Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Withings Pulse vs Withings Pulse O2 for Fitness Tracking!

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re considering a Withings tracker, you might be wondering: Withings Pulse vs Withings Pulse O2, which one should you choose? Both devices offer a sleek design and impressive features, but they also have key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, pros, and cons of both devices, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Aesthetics

Both the Withings Pulse and Pulse O2 boast a sleek and minimalist design, making them a stylish addition to any wrist. They’re both lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during sleep.
The Pulse features a rectangular display with a single button, while the Pulse O2 has a circular display with a touch-sensitive interface. The Pulse O2 also includes a built-in SpO2 sensor, which adds a slight bump to the device’s profile.

Features and Functionality

Withings Pulse

• Activity Tracking: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active time.
• Sleep Monitoring: Monitors sleep duration and quality, including deep sleep, light sleep, and REM cycles.
• Heart Rate Tracking: Measures heart rate during workouts and at rest.
• Water Intake Tracking: Allows you to log your daily water intake.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
• Battery Life: Up to 8 days on a single charge.
• Water Resistance: Water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters).

Withings Pulse O2

• All features of the Withings Pulse
• Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) Monitoring: Measures blood oxygen levels, which can be helpful for monitoring sleep apnea and other health conditions.
• Altitude Tracking: Tracks your altitude during activities.
• Improved Sleep Monitoring: Provides more detailed insights into sleep stages and sleep quality.

Pros and Cons

Withings Pulse
Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Sleek and minimalist design
• Long battery life
• Water-resistant

Cons:

• Limited features compared to the Pulse O2
• No SpO2 monitoring
• No altitude tracking

Withings Pulse O2
Pros:

• Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
• SpO2 monitoring for sleep apnea and other health conditions
• Altitude tracking for outdoor activities
• Improved sleep monitoring

Cons:

• Higher price than the Pulse
• Shorter battery life than the Pulse
• Bulky design due to the SpO2 sensor

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose the Withings Pulse if:

• You’re on a budget
• You’re looking for a basic fitness tracker with essential features
• You don’t need SpO2 monitoring or altitude tracking

Choose the Withings Pulse O2 if:

• You’re willing to spend a bit more for additional features
• You want to monitor your blood oxygen levels
• You’re interested in tracking altitude during outdoor activities
• You want more detailed insights into your sleep quality

Beyond Fitness Tracking: Health Monitoring Capabilities

Both Withings Pulse and Pulse O2 go beyond basic fitness tracking by incorporating health monitoring features. The Pulse provides insights into your sleep patterns and heart rate, while the Pulse O2 adds blood oxygen saturation monitoring.
These features can be particularly useful for individuals with certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea or cardiovascular issues. However, it’s important to note that these devices are not medical devices and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.

Integration with Health Apps

Both Withings trackers seamlessly integrate with popular health and fitness apps, including Apple Health, Google Fit, and MyFitnessPal. This allows you to view your data in one central location and track your progress over time.

Takeaways: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Choosing between the Withings Pulse and Pulse O2 ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. The Pulse offers a budget-friendly option with essential fitness tracking features, while the Pulse O2 provides a more comprehensive experience with added health monitoring capabilities.
By carefully considering your priorities, you can choose the Withings tracker that best aligns with your fitness and health goals.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use the Withings Pulse or Pulse O2 for swimming?
A: Both devices are water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters), making them suitable for swimming. However, it’s important to note that they are not designed for deep diving or high-impact water sports.
Q: Does the Withings Pulse or Pulse O2 have GPS?
A: No, neither device includes built-in GPS. They rely on your smartphone’s GPS for location tracking during activities.
Q: How often should I charge the Withings Pulse or Pulse O2?
A: The Withings Pulse has a battery life of up to 8 days, while the Pulse O2 has a battery life of up to 5 days. You’ll need to charge them every few days, depending on your usage.
Q: Can I use the Withings Pulse or Pulse O2 to monitor my stress levels?
A: While neither device specifically monitors stress levels, you can use their heart rate data to get an indication of your stress levels. Increased heart rate can be a sign of stress.
Q: Can I use the Withings Pulse or Pulse O2 to track my menstrual cycle?
A: The Withings Pulse and Pulse O2 do not have built-in menstrual cycle tracking features. However, you can use third-party apps that integrate with the devices to track your cycle.