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 fitbit alta and I think it’s pretty good. The battery life isn’t great for me, but I love the sleek design. I’ve had almost all of the different kind of fitbits and I love that it reminds me that I need to keep going. I’ve always wanted to try an apple watch!
*I think the circles displaying move goals/standing/etc. would be an amazing visual to help me do quick “check ins” as a mom who is always on her feet (how could I not hit my stand goals? I don’t even sit during meals! Haha).* <3
I love my Fitbit Charge!!* I try to just move more no matter what.
I use a Fitbit to track steps. I try to get 10k a day and am like you, sometimes I hit it no problem and other days its a struggle!! It definitely motivates me though! *
I have a Fitbit flex*, and it gives me the basics that I’m looking for- steps and sleep stats. I also use the app to track my water intake.
I have had a fitbit charge HR for a few years. * I love the look of the apple watch, but I think I would be afraid of breaking it.
I LOVE my Alta! But I wouldn’t mind having an Apple Watch! 😉 *
I wish I had an Apple Watch! I like that you can access so much more than with Fitbit charge *
I have a Garmin and loved the information I received but didn’t like the way it looked so I stopped wearing it. Both the Apple Watch and Alta look awesome though! I aim to get a 30 minute workout in along with a 30 minute walk each day 🙂 *
I’ve been using a fitbit for years, but I love the idea of being able to control my music from my watch–sounds so *convenient!
I use my Fitbit to track sleep and steps, but I’d love something like the Apple Watch. *im really bad at charging, though!
Ive only used Fitbit and have liked it but the features of the Apple Watch seem awesome! I definitely try to meet my step goal everyday but it doesn’t always happen. And you’re right, as a mom it is depressing to see the amount of sleep that you don’t get*.
LOVE the Apple Watch! * I’d love to hear more about your zero sugar January – where you make the most changes and how you feel while doing them. I did a whole30 last January, which was amazing! However, my birthday is at the end of the week and i just I couldn’t couldn’t commit to another January whole30 and miss an indulgence or two on my birthday for 2 years in a row.
I currently have the Fitbit charge HR which I like but the Apple Watch is so pretty*
This is great information. A family member received an Apple Watch as a gift and its great to see how versatile it is! I’d love to have my own!*
LOVE your explanation of the circle feature!*
I have a polar but I’ve stopped using it because the last update I had seemed to kill the battery faster so it got tiring (like your Apple) to have to charge at awkward times. *
Would love to try something new!
I would love an Apple Watch *
*I”ve been looking into getting my first fitness tracker and I think this has sold me.
I used to have a FitBit, but it broke and I never replaced. Then for Christmas I asked for (and received) the Fossil smartwatch, which I liked for the round face- but I returned it because it isn’t as good with iphone…so now I’m seriously considering Apple Watch- but I just can’t decide * (maybe fate would help me decide)
* Thanks for the comparison of the watches. Always gives another perspective. *
Thanks for the info*! I don’t have a fitness tracker and now inthink I may need one!
I love my FitBit Flex to remind me to move more during the day!*
I have had a fitbit for a long time but mine doesnt track heart rate. *
I have an apple watch but it is the older one. I do love seeing the rings move through out the day. The newest software update I did now tells me when I am a bit behind! haha – its says “Joanna you are usually farther ahead on your rings by this time of day, try to get some exercise today!”*
I had the original fitbit until it died and I loved the sleep tracker. Currently have the Garmin and I don’t love that tracker *
I haven’t used a fitness tracker since my *Polar Watch so I would love to try the Apple Watch!
I used the original fitbit for many years, through two pregnancies. It officially died last year * I’ve been debating upgrading to a newer model. Thanks for the comparison post!
This blog is a gift to me!*
Word on not wanting to know how much sleep you are (not) getting. We had a party* between 3-5 last night. And by party, I mean not at all a good time.
I used to live by my Jawbone but then I got pregnant. I’ve bounced back from baby #1 but as we’re trying for #2, I want to stay as active as I’ve been since having my first. The Apple Watch sounds perfect for me! **
I have a Fitbit but have been looking at the Apple Watch to try to accomplish some new goals! *
My fit bit just broke and am looking at the apple watch to replace it. Thanks for the info!*
I don’t use one right now but used to have the good old fitbit charge – that definitely motivated me to get more steps in so I’m looking to jump back into it!*
My fitbit died after less than a year after getting too sweaty 🙁
*I’d love to have another fitness tracker and love the options available with an Apple watch.
*I’ve had a Fitbit Flex for years, but maybe it’s time to upgrade to an Apple Watch? I love the idea of tracking my heart rate to really make my workouts count!
I have a Fitbit and aim for 10k steps a day. Usually pretty good about hitting it but I’ve noticed since it’s colder and I’m not always walking with my arms swinging I’m not getting as many steps. Love being able to see what my heart rate was during a workout too. *
I love my Fitbit charge 2. I try to get 11,000 steps and 30 minutes of exercise a day.
I don’t have a fitness tracker but this is making me consider getting one now! I’d love to track my steps throughout the day. *
I have a garmin which I love but something about the Apple Watch is appealing! *
I love my Fitbit charge 2. I try to get 11,000 steps and 30 minutes of exercise a day.
I’m a FitBit Alta gal right now but you’ve made a strong case for the Apple watch! My only hesitation is that I need a watch with a second hand because I’m a vet and use it to take heart rates! *
I have an apple watch and absolutely adore it. I charge it every night while i sleep. I use the sleep app on my phone so i don’t need to sleep with my watch on to get this info. ***
I have a very old Fitbit and would love to try the Apple watch watch! *
I’m really intrigued by the Apple Watch. Thanks for the review! *
I would love an Apple Watch! *
Thanks for breaking this down! I have been wanting one but it’s so hard to decide which one one. *
My husband has a Fitbit, but I’m waiting a little longer to find my cool bit of tech. Maybe the Apple Watch will be it!*
I have an Alta without HR, but upgraded to the Charge HR for Christmas and am LIVING for all the new data it tracks!*
Would definitely love an Apple Watch!