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 been dying for the Apple Watch! I was a Fitbit fan for a couple of years but each model ended up giving me a RUGGED wrist rash :(.
My younger brother and I committed to running 1,000 miles in 2018 – I’ve been tracking the runs on Strava so far, and would be great to do that with an Apple Watch!
I have a fitbit charge but I would love to try the apple watch*
This could make reaching New Year goals easier *
Would love to try the Apple Watch! Seems to have more functionality than a Fitbit *
I currently wear the Fitbit charge HR! And upgrade would be nice *****
I love my fitbit, but I’m very interested in an apple watch!*
I had a Jawbone for awhile and really liked tracking, but it crapped out pretty quick and I never got around to getting anything else. I am always so tempted to put an Apple Watch on my wish list..*
I have a Fitbit Charge 2 now (after having the Flex first, then the original Charge). It was a Christmas gift last week and I love it! I love competing with friends and getting workout, sleep and activity points! *
Thanks for the review*
I haven’t ever used a fitness tracker, but love the idea of using the apple watch that can track but also combine some of the iphone’s features!*
I really want an apple watch for my husband! He got me one for Christmas, and I feel like it would help him get motivated. I wonder if it works with other phones (he has an android).
I think that for fitness only, I’d go fitbit, but for multi-functionality the apple watch* is better.
I love the pink band you have for the Apple watch!!
I love my Apple Watch! So much easier than my old Fitbit for tracking all the different activities I enjoy. And I totally agree that it makes it easier to put my phone away and stay in the present moment, since I can check for missed texts/calls on my wrist 🙂 *
The Apple Watch is so amazing! I love the phone call and text options.*
I’d love an Apple Watch to help keep me on track as I get back into fitness this year after my brain surgery! *
Almost got an Apple Watch for my birthday but opted for the Fitbit Alta instead. Curious about what I’m missing out on*
I haven’t tried either so I love the comparison!*
I currently have the fitbit, but have seriously been considering switching over! This helps with the decision! *
I love my Apple Watch*. It has really changed the way I approached my fitness goals. For me it is bigger than just the 10K steps, its the move goal as well.**
*An apple watch sounds like the perfect way to start the year!
With this post, I’m now not sure which one I’d want! The Apple is amazing, but you can’t beat the price of the Alta. Decisions, decisions…
forgo to put the *
I have the most basic of fit bits and I love it! I’m sure an Apple Watch would feel like the Taj Mahal in comparison! * 🙂
I didn’t know the Apple watch had such great fitness features – now I want one! *
I haven’t used a fitness tracker in the past but am definitely interested in the Apple Watch!* I’ve tried using the step counter on my phone but unless i remember to pick up my phone whenever I move it’s not accurate.
I love to get out for a *hike* with the dog to get my steps in for the day!
*Would love to try as well!
Would love a new apple watch.*
*an Apple Watch might be a fun new toy for the new year! I had a Fitbit like several years ago but i didn’t love it, I love that the Apple Watch has many other functions!*
Both watches seem awesome in different ways! I do love how dainty the FitBit Alta is, though.*
I love my Fitbit Charge 2 – but do wish I could swim with it. I know you can swim with an Apple Watch but holy balls that would make me nervous!!! *
I would love to try the Apple Watch! *
You sold me on wanting to try an apple watch! *
I’m planning on buying the Apple Watch this weekend! I’ve been dying for one for over a year!! *
I’m waiting for them to come out with an Apple watch that looks like a normal, dressy watch. I love it in theory, but I’m always thrown when someone is wearing a great suit or tailored dress in a meeting with an Apple Watch that has a neon-colored band.*
I haven’t used a fitness tracker in a while since my last fitbit just stopped working. I like all of the features other than fitness tracking that an Apple Watch can do. *
Loved this review! I’m a fitness tracker junkie myself and love reading about the different types** – this made me want to invest in an apple watch!
The Apple Watch looks awesome!*
I really love my Fitbit! And I agree that the sleep tracking can be super depressing *
I love your point about being able to see texts and incoming calls on your Apple Watch, so that actually keeps you off your phone. That’s a benefit I’ve never thought of! I’d love the opportunity to try an Apple Watch. *
* I was using the Fitbit Charge HR and loved it! My job requires me to sit at a desk all day and I found it to be really motivating to get up and move around more. The heart rate monitor was fantastic too, I do a lot of bodypump classes and it was great to see how much my heart rate would get up in those classes. As much as I loved it, my Fitbit died on me a few times. Customer service was amazing and sent me a replacement but that died after a few months. I haven’t replaced because I wasn’t sure if I wanted another Fitbit, there’s a lot of options out there now! Anyway, I appreciate the comparison, helpful to know!
I was really thinking of getting an Apple Watch. Hubby has one a *really likes it.
I’ve been wanting an Apple watch since they came out, and I love that it does so much more than my Fitbit Alta. And they are so pretty…*
I use the Garmin Forerunner but I’ve heard good things about the apple watch*
After being a Fitbit user for a long time would love to see the difference with the Apple Watch!*
Loved reading the comparison. Thank you! *
I got my apple watch for xmas last year and I feel LOST without it!! I agree with you, I LOOOVE when all the circles are closed and I absolutely love being able to check texts, my phone isn’t glued to me all day! I did also have the alta before and I loved it, but like you said..the apple watch takes it to a whole new level!!!
I’m currently doing a 5 day detox and my body is like WTF where did all the Christmas cookies go?! HAHA
XOXOXOX
Jax*
Great review! I’ve been looking at both of these. Also, slightly jealous you are getting snow. Sometimes it’s fun to see the seasons change! *
I love the look of the Apple Watch! *
* I currently use a Fitbit charge, but would love to try an Apple Watch. I currently try to hit 10,000 steps each day.