What To Know
- The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, features a more traditional fitness tracker design with a larger, square-shaped display and a thicker wristband.
- If you prioritize a stylish design, a vibrant touchscreen display, and comprehensive notification support, the Fitbit Alta is a great option.
- If you value long battery life, a durable build, and a more affordable price point, the Garmin Vivofit 2 is a better choice.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the market are the Fitbit Alta and the Garmin Vivofit 2. Both devices offer a range of features to help you track your activity, sleep, and progress towards your fitness goals. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Fitbit Alta vs Garmin Vivofit 2, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Fitbit Alta boasts a sleek and stylish design with a slim, rectangular display and a comfortable wristband. It comes in various colors and materials, allowing you to choose a style that suits your personality. The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, features a more traditional fitness tracker design with a larger, square-shaped display and a thicker wristband. While it’s not as stylish as the Alta, the Vivofit 2 offers a more robust build and is more comfortable to wear during intense workouts.
Display and Features
The Fitbit Alta features a vibrant OLED touchscreen display that showcases your stats and notifications clearly. However, it’s a monochrome display, lacking the color vibrancy of the Vivofit 2. The Vivofit 2’s transflective color display is always-on, making it easier to read in various lighting conditions. While it lacks the touch functionality of the Alta, the Vivofit 2 offers a more intuitive button-based interface.
Activity and Sleep Tracking
Both trackers excel in activity tracking, accurately measuring steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. The Alta also offers automatic exercise recognition, detecting and tracking various workouts like running, swimming, and biking. The Vivofit 2, however, lacks this feature. Both devices provide detailed sleep tracking, monitoring your sleep duration, quality, and stages.
Battery Life and Water Resistance
The Fitbit Alta boasts a respectable battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge. The Vivofit 2, however, takes the lead with an impressive battery life of up to 1 year, thanks to its replaceable coin cell battery. Both devices are water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering.
Connectivity and Notifications
Both trackers seamlessly sync with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to access your data and receive notifications on your device. The Alta provides more comprehensive notification support, including calls, text messages, and app alerts. The Vivofit 2, however, only offers basic call and text notifications.
Additional Features
The Fitbit Alta offers additional features like heart rate tracking, although this requires a separate heart rate monitor accessory. The Vivofit 2 lacks heart rate tracking capabilities. The Vivofit 2, however, offers a unique Move Bar feature that encourages you to stay active throughout the day.
Price and Value
The Fitbit Alta is generally more affordable than the Vivofit 2. However, the Vivofit 2’s longer battery life and robust build make it a more valuable investment in the long run.
The Verdict: Which Tracker Suits You?
Choosing between the Fitbit Alta and Garmin Vivofit 2 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a stylish design, a vibrant touchscreen display, and comprehensive notification support, the Fitbit Alta is a great option. If you value long battery life, a durable build, and a more affordable price point, the Garmin Vivofit 2 is a better choice.
Beyond the Basics: Unveiling the Nuances
While the Fitbit Alta and Garmin Vivofit 2 share similarities in their core functionalities, they cater to different user preferences.
Fitbit Alta: A Stylish Companion for the Active Individual
The Fitbit Alta shines in its sleek design, making it a fashionable accessory for everyday wear. Its touchscreen display and comprehensive notifications enhance its appeal for users who want a connected experience. However, the Alta’s limited battery life and lack of advanced features like heart rate tracking may be drawbacks for some.
Garmin Vivofit 2: The Reliable Workhorse for Fitness Enthusiasts
The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, focuses on durability and longevity. Its long battery life and robust build make it ideal for those who want a tracker that can withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle. While it may lack the sleek design and vibrant display of the Alta, the Vivofit 2 offers a more practical and reliable experience.
Navigating the Decision: A Guide for Your Fitness Journey
Ultimately, the choice between the Fitbit Alta and Garmin Vivofit 2 boils down to your individual needs and priorities. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
- Design and Style: Do you prioritize a sleek and fashionable tracker, or are you looking for a more robust and practical device?
- Display and Features: Do you prefer a touchscreen display with color vibrancy, or do you value a simple and intuitive button-based interface?
- Activity and Sleep Tracking: Are you seeking detailed insights into your activity and sleep patterns, or do you prefer a more basic tracking experience?
- Battery Life and Water Resistance: How important is long battery life and water resistance to you?
- Connectivity and Notifications: Do you need comprehensive notification support, or are basic call and text notifications sufficient?
- Price and Value: What is your budget, and what features are you willing to compromise on?
The Final Word: Embracing Your Fitness Journey
Whether you choose the Fitbit Alta or the Garmin Vivofit 2, both devices can be valuable tools for your fitness journey. They provide insights into your activity, sleep, and overall well-being, motivating you to stay active and achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which tracker is better for swimming?
A: Both the Fitbit Alta and Garmin Vivofit 2 are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming. However, the Vivofit 2’s more robust build and longer battery life might make it a better choice for frequent swimmers.
Q: Which tracker offers better heart rate tracking?
A: The Fitbit Alta offers heart rate tracking but requires a separate heart rate monitor accessory. The Vivofit 2 lacks heart rate tracking capabilities altogether.
Q: Which tracker is more affordable?
A: The Fitbit Alta is generally more affordable than the Garmin Vivofit 2.
Q: Which tracker is better for beginners?
A: Both trackers are suitable for beginners. The Fitbit Alta’s touchscreen display and comprehensive notifications might be more appealing to users who are new to fitness trackers. However, the Vivofit 2’s simple interface and long battery life might make it a better option for those who are just starting their fitness journey.
Q: Which tracker is better for tracking sleep?
A: Both trackers offer detailed sleep tracking, monitoring your sleep duration, quality, and stages. However, the Vivofit 2’s longer battery life might make it a better choice for long-term sleep tracking.