With so many different styles and versions of the popular Fitbit watch, this guide will help you to chose the right one for you, or for a gift. The one thing that people ask me about is GPS function. Some Fitbits have built-in GPS and others have what is called “Connected GPS”.
Having looked at reviews on-line it appears the built-in GPS gives a more accurate record of distance and route when you are walking, running or cycling. (Some track swimming, too).
Connected GPS still allows you to compare your fitness between activities but it is based on steps taken and the length of your stride. It works via a smartphone app.
The are many different kinds of fitbit gadgets and various collections to choose from, such as at https://mobilemob.com.au/, as well as a host of accessories.
Fitbit Charge 3
Fitbit Charge 3
Price: £129.
Who is it for?: Perfect for people who want to track their daily health and fitness through heart-rate monitoring and steps walked or run. It can also be used in the swimming pool.
It will best suit gym goers and people who count steps when they run or walk, rather than being an accurate distance calculator.
The watch does not have built in GPS but rather uses Fitbit’s “connected GPS” which means the watch will connect to a GPS app on your smartphone to convert steps walked or run into distance. It’s not as accurate as a built-in GPS in the watch but many people who have this type of watch are counting steps rather than distance covered.
Other features:
- Smart, Sharp Touchscreen
- Up to 7-Day Battery Life
- Smartphone Notifications
- 24/7 Heart Rate
- Heart Rate Zones
- Resting Heart Rate
- All-Day Calorie Burn
- Automatic Exercise Recognition
- All-Day Activity Tracking
- Water Resistant to 50M
- Real-Time Pace and Distance (through phone’s GPS)
- Sleep Tracking & Stages
- Cardio Fitness Level.
Fitbit Charge 2.
Fitbit Charge 2
Price: Was £159.99, now starting from £79.99
Who is it for?: For people who want to use their heart rate to track their fitness and improvements in fitness. This is similar to the Fitbit Charge 3 in that it is best for gym goers and people who like to track steps when walking or running.
It has “connected GPS” rather than a more accurate built-in GPS, however it is possible to compare like for like when doing activities. The watch works out your stride length and strides taken (adjusted for walking and running cadence) and works out a distance from that.
A watch without built-in GPS is cheaper than one with GPS.
Other features:
- PurePulse® Heart Rate
- Multi-Sport Modes
- Connected GPS
- Guided Breathing
- Smartphone Notifications
- All-Day Activity Tracking
- Cardio Fitness Level.
Fitbit Ionic.
Fitbit Ionic
Price: Was £279.99, now starts from £199.
Who is it for?: This watch is for people who like to keep fit, whether running, walking or cycling, and also accurately track distance and route.
The watch has a built-in GPS, as well as a heart rate monitor.
If you are looking for an alternative to the more “sporty” Garmin and Suunto sports watches this could be a good choice.
Other features :
- Built-in GPS for pace and distance
- On-screen workouts
- Apps and clock faces
- Store and play over 300 songs
- Dynamic Personal Coaching
- Store and Play Music
- Water resistant up to 50m
- Tracks Swims
- Smartphone Notifications.
Other Fitbit watches with built-in GPS:
- Fitbit Surge priced from £115.
Fitbit Versa.
Fitbit Versa
Price: Was £199.99, now starts from £159.
Who is it for?: A lightweight and fashionable looking fitness watch for people who like to track activity, movement and sleep.
This has “Connected GPS” rather than built-in GPS.
Other features:
- 24/7 heart rate
- Apps, clock faces and notifications
- Store and play over 300 songs
- Fitbit Pay
- Multi-sport modes and Connected GPS
- Tracks light, deep and REM sleep.
Fitbit Alta.
Fitbit Alta
Price: Was £129.99. Now starts at £79.99
Who is it for?: Another good choice for people who want to up their activity levels and keep track of their exercise. It’s a more basic activity watch but still has a good range of features for the price.
Features:
- Tracks activity and sleep
- Auto exercise tracking
- Call, text and calendar notifications.
Fitbit Ace for Kids.
Fitbit Ace For kids
Price: £79.99
Who is it for?: This fitness tracker watch is aimed at kids aged over eight. It is sized to suit smaller and slimmer wrists.
Features include:
- Tracks steps and sleep
- Rewards kids for hitting goals
- Step challenges with others.