When considering a good option for tracking your daily fitness, two of the top names you will frequently come across are Fitbit and the Apple Watch. Fitbit made its name through health-focused wearables, while Apple initially positioned its watch more around general smart features.
However, the gap between the two has narrowed quickly, with both now offering very similar capabilities when it comes to fitness and health tracking. What makes this decision interesting in 2024 is that both Fitbit and Apple Watch have improved in ways that make them more appealing to wider users.
Apple Watch brings high-tech style while Fitbit keeps it fitness-focused (Photo: Apple/Fitbit)
Fitbit has adopted more smart features, including touchscreens and app integrations, while Apple Watch now includes advanced health functions. So, when choosing between them, it comes down to what features matter most to you and how each device performs in specific areas.
Comparing Fitbit and Apple Watch for Fitness Tracking
When it comes to monitoring physical activity, both Fitbit and Apple Watch perform strongly but approach the task differently. Each one automatically detects movement and can track heart rate, calories, and various workouts.
The main difference is that while every Apple Watch model includes built-in GPS, that feature is only available in select Fitbit models, which may affect users who frequently track outdoor workouts.
Apple Watch users have access to Fitness+, a subscription service that gives access to guided workouts such as yoga, HIIT, and spinning. These workouts can be streamed on Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV. Fitbit Premium offers a comparable service, giving guided training and wellness tools for users who subscribe.
Fitbit devices particularly shine when it comes to setting and managing goals. Since they are designed primarily for fitness, users can define targets across various health indicators beyond the basics.
Devices like the Fitbit Charge 6 allow you to monitor steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, and even time spent in specific heart rate zones. For individuals whose main purpose is activity monitoring, Fitbit tends to be the more direct option since that is the core of its function.
Comparing Their Strength as Smartwatches
When looking at smartwatch performance, Apple clearly takes the upper hand. The Apple Watch offers deeper integration with iPhones, better notification handling, Siri voice assistant support, and access to a vast selection of applications via the App Store.
Depending on your location, you can also make contactless payments directly from the watch using compatible models such as the Apple Watch Series 9. Fitbit does support basic notifications and has introduced support for contactless payments on some models, but it lacks the extensive app support and smart capabilities that the Apple Watch delivers.
If you are hoping to take calls, stream music, or use various apps on your watch while leaving your phone at home, Apple Watch is the more equipped device. While Fitbit does offer limited music support and some models have LTE capabilities, the features are more restricted in scope.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Deciding between the two depends on what exactly you expect from your wearable. Those who want a strong and focused fitness tracker that encourages daily goal-setting and health monitoring should lean towards Fitbit. It is a purpose-built device for those who care most about their daily physical activity and tracking progress across different metrics.
On the other hand, anyone looking for a smartwatch that provides a broader set of features, including messaging, calls, music streaming, and fitness tracking, will appreciate what the Apple Watch brings.
It functions well as both a tech accessory and a fitness companion. The line between the two devices is getting thinner as Fitbit adds more smart features and Apple Watch increases its fitness offerings.
While comparing the two, it is wise to weigh their prices and specific features to decide which one fits better into your routine. Both offer quality, reliability, and useful tools that make them worthwhile options, and no matter which you go for, you are likely to end up with a solid wearable that supports your goals.
