Fitbit vs Apple Watch: Which is Better?

Fitbit and Apple are the two biggest players in the smartwatch industry. So, the majority of consumers will pick either a Fitbit or an Apple Watch. But what’s the difference between these two brands?

Well, it has been said that Fitbits are primarily intended to be fitness trackers whilst Apple Watches are primarily intended to be personal assistants.

Whilst this might be half-true, I don’t think it’s a very helpful contrast to make, because both watches offer a range of features. Indeed, both watch brands can be considered hybrids, so I don’t think it’s fair to pigeonhole them as either a ‘smartwatch’ or a ‘fitness tracker’.

Apple usually has a one model fits all strategy with the Apple Watch 6 and the functionally scaled-down version – the Apple Watch SE. Fitbit on the other hand has a multi-model approach with different looks and designs and a slightly different appeal. Some models take the square form while others are bands. The Fitbit model range caters to women, men, and even kids with the Fitbit Ace. Fitbit buyers have a lot more decision-making when it comes to which Fitbit is right but the choice is varied and good.

What are the differences between a Fitbit and an Apple Watch?

If you’re feeling confused, then don’t worry. In this article, I’ll show you how Fitbits compare with Apple Watches in terms of cost, battery life, fitness tracking, and extra features. So, let’s begin!

1. Heart rate tracking

Firstly, it should be said that both watches are very good at tracking heart rate (HR). Fitbit were actually the first company to offer continuous HR tracking on a wrist, so consider them trailblazers in this industry. Worth mentioning is the New Fitbit Sense which is a top model for health tracking.

Nevertheless, Apple’s HR tracking technology is now mostly superior, especially when you look at the 6 Series. In fact, their sophisticated watches can detect the first signs of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). Indeed, that’s why we should celebrate the Apple Watch as a health tracker (not just a smartwatch).

2. Activity and fitness tracking

Both watches perform highly in this category, though Fitbit may just have the edge. This is because some Fitbits offer on-screen workouts, and these are great for keeping you motivated.

Also, the Charge 3 is particularly good at detecting stairs climbed when compared to other watches like the Apple Watch. The Fitbit Charge 4 could give you even more.

Nevertheless, both watches offer automatic activity detection – which makes fitness tracking so much more convenient. As a result, either watch would make a great activity/fitness tracker.

3. Female health tracking

Both Fitbit and Apple offer female health-tracking features. Although they were late adding this feature compared to competitors like Garmin, at least it’s here to stay now.

For Apple users, it’s simple to map your menstrual cycle with iOS 13 or later, so those who menstruate can get a clearer overview of their health. A menstrual cycle can is tracked via the Health app on an iPhone or directly on the wrist through the Cycle Tracking app on an Apple Watch 6. It’s possible to set up notifications for when to expect your next cycle or fertile window.

As for Fitbit, Track your time in the Fitbit app to learn about your average period duration, predicted fertile window, ovulation and other important stats. Continue to record and check your cycles to get more precise estimates, and track information about your cycle and get a better understanding of menstrual trends.

So, if menstrual/female health tracking is important to you, investing in an Apple watch may be worth it. In fact, all Apple technology will have this feature, so you may even consider switching to an Apple handset. The integration of the two is where Apple excels v.s. Fitbit and is a true advantage.

4. Cost (and value for money)

You probably don’t need me to tell you that Apple Watches are expensive! (Although there are places you can find cheap or used Apple watches). Bought new, the latest Apple Watch 6 is around 3 times vs the price of the Fitbit Charge 4. With the introduction of the Fitbit Sense and Luxe, this is no longer the case. Worth mentioning is the Fitbit Versa 3 also gives Apple a good fight for the money.

With Apple, you are partly paying for the brand. But, at the same time, the watch is packed full of features, so you are getting a lot for your money. If you want to get the newest and greatest – head for the Apple Watch 6. For the budget conscious, have a look at the new Apple Watch SE.

However, you won’t be getting value for money if you’re paying for features you don’t use. So, for some people, Fitbits do offer better value for money.

5. Battery life

When it comes to battery life, Fitbits are far superior (see table below). In fact, one of the biggest complaints about the Apple Watch is its battery life, averaging at around 17 hours. Battery life is indeed the weakness of the Apple Watch vs Fitbit.

6. Style and design

One of the positive things about Fitbits is that they are lighter, thinner, and smaller than most other smartwatches (including the Apple Watch). They also offer a choice of square or a bracelet/band style. As a result, this makes them ideal smartwatches for girls.

However, their futuristic design can make them unsuitable for some formal settings. If you want a Fitbit you can wear to any occasion, then consider the Fitbit Versa 3 or Fitbit charge 4. The Fitbit Luxe changes that in some respects. Apple has many more band options, some are more formal – see one of our most recommended Pitaka bands or choose from many band options for men here.

7. Smart/tech features

When compared to Fitbits, Apple watches can be considered more hi-tech. For example:

• Both watches allow you to receive phone calls and texts, but the Apple Watch lets you reply to texts.
• In addition, the Apple Watch provides you with a personal assistant, Siri Unfortunately, Fitbits do not offer this feature, however, they do offer compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, which Apple doesn’t.
• Also, there are 20,000+ apps available to download on Apple Watch. In contrast, Fitbit offers around 150+ (though you’re limited to a max of 39 available on. any device at one time). Apple Watch is the king of Apps when compared to Fitbit or any other smartwatch for that matter.

So, if you like having the most up-to-date technology, then the Apple Watch may be for you.

How does each Fitbit compare to the Apple Watch?

So, we’ve explored the main similarities and differences between Apple and Fitbit, but there is more than one type of Fitbit. In fact, they range in price from around $80 to $300. If you’re unsure how these all compare then read on. Below, I compare the four most popular Fitbits with the most recent Apple Watch SE.

	Fitbit Versa 3	Fitbit Sense	Fitbit Charge 4	Apple Watch SE
Battery	6+ days	6+ days	7+ days	1+ day
GPS	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Heartrate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes + Atrial fibrillation
Cost	$230	$320	$148	$249
Heart Alert	No	Yes	No	Yes
Music	Stores Music	Stores Music	Stores Music	Streams Apple music
Compat.	IOS & Android	IOS & Android	IOS & Android	IOS

Should I buy a Fitbit or Apple Watch?

So, this article has shown you the key differences between Fitbit and Apple Watches.

Even with all this information, choosing between top brands like Apple or Fitbit can be difficult. Personally, I find the Fitbit Charge 4 or Versa 3 good options. The new Fitbit Luxe is a great design choice. For me, these watches are great ‘hybrids’, so they are certainly good value for money. The Fitbit Sense is of course a very good choice if health tracking is what you’re after. Fitbit also offers longer battery life between charging. Design-wise, the Fitbit Versa 2, Versa 3, and the Sense have a square shape like the Apple Watch. The Fitbit charge 3 and 4, Fitbit Inspire, and Fitbit Luxe are bracelet styles. We have seen the Fitbit Luxe and Fitbit Alta offering bracelet type bands as well which are nice.

But I do think Apple’s technology is more impressive. Firstly, the Apple Watch has the power to detect an irregular heartbeat. Also, it seems that Apple’s female health tracking technology is going to superior to anybody else’s and to top these, the apple watch amplifies and elevates your apple phone to a level not seen before.

So, if these things sound exciting to you, and you have a healthy budget, the Apple Watch is unlikely to disappoint. See our comparison of models here.

Still undecided comparing Fitbit vs Apple? We have a helpful guide for choosing a smartwatch. If you do your research well and know the things you are looking for in a smart fitness tracker, you won’t be disappointed with either Apple or Fitbit as they are both great smartwatch brands.

Last Updated on May 27, 2021