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’ve had the fitbit charge HR for the past year and love tracking my steps and workouts but I’ve recently been very interested in all the additional features an apple watch has to offer!**
I’ve had the Fitbit Surge for a while but have been thinking of checking out the Apple Watch.
Can’t wait for the Winter Shape Up!***
I found a Fitbit on awesome clearance last season that I’ve been using… But the band is starting to fall apart so I feel like my next one needs to be a different brand! :***(** 🙁
I don’t use a fitness tracker but I’ve been contemplating getting one. I think you’ve officially sold me on the Apple watch!*
*I have a Fitbit Alta that I love, but I’d love to upgrade to an Apple Watch at some point.
I had the very basic first Fitbit and liked it, then upgraded to an Apple watch a little over 1.5 years ago and have never gone back! There isn’t a day I haven’t worn it. I bought it for the fitness tracking but ended up loving all of the other features, too. Saving up for the latest model 🙂
*I’m an Apple Watch girl – they’re so stylish and can be worn during workouts or to work. I’ve given Fitbits as gifts – they’re perfect for those who aren’t willing to trade in their watches ;-)*
Sleep tracking would be super depressing with a toddler!*
*****Stay warm with this crazy weather!*****
I have previously used a Jawbone Up band to track my steps, but would love to try a high tech watch!
Hmm hmm hmm!!!
I have been casually shopping the Apple Watch.. my main hold-up is about being too too reachable, especially for work :/ though if that means not always peeking my phone for email then that might be nice for my husband.
**Also, I’m finding that my OTF monitor is wonky about 50% of the time (even after a new battery) and would be nice to have another way to track heart rate since I’m 12 weeks preggo and want to keep that monitored!!! Ahhh! (if you noticed anybody peeking old maternity posts, it was me!!!)
I’ve always preferred the Fitbit but I may have to give the Apple Watch a try. I think the different types of daily goals is a great way to stay motivated to move! *
*I love using a fitness tracker while I work out! I feel like my workout doesn’t count unless I have it on haha*
*I’m a Garmin girl but your review has me intrigued. Thank you for the info!*
I want an Apple Watch so badly!! Was hoping to get one for Christmas but didn’t 🙁 I’ve used a Fitbit before and liked it but didn’t love it. *
** I have a Fitbit and go on and off with it because it’s one of the ones that doesn’t have HR tracking, which is a feature I would really love. I have wanted an Apple Watch forever for this reason! **
*Way to go on No-Sugar January! I’m also partaking and so far it’s been off to a good start 🙂
I’ve never worn a fitness tracker but know I’d love one! Thanks for sharing your comparison! *
* I currently use the fitbit blaze and LOVE IT but your review of the apple watch made me rethink of love for it 🙂
The apple watch looks awesome! Would definitely love to try it out! *
The Apple Watch* seems a lot more pretty than the Alta but the Alta. Also it seems like it does a lot more, I’ve wanted one for so long but they are spendy!!!
Thanks for the in-depth comparison! I find that a tracker helps me move more regardless of how accurate it may be 😉 Keep us posted on how you find the stats! *
I have never tracked anything before–it would be so great to have the gift of doing so! I’m interested in seeing how it does in yoga, and what life is really like (in terms of a workout!) chasing after 3 littles all day long! ***
**I’m on my second FitBit and have been contemplating a jump to the Apple Watch!!! **
I actually bought an apple watch a few years ago to use as a fitness tracker and found that it just didn’t work for me! I wanted to be able to track extra things during spin class, and despite buying a cadence tracker, there wasn’t an associated app to work on the watch, so I had to use my phone. Also I don’t like the phone and text tie – in…I found it to be distracting because I’d want to get out my phone immediately to respond. All that said, I feel like I’m the weirdo for wanting to try a more comprehensive fitness tracker in lieu of the watch 🙂 But this is a great review! You mentioned a few benefits that I hadn’t even considered ***
Does the apple watch register when you’re on a rowing machine? I found in previous trackers that they seem to think I’m on an eliptical, even when I don’t enter that for exercise. *
I’ve been using a fitbit for years and love that it keeps me accountable! I’ve been intrigued by the Apple Watch too, but never splurged on it. I’d love to give one a try! *
I’ve never had a fitbit but have always contemplated one…I think I’d love to try the Apple watch* to connect with my phone though 🙂
Have a fitbit alta hr and love it so far but still have eyes for the apple watch* Particularly like that it breaks down the goals visually so you can easily see the progress you’re making!
I’ve been a fitbit user for 5 years, but would love to try an Apple Watch*
Thank you for the thorough comparison! **
Loved hearing the comparison! Been curious which one is better! *
I don’t use any sort of fitness tracker….for me it is one more thing to keep track of…lol. But lots of people in the classes I teach at our local Y love theirs. ***
**The Apple watch is definitely prettier 🙂
**The Apple Watch just looks so streamlined and goes with everything!
I use the fitbit Charge 2 and I love it. I aim for 10K steps a day, which can prove difficult, as I have a seated , desk job at a computer for most of the day. I would however, LOVE to be able to own an Apple Watch if the opportunity arose. =)
* I have been wanting to try out a fitness tracker for so long! *
The apple watch is so pretty and I love that you can change the bands out!!!
*** also the watch is a great source of motivation!
I’ve tried Fitbits but never an Apple watch! *
I’ve always been a gadget person and I love how fun workout trackers can make everyday activities! *
*I absolutely need music for my workouts so the Apple watch wins on that count!
I love using a tracker. It’s so fun, especially the challenges with friends. *** I had a Fitbit but it died after about 6 months
I have a Fitbit* surge but found it too clunky for everyday wear. Now it just sits on my dresser. I have also the Fitbit Zip which I liked for stealth step monitoring. But I did eventually find myself too obsessed with my step count. Recently I’ve been considering an Apple Watch. I like the connectivity with my iPhone. Just haven’t pulled the trigger bc of $. Something for me to think about.
I’ve never used a fitness tracker but would love to try it! *
I think that getting my text and email notifications on my wrist would help cut down on my screen time – I find myself scrolling aimlessly after I pick up my phone to check my inbox, and I waste so much time! Taking my fitness tracker abilities to the next level with an Apple Watch would definitely up my workout game – I’m currently using a *Fitbit Flex* that only counts steps!
I have waffled on which watch is the best for me – I currently have a Garmin which I really do love and has served me well for the last 15 months, but I think that I am starting to want the *bells* and *whistles* of the Apple watch.
*Hope you had a wonderful holiday!*
I agree the sleep function (or in my world too the lack of sleep function) is somewhat depressing * I have a Fitbit Alta but would love to see how they compare!
Woohooo!! I would love to win either one! ****
I had a Fitbit One and loved it… Then had a Flex and… not so much. I switched to a Garmin Vivofit but I would *love* an Apple Watch to be cute, functional and track my workouts! (<– desperately trying to get more active this new year ;))
Would be great to have one***