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 charge 2 and I do love it, but I have been dreaming of an apple watch for a while just because I do feel like it takes everything to the next level with all of its functionality.*
I have a Fitbit now but am dying to try the Apple watch for running! *
My husband has an Apple Watch* and loves it! I think it is time for me to join him **)
** I have the Fitbit charge, since last March, which I love to use to track steps . I’ve figured it takes about 3 miles to reach the 10K step goal that I keep. I would love to own an Apple Watch* though. ** =)
I currently use the Fit Bit Alta and I love that it reminds me to get up and move. Having a desk job, you tend to forget to get up and move. I like that it tracks sleep and you can log in exercise and water intake. I’ve never used an Apple watch but would LOVE to have one. Would definitely report back on a comparison if I were to win. Thank you for the chance! *
I’ve been a Fitbit user for more than 4 years now.. started with the Zip and upgraded to the Alta* last year. I love it! I don’t think I would like being ‘connected’ to everything all the time on the Apple Watch.
**So funny, my husband and I were JUST talking about this the other day and comparing the two from what we know and have heard. We have the FitBit Charge and have never used an Apple Watch. I would love to try it out!!! ****
*** Love reading your blog!! I have wanted an Apple Watch for years now but have never been able to justify that kind of purchase for myself. I’ve been using my trusty Fitbit for almost three years now and it still works fine but having an Apple Watch would be a dream!!
* I loved my Fitbit for so long! Recently switched to the Garmin vivoactive for more triathlon training but it sounds like the apple watch does it all!
*My hubster does not like Apple products, so I will never have the pleasure of owning an Apple watch. I have had many Fitbits, but they never seemed to last and I officially broke up with Fitbit. I have had the Garmin Vivoactive for several months and I LOVE IT. I bought a nice metallic/magnetic band to replace the ugly plastic one and I get so many compliments on it. This watch will go for weeks without a charge, unless I use GPS a lot. So, I have to be sure to keep an eye on the battery if I am doing a lot of outdoor runs. I love the app on my phone; it shows so much info from my runs/hikes. This watch links in my weather, emails, texts, calls (I cannot talk on it, but it helps me decide if I should go looking for my phone to answer the call) and calendar. I love it. The only downside is the big square face. The new iteration (Vivoactive 3) has a round face, so if/when this watch dies, I’ll go for the round faced version. However, it’s still going really really strong!
I had no idea that that you could respond to texts by talking into the iwatch. That explains why the woman in front of me was talking into her watch like Inspector Gadget the other day. I though she was just crazy **
* Great comparison! I used to be a fitbit gal but fell off the wagon. I can’t believe how far the technology has come! Now I’m totally interested in the apple watch! *
The Apple Watch just seems so stinking fun. *
I love my *Garmin*, but I also love the diversity of an Apple Watch!
*I told myself I had to “earn” my fitness tracker by working out on a consistent basis.* Got 1 more week before I get to treat myself!* Thanks for the review.* Helps a lot!*
* my husband asked me if I wanted an Apple Watch for Christmas and I said I didn’t need it. After reading your review, I wish I would’ve said yes! I had a fitbit at one point and I was so frustrated that it didn’t hold a charge.. maybe I had a defective one? Anyway, my birthday is in March… maybe I can hint
I lost my regular watch a few months ago, so ive been eyeing the apple watch thinking it can also help with some of my fitness goals!*
I used to use the original Fitbit Flex until it died on me. I really did love the accountability of it though, but always hated the fact that I couldn’t really track my non walking/running workouts. I’ve been looking to upgrade to an Atla, but now you have me thinking I might even want an Apple Watch* instead! I’m liking the idea of being able to do the workouts that I want to do and have them tracked! I also love the idea that I could see my phone alerts on my wrist vs. having to dig in my purse all the time.
The Apple watch interface seems awesome*
I’m on my second Fitbit–my first was the Blaze, which has many of the functions you mention for the Apple Watch but the battery life was terrrrriblllleeeee. I have the Charge now and I love it–so light weight and all of the functions I need! I’ve been eyeing the Apple Watch though…. 🙂 *
I’d love an Apple Watch!!! *
I have been wanting that Apple watch
I have to admit, I think I would go with the Apple Watch *just* because of the cuteness component. 🙂
I like the versatility of the apple watch* whereas the fitbit is really only designed for one thing.
Exciting give away! I love how clear your writing is and how real you are*
*I have one of the older Fitbits and I wasn’t terribly impressed. But I have been eyeing the Apple Watch for a while! Thanks for comparing!
Love the comparisons! * Been on the fence about the change…might be worth it!
sneaky sneaky * 🙂
*I was so excited to see this post because I’ve been thinking about getting the Alta with holiday gift cards…. now I have to think about the Apple Watch option too…!
Apple watch* looks like a winner!
I have been looking to try a fitness tracker haven’t decided either way though this makes the apple watch sound appealing! *
* I haven’t used a fitness tracker before (unless you count the $10 pedometer I wore in college) but I’d love to try an apple watch!
Oooh, I’ve been looking at this two options since my old fit bit charge broke. Thanks for the review! **
A fitness tracker always gives me an extra push to work a little harder! Thank you for the comparison, it’s always nice to read reviews to help make the decision on what works best for our goals! *
I don’t have one but have been wanting to try the Apple Watch but just can’t pull the trigger! *
Love your blog* I’ve always wanted an apple watch haven’t made the jump just yet* 🙂
I really like the Apple Watch. I think it might be a brand thing though (which is kind of terrifying to reflect on the impact of the brand). I think it is sleeker and more clean looking. *
* I feel like I’m the only person who doesn’t have a fitness tracker. I’ve been interested in both the Apple Watch and the Alta, so this is helpful to see the differences!
I’ve been dying for an Apple Watch!! Thanks for the review *
Thanks for the comparison! I’ve never had a fitness tracker, but feel like it would really help motivate me to get all my steps in. *
I love that the Apple Watch* looks sleek and functions as a real watch with other features, not just fitness tracking. Definitely a wish list item!
I use the FitBit, but some of the features of the Apple Watch sound more interesting*
Love fitness trackers – stopped wearing mine with a *newborn because it was depressing to see how inactive I was physically, now it’s time to start getting back into it!
I like my garmin vivosmart but would love an Apple Watch!*
*would love to try either!
I have the Fitbit Blaze, and as much as I love the tracking aspect, I wish i had gone for the Apple Watch. I was between the 2 and the fitbit won purely because of cost. *
*I have had 2 different fitbit models and they were great, as was there customer service. However, after my 2nd replacement broke, I took a break from wearing a tracker. I have been reading different reviews on all different models, and since I am a fan of Apple I have been putting a lot of thought on trying out the Apple Watch
I am a Fitbit diehard that has been *dying* to try the Apple Watch!!!! Glad to hear this comparison!
I’ve loved my alta hr but the extra features on the Apple Watch are great for my next step!*
I have a Fit Bit but would love an updated fitness tracker! *