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- The Fitbit range is versatile enough to offer something for everyone, from super streamlined options to products that are more robust.
- What sets Fitbit apart from other
fitness trackers is its motivational boosts, which help keep your fitness goals more top-of-mind throughout the day. - Fitbits hold their charge for between four and seven days and charge in just two hours, and almost all Fitbits are water-resistant.
Depending on the model you choose, a Fitbit will run between $69.95 for the streamlined, non-fussy Fitbit Inspire tracker to $249.95 for the robust Fitbit Ionic smart watch. In total, there are eight trackers and watches to choose from, each with their own list of features to help consumers find the "perfect fit."
Personally speaking, I bought one of the original Fitbits a couple years after the company debuted its products. It was a straightforward, digital clip-on that helped keep me motivated on my roughly 60-pound weight loss journey. Unfortunately, because it was a discreet clip-on, I accidentally ran it through the wash one day and it was soggy toast.
Instead of re-purchasing, I decided to see what else was out there in the world of activity tracking. Over the years, I've tried ultra-fancy trackers — like the kind that'll tell you if your posture is bad or if you haven't taken a deep breath in a while — and I even decided to lean on my iPhone's step tracking for a while there.
The ultra-techy trackers feel overwhelming to me, the trackers that are too simplistic don't have the same motivating features Fitbit offers, and getting any sort of accurate tracking record with my phone's pedometer just isn't feasible. I eventually looked to Fitbit again (the Inspire), and it proved to be a goldilocks solution to my activity tracker dilemmas. Regarding the entire line of Fitbits, here are the pros and cons:
Pro: You've got options
Fitbit has a suite of eight core products, including three smartwatches and five trackers. Not including the children's Fitbit Ace 2, your most streamlined option is the Fitbit Inspire, which automatically tracks your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, and sleep. You can also manually track your weight and water intake.
At the top of the Fitbit line is the robust, GPS-equipped Fitbit Ionic. In addition to the base features, it offers guided fitness via health/wellness insights, on-screen workouts, music storage, and it monitors your heart 24/7. If you're unsure about which product is best for your lifestyle, you can take Fitbit's handy "Find Your Fit" quiz. The bands are also interchangeable if you prefer more personalization.
Pro: User-friendly even for tech newbies
Fitbit has done an excellent job of creating intuitive, easy-to-use products. Personally speaking, that aspect makes me more likely to use the product on a consistent, daily basis.
You can easily access the dashboard via a website or an app on your smartphone, which is where all your information from days prior is stored. Because it's Bluetooth equipped, information automatically syncs once you open the app which saves you from having to manually input information.
The dashboard and app are free to use, but you can upgrade to Fitbit Premium, which tracks food, stress, and other areas of your
Pro: It really boosts your motivation
Trackers are inherently motivating since they provide more insight into your daily habits and allow you to adjust accordingly, but Fitbit goes one step further with built-in motivational boosts. The tracker will send you push notifications throughout the day (usually once per hour) to help keep your steps top-of-mind and to better help you reach your set goals.
This is probably my favorite feature of the Fitbit, and what sets it apart from some others I've tried. In addition, you gain access to the Fitbit community boards with your purchase, which is available on the smartphone app and website dashboard. These boards can also be a sense of inspiration and motivation for fellow Fitbit wearers.
Con: can be a little uncomfortable
One complaint about Fitbits is that they're not super comfortable. The default bands are made from a flexible rubber and are easily adjusted according to your wrist size, but they do feel a bit heavy and bulky. I personally find it uncomfortable to type on a laptop wearing mine, and I'm not particularly fond of wearing it overnight, either.
I've also found mine a little uncomfortable to wear underneath my boxing gloves or when finagling weights. To be fair, this would probably be true of most wearable trackers. Additionally, sweat does tend to accumulate underneath the rubber band. It's not terribly common, but this can result in some chafing and breakouts. The band should be washed after working out or at least daily.
Pro: Most Fitbits are water-resistant
All Fitbit products, except for the Fitbit Ace, are water-resistant. That means you don't have to worry about them during a super sweaty workout, if you get caught in a rainstorm, or if you're at the beach or pool. You can also shower and swim with your Fitbit.
Pro: The charge lasts for days at a time
There's a running joke that you're less likely to get your sweat on or go for that walk if your tracker is charging since the activity won't get logged. Fortunately, all Fitbits hold their charge between four and seven days depending on the model, and on average charge within two hours.
This perk is nice for those who aren't always mindful about charging, and also for occasions when you might not have easy access to a charger (like multi-day camping or traveling). I usually just plug mine in once or twice a week before going to bed.
Con: they're slightly more expensive
With an entry point of $69.95 for the trackers and $159.95 for the smartwatches, Fitbits are competitively priced compared to similar products. However, you can still find some excellent trackers out there for less cash.
For example, the well-reviewed Vabogu Fitness Tracker comes in at $25, as does the beefy YAMAY Fitness Tracker Heart Rate Monitor Watch, which is an easy $49.99. These devices offer similar tracking benefits, but without some of the notable features Fitbit is known for, including the motivational boosts and the sophisticated app and dashboard for better tracking.
The bottom line
If you're looking for a goldilocks fitness tracker that tracks the information you need and keeps you motivated — but doesn't overwhelm or underwhelm you — Fitbit is an ideal option. They're a little more expensive than some of the other options out there, but you might find the perks deliver more value to you at the end of the day.