Fitbit Alta vs Misfit Shine 2: Which Fitness Tracker Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Fitbit Alta and the Misfit Shine 2. Both devices offer sleek designs and comprehensive tracking capabilities, but which one emerges as the champion? This blog post delves into a detailed comparison of the Fitbit Alta vs Misfit Shine 2, exploring their features, pros, cons, and ultimately helping you decide which tracker best suits your fitness journey.

Design and Aesthetics: A Tale of Two Styles

The Fitbit Alta and Misfit Shine 2 are known for their stylish designs, catering to different aesthetics. The Fitbit Alta boasts a rectangular, watch-like design with a vibrant OLED display that showcases time, steps, heart rate, and notifications. It comes in a variety of colors and bands, allowing for personalization. The Misfit Shine 2, on the other hand, embraces a minimalist approach with its circular, coin-like design. It features a sleek, touch-sensitive interface and is available in various finishes, including rose gold, silver, and black.
Fitbit Alta:

• Pros: Vibrant display, customizable bands, watch-like design.
• Cons: Bulky compared to the Shine 2, limited customization options for the display.

Misfit Shine 2:

• Pros: Minimalist design, versatile wear options (wristband, clip, necklace), long battery life.
• Cons: No display, limited data shown on the device itself.

Activity Tracking: Counting Every Step and More

Both trackers excel at activity tracking, offering a range of features to monitor your movement and progress. The Fitbit Alta tracks steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, and sleep duration. It also monitors your heart rate throughout the day, providing valuable insights into your fitness levels. The Misfit Shine 2 tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep duration, but it lacks heart rate monitoring.
Fitbit Alta:

• Pros: Heart rate tracking, detailed activity data, sleep stage monitoring.
• Cons: No GPS for tracking outdoor workouts.

Misfit Shine 2:

• Pros: Long battery life, automatic activity detection, sleep quality analysis.
• Cons: No heart rate tracking, limited data displayed on the device.

Sleep Monitoring: Unlocking Your Restful Habits

Sleep is an essential component of overall health and fitness, and both trackers provide insights into your sleep patterns. The Fitbit Alta monitors sleep duration and stages (light, deep, and REM). It also offers personalized sleep insights and recommendations to improve your sleep quality. The Misfit Shine 2 focuses on sleep duration and quality, providing a sleep score based on your movement and restlessness during the night.
Fitbit Alta:

• Pros: Sleep stage monitoring, personalized sleep insights.
• Cons: Limited sleep analysis compared to dedicated sleep trackers.

Misfit Shine 2:

• Pros: Sleep quality analysis, sleep score for easy understanding.
• Cons: No sleep stage monitoring.

Smart Features: Beyond the Basics

While both trackers primarily focus on fitness, they also offer some smart features to enhance your daily life. The Fitbit Alta can display notifications from your smartphone, including calls, texts, and calendar events. It can also control music playback on your phone. The Misfit Shine 2 offers similar notification capabilities, allowing you to receive alerts for calls, texts, and social media updates.
Fitbit Alta:

• Pros: Music control, customizable notification settings.
• Cons: Limited app features compared to other Fitbit devices.

Misfit Shine 2:

• Pros: Long battery life, minimalist design, water-resistant.
• Cons: No music control, limited app features.

Battery Life: Staying Powered Up

Battery life is a crucial consideration for any fitness tracker. The Fitbit Alta boasts a battery life of up to 5 days, while the Misfit Shine 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 6 months. This significant difference is attributed to the Shine 2’s minimalist design and lack of a display.
Fitbit Alta:

• Pros: Decent battery life, convenient charging experience.
• Cons: Requires frequent charging compared to the Shine 2.

Misfit Shine 2:

• Pros: Long battery life, no need for frequent charging.
• Cons: Requires a separate charging dock.

Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

The Fitbit Alta and Misfit Shine 2 cater to different price points. The Fitbit Alta is generally more affordable, while the Misfit Shine 2 sits in a slightly higher price range. Both trackers offer good value for their respective features and functionalities.
Fitbit Alta:

• Pros: More affordable price point, wider range of colors and bands.
• Cons: Limited features compared to higher-end Fitbit devices.

Misfit Shine 2:

• Pros: Premium design, longer battery life, versatile wear options.
• Cons: Higher price point, no heart rate tracking.

Which Tracker Wins?

The choice between the Fitbit Alta and Misfit Shine 2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a vibrant display, heart rate tracking, and comprehensive sleep stage monitoring, the Fitbit Alta is a solid choice. However, if you value a minimalist design, long battery life, and versatile wear options, the Misfit Shine 2 might be the better fit for you.

Choosing the Right Tracker: A Final Word

Both the Fitbit Alta and Misfit Shine 2 offer compelling features and functionalities. The Fitbit Alta excels in its comprehensive activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep stage analysis. The Misfit Shine 2 stands out with its minimalist design, long battery life, and versatile wear options. Ultimately, the best tracker for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your budget, desired features, and lifestyle to make an informed decision.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use the Fitbit Alta and Misfit Shine 2 for swimming?
A: The Fitbit Alta is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. The Misfit Shine 2 is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it a good choice for swimming.
Q: How accurate are the activity tracking features of these trackers?
A: Both trackers offer generally accurate activity tracking, but their accuracy can vary depending on factors like movement patterns and individual physiology.
Q: Do these trackers work with other fitness apps?
A: The Fitbit Alta works primarily with the Fitbit app, while the Misfit Shine 2 is compatible with several fitness apps, including Misfit, Google Fit, and Apple Health.
Q: What is the warranty coverage for these trackers?
A: Both trackers come with a standard warranty, typically covering manufacturing defects. Check the manufacturer’s website for specific warranty details.