What To Know
- Two popular contenders in the kids’ fitness tracker market are the Amiigo and the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3.
- The Amiigo boasts a long battery life, lasting up to a year on a single charge.
- The Amiigo has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Vivofit Jr 3 has a rating of 5 ATM (50 meters).
Choosing the right fitness tracker for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Two popular contenders in the kids’ fitness tracker market are the Amiigo and the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3. Both devices offer fun features to motivate your little ones to get active, but they also have distinct differences. This blog post will delve into the Amiigo vs Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 comparison, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Amiigo is a unique fitness tracker designed for kids. It looks like a colorful, friendly monster with a large, easy-to-read LCD screen. The tracker is lightweight and comes in various colors, making it appealing to children. It features a soft, flexible band that’s comfortable to wear, even for younger children.
The Garmin Vivofit Jr 3, on the other hand, resembles a traditional wristwatch. It has a vibrant, colorful display with a customizable watch face. The Vivofit Jr 3 comes in various designs, including Disney and Marvel themes, appealing to different interests. The band is also adjustable, ensuring a comfortable fit for kids of various ages.
Activity Tracking and Features
Both the Amiigo and the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 excel in activity tracking. They monitor steps, distance, sleep, and active minutes. However, the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 offers more comprehensive features.
Amiigo:
- Step Counting: The Amiigo tracks steps taken throughout the day.
- Active Minutes: It measures the amount of time spent being physically active.
- Sleep Monitoring: The Amiigo monitors sleep duration and quality.
- Goal Setting: Users can set daily step goals and track progress.
- Gamification: The Amiigo incorporates a playful monster theme, with the monster growing as the child reaches their activity goals.
Garmin Vivofit Jr 3:
- Step Counting: The Vivofit Jr 3 tracks steps taken throughout the day.
- Active Minutes: It measures the amount of time spent being physically active.
- Sleep Monitoring: The Vivofit Jr 3 monitors sleep duration and quality.
- Goal Setting: Users can set daily step goals and track progress.
- Gamification: The Vivofit Jr 3 features a “To-Do” list with interactive challenges that encourage physical activity and healthy habits.
- Rewards: Children earn virtual coins for completing activities and can use these coins to unlock virtual rewards in the accompanying app.
- Move Bar: This feature reminds children to move if they’ve been inactive for a while.
- Timer and Stopwatch: Useful for tracking time during activities.
Battery Life and Water Resistance
The Amiigo boasts a long battery life, lasting up to a year on a single charge. This is a significant advantage over the Vivofit Jr 3, which requires a battery change every six to eight months.
Both devices are water-resistant, making them suitable for everyday wear and even swimming. The Amiigo has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Vivofit Jr 3 has a rating of 5 ATM (50 meters).
App Compatibility and Parental Control
The Amiigo app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It allows parents to monitor their child’s activity progress, set goals, and receive notifications. However, the app’s functionality is relatively basic compared to the Garmin Connect app.
The Garmin Connect app is also available for both iOS and Android devices. It offers more comprehensive features, including detailed activity tracking, sleep analysis, and customizable profiles. Parents can use the app to set goals, create challenges, and monitor their child’s progress. The Garmin Connect app also allows parents to manage their child’s privacy settings and control what information is shared.
Price and Value
The Amiigo is generally more affordable than the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for parents looking for a basic fitness tracker that encourages activity. However, the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 offers more features and a more comprehensive experience, justifying its higher price tag.
Amiigo vs Garmin Vivofit Jr 3: Which One to Choose?
The best fitness tracker for your child depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Choose the Amiigo if:
- You’re looking for an affordable fitness tracker.
- You value long battery life.
- Your child prefers a simple, playful design.
Choose the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 if:
- You want a fitness tracker with more features and functionality.
- You value the comprehensive parental control features of the Garmin Connect app.
- Your child enjoys interactive challenges and rewards.
Beyond the Basics: Making the Most of Your Child’s Fitness Tracker
Once you’ve chosen a fitness tracker, it’s important to make the most of it to encourage your child’s activity. Here are a few tips:
- Set realistic goals: Start with smaller, achievable goals and gradually increase them as your child gets more active.
- Make it fun: Use the tracker’s gamification features to make activity engaging for your child.
- Be supportive: Encourage and celebrate your child’s progress, even small milestones.
- Lead by example: Show your child that you value physical activity by being active yourself.
Final Thoughts: Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Choosing between the Amiigo and the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 is a matter of personal preference and budget. Both devices offer excellent features to motivate kids to get active. Remember, the most important thing is to encourage your child to embrace a healthy lifestyle, and a fitness tracker can be a fun and effective tool to help them achieve their goals.
What You Need to Learn
Q1: Can the Amiigo or Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 be used for adults?
A1: While both devices are marketed towards children, they can technically be used by adults. However, their features and design may not be as appealing or functional for adults.
Q2: Are these fitness trackers compatible with other devices?
A2: The Amiigo and Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Q3: Can I track my child’s activity on multiple devices?
A3: Yes, you can track your child’s activity on multiple devices using the respective apps.
Q4: What are the age recommendations for these fitness trackers?
A4: Both Amiigo and Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 are suitable for children aged 4 and up.
Q5: Do these fitness trackers require a subscription?
A5: No, neither the Amiigo nor the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 require a subscription to use their basic features. However, some advanced features might require a subscription to the respective app.