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 color of your Apple Watch, so cute! Thanks for the review, I have been thinking about getting one.
* I have the Charge 2 HR and it’s not too bad. I like that it keeps the charge longer, but the apple watch is really tempting! *
I’d definitely use either since I’m so used to both brands. I suppose the Apple would likely have more functionality!
***
Love the comparison! This is something I have been wondering about lately…is the Apple Watch really worth it? Sounds like the answer is a ‘yes’!!*
Old Apple Watch over here and I just switched the face to Mickey Mouse since I’m running the WDW marathon on Sunday! *
I’ve been debating about an apple watch! Thanks for the review!*
I’d love to see the difference! *
Thanks for reviewing the differences! *
I *can’t wait for the next Shape Up! I’ve been using the videos from that last one 3 times a week, and love the full body, quick workout!
* love the look of the Apple Watch and with an iPhone I feel like it would be a perfect pairing.
I love my Fitbit Ultra HR, it is nice and petite. At 49 though, it is getting difficult to read. I would love love love and Apple watch for all of the reasons you mentioned. Thank you so much for the breakdown. *
I would love the chance to review the apple watch* for myself, my sister has the alta. Would love to see how they stack up!
* I’m a new mom and your comment about sleep tracking as a parent being depressing made me laugh out loud! I hate seeing it on my Fitbit dashboard!
**Thank you SO much for this post! My tracker broke a year ago and I’ve been wanting a new one but I’m so gun-shy of all the options out there. I have lots of fitness goals in the new year and I need a good tool to assist me. I have been leaning towards Apple Watch but it’s so expensive and I wasn’t sure if it was worth it – you have convinced me to take the plunge! **
I have a very old Fitbit that finally gave up the ghost this year. Time for a replacement! *
I’ve never used a fitness tracker and would love to try one!!*
This is a great comparison. Super helpful! Thank you for sharing! *
i love my fitbit but i have been dying to try an apple watch! so glad you love yours * xo
*Thanks for the helpful review!
I couldn’t decide between the apple watch or the garmin vovoacative 3gps smart watch. And still can’t decide! *
* My husband has the Apple Watch and it definitely motivates him to move throughout the day even if he can’t get in formal exercise. The stand alert every hour is also really helpful as a reminder for general movement.
* Do you think that the steps on the Alta & Apple watch are comparable? I wear both & the Alta always measures less steps even though it’s on my dominant wrist & my Apple watch is on my non-dominant wrist.
I would looooove to have an Apple watch! *
*I have the Garmin Vivofit right now and would love to step up my fitness game with the Apple watch!
I love fitness trackers! I have the Tom Tom but have really wanted to get an Apple Watch! ***
Have always wanted an Apple Watch. I love the idea of immediate feedback on my fitness goals! *
* I don’t use a wearable tracker but I loke to keep track of my daily steps using the health app on my phone. Though it only counts the steps I take while holding it. So not entirely accurate… *
I have been a Fitbit user for the last 4 years .. and although I’d love them more if they were more durable, Santa brought me the Fitbit Blaze, and I’m definitely loving it! This review was really helpful! *
Thanks for the review.*
I’ve only ever used the Samsung gear fit 2, and I loved the fitness watch but hated it- it crapped out on me within 2 months and when I sent it in for repairs under warranty I had to pay for it because of water damage… from sweat! Paid for the repairs and the band broke.
and then I bought another one. the band broke within a week. it’s being held together with willpower and super glue. *go me*
This was super helpful as I’m currently shopping for a fitness tracker! Leaning toward the Apple Watch for sure* 🙂
*I used an Alta for awhile and it didn’t have enough features for me to stay motivated to wear it. I think I would like the music capabilities of the Apple watch
i love my apple watch! *
I really like the look of the Apple Watch, but I never really knew all of its features! My friend got one for Christmas and used it basically as a remote (with a screen!) when we wanted to set her phone up to take a group picture!*
Thanks for the comparison – I have an Alta but have been thinking about an Apple Watch. The only thing that worries me is the battery life.*
Like you, I’ve used many Fitbit models (currently Alta) for all day tracking, and Garmins specifically for running and HIIT. I’ve been intrigued and intimidated by the Apple Watch, but your solid review is helpful!
Oops!*
* I have been wearing a Fitbit for a year now and love it. I never thought I would be much of a watch wearer (???) but have enjoyed seeing the days I have more energy or less. I am an Apple lover and would enjoy checking out the Apple Watch.
* I’ve been having this internal debate a lot lately! I had the old little Fitbit Flex for awhile and though I don’t have experience with the Alta I recently switched to the Charge HR. My fiancé has an Apple Watch and loves it… but you’re right, he has to charge it way more than I do with my Fitbit. My Charge can show texts but I can’t reply like I would be able to on an Apple Watch, which I’m not sure is a good or bad thing Now that they make that slightly smaller sized Apple Watch and I’ve got some Christmas money… its looking tempting for all those New Years resolutions!!! *
*i have the charge HR and like it, but also like the idea of being phone free (sort of) with the Apple watch
Great comparison…I love the size of the fit bit, but the added options with the Apple watch make me consider….*
I have had the FitBit for years, currently the Blaze and feel as though the heart rate is way off (when compared to my OTF tracker or MyZone chest strap). I’ve been wanting to buy the Apple Watch but can’t justify spending as much on a watch as I did on my iPad… Maybe I need to drink some mint juleps * 😀
An Apple watch would be a huge help for my new years resolutions to get back into a 3-5 times a week exersize habit.
I am a Fitbit girl!*
*The apple watch is so cute. Thank you for the review!
Thank you for writing this! I’ve wondered if the Apple watch is worth the money!*
Thanks for the comparison! *
* both look great!!
I would love a new Apple Watch!! I want the newer version *
* I currently use an Alta HR and like it (especially for the battery life) but am missing the ability to put it into workout mode … womp womp. I just got my husband the Ftbit Blaze and it has those skills.
*I used a fit bit for a bit than fell out of the habit.