Fitbit are pioneers of the fitness tracking industry. Since releasing their first fitness watch in 2007, Fitbit’s technology has been ahead of the curve.
Did you know, Fitbit were the first company to introduce automatic data syncing? They were also the first to offer continuous heart-rate monitoring on a wrist device (for a reasonable price). They also have an open API, so external developers can create new apps. This means Fitbit’s interface is constantly evolving!
Rumour has it, Fitbit are now developing a watch sensitive enough to detect sleep disorders (that will be another industry first!).
So, we don’t blame you for wanting a piece of the Fitbit pie…
Which Fitbit Should I Buy?
If you are new to Fitbits, you might be wondering which device is best for you. Before we review the Fitbit range, ask yourself: what features am I looking for?
All Fitbit devices (for sale in 2019) can automatically track your activities. They can also keep tabs on the number of calories you burn and are water-resistant to 50 meters. All Fitbits allow you to set fitness goals, and they will remind you to move if you’ve been sitting still for too long. Finally, call and text alerts are available on all (adult) Fitbit watches.
The Fitbit Inspire is the cheapest device and it offers all the above functions (starting at $70). It is a great health tracker for beginners. But if you are looking for extra functions, you should consider another Fitbit device.
To help you decide, here’s the lowdown on the rest on the Fitbit family.
1. Fitbit Inspire HR
The Inspire HR has all the basic features that the Inspire does, but it can capture your fitness data with more precision. Because it has an inbuilt heart monitor, it can give you a more accurate cardio fitness score. It can also provide detailed sleep analysis.
The other benefit of the Inspire HR is that it has connected GPS. This means it can track your routes as well as your cardio data! Runners, cyclists, and hikers tend to find GPS very useful.
If you are a keen swimmer, you should opt for the Inspire HR over the Inspire, because the original Inspire cannot track swims.
Finally, the Inspire HR offers guided breathing sessions you can use throughout the day to help you stay calm.
Who Should Buy the Inspire HR?
If you’re looking for a budget sports watch that can provide accurate fitness data, you won’t be disappointed with the Inspire HR. It is one of the nicest fitness trackers for women. However, if you want on-screen workouts to help you stay motivated, this isn’t the device for you.
2. Fitbit Charge 3
The Charge 3 is similar to the Inspire HR, but it behaves more like a smartwatch. Not only does it receive calls and texts, but it also allows you to send quick replies. You can even make payments with the Charge 3.
In terms of fitness tracking technology, this device is also superior to the Inspire HR. For example, the Charge 3 can accurately track floors climbed (great for fitness enthusiasts who prefer to take the stairs).
The Charge 3 has a slightly wider screen that the Inspire HR, but it still has a lightweight and discreet wristband. Considering the number of features this watch offers, it boasts a great battery life (7+ days).
The design is simple, yet stylish – making it an ideal smartwatch for women.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit 3?
If you are looking for an accurate fitness watch for under $150 that can also make payments, the Charge 3 is a good choice. However, if you are not too fussed about making payments or sending quick replies, the Fitbit Inspire HR offers better value for money.
3. Fitbit Ionic
When the Ionic first came out, it took the fitness tracking world by storm. It received great reviews and continues to be one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market.
In terms of fitness tracking, the Fitbit Ionic offers something quite superior: In-built GPS. This means you don’t need to take your phone with you on a hike or a run.
The Fitbit Ionic starts at around $250. For a long time, it was impossible to find a fitness tracker with inbuilt GPS for much less than $250. You can now find cheaper devices with inbuilt GPS (i.e. Huawei), but the Ionic is still superior in many ways.
Firstly, the device is very thin considering how many features are packed in. Also, it can store and play around 300 songs directly from your wrist. You can also make payments directly from your wrist. What’s more, you can watch motivating on-screen workouts via the Adidas App.
All these great features can wear the battery down quite quickly. You should be willing to charge your device regularly if you opt for the Fitbit Ionic.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Ionic?
Choose the Ionic if you want a smartwatch/fitness tracker hybrid. Also, if you are someone that exercises outdoors, in-built GPS is worth investing in! Thanks to its stylish design, it’s also a great smartwatch for girls. However, the Ionic is not as discreet as other Fitbits. If you are looking for a thin wristband, try the Inspire HR instead.
4. Fitbit Versa
Put simply, the Versa is just like the Ionic, but it has connected rather than in-built GPS. Opting for this version saves you about $50. If you are someone who works out in the gym rather than outdoors, connected GPS might be a pretty useless feature anyway. In that case, it would be better to opt for the Versa.
The Versa has 15+ exercise modes so it can track a variety of activities including yoga, swimming, and gym workouts. It also offers on-screen workouts to help you stay motivated!
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Versa?
Choose this watch if you want a fitness watch/smartwatch hybrid and you don’t need in-built GPS. The only real difference between the Versa and Charge 3 is that the Versa offers on-screen workouts. If you are not too fussed about this feature, you might consider the Charge 3 instead.
5. Fitbit Versa LITE Edition
The Versa LITE is the newest addition to the Fitbit family. It looks exactly like the Versa, but it cannot:
- Track floors climbed
- Track swims
- Provide on-screen workouts
- Store music
- Make payments
To make up for this, the price tag is a lot lower and it does have an excellent battery life.
Although the Versa LITE has a similar design to the Versa, the features are more comparable to the Charge 3. The only real difference is that you can access popular apps directly from the Versa LITE, but not from the Charge 3. (Also, the Charge 3 can track swims and floors climbed, whereas the Versa LITE cannot).
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Versa LITE?
If you want a reasonably priced, fitness watch that has an easy-to-read screen, the Fitbit Versa LITE could be for you. You should also consider this device if you want a watch with a long battery life. However, if you want to experiment with on-screen workouts, opt for the Versa or Ionic instead!
Choosing the Right Fitbit
Research suggests that activity monitoring encourages people to live healthier lives. Indeed, many Fitbit users say they feel fitter, calmer and happier since using their device. Fitbits can even help us feel more connected because the app allows us to share our achievements with others.
Fitness watches certainly have the potential to improve our health, but it’s important to choose the right one. Head over to our article for more information about the best Fitbit for Kids
So, which Fitbit device will you choose? Leave a question below if you need some advice!
Last Updated on December 16, 2019
A highly experienced writer, with expertise in health and technology.
Rachael had a masters degree in psychology (with distinction) and a bachelors degree in English literature (with first-class honours) from reputable UK universities. Rachael has worked for two years as a research associate and reporter for a high-profile UK media company.
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