What To Know
- The Epson Pulsense PS-500 sports a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a rectangular display and a comfortable silicone band.
- The Skechers GoWalk, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional watch-like design with a circular display and a comfortable, breathable strap.
- While the Skechers GoWalk offers a comfortable and affordable option for basic fitness tracking, it falls short in terms of features and accuracy compared to the Epson Pulsense PS-500.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options available, each boasting unique features and functionalities. Two popular contenders in the market are the Epson Pulsense PS-500 and the Skechers GoWalk. Both devices promise to help you track your fitness journey, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each tracker, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Epson Pulsense PS-500 sports a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a rectangular display and a comfortable silicone band. Its lightweight nature makes it unobtrusive, allowing for seamless wear throughout the day. The Skechers GoWalk, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional watch-like design with a circular display and a comfortable, breathable strap. Both devices are available in various colors to match your personal style.
Display and User Interface
The Epson Pulsense PS-500 boasts a vibrant color display that provides clear visibility even under direct sunlight. Its user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly access your activity data, heart rate readings, and other important metrics. The Skechers GoWalk features a monochrome display that, while functional, lacks the visual appeal of its counterpart. The user interface is relatively straightforward, but it might require some familiarization for first-time users.
Activity Tracking and Accuracy
Both the Epson Pulsense PS-500 and the Skechers GoWalk excel in activity tracking, accurately recording steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. However, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 takes the lead with its built-in GPS, allowing for precise tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling. The Skechers GoWalk relies on your smartphone’s GPS for outdoor tracking, which can sometimes result in inaccurate readings, especially in areas with weak GPS signals.
Sleep Monitoring
Both trackers offer sleep monitoring features, tracking your sleep duration, sleep stages (light, deep, and REM), and sleep quality. However, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 outperforms the Skechers GoWalk in this aspect, providing more detailed sleep insights and offering personalized sleep recommendations based on your data.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Epson Pulsense PS-500 incorporates a continuous heart rate monitor, providing real-time readings throughout the day. This feature is particularly useful for tracking your heart rate during workouts and monitoring your overall cardiovascular health. The Skechers GoWalk, on the other hand, only offers on-demand heart rate monitoring, requiring you to manually initiate a measurement. This can be inconvenient, especially if you want to track your heart rate continuously during workouts.
Smart Features
The Epson Pulsense PS-500 offers a wider range of smart features, including smartphone notifications, music control, and weather updates. These features enhance the overall user experience and make the device more versatile. The Skechers GoWalk lacks these advanced functionalities, focusing primarily on fitness tracking.
Battery Life
The Epson Pulsense PS-500 boasts a longer battery life, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge. This is a significant advantage over the Skechers GoWalk, which typically lasts for around 5 days. This difference can be crucial, especially for frequent travelers or individuals who don’t want to worry about charging their tracker constantly.
Water Resistance
Both trackers offer water resistance, allowing you to wear them during workouts, showers, and even swimming. However, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 offers a higher water resistance rating, making it suitable for deeper water activities.
Price and Value
The Epson Pulsense PS-500 is generally priced slightly higher than the Skechers GoWalk. However, considering its superior features, longer battery life, and more comprehensive data analysis capabilities, it offers excellent value for money. The Skechers GoWalk, while a solid option for basic fitness tracking, lacks the advanced features and accuracy of its competitor.
The Verdict: Epson Pulsense PS-500 Takes the Crown
Ultimately, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Its sleek design, vibrant display, advanced activity tracking, sleep monitoring, heart rate monitoring, smart features, long battery life, and water resistance make it a superior choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded and reliable tracker. While the Skechers GoWalk offers a comfortable and affordable option for basic fitness tracking, it falls short in terms of features and accuracy compared to the Epson Pulsense PS-500.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison
Choosing the right fitness tracker ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize advanced features, accurate tracking, and a comprehensive user experience, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable tracker for basic fitness tracking, the Skechers GoWalk might be a suitable option. Regardless of your choice, remember that the most important factor is consistency. Wear your tracker regularly, set realistic goals, and stay motivated to achieve your fitness aspirations.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use the Epson Pulsense PS-500 for swimming?
A: Yes, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming. However, it’s not recommended for deep diving or high-impact water sports.
Q: Does the Skechers GoWalk provide GPS tracking?
A: The Skechers GoWalk does not have built-in GPS. It relies on your smartphone’s GPS for outdoor tracking. This can result in inaccurate readings, especially in areas with weak GPS signals.
Q: Can I use the Epson Pulsense PS-500 to monitor my sleep?
A: Yes, the Epson Pulsense PS-500 offers comprehensive sleep monitoring features, tracking your sleep duration, sleep stages, and sleep quality.
Q: What is the difference in price between the Epson Pulsense PS-500 and the Skechers GoWalk?
A: The Epson Pulsense PS-500 is generally priced slightly higher than the Skechers GoWalk. However, the difference in price is justified by the Epson Pulsense PS-500’s superior features and functionalities.
Q: Which fitness tracker is better for beginners?
A: Both the Epson Pulsense PS-500 and the Skechers GoWalk are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. However, the Skechers GoWalk might be a better option for those who prefer a simpler and more affordable tracker.