin for years, would love to try the Apple Watch *
*I was always curious about the Apple Watch. A lot of my family members have one. I’d think a fitness tracker would help me stay motivated and active, and I like the idea of tracking steps etc…
I’m such a data nerd so would loveeee an apple watch to keep better taps on my sleeping/exercise! *
I have been eyeing the Apple Watch for awhile now. I’ve used the health app on the iPhone which isn’t that accurate but did help me track a little of my steps when i had my phone with me. *
* I have been wondering about this for a while. Thanks for the review!
I have the FitBit Alta and liked it but the sleep stuff did not work for me. It would say I was sleeping when I knew I had been up nursing the baby! But I did love it nonetheless and liked I could see my texts or calls when I was in with her but knew I could ignore them. My charger broke so I haven’t used it in forever. I got my hubby the Apple Watch for Christmas and he adores it….and now I’m jealous!*
I haven’t used any fitness tracker but I’m always intrigued! Thanks for the comprehensive review.*
*The Apple watch looks so cute and user friendly, but also not ridiculous when at work or in formal outfits.
* I have had my Apple Watch for almost two years and I LOVE it. It keeps me motivated to get my workouts in and keep moving throughout the day. I have never tried a FitBit but my boyfriend has one and loves it.
Tracking steps has been very motivating for me and def gets me moving more than I would without.*
I’ve been curious, how useful is an Apple Watch if you don’t have an iphone? *
I’ve loved my fitbit charge hr for years, but love the enhancements the apple watch would provide!*
Having music on it makes the Apple Watch a winner to me!*
***I have used a Garmin! I would love an Apple Watch though! I’d love to start getting in 10000 steps a day again!
I’ve gone through 2 Fitbit flex and a Fitbit HR. They always end up breaking! Love the look of the Alta but I’d choose the Apple Watch for sure!!*
Ooh, I’d love an Apple Watch :)*
Thanks! xo
I have used fitbits for years and currently have a charge HR. The apple watch definitely has my attention though * ??
I own a fitbit Blaze, (the hubby gave it to me Christmas 2016). Seems to work ok, but my heart rate seems too low during exercise compared to my polar. I am curious how the Apple Watch compares/is more accurate.*
My Fitbit charge recently broke and I have been exploring my options for a new* one. Great post!!
I do use a fit tracker, Polar is my go to. We actually just got two new ones so can’t wait to set those up. I do have my eye on the Apple watch too. We have used Fitbit in the past and after having to send both charge hr’s back numerous times we were done with that brand.*
I have a FitBit surge. They’ve been discontinued though, so who knows how long they’ll update it. * When it dies, I want to get a Garmin since the reason I wanted this fitbit in the first place was because it had built in GPS. I think Apple watches are so cool, but I am don’t want to change my phone and I’m an Android girl.
I haven’t used one besides for a generic heart rate monitor, I’m ready to step up the game to see the whole picture with something like the Apple Watch!*
I have the Fitbit Charge 2 and love it but have been eyeing the Apple Watch! *
I’ve been wanting an Apple Watch!! I have a super old Fitbit but ran out of motivation. The Apple Watch looks so easy to use. Maybe for my *birthday present* (b-day Jan 7!)*
*Never tried any fitness tracker but would like to!*
I have a fit bit and my goal is 10000 steps a day. It’s easy on work days-Sunday is always a lot less! As much as I love my Fitbit I’d love an Apple Watch. I love seeing all the interesting data it tracks (very nerdy, I know!)*
*I have a first generation Fitbit and I would love to update to an Apple Watch!*
I gotta say I love the practicality of the Apple Watch because it’s so useful for other things besides heart rate, time, and steps! I like the look of the Apple Watch display too, but I sort of wish it had a white background. The black background can hurt my eyes! Thanks for doing this review! XOXO *
I typically use my iphone’s health feature to track steps and aim to hit the 10,000 mark but these days I leave my phone behind more in an effort to reduce screen time. I’d love an Apple Watch though – especially being a new mom – I want to make sure I’m making my short workouts as effective as possible!
*i currently use a fitbit charge hr which i love. i have wanted to try out the apple watch, but it’s been out of my budget!
*My old fitbit only lasted a year then stopped working! I would love either, but not sure I’m sticking with apple when I upgrade to a new phone. *
I have the Fitbit Blaze and I love that it can sync to my phone. I’ve wanted to get the Apple Watch but just haven’t been able to swallow the cost commitment. *