What To Know
- If you’re looking for a tracker with a vibrant design, gamification features, and heart rate monitoring, the Fitbit Ace 2 is a solid choice.
- However, if you prioritize long battery life, a simple and durable design, and a budget-friendly option, the Garmin Vivofit 2 might be a better fit.
- The Ace 2 is a feature-rich and engaging tracker, while the Vivofit 2 offers a simpler, more durable, and budget-friendly option.
Choosing the right fitness tracker for your child can be a daunting task. You want something that’s fun, engaging, and encourages healthy habits, but also safe and reliable. Two popular contenders in the kids’ fitness tracker market are the Fitbit Ace 2 and the Garmin Vivofit 2. Both offer a range of features designed to motivate young users, but which one comes out on top?
This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Fitbit Ace 2 and Garmin Vivofit 2, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Battle of Styles
The Fitbit Ace 2 boasts a vibrant, playful design with a customizable color band. It comes in various color combinations, allowing kids to express their personality. The tracker itself is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it suitable for all-day use.
The Garmin Vivofit 2, on the other hand, adopts a more classic and minimalist approach. It features a monochrome display and a single-color band, available in a variety of colors. While not as visually striking as the Ace 2, the Vivofit 2 is known for its durability and comfortable fit.
Features: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Activity Tracking: Both trackers excel at tracking steps, distance, and active minutes. They also offer sleep monitoring, providing insights into your child’s sleep patterns. However, the Ace 2 takes the lead with its additional features like calorie tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Motivation and Gamification: The Ace 2 incorporates gamification elements like virtual badges and challenges to keep kids engaged. It also features a “Friend” mode, allowing kids to connect with friends and compete in friendly challenges. The Vivofit 2, while lacking the same level of gamification, provides a simple and effective motivational approach with its “Move Bar” that encourages movement throughout the day.
Parental Controls: Both trackers offer comprehensive parental controls. With the Fitbit app, parents can set activity goals, manage notifications, and monitor their child’s progress. The Garmin Vivofit 2 also allows parents to set activity goals and track progress, but with a slightly less robust app experience.
Battery Life: A Clear Winner
The Garmin Vivofit 2 shines in the battery life department. Its impressive 1-year battery life eliminates the need for frequent charging, making it a convenient choice for busy families. The Fitbit Ace 2, while offering a respectable 5-day battery life, requires more frequent charging.
Price: A Matter of Budget
The Fitbit Ace 2 typically costs slightly more than the Garmin Vivofit 2. However, the price difference is often minimal, and both trackers offer value for money considering their features and durability.
Choosing the Right Tracker: A Final Verdict
The best fitness tracker for your child depends on their individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a tracker with a vibrant design, gamification features, and heart rate monitoring, the Fitbit Ace 2 is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize long battery life, a simple and durable design, and a budget-friendly option, the Garmin Vivofit 2 might be a better fit.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
While activity tracking and motivation are crucial, there are other factors to consider when choosing a kids’ fitness tracker.
Water Resistance: Both the Ace 2 and Vivofit 2 are water-resistant, allowing kids to wear them while swimming or showering. However, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific water resistance ratings.
Safety Features: Both trackers offer safety features like emergency contacts and location tracking. These features can provide peace of mind for parents, especially when their kids are out and about.
Age Appropriateness: The Ace 2 and Vivofit 2 are designed for children aged 6 and above. However, it’s important to consider your child’s maturity level and ability to understand the tracker’s features.
The Final Word: A Balanced Choice
Choosing between the Fitbit Ace 2 and Garmin Vivofit 2 ultimately boils down to your child’s individual needs and your budget. The Ace 2 is a feature-rich and engaging tracker, while the Vivofit 2 offers a simpler, more durable, and budget-friendly option.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect fitness tracker to empower your child to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these trackers compatible with Android and iOS devices?
A: Both Fitbit Ace 2 and Garmin Vivofit 2 are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q: Do these trackers require a subscription?
A: No, both Fitbit Ace 2 and Garmin Vivofit 2 do not require a subscription to use their basic features. However, some advanced features may require a subscription to the respective app services.
Q: Can I use these trackers to track my own fitness data?
A: While these trackers are designed for kids, you can use them to track your own fitness data. However, the features and design are geared towards children, so they may not be as comprehensive as adult fitness trackers.
Q: What are the recommended ages for these trackers?
A: Both Fitbit Ace 2 and Garmin Vivofit 2 are recommended for children aged 6 and above.
Q: Can I customize the watch faces on these trackers?
A: The Fitbit Ace 2 offers limited customization options for watch faces, while the Garmin Vivofit 2 does not allow for watch face customization.