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 love it for tracking steps, trying to get 10k a day. I did have an apple watch my Christmas wish list though *
* I love my Apple watch!
Recovering from injury, I’ve been thinking more and more about investing one. Love the comparison!*
While I have never owned a Fit Bit or an Apple Watch, I am partial to the Apple Watch since my good friend raves about it. I enjoy Apple products and I do think the Apple Watch looks like it would have everything I never knew I was looking for. *
My fitbit One lasted FOREVER until I lost it recently. Like… survived 3 washes, etc. I used to wear it clipped to the front of my bra but I rock wireless shelf nursing bras half the time where that doesn’t work. Fitbit Blaze seems neat so far; looking forward to seeing how it tracks my *runs. 😉
I’ve been using a Garmin 235 for a few years and really love it for running, HR monitoring and step count. Yes, ignorance is bliss the sleep department. 🙂 *
Loved my Alta until I got my Apple Watch and I’m addicted!! Being able to listen to my music is my favorite feature while I’m working out!! *
I would love an apple watch! *
I’ve been on the fence about whether or not to spring for a fitness tracker— didn’t realize how good the Apple Watch is for that feature! *
Insightful read – thanks for sharing! I’ve been considering the Apple Watch with twin toddlers so I can stay connected when I’m not near my phone – plus need to get back into the workout mode so another great reason!*
I have a Fitbit charge HR that’s about 3 years old. I’ve been eyeing the Apple Watch for a while but also wasn’t sure if it was worth the cost…you’ve helped eliminate that doubt! *
*I’ve never used a smart watch but the Apple Watch looks pretty sweet!
I have been using Fitbit for years, but I really like the idea that the Apple Watch would help me be on my phone less! *
Apar from a Garmin for my runs, I don’t use a tracker….but you made it sound great and challenging (footstep wise) to use one !
I owned the Alta and my husband has the Apple watch. They are both great, but I’m a bit jelly of his technology!*
I have been using Fitbit products for over 4 years. I really like tracking my steps, sleep, etc I would love to try the Apple Watch.
Forgot to put *
I’ve had two Fitbits that I loved but unfortunately they each broke in the same place outside of the warranty period. I’m hoping to replace the Fitbit with an Apple Watch soon to help me lose the baby weight from our sixth baby. Thanks for the helpful review! *
i havent owned either but i like that alta can be used on android and apple. i also loved that i can get different bands. my goals strengthen my fitness.
i love that it controls music. as a zumba instructor that is such a benefit!*
It seems amazing. I would love to try it! *
I have been wanting an Apple watch for awhile – HNY! *
Love all the great fitness features on smart watches now!
* For anyone considering the Apple Watch, be prepared to buy 2 if you have a partner that wears any type of fitness tracker! I thought they were no big deal, and then my husband got one and I wanted one after a few days!!
My Fitbit just died and I’ve been debating between another Fitbit and the Apple Watch. Everyone I know who has the Apple Watch loves it so I think I’ll take the leap 🙂 *
I’ve been wondering the difference between the smart watches out there as I’m considering purchasing one for the future… Right now I’m definitely leaning toward the Apple Watch *
Apple Watch has been in my radar for some time. Didn’t know you could swim with it, which would be great! *
I am in need of a tracker upgrade! I have an older Fitbit charge and the band is breaking . I’m hopeful to run a 1/2* marathon this year so maybe that’ll be a treat for myself!
I use the Fitbit Charge 2 and I really like it. Very motivating especially when doing challenges with friends! *
I am with you – seeing the circles completed is the best! I move so much more when I am wearing a tracker – now I just need to remember to put it on each day*
I use the Fitbit Alta, but am due for a new one. Mine bit the dust before our move. I just went back to work after maternity leave and have been looking into an Apple Watch – love the texting feature so I can leave my phone in the car during sales calls…. one less thing to carry is always nice! Also, love the motivation that a tracker provides!
I have used a Fitbit but would love to try the apple watch. Love comparisons like this cause I go back and forth a lot with if I should switch. It is very motivating to see the steps and try at least make the 10000.
Forgot this **
I appreciate your honest reviews * I’d really like to get a watch, but haven’t decided which one yet!
I’m dying to try the Apple Watch, so I would love to win! *
I got my hubby a garmin for Christmas and I’m totally jealous! Would love an a fitness tracking watch *
*Ah, thank you for the review!! I’ve been looking at Alta and Apple Watch for the past two months, and I’ve been so torn about which way to go! Now really hoping for the Apple Watch 😉
*I have a Fitbit and a Garmin and I love them both! I’m a running nerd so Garmin is my favorite!
I have an alta and it’s been beat to death! I use it every single day but I’ve been looking into a smarter watch – I’d love one that tracks my heart-rate throughout the day and gives me more insight on the calorie burn!
Great comparisons. My mom has the Apple watch and her only complaint is the battery life. She loves it though so I have been looking in to buying one. *
So I love the fact the Apple Watch has ability to control the music I am playing. I am also a big fan of the fact it kind of lets you be unplugged.
So I love the fact the Apple Watch has ability to control the music I am playing. I am also a big fan of the fact it kind of lets you be unplugged.*
I have not had great luck with Fitbit. It seems any tracker I have had has failed. Would love an Apple Watch! *
I really like the FitBit app, but I really want the Apple Watch for running to continuously display heart rate and pace! And something about closing all those circles looks really motivating!*
I’ve been wanting to dive into the fitness tracker realm and don’t really know where to start… I think the alta may be where I start. I don’t know that I want all the bells and whistles *
I don’t have either, but have always wanted to try a fitness watch! *
After having a baby, I’d love an Apple Watch to help track things and lose the baby weight! *
I love that the Apple Watch* lets users control their music, but it would be great to have a device that tracked sleep too!
*Great review! I have the Fitbit Blaze and love it but…..I really am dying to have the iWatch so I can respond to text messages and calls from my wrist! Winning would make my year and give me the little bit of extra incentive to keep moving in 2018*
My son got an Apple Watch for Christmas and loves it, I’ve had a Garmin 235 running watch and it’s worked well for me, but I was tempted at the time to get an Apple Watch instead!! *
Great review! I love my Fitbit Charge 2! I feel like it tracks my workouts so well. I just don’t love the bands on any of them and don’t want to wear a watch but I do it anyway because it’s super motivating. *
My husband just got a fitbit through his life insurance program, and now I’ve been eyeing the various options too . . . I’m too competitive! This was super helpful! Thanks!*