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 have a Garmin watch but really want to update to an Apple Watch!*
I’m a huge Fitbit fan, too! I’m hard on watches though so dropping some major money on an Apple Watch has me scared. Ha! *
The apple watch is really neat!*
I’ve never used a fitness tracker, but I’ve been debating on purchasing one! I think it would be good motivation to see health stats all in one place! *
I got my daughter an Apple watch for Christmas and am totally jealous. Looking forward to seeing what else you can do with it. Keep us posted*!
I use a Fitbit (the charge 2) and really like it! I also avoid the sleep tracker as a mom, but it is insightful! I aim for 10k steps and at least 30 min of exercise ! I would love to try the Apple Watch to compare ! **
Haha! I was just having this debate with my sister. *
Love love love the Apple Watch! *
I don’t have any sort of fitness tracker, but I like the idea of one! I’m also interested in just knowing how much I move chasing after my three kids ps can’t wait to hear more about your aerial yoga class! That sounds awesome! *
I’ve been a die-hard Fitbit user for the past 5 years, and I haven’t had any major complaints… Until I heard about the music integration on the apple watch. **THAT** would be a game changer.
I don’t have a fitness tracker but think it would help keep me motivated! *
I’ve been thinking about buying an Apple Watch for so long! I currently use my phone for my step count in a day- but even if I walk the same distance everyday- it changes how much steps I’ve taken! So I don’t think it’s very accurate. May be time for an upgrade! *
Love this post. I’ve always been so curious about the Apple Watch, but never looked too much because of the price. I love the look of it. It doesn’t scream fitness tracker to me and the circle tracker seem super easy to keep an eye on *
I have the fitbit flex and it’s very basic with just the lights to update your progress. I’ve considered updating, but since it works now, I am in no hurry. I actually like the simplicity of the look and being able to dress it up (I have the Tory Burch leather wrap) or use the rubber band when working out. ***
*I don’t have a fitness tracker, but I would *LOVE* an Apple Watch. I have an Ava that tracks sleep and other markers, but this could do so much more! 🙂 *
I had apple series 1 but gave to my mom so would luv new one!*
I love that Apple Watch (series 3 at least) is finally water proof for swimming with! ***
I haven’t tried a fitness tracker yet but would like to start!*
Thanks for sharing this comparison! *
And good luck with no sugar January! At first I was like , but no added sugars is def more doable for me.
I have a fitbit but I am very intrigued by the Apple Watch*.
I’m tracking my steps. I aim for 12000 and usually am able to get a few more racing after 8 kids *
Hi!
My sisters all LOVE* their Apple Watch, but I am not a huge Apple fan. I also won my Fitbit at a raffle!! I really liked my Fitbit, but it only lasted me about 1 year before I destroyed it! My favorite parts about the Fitbit was the sleep tracker, and the challenges. It’s nice that there are so many options with fitness watches now.
I have the fight charge and really love it. My only issue with it is that I’m a bit rough on it and I’ve gone through one a year (I’ve had 2 so far). While I don’t teach GEX anymore, if I did I would switch to the Apple Watch. I would have never thought about how handy it would be to have it to change the volume – thanks for that great tip!
I CAN’T WAIT for winter shape up!! Thank you so so much for all you do to make it happen **
I’ve had the same Fitbit one since 2014 – time for an upgrade?!*
I’d love to try either 🙂 *
Helpful comparison! *
I have been using a fitbit from the very beginning – my husband had actually preordered me one for Christmas before they were even available. I have been through many models and am currently using the Fitbit Alta, which I love but I have also been very curious about the Apple Watch. I would love a chance to compare the 2 of them though! *
Nice comparison, thanks.
The Apple watch looks fun! *
* I love my Apple Watch being a mom, not just the fitness tracker but the text& calls because I’m not always sure where my phone is *
I used to wear a Fitbit, but I’ve gotten out of the habit. *2018 is a great time to start again!
I would love to try the Apple Watch*, I need a watch with a second hand for my job (I’m a nurse) so I think it would work better for me than a FitBit! Would love to track my steps more accurately than my phone does!
I have the first generation Apple Watch and love it! I wish I had a new one so I can swim with it **we just PCS’d to Hawaii and would love to wear it in the water **
I’ve only ever used a Jawbone Up which I really liked until the battery died the week after my warranty ended 🙁 I’ve been looking into replacing it with a different fitness tracker though! *
I’ve been trying to find a good fitness tool. There are so many out there it can be overwhelming to chose one *
I’ve been using FitBits for years–most recently the Charge HR (though I’ve been really curious about the Alta!). But the Apple Watch–wow. *
I track my steps on my phone and track my food and workouts on my iCal and with the LifeSum app. I love the LifeSum app. My goal is to exercise at least 5 times a week and move a bit each day (i.e. walk if I’m not fully exercising). 🙂
Thanks for the info. I don’t have any fitness tracker and this will help me decide!*
I have a fitbit, but just the basic flex. I would love to see all the components of my daily activity at a glance to up the motivation factor!*
I have been wondering about the Apple Watch, my buddy has one but doesn’t use it for fitness. *
I’ve used FitBit in the past, but I think it looks too clunky/not cute to wear with nicer clothes so I definitely have been wanting the Apple Watch! *
I like the slimness of the Aria but the Apple Watch has so many more capabilities*
Thanks for the review and comparison. * I’ve been waiting to hear from a real person about their experience with the watch and the interface. I’ve b
Wondered how it worked IRL. Thanks again!!
Omg!! I’ve been eyeing the Apple Watch! I currently use a Fitbit and while I do like the step tracking I’m ready for some extra bells and whistles. I also like the shape of the Apple Watch better*
I have a Fitbit and enjoy the ability to “complete” with friends for daily challenges or work week hustle I have been eyeing other trackers with more features Apple Watch makes me*
I have a Fitbit Alta without the heart rate monitor. I’ve been debating if i should upgrad the the Alta HR or make the jump the an Apple Watch. *
I have a Fitbit Charge HR, but would love to try an Apple watch. It sounds like there are so many great features! *
I have a Fitbit but would love to upgrade to the Apple Watch! *
I was admiring my friends Apple Watch the other day and debating whether I should get one or just stick with the Fitbit. Thanks for the comparison! *
I have a Fitbit Charge HR2, but I’ve looked at both an Apple watch or a Polar HR as an upgrade! *
I don’t have a fitness tracker, but would DEFINITELY benefit from one. I try to move my body somehow once an hour, and exercise once a day*!