Is anything better than Fitbit

Apple Watch vs Fitbit: which watch is better?

If you've been thinking about buying a new smartwatch or fitness tracker, you may also be wondering which device is the best for you Apple Watch vs Fitbit? We're here to guide you through the key differences between the two brands, and equip you with the facts you need to make an informed choice.

While Fitbits and Apple Watches share many similar features, including daily activity and heart rate tracking, there are also lots of key differences that you should know about when choosing between the two.

Knowing where to start can be daunting, and upgrading can also throw up myriad possibilities that make it tough to choose which is the right watch for you. With that, heres some help in choosing the right device for you.

Top Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals right now:

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Apple Watch vs Fitbit: models

Since Apple Watch was first released, its seen a course correction from a focus on apps for the device, to focusing primarily on your health.

Currently there are the following models on sale directly from Apple:

All of the above use Apple's latest operating system for wearables, watchOS 9, which introduced new mindfulness tools, improved outdoor cycling features (including more accurate calorie counting for e-bikes), a pilates workout mode, and an updated photos app with new portrait watch faces.

Its best to see the Apple Watch versions as good, better, and best. All are fundamentally excellent smartwatches that benefit from a mature operating system, so it's a matter of balancing your budget against their features.

The SE, especially the latest version, is a great entry point for those who want an Apple Watch with a heart rate feature at the lowest price. The Apple Watch 6 and above include many of the same features, including blood oxygen monitoring, plus an on-demand ECG. Fitness is the primary function of the Apple Watch in 2022, so if that's your main concern then you wont go far wrong here.

The Apple Watch 8 is a relatively iterative upgrade, with the main difference being the addiction of new functions like Crash Detection to detect car and bike accidents, and skin temperature sensors. It retains the 7's slightly larger case sizes (41mm and 45mm compared to 40mm and 44mm for the Apple Watch 6). There's a 70% brighter always-on screen mode for use indoors, the display is topped with tougher crystal, and the watch's case is now rated IPX6 for protection against dust.

Its hard to believe that the first product Fitbit released back in 2009 was a clip-on device that only measured steps and sleep. Now there multiple varieties of Fitbit available to suit many different groups of customers.

The company made waves in creating smartwatches with fitness as a priority, and it came to a head in 2020 where Google announced it was buying Fitbit to bolster its wearable armory. They're not just for Android, though; Fitbit devices also work with iOS, making them a great choice for whichever handset you use.

From basic activity tracks for monitoring your heart rate and step count to fully-fledged smartwatches, theres a Fitbit for everyone. As were talking about the Apple Watch here, the closest products that rival it are the newly launched Fitbit Versa 3 and the Fitbit Sense.

However, that might soon change. Fitbit is now owned by Google, and the two companies recently announced that they're currently working on a premium Fitbit powered by Google's smartwatch operating system, Wear OS. We don't know much about it yet, but this is likely to be much more of a direct competitor to Apple.

There's a wide range of Fitbit devices available, from the sleek Fitbit Luxe to the sports-focused Fitbit Charge 5, but if you're looking for something comparable to an Apple Watch, the Versa 4 and Sense 2 are the two you should be looking at.

Fitbit Versa 4

The Fitbit Versa 4 is the more affordable of the two Fitbit smartwatches, and is an excellent alternative to the Apple Watch for Android device owners. It's slightly more fitness-orientated than the Sense 2, boasting more activity profiles as well as top-tier sleep tracking. You can respond to notifications from Facebook, messages and email, make contactless purchases with Fitbit Pay, control your Spotify playlist, track workouts and more, all from your wrist.

Alongside the hundreds of watch faces that can be enabled on the device, theres also a variety of colors to choose from.

Fitbit Sense 2

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the higher-end of Fitbit's two new smartwatches, with a similar design but a more advanced feature set to monitor your health and wellbeing. Alongside the features of the Versa, it has the electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor of its predecessor, which can detect signs of stress based on changes in your skin's conductivity. It can also detect variance in skin temperature, which can be a sign of an upcoming illness, plus your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).

Apple Watch vs Fitbit: battery life

Your Apple Watch's battery life mainly depends on how often you will use the fitness features throughout the day, but as soon as you put it in at 8am and then come back to watch Netflix at 7pm, you will usually be left with 40% charge remaining.

Both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Versa 4 offer a six-day battery life (though the exact duration will vary depending on the features you use), with a minimum of a 12-minute charge to keep you going for the rest of that day.

Apple Watch vs Fitbit: fitness tracking

If you choose an Apple Watch, you'll get a ton of features that you can cater to your needs, including a raft of activity-tracking options, plus on-board GPS so you can leave your phone at home and still record your runs, swims and rides.

Alongside this, if you know of others who also have an Apple Watch, you can see their fitness goals throughout the day, and even compete with them over a seven day period.

Better yet, exclusive fitness goals appear during the month, to further challenge you on the tasks you usually take part in. From walking, to pilates, and strength goals, theyre all here.

Another great feature, which you'll find on every device except the Apple Watch 3, is fitness detection. If you're 10 minutes into a walk, for example, the Watch will display a prompt asking whether you want to track it. Those first 10 minutes will already be logged if you choose 'Yes', meaning your entire journey will be tracked. It's a very handy feature, and means that even if you're just running errands and wouldn't normally think to activate tracking, it will still count towards completing your daily Rings. Since the launch of WatchOS 8, your watch can also track cycling automatically, so your daily commute to work will could towards your goal as well.

If you're interested in getting more active at home, it's also worth noting that you'll get a free three-month subscription to Apple Fitness Plus when you buy a new Apple Watch, giving you access to hundreds of instructor-led workouts on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.

As you might expect, fitness tracking is where Fitbit shines; once the app is downloaded onto your phone, simply sync your device and a wealth of health and fitness data will be available at your fingertips - all presented in a format that's clear and easy to interpret. In addition to heart rate, sleep and activity metrics logged by your Fitbit device, you can also use the app to log your hydration, set weight goals, log food, and track your menstrual cycle.

Things get even better with a Fitbit Premium subscription, which gives you more in-depth analysis of your sleep data (with new Sleep Animals coming soon), plus a Daily Readiness score. There's access to a huge catalog of instructor-led workouts, meditation classes, and mindfulness sessions as well, plus nutrition advice. You'll get a free trial of the full service when you buy a new Fitbit so you can decide whether you want to sign up longer term.

If you're mostly interested in fitness and not so concerned about other smartwatch features, it's worth checking out the full range of other Fitbits as well. The Fitbit Charge 5 is particularly impressive, with on-board GPS to track outdoor workouts, the same stress monitoring tech as the Fitbit Sense, workout tracking, an ECG sensor, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking all packed into a compact case much smaller than the Sense or Versa 3.

Apple Watch vs Fitbit: conclusion

If you're still not sure, the decision comes down to a few factors. If you use an iPhone, it makes perfect sense to complement it with an Apple Watch. You gain features that are exclusive to the Watch, such as Siri and deep integration with iOS.

Currently, Apple is leading the way in the smartwatch market, and the current lineup of Apple watches are great all-rounders that benefit from a mature operating system, long-term support from Apple, and a wide range of apps. Although they don't focus on health as much as Fitbit's devices, their workout tracking features and Apple's upcoming Fitness Plus subscription service encourages you to go that extra mile and consider the effects of your lifestyle on your wellbeing.

If youre using an Android phone, a Fitbit device is the one to go for, especially now that the company has been purchased by Google, and a premium Fitbit smartwatch powered by Google Wear OS is coming soon.

Fitbit's heritage in workout tracking and health makes its devices a good choice if you're particularly interested in monitoring your workouts and cardiovascular health. The Fitbit Versa 4 offers you a similar feature set to the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), alongside the SpO2 feature that the SE model lacks. Its lower price might also be enough to tempt iPhone users.

If you're interested in practicing mindfulness, the Sense 2's stress tracking, mood logging and breathing exercises could make it the best device for you, helping you manage the pressure of life in 2022.

Overall, the decision is yours; it just depends on the phone you have and how much tracking your fitness means to you.

Whoop vs. Fitbit: Which Fitness Tracker Is Better?

When it comes to managing your health and overall wellness, a fitness tracker can be a great investment. Fitbit has established itself as a trusted leader in the fitness tracking space, with wearables for every budget and fitness level. And though Whoops 4.0 tracker is a newer option with less of a track record, its also a favorite of many professional athleteslike two-time Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas and five-time PGA Tour Winner Nick Watney.

To figure out if the pros are truly on to something when it comes to Whoops 4.0 fitness tracker, we decided to compare it to the fan-favorite Fitbit Inspire 3.After wearing and testing the Fitbit for a month and the Whoop 4.0 for three weeks, we evaluated both trackers based on their design, ease of use, price, and more.

We compared how well they tracked our activities, sleep, mindfulness, and basic health statisticslike our heart rate and blood oxygen levels. We paid close attention to each trackers accuracy, battery life, and any additional features that set them apart before choosing a winner. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and how to evaluate each tracker's features.

The Main Takeaways

Fitbit Inspire 3

• Membership is optional

• Compatible with iOS and Android

• Cannot connect to Apple Health

• Provides fewer detailed metrics and health insights

• Tracks your daily step count

• Easy to set up and use

• Battery lasts up to 10 days on a single charge

Whoop 4.0

• One-year membership commitment required

• Compatible with iOS and Android

• Connects to Apple Health

• Provides detailed metrics and health insights

• Does not track your daily step count

• Fairly easy to set up, but has a steep learning curve

• Battery lasts up to 5 days on a single charge

Whoop vs. Fitbit Results

Winner: Fitbit

With a design and an app thats easier to use, plus a lower overall cost (since paying for a monthly membership is required with the Whoop 4.0 and optional with Fitbit), Fitbits Inspire 3 is our clear winner. Not only is it comfortable to wear and easier to understand, but it also is simpler to set up and has a longer battery life. While we appreciate that the Whoop 4.0 offers more detailed health insightsincluding in-depth sleep and performance trackingits complicated interface seems better suited for serious athletes that would appreciate the extra information. But for those who want a fitness tracker that fits seamlessly into almost any lifestyle and activity level, we recommend Fitbits Inspire 3 as the better option.

Keep reading for in-depth insights from our Fitbit Inspire 3 and Whoop 4.0 tests.

Activity Tracking

Winner: Fitbit

Both the Inspire 3 and the Whoop 4.0 list automatic exercise tracking as a feature, which means each wearable should be able to detect when youre working out without you having to log every sweat session manually in the app. While this feature worked during both tests, we found that the Fitbit was faster and more accurate, even recording short walks just a few minutes after they ended. On the other hand, the Whoop was slower and only detected longer workout classes, like yoga, sometimes as much as 1 hour after we completed them.

After a workout, both the Inspire 3 and the Whoop 4.0 break the activity down into various statistics. The Whoops Strain Score lets you know when your body is ready to push harder in the gym and when it needs to rest, while Fitbits Zone Minutes track how long you spent in certain cardio, fat burn, or optimal heart rate zones. Whoop Live can even add real-time data on top of videos of you exercising, so you can watch how your body reacted during training.

Although Whoops activity tracking is more thoroughwith high-tech featureswe liked that Fitbits Inspire 3 was quicker to automatically track our workouts. Its also worth noting that, unlike the Inspire 3, the Whoop 4.0 does not monitor your daily step count. This feature is available with all Fitbit models (and with many other best-in-class fitness trackers), so we were disappointed to find that the Whoop doesnt have it. With all of this in mind, Fitbit earned our vote in this category for its speed and convenience.

Health and Sleep Tracking

Winner: Whoop

Most Fitbit and Whoop features are dedicated to recording and processing your health data. Both bands track your blood oxygen, resting heart rate, skin temperature, menstrual cycle, and more. Where they differ is in how they package these insights in their apps.

The Whoop breaks your numbers down into weekly and monthly trends, creating Performance Assessments every Monday that analyze your performance compared to the previous week, and provide specific recommendations for future sessions. For example, if we stayed up late and recorded a few alcoholic drinks using the in-app journaling feature, the Whoop might recommend we take it easy and go to bed earlier the next day.

The Fitbit app is not as specific as Whoops. While you can customize which insights the app shows you, none are as detailed. For instance, while Fitbit does track weekly activity trends, it doesnt offer personalized coaching. However, its worth noting that Fitbit does offer mindfulness exercises and strategy recommendations, while the Whoop doesnt offer mindfulness recommendations at all.

When it comes to sleep, both trackers are fairly similar. They record when you fall asleep, when you wake up, how long you slept, and how long you spent in each sleep stage (awake, REM, light, and deep). Both trackers also have silent vibrating alarms, which we appreciated when compared to the noisy alarms on our smartphones. We found this also encouraged us to move our phones out of our bedrooms at night, which can help improve sleep quality. The one feature that sets the Whoop apart is that it also recommends an optimal time for you to go to bed each nightalthough we noticed that the suggestions were sometimes unrealistic, with suggested bedtimes as early as 7:30 p.m.

If youre looking for a fitness tracker that offers the most detailed health tracking, the Whoop is our top pick. When it comes to sleep tracking, the Inspire 3s simpler insights may have a slight advantage, but it was not enough to nudge out the Whoop for this category

Accuracy

Winner: Fitbit

When a fitness tracker isnt accurate, its recommendations do not reflect whats best for you and your body. During testing, we paid close attention to each trackers metrics to make sure they matched our daily activity levels.

Right away, we realized it would be harder to determine the Whoops accuracy because of the statistics it tracks. The Whoop doesnt count steps, and because it relies on other metrics that arent as easily trackable without the help of an external device, like calories burned, it doesnt provide many numbers that we could actually verify. But we did notice that it accurately logged how long we worked out for. And, the sleep tracking feature was also mostly correct, with just a few minutes difference from our actual sleep schedules on most days.

On the other hand, the Inspire 3 tracked our sleep schedules down to the minute, but we found that the step counter could be overly sensitive. Sometimes, the tracker recorded activities like making the bed as extra steps, slightly skewing our results. The difference was less than 100 steps each day, so we thought this was a fair trade-off for the Fitbits other features.

Although it was close, Fitbits Inspire 3 sleep tracking was more precise, earning it the win in this category.

Ease of Setup

Winner: Fitbit

After opening the box, both trackers required a basic setup process before we could begin wearing them. Each band also needed to be fully charged, and we had to download the Fitbit and Whoop appsboth of which didnt take long.

That said, Fitbits setup process was much more intuitive. The device did most of the work for us, and connecting the band to our phone was simple. Creating a Fitbit account also didnt take long, and the app automatically activated our free, six-month Fitbit Premium membership. We also liked how easy it was to navigate around the app for the first time.

Setting up the Whoop was more complicated because it took us a few tries to get the band to connect with our phone. The app is also much more involved, with many sections and pages to categorize all of the trackers data.

But its worth noting that the Whoop automatically connected to the Apple Health app, while Fitbit doesnt integrate with any other apps. Even so, we preferred Fitbits more seamless setup, which won out again over the Whoop for this category.

Ease of Use

Winner: Fitbit

The best fitness tracker for you should be a seamless addition to your workout routine thats easy to use. Both the Inspire 3 and the Whoop eventually fit into our daily routines, but they had very different learning curves.

The Whoop required more time and energy upfront. We had to commit to learning the ins and outs of the app and how to use the trackers tech-forward features. It collects lots of metrics and categorizes them using a dictionary of Whoop-specific terms, like Strain, Sleep, and Recovery Scores, Personal Assessments, a Health Monitor, and more. We noticed that it took two weeks to feel comfortable using the appand even then, some of the Whoops personalized coaching still hadnt taken effect yet because the tracker hadnt collected enough data.

Conversely, Fitbits app is simpler, with a design thats easier to read and insights that are more intuitive. During the first few days, the app walks you through what all of its scores and analyses mean. We preferred these tips over the few pointers that popped up in the Whoop app.

The physical Fitbit tracker is also easier to use. It has a touchscreen that shows you all of your metrics at a glance. This is a great feature, especially if you prefer something more hands-free. The Whoops screen-free design, on the other hand, meant that we had to pull our phones out every time we wanted to check our progress.

Its also worth noting that you can conveniently charge the Whoop while you wear it using the included battery pack, while the Fitbit cant be charged while in use. But we still found that Fitbits user experience was better designed and easier to use for the average person, earning it another win for this category.

Design and Comfort

Winner: Fitbit

If your fitness tracker isnt comfortable, you wont want to wear itespecially while you sleep. A trackers design also plays into how it feels on your wrist, so we paid close attention to each bands size, shape, and weight.

When it came to physical comfort, both bands were similar. They are lightweight, flexible, and water-resistant. The Fitbits silicone strap and small screen made it so comfortable that it was easy for us to forget we were wearing it. And while the Whoop band is wider, its thin fabric also contributed to a barely-there feel. However, we found that the Whoops width wasnt as comfortable when sleeping.

When looking at the physical bands, you will find one main primary differencethe screen. The Inspire 3 has a small, low-profile touchscreen that allowed us to keep track of our statistics in real-time, set alarms, and check text notifications. The Whoop, on the other hand, has a screen-free design that required us to use the app more often to monitor our progress. This can be a challenge if you are looking for something more hands-free.

We also noted some important differences in the clasps. The Fitbit uses a standard buckle, like a wristwatch, which makes it easy to use and secure. Meanwhile, Whoop has its own locking mechanism, which took us more than a few tries to figure out. We also noticed that the Whoop was harder to put on and take off with one hand. Plus, the tracker even fell off twice when the clasp wasnt exactly lined up, increasing the likelihood of losing it on a run or when you are particularly active.

Whether you like having a screen or not comes down to personal preference. But given the Fitbits smaller size and simpler buckle, we found that it outperformed the Whoop in both design and comfort.

Compatibility

Winner: Whoop

When considering compatibility, it is important to consider which phones and apps your fitness tracker can connect to. We like that both the Fitbit and the Whoop are compatible with iOS and Android smartphones. But what sets Whoop apart from Fitbit is that it can be linked to your Apple Health profile.

Because of this Apple Health integration, we felt that Whoop edged out the Inspire 3 in this category. But it is worth noting that we dont consider this feature a dealbreaker unless youre already dedicated to tracking your data in the Apple Health app. But because the Whoop offers Apple Health integration, it gets the win over the Inspire 3 for this category.

Battery Life

Winner: Fitbit

Overall, fitness trackers have a battery life that lasts anywhere from two days to two weeks. The Whoop lasts up to five days on a single charge, which is pretty average based on its competitors. But, the Inspire 3 lasts twice as long, going up to 10 days between charges.

While both may sound like a long time, we definitely noticed a difference in how often we charged each band. The Inspire 3s battery life felt more convenient. However, we like that you can charge the Whoop while you wear iteven in the shower, according to the brands website.

While it is definitely convenient to charge the Whoop while wearing it, we still preferred the Fitbits longer battery life for our busy schedules, earning the Inspire 3 yet another win.

Water Resistance

Winner: Fitbit

Because neither fitness tracker is fully waterproof, we dont recommend submerging them in water for long periods of time. That said, if water resistance is important to you, it is worth noting that the Whoop 4.0 is water-resistant up to 10 meters, while Fitbits Inspire 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The Inspire 3 is also swim-proof, meaning you can wear it in the lake or while swimming laps.

We also loved that both trackers were durable enough to wear while washing the dishes, without worrying about them getting wet. But if you need a fitness tracker to log laps in the pool, we suggest the Fitbit, because its more water-resistant than the Whoop.

Membership Subscription

Winner: Fitbit

One of the biggest drawbacks to the Whoop 4.0 is that you cant use it without purchasing a Whoop membership. When purchasing a tracker through Whoops website, you will be prompted to pick a subscription type after customizing your band. While there are a few payment options, each plan is fairly expensive.

Most Fitbits come with a free, six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium, which gives you access to additional tracking features, including an in-depth Sleep Profile, a Daily Readiness Score, and more. But after your trial ends, you can continue receiving insights from your Fitbit even if you decide not to purchase a membership.

Considering that the Inspire 3 can be used with or without a membershipand that Fitbit Premium costs much less than a Whoop Membership we voted for Fitbit once again for this category.

Device Cost

Winner: Fitbit

When we published this review, Fitbits Inspire 3 was priced at around $100. If youre considering investing in another Fitbit model, you can expect to spend between $80 and $300. On top of that, Fitbits Premium membership costs $10 per month, or $80 up front for a one-year subscription. Meanwhile, the Whoop 4.0 starts at $49 (price varies depending on the band color and clasp finish you pick). Membership options include $30 per month for a one-year commitment, $300 up front for one year, or $480 for two years, with commitment to a one-year membership required upon purchase of the device.

In terms of additional costs, spare Fitbit bands can be purchased for anywhere from $30 to $100 and Whoop bands are priced between $50 and $90. You can also pick up accessories that allow you to wear the Whoop on your bicep instead of your wrist for around $70.

Because the Whoop cannot be used without the purchase of a one-year membership, its significantly more expensive than the Inspire 3leading us to favor Fitbit once again.

GPS

Winner: Fitbit

Certain fitness trackers have GPS features that can show you your exact route on a map while walking or running. The Whoop 4.0 doesnt have built-in GPS, but it can measure how far youve traveled.

The Inspire 3 also doesnt have built-in GPS. However, it can connect to your smartphones GPS to show your pace and distance traveled. Other Fitbit models, like the Charge 5 and the Versa 4, do have built-in GPS if this is important to you. We chose Fitbit over Whoop again in this category, because the Inspire 3 could use the location data from our smartphones as a way to track distance traveled and route.

Extra Features

Winner: Whoop

The Fitbit Inspire 3 has a leg up on the Whoop when it comes to features like water resistance and mindfulness exercises. But when looking at each app, it was clear to us that Whoops app offers tons of other features that go far beyond Fitbits capabilities.

One of our favorite Whoop features was the Journal. First, we chose customizable categories that matched our daily routines, like caffeine consumption, commutes to work, and how hydrated we were. (The app offers hundreds of options, so its easy to find some that are relevant to your lifestyle.)

Then, we logged our yes or no journal answers daily to help the Whoop provide better tips. For example, if we told the Whoop we worked from home, it factored our response into our Strain Score and let us know we were ready for a more intense workout the next day.

In the Whoop app, you can also set goals that customize your coaching recommendations even further. Theres a Pregnancy Coaching setting to help you navigate through all three trimesters, and it even links to the Whoop store directly in the app. Although its more expensive than the Fitbit, the Whoop 4.0 definitely offers more features for the price, making it the clear winner in this category.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Whoop better than Fitbit?

  Deciding which fitness tracker is better will depend on your health and fitness goals. Fitbits are less expensive and generally easier to use, while the Whoop is more of an investment that provides detailed information about exercise readiness and recovery. We recommend the Whoop for serious athletes or for people who need to plan their workouts days in advancelike runners training for a marathon. If your goal is to simply be more mindful of your basic activity level and sleep schedule and you want a device with fewer bells and whistles thats simpler to use, then a Fitbit might be better for you.

• Why is Whoop different from Fitbit?

  There are a few features that set the Whoop apart from most Fitbits. First of all, the Whoop is more expensive and may cost triple the price of a Fitbit up front. Also, the Whoop looks different, with a screen-free design that requires you to use the smartphone app to look at your tracked data. During testing, we noticed that while the Whoop has many more features than most Fitbits do, all of the extra information can feel complicated and overwhelming to the average personespecially during the first few wears. Overall, the Whoop is designed for more serious or professional athletes, while Fitbits are best for active individuals who simply want a better picture of their daily health and wellness.

• Can you use Whoop without a membership?

  No: You cant purchase or use the Whoop 4.0 without also purchasing a Whoop membership. A membership allows you to track all of your health metrics using your smartphone, and since the Whoop doesnt have a screen that can show you any statistics, having access to a Whoop membership is required to use the device. Conversely, Fitbit allows you to use the free version of the app without having to purchase a Premium membership, making Fitbits Inspire 3 more affordable and easier to use.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

With more than two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier. After testing both the Whoop 4.0 and the Fitbit Inspire 3, she now wears her Fitbit every day to track her workouts, heart rate, sleep, and more.