What To Know
- The Microsoft Band took a different approach, focusing on a wider range of health and fitness metrics.
- The Fitbit Surge boasted a respectable battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge, making it ideal for long trips or multi-day adventures.
- The Fitbit app, a cornerstone of the Fitbit ecosystem, offered a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
The quest for a fitness tracker that fits your needs and lifestyle can be a daunting one. In 2015, two giants in the wearable tech world, Fitbit and Microsoft, went head-to-head with their flagship devices: the Fitbit Surge and the Microsoft Band. Both devices boasted impressive features and aimed to revolutionize the way we tracked our fitness and health. But which one truly reigned supreme?
Design and Comfort
Fitbit Surge: The Fitbit Surge sported a sleek, rectangular design with a vibrant color touchscreen. Its robust build and comfortable silicone wristband made it ideal for everyday wear, even during intense workouts. However, its bulky size and weight could be a drawback for some users, particularly those with smaller wrists.
Microsoft Band: The Microsoft Band, in contrast, featured a more minimalist design with a curved, OLED display. Its unique flexible band, made of a combination of materials, provided a snug fit and adapted well to different wrist sizes. However, some users found the band’s design to be less aesthetically pleasing than the Surge’s.
Features and Functionality
Fitbit Surge: The Fitbit Surge packed a punch with its comprehensive tracking capabilities. It monitored heart rate, steps, distance, calories burned, sleep patterns, and even elevation changes. The Surge also boasted GPS for accurate outdoor tracking and could connect to your smartphone for notifications, music control, and more.
Microsoft Band: The Microsoft Band took a different approach, focusing on a wider range of health and fitness metrics. It tracked heart rate, steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, and even skin temperature. It also incorporated NFC for contactless payments, UV exposure tracking, and even a guided workout feature.
Performance and Accuracy
Fitbit Surge: The Fitbit Surge consistently delivered accurate data for most metrics, particularly steps, distance, and calories burned. Its heart rate monitor, while not as precise as some dedicated chest straps, provided generally reliable readings. The GPS functionality worked well for outdoor activities, offering accurate tracking of routes and pace.
Microsoft Band: The Microsoft Band’s performance was generally good, but its accuracy varied across different metrics. While it excelled in tracking steps and distance, its heart rate monitor was known to be less accurate, especially during intense workouts. The GPS feature, while available, was not as reliable as the Surge’s.
Battery Life and Charging
Fitbit Surge: The Fitbit Surge boasted a respectable battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge, making it ideal for long trips or multi-day adventures. Its charging process was also straightforward, simply plugging the device into a USB port.
Microsoft Band: The Microsoft Band, on the other hand, suffered from a significantly shorter battery life, lasting only 2-3 days on a single charge. This made it less convenient for extended trips or individuals who prefer not to charge their devices frequently. The charging process also required a proprietary dock, which could be inconvenient for some users.
App Experience and Integration
Fitbit Surge: The Fitbit app, a cornerstone of the Fitbit ecosystem, offered a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. It provided detailed insights into your fitness data, allowed for personalized goals, and offered social features to connect with friends and family. The app also seamlessly integrated with other popular health and fitness apps, such as MyFitnessPal.
Microsoft Band: The Microsoft Band app, while functional, lacked the polish and user-friendliness of the Fitbit app. Its interface was cluttered and less intuitive, and its social features were limited. However, it offered a greater degree of customization and integration with Microsoft’s own ecosystem, including Cortana, Outlook, and OneDrive.
Price and Value
Fitbit Surge: The Fitbit Surge was initially priced at $250, making it a premium option in the fitness tracker market. However, its comprehensive features, long battery life, and strong app experience made it a compelling value proposition for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Microsoft Band: The Microsoft Band was priced at $199, offering a slightly more budget-friendly option compared to the Surge. However, its shorter battery life, less accurate heart rate monitor, and less user-friendly app could be seen as compromises for the lower price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Fitbit Surge if:
- You prioritize accuracy and consistency in your fitness tracking.
- You need a device with long battery life for multi-day trips or adventures.
- You value a user-friendly app experience and a robust ecosystem.
Choose the Microsoft Band if:
- You’re looking for a device with a wider range of health and fitness metrics.
- You appreciate the sleek, minimalist design and flexible band.
- You’re heavily invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem and want seamless integration.
The Verdict: A Close Race
The Fitbit Surge and the Microsoft Band 2015 were both impressive fitness trackers that offered unique features and benefits. The Fitbit Surge excelled in accuracy, battery life, and app experience, while the Microsoft Band stood out with its diverse range of metrics and integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem. The decision ultimately boils down to your individual priorities and preferences.
Beyond the Surge and the Band: The Ever-Evolving Fitness Tracker Landscape
The fitness tracker market has evolved significantly since 2015, with newer devices offering even more advanced features and functionalities. The Fitbit Surge and the Microsoft Band 2015 are no longer available for purchase, but their legacies continue to influence the development of fitness wearables.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Are there any other fitness trackers similar to the Fitbit Surge and Microsoft Band 2015?
A: Yes, there are many other fitness trackers available on the market today, including the Fitbit Charge 5, Garmin Venu 2, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. These devices offer similar features and functionalities but with improved performance, design, and battery life.
Q: What are some of the key things to consider when choosing a fitness tracker?
A: When choosing a fitness tracker, consider your individual needs and preferences, including:
- Features: What metrics do you want to track? Do you need GPS for outdoor activities?
- Accuracy: How important is accurate data to you?
- Battery Life: How often do you want to charge your device?
- Design and Comfort: Does the device fit your style and lifestyle?
- App Experience: Is the app user-friendly and integrated with other apps you use?
- Price: What is your budget for a fitness tracker?
Q: Is it worth buying a used Fitbit Surge or Microsoft Band 2015?
A: While you can find used Fitbit Surge and Microsoft Band 2015 devices at a lower price, it’s important to consider their age and potential wear and tear. Newer devices offer improved features and performance, so it might be more worthwhile to invest in a newer model.
Q: What is the future of fitness trackers?
A: The future of fitness trackers is bright, with continuous advancements in technology and innovation. Expect to see even more sophisticated features, improved accuracy, longer battery life, and seamless integration with other devices and services.