FitBit Alta – slick and lightweight

The FitBit Alta boasts a slick, attractive design that brings FitBit’s range well and truly into 2019, and the numerous features are backed by the ever-dependable FitBit app. At around £65 though, the device isn’t exactly a bargain, and there are a number of design decisions that can be described at best as being questionable.

The FitBit Alta is one of FitBit’s numerous wristband trackers; it now costs less than it did when released in 2016, but though popular, isn’t perfect.

Key Features

The FitBit Alta’s showstopper feature is unquestionably its design, which is slick, lightweight and ultra-modern. As well as this, it boasts several valuable fitness tracking features – check the full list of details and specifications here:

• Fresh, minimalist design for those who prefer a no-frills experience
• Slim and lightweight – can be slipped on easily and complements both sports and leisure wear
• Customisable bands to create the look and feel you like easily
• Smart track feature automatically tracks the type of exercise you’re doing, including running, walking, cycling and rowing
• Water-resistant – can be worn out in the rain or in the shower
• Durable design for all kinds of outdoor activities
• Track every element of your fitness journey, including calorie expenditure, weight changes, heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking
• Simple, intuitive interface enables you to start tracking your fitness straight away
• OLED display is crisp, clean and easy to use
• Up to five days’ battery life
• Easily connect to other areas in your life, including your calendar, social media notifications and SMS alerts
• Comfortable fit for day and night wear
• In-built SmartTrack fitness tracking software to keep you motivated and celebrate every time you achieve a new goal, as well as sending you friendly reminders to get moving – all without having to use your Smartphone
• The FitBit app is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android platforms
• Available in black or stainless steel, and with multiple bands for additional customisation

There’s lots to admire in the Alta, and FitBit launched this model to show off their fresh design skills whilst at the same time making it one of their most affordable devices – so, there are some great aspects to admire, but there are also a few shortcomings worth noting.

Pros

• All round fitness tracker – tracks steps, heart rate, calories burned, distance travelled and activity times, as well as having an automatic sleep and activity tracker, covering all your needs as you embark on your fitness journey
• Sophisticated sleep tracker – tracks when you’re asleep and for how long, as well as the different types of sleep (restless, REM and deep)
• Design is slim, slick and impressively lightweight and contemporary
• Comfortable against the skin
• Customisation options make it easy to personalise the garment
• One of the most affordable devices in the FitBit range at under £65
• Impressive battery life – up to 5 days
• Easy to set up and operate
• Comfortable, robust band that fits snugly against the skin
• All operations done through tapping – there are no buttons

Cons

• Not waterproof – water-resistance is limited, meaning you can’t safely wear it swimming or submerged in the bath or shower
• Touch function isn’t as streamlined as the aesthetics would suggest, and sometimes takes a while to respond – not ideal when you need a rapid response and good sensitivity while on the move
• Small display means you can only view limited amounts of information at once in comparison with an actual Smartwatch (rather than a fitness band)
• Occasionally inaccurate or incorrect tracking – including wrongly interpreting steps being taken during an arm workout etc.
• Clamp style charger is a bit clunky and less user friendly than a micro USB or magnet

In Comparison with Similar Devices

The FitBit Alta can be easily compared to similar fitness bands on the market, the most notable of which being the Alta HR, FitBit’s upgraded version of the device which they released in

Device	Cheapest Price (Amazon)	Standard Size	Display	Compatability	Battery Life	Heart-rate Tracker	Built-in GPS	Water Resistant
FitBit Alta	$100 (US) or £64.32 (UK)	24×1.5x1cm	OLED colour	Windows, Mac, Android,iOS	Up to 5d	Yes	No	Yes
FitBit Alta HR	74$ (US) or £73.49 (UK)	24×1.5×1.27cm	OLED colour	Windows, Mac, Android,iOS	Up to 7d	Yes	No	Yes
Huawei Band 2 Pro Fitness	$50 (US) or £35.49 (UK)	26.6 x 2 x 1.1 cm	0.9″ PMOLED touch key	Windows,Mac,Android,iOS	Up to 21d	Yes	Yes	Yes (waterproof)
Garmin VivoFit4 Activity Tracker	68.83$ (US) £53.38 (UK)	1.9x1x24cm	8 colour 88 pixels wide	Mac, Android & iOS	Up to 1yr	No	No	Yes

The Bottom Line

The same is true of every release of any fitness wearable – every new piece of technology in fact: there is always room for improvement.

The FitBit Alta is a good option for those who don’t want to spend hundreds to get a decent fitness tracker; and while it might not be ideal for measuring intense exercises or lesser known sports and activities, the average person will get everything they need from the band, if not any more than this.