When it comes to fitness trackers, Fitbit is one of those names that most people have heard of – and with good reason. They are an American company with their head offices based in San Francisco. And have been involved in manufacturing consumer electricals and fitness devices since 2007. The first Fitbit, the Fitbit Tracker, was released in 2009. Since then, there have been numerous new releases with plenty of fantastic features and improvements along the way. So, we’re going to take a look at their two more recent releases, the Fitbit Luxe and Fitbit Inspire 2.
The Fitbit Luxe, announced in April 2021, has just been released and is the newest model on the block. The big question on most people’s minds will be how it compares to the Inspire 2? Which was only released in September 2020. A quick glance at both suggests that the models are almost identical in terms of wellness and fitness features. So what exactly is the difference, and which one should you be buying?
Design and build
At first glance, both the Fitbit Luxe and the Inspire 2 seem very similar in design. Both are slim and lightweight. However, there are, in fact, some pretty fundamental differences when you look a little closer.
The central “pebble” of each watch, the actual activity tracking part, comes attached to the wristband of the wearer’s choice. However, for the Inspire 2, the tracker part is made from high-quality plastic whereas the Luxe has a stainless steel housing. The difference isn’t that noticeable but makes the Luxe feel like there is better quality involved. Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters.
When it comes to color options, the Fitbit Luxe is available in Black, White, Orchid, and the Gorjana Soft Gold Stainless Steel Parker Link Bracelet. The Inspire 2 is available in Black, White, and Rose.
This is really a personal decision as the difference between the two models is a purely aesthetic one.
Display
The biggest, and therefore most apparent difference between the two models is the screen. The Inspire 2 has a 1.4 in touch-capable OLED screen, which is monochrome. Whereas the Luxe boasts a 0.76 in (124 x 206) color touchscreen that is AMOLED.
While it is understandable that some of the differences that these offers are merely superficial, there is no denying that a color screen is just that little bit more desirable. The color screen makes it easier to see information at a glance and is just that little bit clearer. However, the text on both is still relatively small.
If you are looking for a larger-screened Fitbit that is easier to read, then you are better looking elsewhere at one of the smartwatches from Fitbit. However, if you are happy with smaller on-screen text and a slim, lightweight quality then you are onto a winner with either of these models.
- If you are happy with a monochrome screen then the Inspire 2 ticks all the boxes. However if the idea of a coloured screen and the additional clarity you get when looking at data attracts you then the Luxe is the way to go.
Size
It is to be expected that the watch is a little heavier with the stainless-steel element of the Luxe tracker. However, the difference is just 3g, so you would be hard pushed even to realize there was a difference. It is also a tiny bit smaller overall and slimmer. But you really wouldn’t notice this unless you were examining the two side by side.
In case you were wondering, the stats are that the Luxe is 36.30mm by 17.62mm by 10.05mm while the Inspire 2 is 37mm by 16.8mm by 12.9mm.
- To be fair there is little difference between the two choices in this category. So it really is down to personal preference.
Which has better battery life, the Fitbit Luxe or Inspire 2?
The battery life of the Luxe is half that of the Inspire 2. This might be the color display or simply down to the smaller, slimmer size. Fitbit suggests that the Inspire 2 will offer users 10 days of battery while the Luxe will give them around 5. This, of course, means that you will need to charge your Luxe twice as often as an Inspire 2. If you have a good charging routine, then this may not be an issue. However, this is rather a big difference.
- The question is does the colour display of the Luxe attract you enough for the inconvenience of charging it twice as often as the Inspire 2? If the answer is no, then you will probably want to opt for the latter.
Wellness and fitness
Both the Luxe and the Inspire 2 share many similar health features. This makes them almost identical on a wellness and fitness front. These are things like their all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart-rate tracking, resting heart rate, breathing rate, swim tracking, female health-tracking, stress management score, timer, and stopwatch, to name just a few. However, there are a few differences.
The Luxe will shortly feature oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring. This will allow the user to see important changes in recovery and fitness. Fitbit is not yet suggesting this will be available with the Inspire 2.
The Inspire 2 has Find With Tile, which is exclusive to only this model of Fitbit. It allows users to utilize Tile technology to keep track of their device when they download the Tile app to their smartphone. This app is free.
- There really are very few differences between the Luxe and Inspire 2 in terms of wellness and fitness, if the oxygen saturation monitoring, which isn’t available just yet, interests you then go for the Luxe, otherwise you may prefer to stick with the Inspire 2.
How much does the Fitbit Luxe and Inspire 2 cost?
This is where the most significant difference between the 2 models can be found, and you will be spending almost half again for the Luxe over the Inspire 2. This is quite a premium for the color screen and stainless-steel body.
- If you want the slight luxury edge then opt for the Luxe, but otherwise it may be worth hanging onto some of your money and investing in the Inspire 2 instead.
Should you buy the Fitbit Luxe or Inspire 2?
As the name would suggest, the Luxe is a slightly more luxurious Fitbit than the Inspire 2. Yes, it may look a little sleeker and have the color screen, but ultimately, they both have the same features and that, for many, is where it really matters. So, this one really is down to personal choice and whether you can justify the color screen for the larger price tag.
If you’re not convinced Fitbit is for you, check out these great Fitbit alternatives.
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Last Updated on February 3, 2022
A highly motivated all-around writing professional with experience in writing about modern technology. Joanne writes for Superwatches for over 2 years now. Joanne specializes in product comparisons and reviews for us and we truly appreciate the quality of her work.
Lives in Congleton, UK.