Which Fitbit tracker is right for you?

Fitbits are a wearable device that is so incredibly versatile it’s pretty much a household name at this point. Unlike other wearables, the Fitbit line can be so overwhelming you may not know where to start when deciding on just one. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of versions, and each one offers something different.

For comfort, functionality, aesthetics, and cost, each model has some pros and cons. In this article, we’ll make choosing the perfect Fitbit easier. So let’s dive in!

What Does A Fitbit Do?

Originally designed as a fitness tracker, the wearable has improved tremendously. Offering new features and functions means it’s a great resource for anyone. Essentially, there are two main categories of Fitbit wearables: Smartwatches and Trackers. So what’s the difference?

Smartwatches are really close to James Bond level technology. You can make and receive calls/texts, download apps, and pair it with your phone to have feature-rich functionality on your wrist.

Trackers do have some calling capabilities in the higher models but that’s not exactly what their main feature or benefit is. Trackers come in at a lower cost and mainly track your movements helping you achieve workout goals.

Depending on your budget and your goals, this should help you to narrow down what type of Fitbit you’re looking for. It’s important to keep in mind that Fitbit’s trackers are slimmer in design than the smartwatches as well. With so much functionality in the latter, a larger profile is important.

Best Fitbit Comparison: Price and Features

Fitbit is a trusted brand so no matter which model you choose you’ll likely be happy. When researching the one that fits your needs you’ll also want to consider the cost. We’ll review that here so you can get an idea about which one you’d want to pay for.

Fitbit Premium

Let’s start out by covering Fitbit’s premium service. A monthly cost of $9.99 will net you some excellent benefits. If you choose a cellular-capable smartwatch you’ll also need to pay for that service with your cell phone carrier which generally costs about $10/mo.

If you don’t want to pay for the Fitbit premium service you’ll still get access to your Health and Benefits stats, but Premium gives you quite a bit more like guided programs, premium challenges, and access to hundreds of workouts.

If you’re using the Fitbit to help you get in shape, it’s certainly worth looking into a premium subscription.

Fitbit Premium + Coaching

Perfect for anyone who is really serious about training or getting healthy, the Fitbit Premium + Coaching plan comes in at $54.99/mo. Although the cost may seem quite high, you’ll actually have a feature-rich, customized plan with one-on-one coaching. If you’re alternative is hiring a personal trainer, you may want to take advantage of the free seven-day trial to see if this will work for you.

Device Cost

Now that we’ve covered the possible monthly cost (you don’t have to pay for a subscription at all if you don’t want to) we’ll review the upfront cost of a Fitbit device.

To start, the Fitbit Sense is the most feature-rich model. With stress-management monitoring and Guided EDA, the Sense model comes in at $329.95 making it the most expensive Fitbit available in 2020.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is the newest in the Fitbit Versa line and comes in at $279.95 while the slightly older model, the Versa 2, costs only $179.95. One of the upgraded features of the Versa 3 is the built-in GPS which is great for runners, bikers, kayakers, and so forth.

The Charge 4 is Fitbit’s more expensive tracker that includes GPS just like the Versa 3. It is a special edition wearable with a sleek and appealing design and will run you $169.95. If you’d rather have the lower-cost version of the Charge 4, the standard model is only $149.95.

The newest Fitbit Inspire 2 comes in at only $99.95. The tracker still includes a 24/7 heart rate monitor and sleep monitoring like the other models but doesn’t come with GPS.

Best Fitbits for Health Monitoring

Fitbits are more than a Pedometer. Many of them can actually monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels. If you have health issues that you need to monitor, looking into some of these models is certainly worth your time and peace-of-mind.

Keep in mind, Fitbits are not medical devices which means they aren’t regulated by the FDA. But, for basic needs and insight, they’re a great deal.

We like the Versa and Sense models because they both have a spO2 sensor for monitoring oxygen levels. Both of these models can measure your skin temperature as well as sleep health.

Overall, the Versa 3 and Sense models are a clear winner above the rest for those who would like to monitor their health.

Best Fitbits for Workouts

As stated above, there is a premium subscription for each Fitbit model that can help to improve your workouts. But, each model stacks up differently as well. For example, only the Sense gives you stress management monitoring.

Depending on your preferred workout, one of the models with GPS may be vital to you. Whether you’re looking at a tracker or a smartwatch, anyone who ventures outside of a gym may benefit from a GPS model while those who prefer to work out in one place may lose valuable battery life on a feature they really don’t need.

Another thing to think about when choosing a Fitbit for your workouts is the design. Some options have built-in music while others don’t. If you want music while you work out you’ll need a Versa model, although it is a bit bulkier than the slimmer Inspire 2 or Charge 4 models.

There are advantages to skipping on GPS too, mainly down to the cost of the technology, the impact on battery life, and the fact that almost every phone already has it, so you’re essentially duplicating for the sake of it.

Elsewhere, pretty much every Fitbit covers the core functions the brand is known for: step, calorie, and sleep tracking.

Best Fitbit Comparison: Water Resistance

The first thing to say about the design of the Fitbit is that each model is water-resistant, and not waterproof. That may sound a minor detail, but even those who don’t partake in water sports can still shower without fear of water damage.

Best Fitbit comparison: Battery life

The differing features, displays, and sizes make for variable battery life for each Fitbit. If battery life is your main concern in a fitness tracker you’ll want to consider the various features the wearable has.

Each Fitbit has roughly an average of 6 days of battery life. The Charge 4 can reach 7 days one charge while Versa models can reach 4 days on average. Either way, the battery life of a Fitbit device far surpasses that of other wearables on the market today.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the ultimate decision for purchasing your Fitbit comes down to what you’d like to use it for and the design. If you like a slimmer profile and you aren’t an Olympic level athlete one of the Fitbit trackers is probably going to work well for you.

However, if you want more features and functionality but don’t mind a larger face, go with one of the smartwatches.

Images: Fitbit and Alphr.com