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
988 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thanks for the review! I have a Fitbit Alta and would love to try the Apple Watch!*
I use a Garmin but am ready for an update 🙂 I always have to listen to music or a podcast when I work out. *
I REALLY like hearing about the music aspect of this watch. I just started teaching Pound, so this would be great to easily stop the music, turn it up, etc during class. Thanks for the review!*
Love the Apple Watch! *
I’ve been wanting an Apple watch since they came out,* so tempting!
I love my Garmin Forerunner 35. It has some of the same features as the apple watch and alta, but not all, but it is much cheaper. I wear it as an everyday watch and use it to track my runs, and I love not having to change out my watch. It adjusts my daily step goal based on my recent activity, which is new to me coming from a Fitbit and setting my goal at 10,000. I’m not running right now, so I aim to get 7,000 steps, but when I go on runs I aim for 10,000.*
I have an Alta, but am disappointed by the exercise features. I would love to try the *Apple Watch!* 🙂
Thank you for the comparison! My only problem is I have an andriod phone…so no apple watch for me lol but good to know what to except from the fitbit and if there is a possible change in phone in my future
previous comment above* Happy New Year Gina!
I didn’t realize the Apple Watch was
Capable of sleep tracking. I had a Fitbit I liked, but the Apple Watch has so many more options than the Fitbit I had. *
Love that you bought it after drinks at an auction : ) I’ve been wanting the Apple Watch for years and have never been able to pull the trigger. Thanks for the review*
I’m torn about the look of each* I like the slim look of the FitBit, but love the look of anything Apple! :-p
Like you, I aim to get 10,000 steps (tracked with my Alta) a day and move for 30 minutes. This isn’t always possible with newborn twins + a toddler, but I like having the daily goal! *
All the tech watches are interesting! *
My daughter won an Apple watch and really likes it. I think it would be awesome to have.*
I really want to get a fitness tracker/smart watch****
* I have been scared to try an Apple Watch, but now I totally want one! I love the idea of being able to use it to control my music. *
I have an older fitbit but am ready for an upgrade. I’d love to try to new apple watch. Thank you for your review of the two *
I would think it would be hard to sleep with the Apple Watch on. *Always worth a shot though.
Thanks for the review! I have been hesitant to bite the bullet on the cost of an Apple Watch*, but I love all the integration offered!
I don’t have a fitness tracker but been shopping. Would love an apple watch. Thanks!
* I used Map My Run for awhile, but not for over a year. It was kind-of depressing seeing how slow I ran when pregnant. XD And that was using my phone. I want to get a fitness tracker but am a little afraid I would stop using it after awhile.*
Thank you for the product comparison! I definitely need to step up my fitness tracker.* Pun intended 🙂
I’ve been using a Garmin VivoSmart HR, but am seriously debating the Apple Watch to keep all my gizmos in the same family!
I’d *love* to try the Apple Watch!
I currently have a fitbit and used it like crazy when I first got it, but the “excitement” has unfortunately worn off. So I have been contemplating getting the apple watch for all of the reasons you specified above! *
Thanks for comparing the two. I have wondered about the differences and how they each work. I feel like I can make a better decision now. *
I have always wanted an Apple Watch but it’s more economical to get a Fitbit I don’t feel like I can justify it *
I don’t have a fitness tracker but the apple watch is so cute* in the pink and rose gold. My husband loves his apple watch, while my parents like the simplicity of the fitbit.
I love the simplicity of my Fitbit, the apple Watch seems more complicated!*
Thanks for the review, I have been considering the Apple watch. How is the display in *bright* sunlight? Visible? Good? Manageable? For some reason the store people would not want me to run around the block wearing their display watch. Wonder why. 🙂
I have a FitBit One and I feel like it tracks steps more accurately than a wrist tracker, but I’m still so tempted by the Apple Watch!*
Thanks for the review on both! My garmin broke and I need to get a new activity tracker! *
I would love either one of these trackers! I have the early FitBit* model but it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles.
I don’t have either fitness tracker, but you have sold me on the Apple Watch!!*
Love the Apple Watch! I had the Fitbit one and the Apple Watch is just so much better! *
I’ve heard so much of the same feedback* on the Apple Watch v. Fitbit! It sounds so much more accessible and user-friendly.
I have an Alta and I loved the size and battery life. Fitness trackers are the best for keeping a little motivation *
I didn’t realize the Apple Watch did all this! Thanks for the info*
i wish apple could find a way to extend that battery! would perfect things for me!!!*
I use a polar HRM to track my workouts and have been eyeing a fitness tracker for some time now. Your post is helpful! *
I have never had a fitness tracker before but the Apple watch looks like it would be so helpful for fitness (and beyond!). Thanks for sharing your review.
Would love to try the apple watch but I’m concerned about the size, and my lack of an iPhone to coordinate *
My Fitbit Charge HR just died so this would be a great opportunity to try a new tracker*
* I’ve wanted an apple watch for so long, but just haven’t been able to justify the expense. Would love to see how one would up my fitness game!
I took a break from using a fitness tracker (fitbit) and haven’t gotten back into it. I work from home, so getting step in can be HARD. I need to dust it off and get re-motivated to move more. I’ve always been interested in the Apple Watch. Thanks for the review. *
* I use an old school pedometer (with battery)! I try to hit more than 10,000 steps a day:)
I was on a FitBit kick for a while but was only using the one that tracked my steps. I’d love one that did that plus much more!
*I’d also love something that tracked my sleep!
When I am trying to up my fitness or nutrition game, I find that monitoring is so helpful! I would *love* an Apple Watch!
I’ve used a very basic, very old, Fitbit, but keep eyeing more advanced options…great review!*
I have been using the FitBit Charge 2 for a few years now, and for the most part I like it. The one down: it doesn’t always track my heart rate mid-exercise. For example, if I am doing a HIIT interval, my tracker displays -—- and does not read my heart rate. Could be user error, but I have heard the Apple Watch* does a better job all around!