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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Would definitely want an Apple Watch! *
I have the Fitbit charge 2. I use it to take activity/steps for work. I enjoy it and so does my husband. I know I have heard a few friends that have and love the Apple Watch! *
I think I’d actually prefer a non-smart fitness tracker. Simple is better…I think*!
Right now I don’t use a tracker but really do want an Apple Watch! *
* Does the Apple Watch ever feel too big for your wrist? That’s my biggest worry. Otherwise, it seems amazing!
I love my Fitbit Alta, but recently I’ve been eying the Apple Watch mostly for the reasons you’ve noted. Having a real watch and not being tied to my phone would be great*
I would LOVE* an Apple Watch!!
I had one of the first Fitbits (that kind that you had to wear on your clothes) i was so torn between fitness trackers but I’ve always seemed to be partial to the Apple Watch because of the extra features like controlling music from your wrist while working out, ignoring calls or deciding what’s important. Glad to see your review might help me pull the trigger!*
I have the alta and love it but my strap broke twice. Now im debating replacing the strap again or upgrading. *
I’ve been using Garmin watches for years. But I must say I am curious to know how the Apple Watch compares to my Garmin in terms of functionality. *
I also use * garmin but it is ugly… I love being motivated to reach goals + also get texts/call alerts. Apple Watch is so much prettier!
Fitness watches are great in general to keep you motivated throughout the day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on both! *
I have used a Fitbit to help motivate me to get more steps in, every bit helps!
I would love to try out an Apple watch* to track activity level, as well as see phone messages/calls!
I do wish the battery life of the Apple Watch was longer, but how can you not love an Apple product 🙂 *
I’d love to try either watch! I’ve been a Polar user for years, it’s time to change it up! *
I’m stuck in the Stone Age with an old FitBit One! I have been *dying* to upgrade to an Apple Watch!!
I use a Garmin vivosmart hr. Would love to try the apple watch though! *
*i have use the Tom Tom spark for a couple of years now. I have enjoyed changing between the modes. I have been reading about the apple watches and wondered if it was durable enough to last through the spin and HIIT classes I teach. On a side note, we are in statesboro, Ga and got snow! What?!?!?*
My sister got an Apple watch for Christmas and now I’m super jealous! *
I don’t know *how* we functioned before without our fitness trackers! Did exercise even count?!
*I know you said you’re not using the sleep feature on the Apple Watch, but do you know if it also can track the deep sleep feature? I find that to be a great feature on the newer fitbits (I have the charge 2). I’d love to try the Apple Watch, but I’m one of those people who use an android phone so thinking the Apple Watch wouldn’t be as compatible…unfortunately, as I like its sleek look 🙁
I used to wear a FitBit until is crashed. Been *on my own* for a while, and would definitely be much more motivated with another fitness tracker.
I am wearing The Fitbit Alta too and love it but am intrigued by the Apple Watch. Apple makes great products so I am sure it will impress on intelligence and style.
I thought about getting my husband the apple watch, thanks for the input! *
I have a fit bit and I always forget to put it back on once I charge it *
I am very much interested in the Apple Watch but my concern is being able to turn off notifications when I am at work. I am a nurse so i feel it’s inappropriate to have my watch buzzing with a phone call from my mom when I am at work. 🙂 is it possible to mute notifications? *
yes totally!
Forgot to add in the last comment * that I wondered about then sleep and heart rate function on Apple Watch so that’s good to get your perspective too. Thanks!
I was using one but the band broke and was out of warranty. I enjoyed having it but wasn’t confident it was always accurate. *
I have an old fitbit that I sorta stopped using but I would love an Apple watch or FitBit Alta as an upgrade! *
I’ve been a Fitbit user for years and years … definitely tempted to make a switch*
I’m in love with my 8 year old Garmin but I’m guessing it’s going to die soon. Fun to see all the new features there are on these new watches!!!
I have a *dinosaur* of a Garmin (the 305!) that finally bit the dust a few weeks ago, and have been looking at new trackers to replace my dear old friend… Definitely looking for something that can be used all day… my eye keeps going between the Tom Tom Spark 3, the Apple Watch, and a FitBit!
I love the interface on the Apple Watch. Now I really want one!!! *
I just recently even considered an Apple Watch once a momma friend said how much less she looks at her phone because of it! #sold *
Love my Apple Watch! It’s a great motivator. I always want to close every ring, every time* unfortunately I’m going to have to replace it soon, it’s not holding I charge and I can’t go a day without it, I’m addictied to it.*
I have had a Fitbit for a couple years now and love it! My friend has an apple watch* and loves it and all it’s features. Seeing all the things she can do on it really makes me want one!
I’m recovering from a foot injury and am excited to start taking walks again!!*
The Apple Watch sure is pretty! I love that you can talk into it too – like Inspector Gadget, ha! *
I would love fitness trackers* I love that it pushes me to do more. I want something that is swim safe if possible. Great review.
I still say yolo 🙂 haha. I love my fitness tracker – it helps me at least know how much I’m walking when I’m sitting at my desk all day at work! *
I still say yolo 🙂 haha. I love my fitness tracker – it helps me at least know how much I’m walking when I’m sitting at my desk all day at work!! *
Loved the review. I have tried Fitbit and Garmin and they both leave a rash on my wrist. I love that you can use the Apple Watch to control music and talk. *
I’ve used an earlier version of the Fitbit and loved it so I can only imagine how the newer versions compare to it. And I love that you’ve given a side by side comparison of the two, I wasn’t sure if the Apple Watch was really comparable or just another tech thing with big hype around it. So thank you for this post! *
I do love how multi-functional the apple watch seems to be *
Have never tried the apple watch, but have to say Fitbit has been very crucial to my workout regime, helping me track all my stats.
but having read ur blog, I would like to go and see an apple watch and check it out. *
*Great review on the fitness trackers! I currently have a Fitbit but I think the texting and music features on the Apple Watch would be nice to have.
Wow! * I’ve been wanting an Apple
Watch for a while now, but I didn’t realize until I read your post that it displays what music is currently playing on your phone. I teach dance and I am constantly having to run from the middle of the class to the corner to adjust volume, start and stop music, etc. I think I may need to get me an Apple Watch!
I’ve been considering the Apple Watch for a while. Your review was quite helpful. *
So cool that you can get texts and calls on the watch so you don’t have to have the phone on you all the time! *
I don’t use a fitness tracker besides my Garmin when I’m running *