Apple and Fitbit are the two companies that have the most market share in the smartwatch business. Therefore, the vast majority of customers will opt to purchase either an Apple Watch or a Fitbit. But what exactly differentiates these two brands from one another?
It has been asserted that the primary purpose of Fitbits is to serve as fitness trackers, but the primary purpose of Apple Watches is to serve as personal assistants. Well, this is certainly true.
Although this may be partially accurate, I do not believe that it is a very good comparison to make, considering both of these watches come with a variety of functions. Because both of these watch brands are technically capable of being categorized as hybrids, I do not believe it is accurate to refer to either of them as a “smartwatch” or a “fitness tracker.”“
With the Apple Watch 6 and the Apple Watch SE, which is a functionally scaled-down versions, Apple continues its policy of offering a single model that serves multiple purposes. Apple has recently revealed the Apple Watch 7, which will include upgraded sensors and an edge-to-edge touchscreen that can handle a full keyboard. It will almost certainly take the place of the Apple Watch 6.
On the other hand, Fitbit has a multi-model approach, meaning that each of its devices has a unique appearance, design, and even a subtly distinct market appeal. While some versions are in the shape of a square, others are in the form of bands. The Fitbit models include options geared toward women, men, and even children (with the Fitbit Ace). Buyers of Fitbits are faced with a significantly larger number of options when it comes to selecting the appropriate Fitbit device; nonetheless, these options are diverse and of high quality.
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Where do the similarities end and the differences between an Apple Watch and a Fitbit begin?
If you are feeling perplexed, there is no need for alarm. In this article, I’m going to show you how Apple Watches and Fitbits stack up against one another in terms of price, battery life, fitness tracking, and other capabilities. So, let’s begin!
1. Assistance and the identification of incidents
Fitbit
Fitbit, unfortunately, does not have any capabilities that can identify incidents, provide aid in an emergency, or send an SOS signal. You only need to visit the Fitbit forum to notice that a significant number of users all over the world have been pleading for the inclusion of features such as automatic fall detection and emergency SOS alerts that the device’s GPS powers.
Due to the fact that the company is more concerned with health and fitness than with safety, Fitbit is unable to provide such a function at this time, regardless of how important it may be. In order to equip devices with an alarm system, Fitbit would need to expand its business and build a new division that would be staffed with professionals who had received extensive training. This is in addition to the vast number of permissions that Fitbit would need to obtain in the first place.
To put it more succinctly, it does not yet possess the necessary infrastructure. Another possibility is for the organization to collaborate with an existing medical alert company to coordinate the provision of services, but doing so is not as straightforward as it might first appear.
Fitbit Accessibility
On the other side, Fitbit does provide a number of accessibility functions. One example of such an application is Fitbraille, which can be downloaded on both the Versa and the Ionic. It presents an unprecedented and unique opportunity for people who are blind or partially sighted to experience the passage of time in the following manner: there is no sound, and everything is just for you. It enables instant access to the time as well as the step count, and it renders Braille letters through haptic stimulation.
Your steps, resting heart rate, sleep score, and a range of other metrics can be read out loud by the Amazon Alexa speech assistant that is included in your watch. This feature is helpful for persons who are visually impaired. Users of the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 are affected.
In multiple entries on the Fitbit forum, users have voiced their wish to alter (increase) the text size on all Fitbit devices; nevertheless, the official reply from the firm is that this is “in planning.” You could want to dial up the brightness of the screen if you’re having difficulties seeing what’s on it.
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Apple
While you are wearing your Apple Watch 4 through 7, including the Apple Watch SE, it will give you a tap on the wrist, sound an alarm, and display an alert if it detects a significant fall while you are wearing it. You can contact emergency services or dismiss the alert by either touching the Digital Crown, clicking the Close button in the upper left corner of the screen, or tapping the ‘I’m OK’ button.
In the event that your Apple Watch detects motion, it will wait for you to respond to the alarm before placing a call to the appropriate authorities. After that, the watch will automatically dial the number for you if it determines that you have not moved for approximately one minute.
Additionally, when the phone call is finished, the Apple Watch will send a message to your emergency contacts with your location, telling them that your watch detected a hard fall and dialed 911. Your watch will retrieve your emergency contacts from your Medical ID card automatically.
In some countries and regions, residents can call a variety of different emergency service hotlines. The Watch will dial the number associated with local emergency medical services in these countries.
Accessibility of Apple Products
On the other side, Apple products are known for their broad accessibility. Specifically, Apple Watches are equipped with a number of features that are geared toward meeting the needs of users who have a variety of impairments.
Included in the package are things like VoiceOver, zoom, bold text, a large watch face, reduced transparency, grayscale, reduced motion, on/off labels, mono audio, and a haptic engine with an optional prominent haptic feedback. As is the case with other Apple products, the Watch is immediately ready for use; to activate VoiceOver, triple-click the Digital Crown, and if you want to use Zoom, ask Siri to turn it on, and then double-tap the display with two fingers.
Apple has only recently introduced a revolutionary new accessibility capability that will assist people with limited mobility. AssistiveTouch for watchOS now allows users with upper body limb differences to experience the benefits of the Apple Watch without ever touching the display or the controls. This is a significant advancement in accessibility for the Apple Watch.
Using built-in motion sensors like the gyroscope and accelerometer, the optical heart rate sensor, and on-device machine learning, the Watch can detect minute shifts in muscle movement and tendon activity. This is made possible by the device’s ability to learn on its own. Users are able to control the movement of a cursor on display by performing a variety of hand motions, such as pinching or clenching their fists. AssistiveTouch is a function available on the Apple Watch that enables users with limb differences to more easily accept incoming calls, control an onscreen motion pointer, access the Control Center and the Notification Center, and use a variety of other capabilities.
2. Monitoring of the heart rate
To begin, it needs to be mentioned that both watches are quite good at monitoring the wearer’s heart rate (HR). Consider Fitbit to be an industry pioneer, given that they were the first firm to offer continuous HR tracking on a wristband device. The New Fitbit Sense is an excellent model for monitoring one’s health and deserves to be included here.
Despite this, Apple’s HR tracking technology is generally considered superior, particularly when viewed through the lens of the 6 Series. Their high-tech timepieces can identify the earliest symptoms of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). This is the same reason we should rejoice in the Apple Watch’s capabilities as a fitness tracker (not just a smartwatch).
3. Monitoring of physical activity and fitness levels
In this category, both watches perform exceptionally well; nevertheless, the Fitbit watch may be slightly superior. This is due to the fact that certain Fitbits provide on-screen workouts, which are fantastic for helping to keep one motivated.
Whether compared to rival watches like the Apple Watch, the Charge 4 excels in its ability to recognize when its wearer has climbed a flight of steps. You get even more with the Fitbit Charge 5 than before.
Nevertheless, automatic activity recognition is available on both watches, making maintaining a fitness routine a lot more hassle-free. Consequently, any watch would be an excellent choice for use as an activity or fitness tracker.
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4. Monitoring the health of women
Apple and Fitbit both provide features tailored specifically to women’s health. Even though they were behind their competitors, such as Garmin, in the race to include this function, at least it will be around for good now.
Those who menstruate can obtain a more accurate picture of their overall health by mapping their menstrual cycle using iOS 13 or a later version of the operating system on their Apple devices. The Health app on an iPhone can monitor a woman’s menstrual cycle, or the Cycle Tracking app on an Apple Watch 6 can do the same thing on the wearer’s wrist. It is possible to set up alerts that will notify you when to anticipate the beginning of your next cycle or fertile window.
Concerning Fitbit, You can learn about your typical period length, estimated fertile window, ovulation, and other key statistics by using the Fitbit app to track the amount of time you spend each day. Continue to record and review your cycles so that you may obtain more accurate estimates. Additionally, track details about your cycle so that you can gain a better grasp of menstrual trends.
If keeping track of your period and other aspects of your female health is important to you, then purchasing an Apple watch can be money well spent. In point of fact, this capability will be built into all future Apple products; hence, you may want to consider moving to a handset Apple-made. The seamless integration of the two is where Apple shines in comparison to Fitbit. This is a real benefit for Apple, and it substantiates the company’s assertion that the Apple Watch is an extension of your iPhone.
5. Cost (and value for money)
It’s likely not necessary for me to point out that Apple Watches come at a hefty price tag! (Despite the fact that there are stores where you can purchase used or discounted Apple Watches.) The most recent Apple Watch 6, which may be purchased brand new, costs around three times as much as the Fitbit Charge 5. This is no longer the case now that Fitbit has released their trackers’ Sense and Luxe models. Apple’s dominance in the wearables market is challenged by competitors like the Fitbit Versa 3, which deserves to be mentioned.
When purchasing an Apple product, you are in part paying for the brand. On the other hand, the watch comes with many different functions, which means you are getting a good deal for your money. Go for the Apple Watch 6 if you want to purchase the most up-to-date and advanced model. Take a peek at the brand new Apple Watch SE if you’re concerned about your spending.
On the other hand, if you pay for things you don’t actually use, you won’t receive your money’s worth. Accordingly, Fitbits do provide greater value for the money for some individuals.
6. Runtime of the battery
Fitbits are considerably superior to other fitness trackers regarding battery life (see table below). One of the most common criticisms against the Apple Watch is that it only has an average battery life of approximately 17 hours. Compared to Fitbit, the Apple Watch does not do as well in terms of its battery life.
7. Style and design
Fitbits are lighter, slimmer, and more compact than the vast majority of rival smartwatches is one of the devices’ many appealing qualities (including the Apple Watch). They also provide the option of a square or bracelet/band style for the design. As a consequence of this, they are the perfect smartwatches for women to wear.
However, due to the futuristic design, they are not always appropriate for use in more traditional contexts. Consider purchasing either the Fitbit Versa 3 or the Fitbit charge 5 if you want a Fitbit that looks good no matter where you go. That is going to change in a few different ways, thanks to the Fitbit Luxe. See one of the Pitaka bands that we recommend the most, or select from a wide variety of possibilities for men’s bands on this page. Apple offers a great deal of variety when it comes to band options.
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8. Smart and technological capabilities
Apple watches are often seen as being more cutting-edge and technologically advanced than Fitbits. Take, for instance:
Both the Apple Watch and the Moto 360 allow the wearer to receive phone calls and texts, but only the Apple Watch enables the wearer to respond to texts.
In addition, the Apple Watch comes equipped with Siri, which serves as a personal assistant. Fitbits do not, alas, come equipped with this feature, but, in contrast to Apple Watches, Fitbits are compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Apple Watches are not.
Additionally, more than 20,000 apps can be downloaded onto an Apple Watch. In comparison, Fitbit provides over 150. However, you can only have a maximum of 39 on any device at any moment. Compared to Fitbit or any other wristwatch, the Apple Watch is the undisputed champion of applications (Apps).
Therefore, if you enjoy using the most cutting-edge technology available, the Apple Watch can be the perfect accessory for you.
What are the differences and similarities between each Fitbit and the Apple Watch?
Now that we’ve covered the most important parallels and divergences between Apple and Fitbit, it’s important to note that Fitbit comes in more than one variety. In point of fact, their prices range from approximately $80 to $300. Continue reading if you are wondering how each of them stacks up against the others. In the following, I will contrast and contrast the most recent Apple Watch SE with the four most popular Fitbits.
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Fitbit Sense | Fitbit Charge 5 | 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 | $297 | $180 | $299 |
| Heart Alert | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music | Stores Music | Stores Music | No | Streams Apple music |
| Compat. | IOS & Android | IOS & Android | IOS & Android | IOS |
Which product, the Apple Watch or the Fitbit, should I buy?
Even with all this knowledge, choosing between popular brands such as Apple and Fitbit may still be tough. Let alone pick between several Fitbit or Apple models! Please keep reading for a concise analysis that contrasts the best models offered by each manufacturer.
It is important to point out that the Fitbit Charge 5 is an exceptionally outstanding wearable device that may be an excellent option to go with. It brings together all of Fitbit’s most useful functions. In all honesty, it excels in a wide variety of areas. You have access to everything, including contactless payments, monitoring of your heart rate and stress response, tracking via GPS, as well as monitoring of your sleep. It offers a straightforward and uncluttered user interface. Even first-time users won’t have any trouble navigating their way around. However, the Fitbit Luxe is yet another excellent choice in this category. The biometric properties of this device have been improved, and it is also an excellent health tracker. It does not feature GPS tracking like the Fitbit Charge 5, which is a disadvantage. This one could be perfect for you if you spend more time in the weight room than on the track. In addition to this, the battery life is significantly superior to that of the Apple Watches.
How about the company Apple?
If you decide to go with Apple, you should think about purchasing either the Apple Watch 6 or the Apple Watch 7. This option makes sense for those who already have Apple products in their possession. Your iPhone’s functionality will improve as a result of using either watch. The Apple Watch Series 7 is the most recent model, and it has many useful additions. This Apple Watch is the only one to include a full keyboard. You will be able to compose text messages in the same manner that you would on your phone. Naturally, it also comes equipped with all the other fantastic features available on Apple Watches. The Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple SE take longer to charge than this model, but this model has a significantly larger display. If you go for the Apple Watch Series 7, you’ll have to decide between steel and aluminum models, each of which comes in a variety of fun colors.
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Where do we stand with the Apple Watch SE?
The Apple Watch SE makes the tech giant’s smartwatches more accessible to a wider audience, but this watch is not simply a “cheaper” version of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE is still equipped with a remarkable number of functions and trackers significantly more advanced than those seen on the first Apple Watch models.
The Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice for day-to-day wear thanks to its streamlined appearance and comfy band. As a result of this watch’s compatibility with watchOS, it can make and receive phone calls and send and receive text messages and notifications. In addition, the watch has functions such as an always-on display, accelerometer, altimeters, pedometer, and an SOS emergency button. High-tech health trackers like EGC monitors and SpO2 sensors are not included in the watch; therefore, if you want these features, you should consider purchasing a different model of the Apple Watch.
Should you decide to go with Fitbit Sense instead?
The Sense is a smartwatch that has a nice design. This alternative features a straightforward display and design, making it ideal for individuals who wish to monitor their exercises or fitness levels throughout the day.
In contrast to the Apple Watch SE, the Sense comes equipped with an electrocardiogram (ECG) capability that allows users to monitor their heart rates. Any person who is into fitness and wants to get detailed information about the activities they do every day will find this to be an extremely helpful tool. Additionally, the watch offers GPS tracking, various wellness apps, a lightweight and comfortable feel, and an adjustable strap.
Should you go ahead and purchase the Fitbit Charge 5?
Fans are really excited about the release of the Fitbit Charge 5 in 2021. But should I go ahead and spend my money on this fitness tracker?
This watch option, which retails for a starting price of $129.95, enables customers to monitor their health and fitness while still using a smartwatch’s functions. This is an excellent alternative if you want a watch that fits inside a more modest price range because it costs less than the Apple Watch 7. The Charge 5 is an excellent option for consumers looking for a high-quality smartwatch at an accessible price point.
This watch is on par with some of the most advanced fitness trackers now available on the market because it monitors health parameters such as SpO2, heart rate variability, and skin temperature change. This watch also has the capability of displaying your real-time running pace as well as the total distance you have traveled. These characteristics are perfect for anyone who enjoys being outside and exploring their surroundings. Calories burnt, heart rate trackers, and activity zone minute counters are some of the other metrics that users can choose to monitor.
Added functionality
There is no longer any need to put yourself in dangerous situations because the watch provides Daily Readiness Scores that indicate when it is appropriate for you to relax and when it is appropriate for you to exercise. You can take care of both your mental and physical health by using built-in stress monitors and mindfulness tools. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
You will also receive a six-month premium membership with the purchase of the Fitbit Charge 5. This membership provides access to more guided programs, enhanced analytics, and tailored insights, all of which are designed to keep you active and inspired. The Fitbit membership is a popular perk that customers are offered as an incentive to commit to purchasing a fitness tracker rather than a conventional smartwatch.
This watch could be the perfect accessory for you if you lead an active lifestyle and are looking for a timepiece created to complement your activities.
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Which of these brands is the most well-known?
It is difficult to determine which brand is preferred by customers the most. Apple is a globally successful brand, but Fitbit has quickly caught up to it in recent years. It might be argued that Apple is the more well-known and popular brand, but if you want to buy a watch tailored to your preferences, you shouldn’t go for the most popular one. Fitbit watches are more suited to people who want a fitness tracker at a lesser price. Therefore they are not the best option if you are looking for a watch that is focused on sports.
Are you still undecided when deciding between Apple and Fitbit? Find the perfect smartwatch with the assistance of our buying guide. If you do your homework and know what features you want in a smart fitness tracker, you won’t be let down by either Apple or Fitbit since both companies produce excellent smartwatches; all you need to do is choose the one that is best suits your needs.
