Unveiling the Battle: Epson Pulsense PS 500 vs Jawbone Up – Which Reigns Supreme in Fitness Tracking?

What To Know

The Epson Pulsense PS-500 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a rectangular display with a single button for navigation.
If you prioritize long battery life, accurate step and sleep tracking, and a comfortable design, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 is a great choice.
If you value a compact and discreet design, smart coaching features, and food tracking capabilities, the Jawbone Up might be a better option.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the fitness tracking arena are the Epson Pulsense PS-500 and the Jawbone Up. Both devices offer a range of features designed to help you achieve your fitness goals, but they also have distinct differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the features, pros, and cons of each tracker, helping you make an informed decision.

In This Article

Design and Comfort
Features and Functionality
Performance and Accuracy
Battery Life and Charging
Pros and Cons

Design and Comfort

Epson Pulsense PS-500: The Epson Pulsense PS-500 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a rectangular display with a single button for navigation. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during intense workouts. The band is made of soft, flexible silicone, available in various colors to suit your style.
Jawbone Up: The Jawbone Up, on the other hand, features a more compact and discreet design. It’s a small, pill-shaped device that sits comfortably on your wrist. The band is made of a durable, hypoallergenic material that’s sweat-resistant and comfortable to wear. The Jawbone Up is available in a variety of colors and designs, allowing you to personalize your tracker.

Features and Functionality

Epson Pulsense PS-500: The Epson Pulsense PS-500 is packed with features, including:

Heart Rate Monitoring: The tracker utilizes optical heart rate sensing technology to accurately measure your heart rate during workouts.
Step Counting: It tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned throughout the day.
Sleep Tracking: The PS-500 monitors your sleep patterns, providing insights into your sleep quality and duration.
Activity Tracking: It records your daily activity levels, including time spent walking, running, and sleeping.
Smartphone Connectivity: The tracker syncs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to view your data and receive notifications.

Jawbone Up: The Jawbone Up offers a similar set of features, including:

Step Counting: Tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned.
Sleep Tracking: Monitors your sleep patterns and provides detailed sleep insights.
Activity Tracking: Records your activity levels throughout the day.
Smart Coach: Offers personalized coaching and motivational tips based on your activity data.
Food Tracking: Allows you to log your meals and track your calorie intake.

Performance and Accuracy

Epson Pulsense PS-500: The Epson Pulsense PS-500 is generally accurate in tracking steps, distance, and sleep. However, some users have reported inconsistencies in heart rate readings, especially during high-intensity workouts.
Jawbone Up: The Jawbone Up is known for its reliable step and sleep tracking. Its Smart Coach feature provides valuable insights and motivational tips. However, its food tracking feature is less comprehensive compared to other fitness trackers.

Battery Life and Charging

Epson Pulsense PS-500: The Epson Pulsense PS-500 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge. This makes it a convenient option for travelers or those who don’t want to constantly charge their tracker.
Jawbone Up: The Jawbone Up has a slightly shorter battery life, lasting around 5-7 days on a single charge. It charges via a USB cable, making it convenient to charge from your computer or a power adapter.

Pros and Cons

Epson Pulsense PS-500:
Pros:

Long battery life
Accurate step and sleep tracking
Comfortable and lightweight design
Heart rate monitoring

Cons:

Inconsistent heart rate readings during intense workouts
Limited app features

Jawbone Up:
Pros:

Compact and discreet design
Reliable step and sleep tracking
Smart Coach feature provides valuable insights
Food tracking feature

Cons:

Shorter battery life compared to the PS-500
Less comprehensive food tracking features

Which Tracker Is Right for You?

The best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize long battery life, accurate step and sleep tracking, and a comfortable design, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 is a great choice. If you value a compact and discreet design, smart coaching features, and food tracking capabilities, the Jawbone Up might be a better option.

The Verdict: A Tie?

Both the Epson Pulsense PS-500 and the Jawbone Up are excellent fitness trackers that offer a range of features to help you reach your fitness goals. The PS-500 excels in battery life and comfort, while the Jawbone Up provides valuable insights through its Smart Coach feature and food tracking capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Beyond the Trackers: The Future of Fitness Tech

The world of fitness trackers is constantly evolving, with new features and technologies emerging regularly. The future of fitness tech is likely to see even more integration with smartphones and wearables, providing more personalized and comprehensive insights into your health and fitness.