Fitbit and Apple devices are the market leaders for their domain. Apple has its premium smartwatches, and Fitbit is the leader for fitness trackers. Smartwatches and Fitness trackers share similar features: they can be
confusing for beginners. So who comes out on top? It’s the Fitbit Luxe vs Apple Watch 6.
In this article, we’re going to compare Apple’s best smartwatch—the Series 6— and Fitbit’s best fitness tracker— the Luxe. We’ve reviewed details about each device so you can decide which will work best for your day-to-day life. We’ll cover some of their fundamental differences and reveal our unbiased recommendation.
Hardware Design
The most fundamental difference between the two devices is their size. The Apple Watch models have changed since their first model. The rounded square case is recognizable and matches the look of other Apple products.
The Series 6 has an always-on OLED display, and you can order them in 2 case sizes: 40mm and 44mm. The case’s material is available in stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. Apple’s made-to-order process ensures
that users can enjoy comfortable wear.
Interchangeable bands (sold separately) let users customize the style of their watch. Yet, due to the Series 6’s large case, the interchangeable bands will only accent its modern look. It’s a luxury digital smartwatch that takes
on the “techie” appearance.
So, the Fitbit luxe continues the minimal look of their Fitness Bands. It has an AMOLED-color display and a stainless-steel case (in available colors: graphite, soft gold, or platinum). The case adds a premium feel to the
smooth silicone band. The slim nature of the tracker is suitable for users with smaller wrists.
Fitbit made it essential to make bands that look like jewelry or a classic timepiece. Unlike the Apple Watch, the Fitbit Luxe lets you take its style to the next level. It’s why Fitbit markets the Luxe as a Holistic Wellness Tracker.
Health & Activity Tracking
By now, you likely heard about the reputations that Fitbit and Apple have for health. The Fitbit Luxe and Apple Series 6 are high-end devices, so this category is where they compete. Both devices track your pace, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), skin temperature, activities, sleep, menstrual cycle, and calories burned. Both devices will push you with custom notifications and health reminders. We found that some features were equal in quality, while others had a clear advantage over others.
For example, both watches have automatic workout detection. If you’ve been exercising for at least 15 minutes, the Luxe (by default) will detect and record your activity based on 20 different exercise modes. You can change the minimum time requirement through the Fitbit App.
For the Apple Series 6, the recent OS updates allow users more precise automatic workout detection. We saw that it was more accurate than the Luxe. If the Apple Watch detects a workout session, a notification will appear
and state, “It looks like you’re working out.” Afterward, it will offer you 16 different exercise modes.
Apple offers less common but vital activities such as the ‘wheelchair’ mode. It even lets you add a custom exercise which makes up for the four fewer exercise modes. The Fitbit Luxe provides a good variety of sports/activities: such as ‘martial arts’ or ‘stair climber’ mode. Thus, we recommend that you take some time to understand the exercise modes. Consider which activities match your lifestyle.
Both trackers offer in-depth heart monitoring, but the Series 6 is the only Apple watch with an electrocardiogram (ECG). This lets you measure your heart’s rhythm (the pattern between each beat). Something the Fitbit Luxe lacks. In addition to 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, the Apple Watch Series 6 uses its optical sensor to measure your heart’s rhythm. It alerts you when it detects an irregular pattern. Ideally, this will see and prevent heart-related issues in the long run.
Fitbit attempts to introduce mental health management tools to more consumers. It’s evident in the Fitbit Luxe because it’s a lower-price point. The Luxe will use various data—related to your activity levels, sleep, and heart rate—to populate a stress management score. The daily score assesses your body’s ability to handle tension.
Apple has a built-in “breathe” app, but Fitbit takes the lead for built-in stress management. Or, you can download different stress management apps for the Series 6.
Connectivity & Smart Features
A smartwatch’s connectivity and ‘smart’ features determine the “nature of the beast.” Understanding this sets the expectations for other aspects of the device (such as battery life or price). For the Fitbit Luxe vs Apple Watch 6, you can see there is a large discrepancy in their smartwatch abilities.
Both watches can receive notifications and track your movement, but it can end there. The Luxe does not have a built-in GPS, so you will need to have your phone with you at all times. Along with its’ connected GPS, Fitbit’s Fast
Pair feature ensures an easy and fast connection to your Android smartphone.
Similarly, the Apple Watch Series 6’s base model can’t receive notifications while away from your iPhone. But you can opt for the cellular model for around $50 more. The Series 6 has built-in GPS tracking: so you won’t need your phone during workouts. Not to mention, the Apple watch has a continuously running altimeter (always-on) to track your real-time elevation.
Unlike the Fitbit Luxe, the Series 6 gives you control of your music—online and offline, thanks to its 32GB of internal storage. The built-in microphone allows you to retrieve phone calls on your smartwatch. It also gives you valuable benefits such as Apple Pay and Emergency SOS. So you can see why the Series 6 is beyond a fitness tracker.
Battery Life
Battery life is where there’s a significant discrepancy. Fitbit states that the Luxe can last up to 5 days with average use on a single charge. Whereas you would need to charge the Apple Watch daily, and it can last up to 18-hours. It can be a massive drawback for those who don’t want to risk losing any valuable fitness/sleep data. Nonetheless, both gadgets charge quickly. So you can efficiently power up the battery between tasks.
As a premium health and fitness tracker, the Fitbit prioritizes in-depth health metrics. So you can see why Fitbit takes pride in the battery life of their trackers. A lack of battery power can mean missing out on crucial data. If
charging your watch’s battery every day is inconvenient for you, then the Fitbit Luxe is a no-brainer.
So which one would you choose?
What’s the verdict. the Fitbit Luxe vs Apple Watch 6? We recommend the Apple Watch Series 6 if you are a user who will make full use out of its heavy-hitting features. It’s more than a fitness tracker; it’s a smartwatch designed to support your productivity, connectivity, and much more. If functionality and a luxurious lifestyle are more valuable to you than a grand style, then the Apple watch is your choice.
On the contrary, you may be someone who prefers the classic and less invasive appearance of a watch. We recommend the Fitbit luxe if you are a smartwatch minimalist. Suppose you need to upgrade their Fitness but do
not want a big learning curve: choose the Luxe.
After reading this article, we recommend that you take a day or two to think about your day-to-day life. Ponder on their benefits and how they will fit into your routine. Think about the activities that you part-take in and what you value in a digital watch. Also, don’t forget to be realistic about your priorities and habits.
Have you developed a preference between the Apple Series 6 or Fitbit Luxe?
If so, why?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Last Updated on February 3, 2022
Emma brings over a decade of freelance copy and content writing experience and is our Editor, Social Media Manager, and regular contributor. Specializing in long-form content such as blogs, articles, lead magnets, and white papers, Emma also provides businesses with email marketing, website copy, and landing pages.