Having to choose between Apple Watch and Fitbit can literary tear you apart if you have to go one way and make an exclusive choice. But knowing them is a step closer to making a credible buying decision.
The two brands have recently invested in technological advances and continue to refine their margins.
But which one should you choose?
In this Apple Watch vs Fitbit guide, I do a complete, front to back comparison between the two wearable brands that take the market by storm with every new release.
Whether you’re ready to grab a model and sink in the wearable world or you’re holding back because you’re not sure if you’ll find these watches meaningful, this teardown should point you in the right direction.
Apple Watch Vs Fitbit Comparison Chart
The following table is a summary of the differences and similarities between the Apple Watch and Fitbit smartwatches:
| Apple Watch | Fitbit | |
| Best Models | Apple Watch Ultra, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8 | Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Luxe, Fitbit Versa 3 |
| Software Compatibility | Apple Watches can only work with iPhones. | Fitbit pairs, syncs, and works with any smartphone. |
| Fitness Tracking | Tracks calories, steps, heart rate, | |
| Music | Access to Spotify, Apple Music, with better music experience | Accessible via Deezer and Pandora |
| Wrist Payment | Apple Pay | Fitbit Pay |
| Device Compatibility | Works with Siri | Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Battery Life | 18 hours on a full single charge | Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode |
| Price | Relatively more expensive | Inexpensive to high-end models |
| Where to Buy | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
Apple Watch Vs Fitbit: Here’s How They Compare
The technology put in smaller devices to offer convenience, class, and luxury often fascinates me.
Looking at Apple Watch and Fitbit, I must say they’re by far the best smartwatches worth their salt. However, they differ in terms of cost, features, appearance, and status.
Smartwatch Design and Appearance
Fitbit provides more options in the exterior design and appearance landscape because you can get a square screen for Fitbit Versa 3, while the others are slim band-type watches.
Apple Watch has maintained a square design over the years and the Series 7 increased the screen size to (41mm x 45mm).
Both Fitbit and Apple Watch provide high-quality designs that fit on the hand and are waterproof to allow you to train and perform all activities without worry of damage.
The designs for both brands focuses on comfort and efficient handling.
Apple Watch has a better design for displaying various features on square screens loaded with high-quality pixels that display brilliant colors.
However, Apple Watch can feel somewhat clumsy when you require sleep tracking.
Fitbit has a slim design that offers you more comfort. The problem is that the small screen design is restrictive when you want to enjoy screen mirroring.
Models
Fitbit smartwatches are diverse in shape and appearance as they range in features and target markets.
For example, the Fitbit Charge 5 is an option for enhancing sports, while the Fitbit Sense aims to get the most basic features in limited capacities.
The Apple Watch models are very similar in design and appearance and their target users get almost similar capabilities.
Apple Watch modes are:
- Series 3
- Series SE
- Series 6
- Series 7
- Apple Watch Ultra
- The SE (Gen 2)
Fitbit has more varieties of watches that provide greater flexibility and market positioning than Apple Watch varieties.
You will get different watch designs in Fitbit such as the slim bands for the Fitbit Charge 5 and more square-shaped ones like the Fitbit Sense.
Apple Watch loses to Fitbit on this comparison of shape varieties because it presents less diverse options regarding shape designs.
Software and Compatibility
The technical aspect of software and compatibility differs because Fitbit can work with all smartphones.
In contrast, Apple Watch exclusively works with Apple devices, so you will need an iPhone.
The Apple Watch’s overall software experience focuses on optimizing all integrated aspects and excellent monitoring.
Smartwatch Features
Apple Watch has set itself apart as the leader in providing more features to the buyer than Fitbit does.
Apple Watch gives you a sophisticated experience in and out of training sessions because of the integration with iPhone features, while Fitbit is simplistic.
You will get notifications, Siri, the App store, alarms, and timers from your Apple Watch to ensure the interconnectivity experience is worth your money. Fitbit has limited features such as notifications, screen mirroring, and fewer apps.
If you are interested in better music access, the Apple Watch is better than Fitbit in this section.
The music options for Fitbit are only accessible through Deezer or Pandora, but Apple Watch gives you more flexibility by connecting the watch to Spotify and Apple Music.
I understand that entertainment might not be a major factor when buying smartwatches. But having the additional benefits definitely puts Apple Watch ahead of Fitbit.
Some Apple Watches provide cellular capabilities so that you can receive calls and text messages from your wrist.
Health and Activity Tracking
Tracking physical activities and facilitating a credible report is essential for ensuring you know what is happening in your body.
Apple Watch and Fitbit smartwatches can track physical activities and provide the data you need to help you determine whether you’re getting enough workout.
Interestingly, the two watches can track:
- Calories burned
- Heart rate
- Cycling
- Steps
- Floors climbed
- Stationary bike
Apple Watch gives you more options to train at home through Fitness+, which offers instructor-led workout sessions, yoga, and spinning displayed on the iPhone, Apple TV, or iPad.
The challenge for the title by Apple Watch in fitness tracking is no surprise, especially since the brand only recently concentrated on tracking and health monitoring.
Fitbit incorporates more approaches than Apple Watch, making its models superior when it comes to health and fitness tracking.
For example, Fitbit enables you to track hydration, set weight goals, determine your menstrual cycle, and get access to foods database via MyFitnessPal.
However, Fitbit only gives you an overview of your health and fitness option in the Fitbit app if you’re a free user.
If you wish to access in-depth insights on your health and fitness with a Fitbit device, you will need to pay for Fitbit Premium.
Battery Life
In testing, Apple Watch guarantees a runtime of up to 18 hours on a single charge without exploring the extreme battery drainers.
To be frank, that’s the worst runtime for a smartwatch from a popular brand, albeit Apple Watch boasts of removing your reliance on the iPhone by putting most features effectively on your wrist.
There are viable tips to extend Apple Watch battery runtime without charging. But that will mean turning off most of the features, including hear rate and blood oxygen monitors.
On the other hand, a Fitbit can work for up to 7 days in smartwatch or standard mode on a full charge.
I can attribute Fitbit’s longer battery life to its less diversified features.
But there’s a caveat.
To be clear, Fitbit batteries drain fast if you activate the built-in GPS mode. In testing, you get not more than 8 hours of runtime, which is why you should turn off the GPS feature unless it’s necessary.
Cost
The traditional view of the Apple Watch as the high-end option and Fitbit as modest is quickly becoming obsolete.
You can now get Fitbit watches selling higher than some Apple Watch models.
However, Apple Watch has remained relatively more expensive than Fitbit models made in the same period to suit similar market demands.
The round figures for Fitbit Sense, Versa 3, and Versa 2 are $300, $300, and $180 respectively. Other Fitbit trackers include Luxe at $150, Inspire at $100 and Charge 5 for $180.
The prices are quite different when you want to get an Apple Watch. For instance, Series 7 is about $400, $300 for SE, and $200 for Series 3.
The differences in overall cost are significant because Apple Watch requires you to have at least an iPhone, while Fitbit works with both iOS and Android devices.
Final Thoughts
Apple Watch is a better option if you want to balance life, work, and exercise, but Fitbit carries the day for working out and monitoring.
Of course, each brand’s cost, features, appearance, and status can influence your choices.
But if you want a truly robust and performance optimized option, Apple Watch is the smartwatch to get.
Just keep in mind that you’ll charge an Apple Watch more often than you would if you bought a Fitbit model instead.
