Fitbit Inspire 2

Fitbit has been busy recently. On 25 September, Fitbit released the new Versa 3, Sense smartwatch and the second version of the Inspire, the Fitbit Inspire 2. 

This is a follow up on the first Inspire version and the Inspire HR fitness trackers which belong in the most affordable price range of what Fitbit has to offer. 

The Inspire 2 promises many improvements users have been asking for regarding hardware and software. It’s certainly more powerful than it’s predecessor. Here we’re going to talk about the ways the Inspire 2 is a great fitness tracker choice.

Design

The Inspire 2 looks like it’ll look similar to the HR version. Fitbit does promise that it’ll be an improved style that’ll be slimmer with a brighter display.

Users have grumbled that the Inspire HR screen is lacking in boldness, particularly outdoors, so it’s great to hear Fitbit have addressed this visibility issue. 

You’ll be able to pick the Inspire 2 in black with an optional black, white or pink band.

Any Fitbit’s attraction largely comes from its band. They’re all interchangeable and Fitbit will be releasing a whole range of Inspire 2 bands later in the year.

Alongside the classic bands we know and love, you’ll be able to purchase a silver stainless steel band in mesh or a rose gold alternative. Fancy! You get the classic Fitbit clip which means you don’t even have to wear it on your wrist if it doesn’t suit your outfit.

There’s more. You can get a Horween leather double-wrap strap (that’s a mouthful), which, if you have a HR at the moment, will be compatible with both versions. These bands start at around $24.99.

Fitness and health tracking

You get a lot for your money when it comes to fitness and health tracking on the Inspire 2. It’ll track most of your movements and your nighttime recovery. 

It does the basics you’d expect; calories burned, heart rate, distance and inactivity. It’ll monitor your heart rate continuously 24/7. You’ll then be able to look at your sleep quality and sleep stages, including REM and light sleep, so you can see where you fit compared to averages.

There are over 20 sport modes on offer. These are used along with Fitbit’s SmartTrack software which automatically recognises when you’re doing a whole range of different sports. You can use Connected GPS to work off your smartphone’s GPS and track with better accuracy your outdoor adventures like hiking or cycling.

If you’re a swimmer, you’re in luck. The Inspire 2 has a water-resistance of up to 50m and this is just enough for surface level swims. Also, it has the same swim tracking capabilities as the Inspire HR. 

Fitbit has added a new feature; Active Zone Minutes. This is designed to create targets to hit for your heart rate zones during the week. This means you can keep an eye on your overall cardio fitness. You’ll need to do this within the Fitbit app.

If useful, there’s the ability to monitor menstrual cycles and enjoy some breathing exercises to reduce stress and keep calm.

Fitbit Premium

You can download the Fitbit app and pair your smartphone with your new Inspire 2. Fitbit offers additional features in their paid Fitbit Premium app. Here you’ll get a more custom experience and more insightful data. 

A monthly subscription also opens up Sleep Scores, which is deeper information for you to utilise to improve the quality of your sleep. You also have access to hundreds of things like mindfulness and guided meditations, workouts with video and audio-only as well as nutrition advice. You can add friends and family and compete in challenges together.

Fitbit Features

The Fitbit Inspire 2 won’t compete with its siblings the Versa 3 (or 3) or the Ionic. Although there are a few new smart features thrown in.

Like the first version, you can get notifications of calls and texts if you’re an Apple or Android user. Calendar appointments will show up on your wrist, too. Android users can reply to their messages if your phone is close enough.

You’ll be able to use different watch faces if you like.

What you won’t find on the Inspire 2 is Fitbit Pay or music controls.

Battery life

If a long battery life is important to you, you need an Inspire 2. Fitbit makes a bold claim that this device can be without its charger for up to 10 days at a time. As with all smartwatches and fitness trackers, though, this is entirely down to how many apps you use and for how long at a time.

This is still 5 more days than what the predecessors can manage. 

Compared to alternatives on the market, like the Samsung Galaxy Fit or Xiaomi Mi Band 5, the Inspire 2 is in the middle. 

Fitbit Inspire 2 v Inspire HR 

In a snapshot, what are the differences?

Looking at the hardware, there’s a promise of a bigger display and double the battery life.

Looking at the software, there’s going to be more goal-based activity modes via the Active Zone Minutes feature. You don’t get these on the Inspire HR.

Otherwise, the two trackers are like-for-like. There’s nothing to say the Inspire HR won’t have the features added as part of a future software update.

For an updated comparison of Fitbit models have click here.

Release date and price

The Inspire 2 is available now. It was release on 25 September 2020. 

You can pick between lunar white, black or desert rose. 

This cost is around $100, which does put it right in the same price range as the HR. The swinging factor is that with your purchase you get a year free membership to Fitbit Premium.

So there we have it. Fitbit have been very generous to us this Autumn and they’ve worked hard to put three new models out there to excite any fitness and gadget enthusiast!

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