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 love the circles that measure goals! I’m a “check things off the list” type person and completing those circles would be so satisfying!
I don’t have an Apple Watch but have been a Fitbit user since the first release! I don’t use it as much anymore since my primary workout is OrangeTheory so I get a good idea of calories burned from that. Would love to switch to the Apple Watch though! *
**I love my apple watch (series 1), but would love to upgrade to the 2…perhaps the battery life is better!
So good to read this review. I have been skipping the trackers because I heard they were inaccurate or just annoying but I really Louie’s reading your perspective *
Would love one *
I’ve been debating trying the Apple Watch, I’ve had a FitBit Alta for years. Maybe this is the motivation I needed to make the switch? *
I always wear my Garmin and love it for running!! I debated getting the apple watch for Christmas but decided to hold off. I would absolutely LOVE to win the apple watch. I love all the functionalities – one of my goals is to switch up my workouts and keep it fresh. This would help!!
I have had a series 1 Apple watch for years and I love it but it’s starting to slow down. I would love to try a new one!*
I love you analysis of the two products. I bought the original Apple watch and shared your frustration with the short battery life. I currently wear the Charge 2 and I like it, but just wish it was a little less *sporty* and blended in a little better for work other events. Either way, I think they are all awesome reminders to stay active, a journey I’m restarting after spending the last half of 2017 mending a broken humerus. Can’t wait to be back in shape!! Happy New Year!!
I have been going back and forth on whether or not the Apple watch is something I would love or not. You have convinced me to pull the trigger. Thanks, Gina! **
*I am currently using the Garmin Vivoactive but would LOVE to try the Apple watch!
Thanks for the comparison. I have a few friends that use the Apple watch and love it. *
I have a Garmin Vivomove and LOOOOVE the way it looks, but I’m sure that an Apple Watch provides more data/fun gadgets. *
I’ve been asking for an Apple Watch* from my hubby for years!! Ready to make 2018 a great year!
I never had a fitbit, I don’t think it’s for me, I’m more of a Garmin kind of girl. But I would love an apple watch!*
* At first I thought the Apple Watch was totally nerdy, but now it seems like the ultimate for fitness tracking!
I used to wear a garmin the size of a Commodore 64 Apple Watch* looks a bit more stylish!
I like my Fitbit Charge HR, but I’m *definitely* hoping to get my hands on an Apple Watch someday!
I have been wearing a Fitbit for a few years now and really enjoy seeing my progress throughout the day! My friend has the Apple Watch and was showing me all the features on it and it really made me want to try one out!*
I have been lusting over a rose gold Apple watch for sometime now! I’ve had my Fitbit Charge HR for a few years now and I think it’s time for an upgrade… *******
I’ve been using a Garmin for a few years but the Apple watch is so much prettier! *
*I’ve only ever had a basic FitBit, but always enjoyed seeing the results every day! I’ve always thought the Apple watches looked awesome. I try to get up and move at lunch every day, otherwise I go a little stir crazy in the afternoon – the evenings are always plenty of running around to get everything taken care of at home!
Love to hear the honest benefits and where it could be better – it’s refreshing to hear the honesty!*
I had an early Fitbit and I really liked it because it reminded me to move, but I found it very frustrating when it would log inaccurately. I would *love* to try an updated version like the Alta, but I just haven’t pulled the plug yet.
*I have always been interested in getting a fitness tracker but haven’t committed to it. But love to start!*
*i Love Love Love Apple Watch. I just prefer how everything is seemless between phone, iPad, computer, and watch!
*I’ve been using a Garmin vivoactive for a few years because the original Apple Watch didn’t track swimming, but the Apple 2 does!!! Really excited about that ?????????*
Like the Apple better *
* I’ve been debating what tracker to get, very helpful! Looking forward to the Winter Shape Up 🙂
Thanks for the great review Gina! I have used the Fitbit Charge HR, but it stopped taking a charge, so I am in the market for a new tracker. I have had my eye on the Apple Watch. Thanks! *
I don’t have an iPhone (husband is so against Apple products) so I feel like the Alta would be a better fit for me. I have been looking at different fitness trackers as I am 2 months postpartum from baby #2 and the weight is not coming off as quickly and easily as it did after baby #1 and I am ready to feel comfortable in my clothes again!*
*I have yet to try a fitness tracker but they seem like they would be really helpful and motivating.
So glad you did this comparison, it was very helpful! I have also been a Fitbit fan for a long time, but I definitely have my eye on the Apple Watch and would love to try it out! *
*I’ve wanted an Apple watch forever! And now is the perfect time of year to start tracking my fitness goals 🙂
I’ve always been curious about fitness trackers, but have never tried one. A friend of mine is an ER doctor and she uses an Apple watch at work to get text updates on various patients. It allows her to get more done without having to have people track her down, or run back to get updates from staff. A pretty cool application of the product, I think! **
I have been thinking about getting an apple watch for awhile, but wasn’t sure if it is worth the investment. This definitely makes me want to get one!! *******
For me the Apple Watch seems revolutionary, specially now that it has gps and cell service. Fitbit is doing great for what it is and now they’re trying to get to apple’s level. The only thing I can say is that I wish the Apple Watch had a better battery life, 1 day seems limiting, especially if you have a long day which would mean that you may not have a watch towards the end of your day*
*Loved hearing your thoughts! I’m also trying to decide between the Alta and Apple Watch… Decisions, decisions!
Love it! I need to just bite the bullet and get one of these. 🙂 **
Hi!!! Thank you for this and for the giveaway. I love reading your blog and always so appreciate the advice and programs you give.*
*I found that it was “easy” to get to 10K steps on my Fitbit Charge HR, but that I have to be conscientious to close the third ring on the Apple watch, so it’s actually a little more motivating. The battery life can be annoying but I just plop it on the charger overnight (someone told me once you shouldn’t be sleeping with these connected devices by your head anyway, validity? not sure!). I know there are probably more features that I can and should use, but I like the simplicity of the basic functionality I use. Also agree the watch notifications for texts/calls are so helpful while chasing toddlers around and not having to worry about always checking your phone!*
I have been eyeing the Apple Watch for a long time! Would love to try it! *
*I’ve also been a fan of the Fitbit (cost, ease of connecting with and competing against friends/family for steps), but it sounds like I’d benefit from the workout modes, music and interface the Apple Watch offers. Thanks for reviewing these tools!
I used to use a fitbit, I’ve been using a Garmin and polar but have been researching the Apple watch for a while! Thanks for the post!**
* I have never had a fitness tracker watch at all. I am trying to work on more water and sleep this year. And also meditation/gratitude practice. I wonder if the watch can help with that too? I am going to investigate and see.
* I have been a longtime FitBit lover! But, have been wanting to try the Apple Watch. I’m running more now and think it would make things a lot easier!
*love love love the apple watch!
I have the charge 2 but kind of wish I had the Alta. I like how it is thinner but you still have a screen. *
I’ve never used the FitBit but I love my Apple Watch!* I’m curious as to what workout you put it on when you are doing Barre or Pilates. I get a little frustrated not to accurately track those sessions. Thanks!
i currently have the fitbit charge and i really like it’s simplicity, but i think i need to upgrade to the apple watch after reading this! the features are ENDLESS! ***