What To Know
- The Garmin Vivosmart HR, on the other hand, adopts a more minimalist approach with a smaller, rectangular display and a slightly thicker band.
- While both devices are comfortable to wear throughout the day, the Fitbit Charge 2 might edge out the Vivosmart HR in terms of aesthetics and overall comfort.
- The Fitbit Charge 2 excels in sleep tracking, heart rate accuracy, and smart notification capabilities, while the Garmin Vivosmart HR offers a built-in GPS and a more compact design.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Garmin Vivosmart HR. Both devices offer a comprehensive suite of features designed to help you track your activity, sleep, and heart rate. But which one emerges as the victor in this fitness tracker showdown? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Fitbit Charge 2 boasts a sleek and stylish design, featuring a slim, lightweight band that comfortably wraps around your wrist. The OLED display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The Garmin Vivosmart HR, on the other hand, adopts a more minimalist approach with a smaller, rectangular display and a slightly thicker band. While both devices are comfortable to wear throughout the day, the Fitbit Charge 2 might edge out the Vivosmart HR in terms of aesthetics and overall comfort.
Activity Tracking
Both trackers excel in activity tracking, accurately recording steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. The Fitbit Charge 2 offers additional features like automatic exercise recognition, which can detect activities like running, swimming, and biking. The Garmin Vivosmart HR also boasts automatic exercise tracking, but its range of recognized activities is slightly more limited.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking is a crucial aspect of fitness monitoring, and both devices deliver commendable performance. The Fitbit Charge 2 monitors sleep stages (light, deep, and REM) and provides detailed sleep insights. The Garmin Vivosmart HR also tracks sleep duration and quality, but it lacks the advanced sleep stage analysis offered by the Charge 2.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Both trackers incorporate optical heart rate sensors to track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. The Fitbit Charge 2’s heart rate sensor is generally considered more accurate and reliable, particularly during high-intensity activities. While the Garmin Vivosmart HR’s sensor isn’t as precise, it still provides valuable insights into your heart rate patterns.
GPS and Workout Tracking
One key difference between the two trackers lies in GPS functionality. The Fitbit Charge 2 lacks built-in GPS, relying on your smartphone’s GPS to track your outdoor workouts. The Garmin Vivosmart HR, on the other hand, incorporates a built-in GPS, allowing you to track your runs and bike rides without needing your phone. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners and cyclists who prefer to leave their phones behind.
Smart Notifications
Both trackers offer smart notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist. The Fitbit Charge 2’s notifications are more comprehensive, supporting a wider range of apps and providing a more detailed preview of the notification content. The Garmin Vivosmart HR’s notifications are more basic, but they effectively keep you informed without overwhelming you with information.
Battery Life
The Fitbit Charge 2 boasts a battery life of up to 5 days, while the Garmin Vivosmart HR typically lasts for around 5-7 days. Both devices offer respectable battery life, ensuring you can comfortably use them throughout the week without needing to constantly recharge them.
Price and Value
The Fitbit Charge 2 and the Garmin Vivosmart HR are priced competitively, with the Charge 2 generally being slightly more affordable. However, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize advanced sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy, the Fitbit Charge 2 might be the better choice. If built-in GPS and a minimalist design are your priorities, the Garmin Vivosmart HR could be a better fit.
Final Verdict: Which Reigns Supreme?
The Fitbit Charge 2 and the Garmin Vivosmart HR are both excellent fitness trackers with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Fitbit Charge 2 excels in sleep tracking, heart rate accuracy, and smart notification capabilities, while the Garmin Vivosmart HR offers a built-in GPS and a more compact design. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which tracker is better for runners?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart HR is a better choice for runners due to its built-in GPS, which allows you to track your runs without needing your phone.
Q: Which tracker is better for sleep tracking?
A: The Fitbit Charge 2 provides more detailed sleep insights, including sleep stage analysis, making it a better choice for sleep tracking.
Q: Which tracker has a longer battery life?
A: Both trackers offer comparable battery life, but the Garmin Vivosmart HR generally lasts slightly longer than the Fitbit Charge 2.
Q: Which tracker is more affordable?
A: The Fitbit Charge 2 is generally more affordable than the Garmin Vivosmart HR.
Q: Which tracker is better for overall fitness tracking?
A: Both trackers offer comprehensive fitness tracking features. The Fitbit Charge 2 might be slightly better for overall fitness tracking due to its advanced sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy. However, the Garmin Vivosmart HR’s built-in GPS makes it a great choice for runners and cyclists.