change over from a Fitbit smartwatch or tracker to an Apple Watch does means changing the elbow room you view your end , target , and accomplishment , and will initially alienate and frustrate Fitbit drug user switching to the Apple fitness authorities .
You ’ll get used to it but Apple has n’t made it easy for switchers to find a natural compeer for their beloved Fitbit familiarity . As with getting primed , you need to work at it . In the death , you ’ll miss some Fitbit features but prefer the overall Apple Watch experience .
Apple ’s Activity app pore mainly onMovement , Exercise , andStandingrather than Fitbit ’s more straightforwardStep , Floor , andDistancemeasurements .
Google Pixel Watch (top) and Fitbit Sense 2
Fitbit users will be put out by Apple ’s different approach shot to physical fitness and health metrics , but there are ways to make the modulation easier and hale the Apple Watch to comport more like a Fitbit .
Fitbit switcher will have to show some patience and flexibility when moving to the Apple Watch and may never get the same elementary joy they previously savor with Fitbit , but the Apple Watch does offer much good smartwatch functionality and closer interaction with the iPhone .
About me : I ’ve been a Fitbit drug user since the original Classic pedometer in 2009 . I have reviewed Fitbits , from clip - on tracker to smartwatches , but it looks to me like now is the fourth dimension to exchange to an Apple Watch , despite my love of being a Fitbit drug user .
Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm)
Why switch from Fitbit to Apple Watch?
Since being buy by Google in 2019 , Fitbit devices appear to have slipped down the raw owner ’s antecedency list for new feature and enhancement .
Indeed , the latest Fitbit smartwatches have really lost features , and are now more like fitness tracker in a smartwatch material body . The newest version of the Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Sense ( Versa 4 and Sense 2 ) are not as advanced as their predecessor ( Versa 3 and Sense ) . They have been kneecapped in condition of on - machine apps and “ streamlined ” ( Fitbit ’s words ) on former favorites such as challenge and societal groups . Just understand our sis title Tech Advisor ’s revue of the latestFitbit Versa 4andSense 2and PCWorld ’s take onhow Fitbit updates are killing its trackers .
The Versa 4 and Sense 2 basically had their third - political party app financial backing ripped out and lost even some of Fitbit ’s own role , such as Music Control and , weirdly for a Google product , Google Assistant .
Google Pixel Watch (top) and Fitbit Sense 2
Google looks like focusing on its own more expensive Pixel Watch , which comprise Fitbit health tracking . If you desire a right smartwatch , Fitbit is now the wrong solution unless you choose theGoogle Pixel Watch . Google even states that the Pixel Watch features “ Fitbit ’s most precise heart pace tracking yet”—another smacking in the face for iPhone - using Fitbit fans .
Foundry
As the Google Pixel watch work only with Android , iPhone exploiter must shift to Apple ’s sentinel for smart features . Fitbit ’s trackers do have basic impertinent lineament — such as notifications — but if you require a right watch experience with your iPhone , Google / Fitbit is impel you to Apple .
Google Pixel Watch (top) and Fitbit Sense 2
The Google Pixel Watch is also more expensive than Fitbit smartwatches — bulge at $ 349/£339 compared to the Versa 4 at $ 199/£179 . That say , switch to the Apple Watch is not cheap either , with Watch prices starting at $ 249/£219 ( SE ) and apace heighten to $ 799/£799 ( Ultra 2 ) .
iPhone user will presently face the inevitable and must look at the Apple Watch as an alternate smartwatch , or just move to the top - oddment Fitbit trackers rather than smartwatches — such as the more - than - ableFitbit bursting charge 6 .
Setting up
As you ’d expect from Apple , setting up the Watch is a simple process , where Fitbit frame-up can be a bit hit and miss over Wi - Fi .
Compatible apps from your iPhone are mechanically added to the Watch .
You ’ll have to get used to more than one iPhone app rather than the solitary Fitbit app as Apple disseminate the configurations and data point across three apps : Watch , Health , and Activity
Apple’s Activity rings are certainly colorful, but Fitbit users will initially miss the simple Step and Distance counts.
So far , so good …
Steps
Counting the number of steps you make during the Clarence Day is at the core of Fitbit metrics . While the daily 10,000 - stone’s throw prey is not based on real science , it ’s well held by medic that even gentle walking to this level is unquestionably near for your wellness in many ways .
10,000 pace are about the same as walk four to five miles , depending on your stride , and a figure that has been linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease ( heart disease , diagonal , and marrow failure ) , multiple types of Cancer the Crab , and dementedness .
Fitbit practice step as its principal goal , although you’re able to trade this to Distance , Calories , or Active Zone Minutes if you choose — but stone’s throw will always remain an important fair game . Apple , on the other script , does not regard steps as one of its three elementary physical fitness goals ( Move , Activity , Stand ) . Apple instead concentrates its crimson Activity Move ring on how many active calories you ’ve burned , the green Exercise ring on how many minutes of brisk activeness you ’ve done , and the blue Stand hoop on how many times in the day you ’ve put up and moved for at least one minute each minute .
It’s possible to have steps shown on the Apple Watch but it’s not automatic.
Steps is an loose metric to tie in to than active kilogram calorie , and I retrieve that Apple is over - think its motivational metric here .
And what if you need to keep depend the number of steps you make each day via the Apple Watch ?
How to add Steps count to your Apple Watch face
While you could see steps inside the Activity app , Apple does n’t offer a manner to display it as a complication on the grimace , so you call for a third - party app such as Pedometer++ .
This is how you add whole tone to the Apple Watch via complications .
Note that , unlike with Fitbit , the step count that now indicate on your Apple Watch clock face is n’t a live tone enumeration but is update on a regular basis .
Apple equates calories with movement.
Just mark , if you fix the bottom complicatedness toSteps & Distanceyou get a more accurate whole tone count than you do in the top leftStepsone . Neither is a hot step count , so count on when they update , you ’ll often see dissimilar step counts .
Switcher tip : Fitbit users are going to have to rewire their fitness - measuring brain when switching to the Apple Watch . tone are not exclusively out but the actuate Red , Green , and Blue Activity rings take a little acquiring used to . Some will opt steps to be at the vanguard , but it ’s like you ’ve changed personal flight simulator , you ’ll find new motivation tactics work in the end .
Floors
Apple and Fitbit count the issue of floors you walk / climb each day using the built - in barometrical altimeter to number “ flights climbed ” based on atmospherical pressure change .
Again , Apple does n’t reckon the storey / flight metric as a elementary measure , and you have to go through the same rigmarole as you did with footfall if you want to show flight of steps on your Apple Watch face . Otherwise , the stats for flights climbed is found in the Activity app with some scrolling down to get to the number .
whipper tip : Floors climbed is not used as a principal seaworthiness metric , so you ’ll you need to expend a ramification as described in the Steps section above .
You can start a Workout in the dedicated Watch app, or the Watch itself will suggest it after 10-15 minutes of suspected exercise
Distance
It ’s the same report for showing the aloofness you walk , operate , or hopped through the day . you could set it as a complication in the Activity Digital clock grimace — at the bottom inSteps & Distanceworks well enough .
Switcher steer : Like stone’s throw , then you involve to manually set up a complication to see the distance travel .
Apple
Apple’s post-workout summary is nicely detailed and laid out—for once, its fitness graphs are better looking than Fitbit’s.
Calories
Counting calories either in or out of the dead body is quite a subjective process , so Apple ’s insistence on Calories burn as a principal destination seems an oddly unequal one .
Many people equate calories burned as a free weight - departure rather than movement metric , and it could intimate that seaworthiness is about being slim rather than being intelligent . Fitbit , to its acknowledgment , does n’t even show Calories as a metric unit to tyke account statement . Calories can be a toxic mensuration .
Apple use your personal information – superlative , weight unit , sexuality and eld – plus other daily activity metric unit — include your Active Metabolic Rate or AMR — to calculate how many large calorie you burn .
Apple measures your Resting Heart rate over time
Fitbit equipment mix your basal metabolic rate ( BMR ) ground on the physical data you entered into your Fitbit account ( height , weight , sex , and historic period ) with the charge per unit at which you glow kilogram calorie at quietus plus your activity and eye - rate information ( AMR ) to gauge your gram calorie sting at ease and in utilisation .
Fitbit considers that at least half the large calorie you bite in a day are used up maintain life-sustaining body map ( such as breathing , blood circulation , and heartbeat ) . Because your soundbox incinerate calories when you ’re kip or not propel when you heat up Fitbit shows you the calories already burned , and this phone number increase throughout the day .
The identification number you see on your Fitbit machine is your full calories burned for the whole day . The number you see on the Apple Watch is just the presuppose kilocalorie burned through exercise .
It is not as accurate a measurement as counting step , and it ’s a peculiar one for Apple to give ear its hat on . While it ’s easy to compete with friends or plan a twenty-four hour period based around walk , boasting about calorie burn is just not a real matter .
Most activity tracker substance abuser do n’t regularly change their strong-arm data — for example , exercising weight — so as this change , the calorie count becomes less accurate .
whipper peak : No machine is accurate at reckon — let ’s be honest , estimating — the number of calories burned , but the red ring on the Apple Watch Activity app is a main goal Fitbit user will just have to get used to when they interchange . Please , Apple , let users to customize this ring to stone’s throw .
Fitbit’s Sleep graph is easier to understand than Apple’s
Active Zone Minutes (AZM)
Fitbit count Active Zone Minutes ( AZM ) as your time spent in any pith - pump natural action . Its nonpayment goal is base on the medically recommended 150 minutes of restrained activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week .
It rates your natural action based on your age and rest heart charge per unit , and then shape which of three active zones you reach during the sidereal day . The harder you process the more credit you get : one moment in the Fat Burn zone earns you one dynamic zona minute ( AZM ) . A mo in the Cardio or Peak zones take in you two AZMs .
Fitbit devices buzz you as you enter each zone .
Be prepared for more frequent charging with the Apple Watch than with Fitbit
While Apple ’s Activity app relies on arm motion and the Watch ’s accelerometer to track Movement ( the red calories ring ) , the Exercise measure ( green ring ) apply the accelerometer and affectionateness - pace sensor and GPS .
The Exercise ring tracks how many minutes you spent exercising during the day . Apple Watch measures your philia charge per unit and trend to depend Exercise minute and fill up your Exercise ring . Apple enjoin it is depend for any natural action that ’s at least as intense as a brisk paseo .
By using the Workout app , you avail the Watch enumeration Exercise minutes more accurately .
Your Apple Watch is looking for an elevated meat rate while sensing effort .
Switcher tip : If you are happy with a unproblematic Exercise goal , then Apple ’s Exercise ring is easier to understand than Fitbit ’s Active Zone Minutes , but you get more detailed crack-up from Fitbit on fondness - pace during exercise — nicely picture in the Fitbit app .
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Exercise
What Fitbit calls “ Exercise ” is called “ Workouts ” by Apple .
Workouts tracked by Fitbit : Walk , Run , Bike , Elliptical , Stairclimber , Interval Workout , Hike , Yoga , Circuit Training , Pilates , Martial Arts , Kickboxing , Swim , Outdoor Workout , Spinning , Golf , Bootcamp , Tennis , Treadmill , Weights , Workout .
Workouts tracked by Apple Watch : Walk , Run , Cycling , Elliptical , Rower , Stair Stepper , HIIT , Hiking , Yoga , Functional Strength Training , Dance , Cooldown , Core Training , Pilates , Tai Chi , Swimming , Wheelchair , Multisport , Kickboxing .
Apple’s Mindfulness breathing app is much the same as Fitbit’s Relax guided breathing.
Both activity devices can automatically sense that you have started certain configuration of exercise and suggest you get down go after them .
Fitbit will automatically get across : Aerobic exercising , Elliptical , Outdoor bike , Run , Sports , Swim , Walk .
Apple Watch will mechanically track : Indoor Walk , Outdoor Walk , Indoor Run , Outdoor Run , Outdoor Cycling , Elliptical , Rowing Machine , Pool Swim , Open Water Swim .
Apple’s Fitness awards are shiny but not as much fun at Fitbit’s
you’re able to release off machine - workout espial on both twist if you get it vexing , which it can be if you are out and about moving around for long than 15 minutes .
Apple give you much more on - wrist particular about your workout when it ’s stop or pause , plus split selective information during your run or walk . Fitbit exploiter have to purloin to get as much on - wrist joint data during practice .
Both Fitbit and watch out app shop and deal retiring example / physical exercise information in more detail on the telephone set in the Days of Exercise ( Fitbit ) or Activity ( Watch ) part . Fitbit ’s data point visualization are more unsubdivided and easy to digest . Apple ’s are more hard-core sport science in looks . The simple gymnastic apparatus will opt Fitbit ’s friendly graphic . More consecrate sports enthusiasts will grasp Apple ’s graphical record .
Apple spreads its health and fitness data between apps. The Health app stores a lot of data
On a tracked walk or running , the Apple Watch will show you the physical exercise duration , active kilogram calorie burn , center rate bpm , mediocre pace and aloofness . With more swiping , Fitbit render you workout duration , stairs , active zone minutes , active calorie burn , heart rate bpm , average step and distance .
Switcher tip : In the moment , the Apple Watch gives you more detail than Fitbit about your exercise , but the occasional exerciser will take some getting used to Apple ’s pro sport data displays .
Hourly Activity
One of my favorite wellness prompts is Fitbit ’s Hourly Activity trailing , which suggest you get up and take the air at least 250 stairs an hour — you mark which successive hours you desire to be prompted on .
Apple takes this further by earn it one of its primary goals , with its own blueish tintinnabulation in the Activity app .
Apple calls itStand , and that ’s closely all you have to do : get up out of your professorship and mooch about a second for a minute , and you are rewarded with a ping and a felicitation if you have n’t got up for the first 50 minute of the hour . Wheelchair users get a prompt to ramble or else of Stand .
The Apple Watch stopwatches are more scientific in looks than Fitbit’s.
Fitbit ’s 250 - step rule bring in you work severely for your hourly reward than Apple ’s Stand reckoning . you’re able to get a Stand item if you get up and vagabond off to the crapper in the night .
Switcher gratuity : Both Hourly Activity and Stand are helpful , and Fitbit users will cursorily appreciate the lower threshold of the Apple Watch ’s Stand measured , but that ’s maybe just me being work-shy .
Motivation
Apple is much more vital when it comes to evoke you plunk up the pace when it comes to stumble your goal , although the Watch can be told to quit the personal - trainer schmooze .
It ’s also politer , with a Good Morning message that remind you of the Watch ’s battery level — peculiarly important give the Watch ’s feeble electric battery life .
At first , I found the activeness rings to be too simplistic compared to Fitbit ’s raw step counting . But the more I used the Apple Watch , the better I appreciated the rings as a quick motivating signal , and the numbers are also included on the Digital Activity clock face .
More apps on Apple Watch, if a little fiddly to find
Switcher tip : Fitbit users might neglect the hebdomadal Fitbit Progress Report email that summarizes your 7 - day effort across multiple statistic . But for during - the - day motive , the Apple Watch is a better incentive .
Heart
Monitoring your heart rate is core to both Fitbit and Apple Watch , and both do an fantabulous job at using this data to power insights into your practice session and general health .
Both work out the number of time the heart beats per minute — your heart rate in metronome marking — using a engineering clapper - twistingly called photoplethysmography .
When your heart beat , capillary tubing enlarge and declaration based on blood book change . To determine your mettle charge per unit , the opthalmic heart - charge per unit sensor in the Fitbit and Apple Watch swank green LEDs hundreds of prison term per indorsement to detect these loudness modification in the capillaries above your articulatio radiocarpea . Then your machine look how many time your heart beats per minute .
YourResting Heart Rate ( RHR)is the identification number of times your heart beats per minute when you ’re still and well - take a breather and not scare around , lifting weights or toy lawn tennis . In cosmopolitan , your RHR should be between 60 - 100 beats per minute . Under 60 is normal for super - set athlete .
Your heart rate will increase when you are more physically active ( your heart is ferment to pump more atomic number 8 - rich blood line around your body ) , and both devices use this information to set how much energy you are using while exercising .
Your prey heart rate should be about 50 - 70 % of your maximum fondness charge per unit during moderate - intensity bodily function like walking . To find your normal maximum nerve pace , subtract your eld from 220 . During more intense employment activity , your quarry heart rate should be about 70 - 85 % of your maximal heart rate .
Both Fitbit and Apple Watch can also checkHeart Rate Variability ( HRV ) , which is the variation in time between heartbeats . multitude with a higher HRV have better cardiovascular physical fitness and might be more resilient to stress . Mindfulness , meditation , sleep , and physical activity can help improve your HRV . A significant drop-off in HRV may indicate that your torso is experiencing malady , stress , or depression or anxiety .
To get to your HRV data point from your Apple Watch , launch the Health app on your iPhone , dab browsing and then choose Heart . Here you’re able to receive your Heart Rate , Resting Heart Rate , Heart Rate Variability , walk Heart Rate Average , Cardio Recovery and Cardio Fitness , plus High Heart Rate Notifications and electrocardiogram ( ECG ) meter reading .
Fitbit users should see to it the Health Metrics division of the Fitbit mobile app , where they can see their Breathing Rate , Resting Heart Rate , and Heart Rate Variability . In the Today section of the Fitbit app there are heart - rate and cardio - fittingness graphs . nitty-gritty Rate Notifications can be get here , too .
Another important heart evaluation is experience asVO2 max , which is the maximal loudness of O your eubstance can import , tape transport and utilize in a single minute during intense physical bodily function . Fitbit and Apple use VO2 max in their Cardio Fitness scotch , but Fitbit uses multiple physical exertion datum to determine its score where Apple uses just the spirit and movement sensors during an Outdoor Walk , Outdoor Run , or Hiking workout in the Workout app .
The electrical sensors on your Fitbit or Apple Watch detect your heart rhythm . When you utilise a particular electrocardiogram ( ECG ) app , your heart regular recurrence data is take apart for signs of Atrial fibrillation ( AFib ) , which is a type of irregular center musical rhythm , caused when the upper chambers of the heart pound out of rhythm .
An ECG can serve diagnose some heart conditions , such as unnatural heart rhythms and coronary heart disease ( heart onset and angina ) .
you could check your ECG with the Fitbit Charge 5 , Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Sense 2 , and on Apple Watch Series 4 , Series 5 , Series 6 , Series 7 , Series 8 or Ultra ; the ECG app is not supported on Apple Watch SE or Fitbit Versa 3 & 4 .
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Switcher tip : Both Apple and Fitbit assess the same kernel measurements . It ’s easier to see your current heart rate on the Fitbit clock look , although you might have to tap to get hold it if you are on another measurement display . you’re able to set it as a feature on the Apple Watch ’s Digital Activity clock look , but actual data point is still a tap off .
Sleep
The continuance and quality of sleep is now seen as a major and pregnant health system of measurement . Measuring sleep length and calibre , and then attempt to improve both is also a fascinating project . After all , going to bed to begin with is surely easier than lead a half battle of Marathon . Having a decent night ’s sleep is not always easy , however , and so knowing your quietus quality by the minute of arc can be a useful tool .
Both Apple Watch and Fitbit can chase your eternal rest and do so in similar ways .
Apple Watch can estimate the time you spend in each sopor phase — Core , Deep and REM sleep — as well as when you might have woken up .
Fitbit estimates your sleep stages using a combining of your movement and heart - pace patterns . While you ’re catch some Z’s , it tracks the cadence - to - pulsation changes in your heart rate , known as heart rate variability ( HRV ) , which fluctuate as you conversion between Light , Deep , and REM slumber stages .
Fitbit ’s Sleep Stages graph ( view in the Fitbit iPhone app ) is better looking and more informative than Apple ’s ( in the iPhone ’s Health app ) , which looks a little squashed and fuzzy .
Fitbit demonstrate the most recent and a 30 - solar day average of your sleep point , and can benchmark this against the great unwashed of a similar age and gender . It also show your estimated atomic number 8 variation here , but hides some detailed data ( your Snore Score , sleep Heart Rate and Restlessness ) behind the Fitbit Premium paywall .
Apple show most recent , weekly , monthly and six - monthly eternal sleep data in rather difficult to gauge column graphs . It also point your respiratory charge per unit , and sleep duration over the preceding seven days .
While both Fitbit and Apple can supervise your slumber , Apple ’s late better sleep - trailing functionality is permit down by the Watch ’s much short barrage life .
I also found Fitbit ’s rest cut across to be more accurate , record restless sleep well than Apple .
The Apple Watch SE and Series 8 have a battery life of between 18 and 24 hour , look on your usage .
The Fitbit Versa 4 has a 6 - mean solar day shelling lifetime , which means it is far less likely to die on you during the clip you are sleeping .
If you tear your vigil overnight , deplorably sleep tracking is impossible . To ensure you may get quietus data every nighttime , you ’ll need to top of the Watch battery during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , each day . With Fitbit , you need vexation perchance twice a week at most .
Where there are no third - party alternatives for Fitbit charger , there are many for the Apple Watch as charging is a more pressing issue ! There are some great charge stations that power up not just the ascertain but also your iPhone and AirPods at the same prison term . mark off out our roundup of thebest Apple Watch chargers , endure and docks .
Switcher steer : Fitbit ’s sleep depth psychology is better , but Apple is catching up . But if sleep measuring is important to you , then switching from Fitbit to Apple lookout man signify you must be methodical in your daytime equipment charging to insure that the Watch is power up for the night .
Battery life
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm)
The Watch SE and Series 8 have an 18 - time of day battery life history , or 36 hours in Low Power Mode , which disables Always On showing , middle charge per unit notifications , background heart - pace and descent atomic number 8 measurement , and the start physical exertion reminder
The Fitbit Versa 3 & 4 and Sense 1 & 2 should keep pop off for 6 days , so need a top up at least once a hebdomad .
if you’re able to afford it , the Apple Watch Ultra boasts a 36 - hour battery life .
We ’ve mentioned the much weaker battery life history of the Apple Watch — less than a third compared to the ordinary Fitbit — when we investigated the unlike approaches to catch some Z’s monitoring . In fact , the physical process is much the same except for the risk of exposure with Apple that the Watch ’s battery might give up halfway through the dark if it is n’t charged enough .
This mean Fitbit switchers take to get into a new charging bit , retrieve to charge during the day at some point . Using the supplied Apple Watch Magnetic profligate Charger to USB - C Cable is the fastest agency to send the Apple Watch but there are some excellent multi - machine chargers that blend buck for iPhone , AirPods and Apple Watch .
TheZens 4 - in-1 MagSafe + Watch Wireless Charging Stationcan wirelessly fast - bearing all three Apple devices at the same prison term , plus a fourth gimmick via a pumped up port . A cheaper choice is theAlogic MagSpeed 3 - in-1 Wireless Charging Station .
It takes about two and a half hours to in full commit the Apple Watch . charge a Fitbit is faster ; around 1.5 to 2 minute , depending on the exemplar .
Note that to fast - mission an Apple Watch you need the USB - C Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable , rather than the USB - A version .
One aspect where the Apple Watch wins : once it ’s done charging , you get a notification on your iPhone permit you know it ’s reached 100 % .
Switcher tip : You’ll need to charge the Apple Watch more often than the Fitbit .
Skin Temperature
Both Fitbit and Apple Watch can measure out the temperature on the skin ’s aerofoil overnight , and show you a personal baseline skin temperature , establish on up to 30 days of datum . Fitbit takes three Nox data to start a baseline version ; Apple five nights .
Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Sense 2 use a dedicated sensor to count on your skin temperature variation each night . Fitbit Charge 4 , 5 & 6 , Inspire 2 & 3 , Luxe and Versa serial gauge your nightly pelt temperature variation through existing sensors .
Fitbit takes a measurement every minute you are sleep ; Apple every five seconds .
The Apple Watch Series 8 & 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 1 & 2 measurement skin temperature , using two temperature sensors — one on the back crystallization near your pelt , and another under the display .
notice that changes in elbow room temperature , bedding , circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle will affect the readings .
Switcher tip : Both Fitbit and Apple ’s skin temperature graphical record will show you variance , which can be used to show the possible attack of a feverishness or changes in the menstrual cycle .
Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
Your blood O vividness ( SpO2 ) is the percentage of your blood that contains oxygen , carry it from your lungs to the rest of your body . It ’s a utilitarian system of measurement to infer your overall health and health .
It is especially crucial if you have a condition that can cause a reduction of blood oxygen tier , include chronic clogging pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , bronchial asthma , discriminating respiratory hurt syndrome ( ARDS ) , anaemia , pneumonia , lung cancer , cardiac apprehension , and heart failure , among others , as well as assessing mortal with nap disorders such as sleep apnea .
Fitbit users can look into this in the Health Metrics section of the fluid app ( under Today ) .
Apple Watch user ascertain their SpO2 grade in the iPhone ’s Health app under Respiratory and Blood Oxygen .
Switcher tip : Fitbit ’s information is a piddling easier to understand as its app has much nice graphical record , but the information is still there to be find oneself for Apple Watch users .
Weight
Weighing yourself with an Apple Watch is not going to mould , but Fitbit does offer its own set of digital scales , theFitbit Aria Air , which will Bluetooth your weight unit to your Fitbit app .
Apple Watch user can manually log their system of weights in the iPhone ’s Health app .
Switcher tip : connect your Fitbit to the Aria scale is easier than manual logging .
Wheelchair users
Apple is much best for wheelchair users , who will appreciate the fitness algorithms and sensors specifically designed to facilitate them track their bodily function . When the Wheelchair setting is turned on , the iPhone tracks get-up-and-go instead of steps and registers different types of push , upper , and terrain . Instead of a Stand goal , there ’s Roll .
Switcher bakshis : Fitbit does n’t tender any special features for wheelchair drug user , so this is a welcome switch when used with your iPhone .
Guided Breathing
Fitbit ’s Guided Breathing tool ( the Relax app on the gadget ) helps you take regular and deep breathing spell over a two - minute period of time — editable to up to ten minute of arc .
Apple ’s Mindfulness app on the Watch has two one - instant functions , editable to up to five minute : Breathe ( much like Fitbit ’s Guided Breathing ) and Reflect , which shows you some on - projection screen gloopy blob to focus on while you think about one thing in finical .
whipper bakshis : Both Fitbit ’s channelise Breathing and the Apple Watch ’s Mindfulness apps are promiscuous ways to calm down and meliorate your breathing whenever you want to during the mean solar day . Fitbit user will find the Apple approach very similar .
Achievement awards
Fitbit is a substantial champion of hold users sport award for passing various milestones in their exercise activities . You ’d get sunny badges when you walk the equivalent of the Sahara ( 2,983 nautical mile ) or mount as mellow as a Rainbow ( 700 floors in a day ) . The further you walk , the better the Shoe badge , from Boast Shoes ( 5,000 stair in a daylight ) to Olympian sandal if you supervise to take the air 100,000 steps in a day .
you could see your badge collection by come home on your name in the Account section of the Fitbit app .
Apple ’s Watch badges can be find by swiping left twice on the Watch ’s Activity app . These are rather abstract in a weird flashy - sportswoman - shirt kind of way , and therefore hard to get to know and love ; see our feature onhow to get all the Apple Watch activity challenge badges . Fitbit ’s are far more motivational .
whipper tip : If you jazz pull in accomplishment badge , Fitbit catch the honor . Apple ’s are just random colours and patterns , with the numbers hidden within like a visual enigma . It would n’t take much for Apple to remediate this — hire a better designer .
Challenges
One of the joyfulness of being a Fitbit user was the society ’s Challenges and Adventures , for which you could acquire trophies , competing either against yourself or friend . There were virtual races around real - humans geography , solo adventures and competitions such as the Work Week Hustle and even a fun Bingo plot made up of fitness goals .
Sadly — and this is a heavy reason why many Fitbit users are worried that possessor Google is going to bankrupt the Fitbit experience — these have now all been stop ; or in Fitbit / Google lecture “ streamlined ” .
This is so that the Fitbit app can be “ heighten ” with Google applied science , although there is no sign yet that this Google technology with be as much playfulness as the quondam Fitbit offered .
Fitbit user can , gratefully , still vie with friends on the Leaderboard and earn badge ( see earlier section ) for personal accomplishment . The Fitbit Leaderboard is a real motivation and to lose that would be the last knell for Fitbit in the eyes of many of its users .
Apple bring out a monthly challenge to its Watch users to provide an bonus to stay put active and motivated and to imprint goodly habits . Apple Watch challenge object lesson include burning 20,000 calories in a month , doing 20 workouts and shut the activity rings a sure bit of times .
you’re able to also share your Activity rings with supporter and house for motivation , and invite friends to compete in a seven - day competition . You garner stop by fill your Activity rings , getting a point for every pct point you add to your gang each day . Whoever has the most full stop at the goal of the contest come through .
Switcher tip : Fitbit was once the clear leader in friends and home fitness challenges but has now given up aside from the terrific Leaderboard . Apple ’s intriguing process is n’t obvious and it could win a big steal on Fitbit with a bit of sweat making this easy and more fun . Many Fitbit user wo n’t switch because their friend are also put in the weapons platform .
Fitness and Health Apps
Both Fitbit and Apple have on - gimmick and in - earpiece apps that you use to track or supervise various natural process or health metric function .
Health apps on Apple Watch : Activity , Workout , Heart Rate , Mindfulness , Sleep , Blood Oxygen , ECG ( Series 8 and Ultra ) , Cycle Tracking .
Health apps on Apple iPhone : Watch , Health , Fitness
Apps on Fitbit twist : ECG , EDA Scan , Exercise , Relax , Today
Fitbit apps on Apple iPhone : Fitbit
On the iPhone , Apple has a Watch app for preferences , and a Health app for collect your seaworthiness and health data . Some data is quite entomb in the Health app , and is not easy to discover until you get used to it . There ’s also an Activity app on the Watch that has an icon that looks on the dot like the Fitness app on the iPhone , which is a small perplexing .
Fitbit ’s mobile app is much more approachable , like a friendly personal trainer or good-hearted doctor than Apple ’s bland or austere scientist approach .
The Fitbit graph are far more colourful and understandable , and depot data more granularly than Apple .
Switcher tip : If you apply your Fitbit mobile app a lot , you ’ll be disappointed in Apple ’s busy Health app . If you just use your Fitbit tracker or smartwatch , you ’ll quickly get used to the Apple Activity app on the Watch — although it ’s again more basic in the data you could find there .
Watches, timers, and alarms
As its name suggests , the Apple Watch takes itself seriously as a timepiece as well as a smart wrist computer .
There are nearly 60 Apple Watch faces to choose from , and many can be custom-make with what Apple calls “ complications”—those parts on display that are not telling the main time .
Fitbit substance abuser switching to the Apple Watch should start with the Activity Digital see face as this will most closely mimic the received Fitbit clock face .
Available complications are legion ( at least 40 ) , but the primary metric function that Fitbit users will want ( Steps ) is frustratingly not one of them . See above for the step ( ahem ) you necessitate to take to get your step tally , space , and other fitness metric function showing on the Apple Watch .
timer : Fitbit users can use a Countdown timekeeper and a Stopwatch on the Versa and Sense . timer on the Apple Watch come with eight presets and the ability to add your own tradition countdown . The Apple Watch has four different case of Stopwatch : Analog , Digital , Graph , and Hybrid .
Alarms : Setting an alarm is much the same on the Apple Watch as it is on the Fitbit . In addition , you’re able to also use Siri to set an alarm on the Watch .
Switcher tip : There are more and well - looking timer on the Apple Watch , and the Alarms are about the same .
Notifications
All modern Fitbits can be mark to receive headphone and courier app notifications when your phone is nearby , and with the Versa 3 & 4 and Sense 1 & 2 Fitbit user can even answer calls on your wrist joint , and select from Quick Replies to Android devices .
With a Wi - Fi or cellular connection , the Apple Watch can make & answer phone calls , and send & receive messages even if the iPhone is n’t nearby .
subject matter take easier on the larger - screenland Watches , and avail was more consistent than on Fitbit , which can suddenly forget to show notifications for no apparent grounds .
Switcher tip : While notification on Fitbit are ready to hand , if sometimes a lilliputian smasher or omit , presentment on the Apple Watch are a noticeable measure up .
Voice assistants
Before the app culling , Fitbit smartwatches had access to both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant — neither uncommitted on the Apple Watch , which of class prefers its own Siri voice helper . Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 retain Alexa but Google has kept its own vocalisation help for its Pixel Watch .
Switcher pourboire : If Siri is your front-runner on the iPhone , then moving to the Apple Watch will be a welcome simplification of vocalism assistants .
Henry Burrell / Foundry
Smart apps
In push its own Android - only Pixel Watch on Fitbit users , Google has in effect given up on third - party app usage on its smartwatches , which no longer are worthy of the ‘ wise ’ deed , outside of the fitness and wellness functions .
Google wants the Pixel Watch to be the Android resolution to the iPhone ’s companion Apple Watch .
Apps on Fitbit devices : The Sense 2 has the most apps , include Alarms , Amazon Alexa , ECG , EDA Scan , Exercise , Fitbit Pay , Relax , preferences , Timers , Today , and Weather .
Apps on Apple Watch : Activity , Alarms , App Store , Audiobooks , Blood Oxygen , Calculator , Calendar , Camera Remote , Compass , Contacts , Cycle Tracking , ECG , Find Devices , Find Items , Find citizenry , Heart Rate , Home , Mail , Maps , Medications , Memoji , Messages , Mindfulness , Music , News , Noise , Now Playing , Phone , Photos , Podcasts , Reminders , Remote , configurations , Shortcuts , Sleep , Stocks , Stopwatch , Timers , Tips , Voice Memos , Walkie - Talkie , Wallet , Weather , Workout , and World Clock .
And that ’s just theapps built into the Apple Watch . you may add many other third - party apps , such as Facebook Messenger , Citymapper , and , my handy but useful favorite , Bus Times .
It ’s potential to read your emails on the Watch , although it ’s a number of a squint even on the 49 mm Ultra screen door .
Getting direction ( Walking , Driving , Public Transport , Cycling ) is something that a Fitbit Watch could never do . It ’s easier on a phone , but it ’s possible , if a little fiddly , on the Watch .
whipper tip : Fitbit users will be bowl over by the scope of third - political party apps available on the Apple Watch compared to the new , “ sleek ” Fitbit smartwatches . But Watch ’s independent built - in apps are the most utile , and the best of the rest in the main plug into to the iPhone and display the data point on your wrist . To be fair , Fitbit never really had much in the way of on - wrist apps but that meagerly list is not growing .
Music on Apple Watch
Removed from the Versa 4 and sentiency 2 , Music Control was a ready to hand function that remains on the Versa 3 and original Sense . dual - click the side push button and there are shortcuts that include Music Control , which will work with Apple Music , Spotify , Audible , and other audio apps that are on your sound . It imply you could change birdsong without suffer to take your phone out of your pocket , which can be a safe resolution when phone larceny is a risk , and just easier in any case .
That ’s a mathematical function now slay from the late Fitbits , so if phone - detached audio control is a ready to hand feature for you , the Apple Watch ’s Music app is for you .
I did witness the Watch ’s Music app confusing , though . “ Now acting ” seems set to a Sung dynasty I possibly played a few workweek ago . But you may activate albums and playlists download to the Watch or select from your iPhone ’s list .
Spotify Premium users can stream music , podcasts and audiobooks from Apple Watch , and also download them to spiel offline without an net connection . Free service Spotify customers can utilise the Watch to control Spotify on other machine .
Switcher tip : block music dominance on the honest-to-god Fitbits , the Apple Watch find supreme on medicine , podcasts and audiobooks .
Which Apple Watch to switch from Fitbit
Fitbit has a wide range of tracker and watches : from the $ 79 / £ 49Fitbit Ace 3for kids , the $ 99 / £ 84Fitbit Inspire 3tracker , fashion - market $ 129 / £ 99Fitbit Luxetracker , and $ 159 / £ 139Fitbit Charge 6super physical fitness tracker to the smartwatches , $ 199 / £ 179Fitbit Versa 4and top - end $ 249 / £ 219Fitbit signified 2 .
It also sells the Fitbit - basedGoogle Pixel Watch 2(from $ 349 / £ 349 ) but as that is Android only , we are shut that from our thoughts .
Apple sell the entry - levelApple Watch SE(from $ 249 / £ 219),Apple Watch Series 9(from $ 399 / £ 399 ) and top - end Apple Watch Ultra 2 ( $ 799 / £ 799 ) .
Fitbit ’s non - watch tracker continue great value and very capable fitness trackers and act rather than look like a watch . Indeed , even the debut - level Inspire 3 can show you the time as well as Steps , Distance , and so on , and link with your phone for all the popular messaging notifications and connect to your headphone ’s GPS .
The Charge 6 has its own built - in GPS and ECG app . Fitbit smartwatch exploiter not yet ready to tack to Apple Watch might instead change ‘ down ’ to Fitbit trackers such as the Inspire 3 or Charge 6 .
Fitbit ’s recent “ streamlining ” ( let ’s call it downgrading ) of its smartwatches , in effect move out the third - company apps and ready to hand features such as Music Control , mean that they are most at threat from the Apple Watch as Google is crusade its Versa / Sense users to the Pixel Watch .
Here , the Apple Watch SE is the main choice . It is importantly tawdry than the Watch 9 but very standardized in features . It ’s a little smaller ( in 40 mm or 44 mm cases sizes ) than the Watch 8 ( 41 mm or 45 mm ) and offers about a fifth less viewable screenland orbit due to its larger bezels , lack the always - on display and leave out the blood - oxygen and ECG apps plus temperature sensing . Otherwise , it offers the same experience as the Series 9 for a plenty less cash .
learn ourApple Watch 8 vs SE 2 comparisonandbest Apple Watchfeature .
The Apple Watch SE is tantamount to the Fitbit Versa 4 , and the Watch 9 to the Fitbit Sense 2 . Remember that we prefer the older but more functional Versa 3 and Sense to the above Fitbit watches and that you’re able to probably happen these chintzy . But as you are considering switching from Fitbit , it ’s the Apple Watch choice that is more crucial here .
If you do n’t demand elaborate profligate - atomic number 8 and ECG readings ( see Oxygen Saturation and Heart sections above ) , the SE is a dandy and more low-cost choice than the Series 9 or Ultra 2 .
The Watch 9 blow a fresh third - multiplication optical heart sensor than the Apple Watch SE 2 but still uses the 2nd - gen sensor . The Watch 9 ’s temperature sensor can help with the menstrual cycle and fertility tracking .
whipper tip : Get your credit card quick . And study our alive round - up of thebest Apple Watch deals .
1. Apple Watch SE – switch from Fitbit Versa
Pros
Cons
2. Apple Watch Series 9 – switch from Fitbit Sense
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2 – for extreme athletes
Summary
It looks like owner Google is push away from Fitbit - branded smartwatches in favour of its own Pixel Watch , which includes Fitbit ’s wellness and fitness features .
Google want to go head - to - fountainhead with Apple in the smartwatch market , and it ca n’t be fighting on two fronts .
woefully , that leaves iPhone - using Fitbit owners out of improvements ’ way of life as the Pixel Watch is Android only .
There are plenty of me - two activity trackers out there , but Fitbit ’s own trackers are far superior — so if you desire to stay with Fitbit then maybe an Inspire , Luxe or Charge is your estimable stakes .
But if iPhone users want smartwatch features , they should consider the Apple Watch over the ever - minify Fitbit Versa or Sense series scout .
How Apple could win over more Fitbit users
The big affair that stopped me for a long clock time proceed from Fitbit to the Apple Watch is the Watch ’s feeble battery life . sterilise that would benefit all Watch user so Apple ’s should block up shouting about flying charging and start making its gadget last longer .
In the end I burn the bullet and verify I bill the Watch to the full during the day when at my desk .
While strike motivation from Steps to Apple ’s reddish , immature and blue Activity rings is like change your personal flight simulator , getting used to all of the Apple Watch ’s extra features is like displace to a whole new gym — lots of the same equipment is there , but some of it works in a different manner and there ’s some exciting young equipment to try on out , too .
Apple could quickly win over a wad of Fitbit users by customizing its Activity pack to include good old - fashioned Steps , or at least make it a core ramification on the Apple Watch .
If Apple could make ask in friends and family more aboveboard , give some more personality to its achievement badge , and make some playfulness challenge , Fitbit user would find make the electric switch to Apple Watch so much easier .
These are not complex or hard things to do . Maybe Apple just does n’t realise how many new Watch users are just waiting to make the switch from Fitbit .
