What To Know
- Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness tracker, and both the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move offer decent performance in this regard.
- The Fitbit Alta boasts a battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge, while the Jawbone Up Move can last up to 7 days.
- However, if you prefer a minimalist design, longer battery life, and a focus on personalized insights, the Jawbone Up Move might be a better fit.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of features and specifications. Two popular contenders in the fitness tracker arena are the Fitbit Alta and the Jawbone Up Move. Both devices offer a range of features to help you track your activity, sleep, and overall well-being. But which one comes out on top in the Fitbit Alta vs Jawbone Up Move battle?
This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, pros and cons, and overall value proposition of each tracker to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Clash of Styles
The Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move present distinct design aesthetics. The Fitbit Alta boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a vibrant, customizable color screen. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it comfortable to wear all day long. The band is available in a variety of materials, including classic silicone, leather, and metal, allowing you to personalize your look.
The Jawbone Up Move, on the other hand, takes a more compact and discreet approach. It features a small, circular design with a single button and a hidden LED display that illuminates when you tap it. This minimalist design makes it less noticeable on your wrist, and the lightweight construction ensures a comfortable fit. However, the Up Move’s limited display functionality might not be ideal for those who prefer a more interactive experience.
Activity Tracking: Keeping You Moving
Both the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move excel at tracking your daily activity levels. They monitor steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, providing you with valuable insights into your movement patterns.
The Fitbit Alta offers a more comprehensive activity tracking experience with its built-in heart rate sensor. This allows you to monitor your heart rate during workouts, providing a more accurate measure of your calorie burn and workout intensity. The Up Move, however, relies on motion detection to estimate your calorie burn, which might not be as precise as the Alta’s heart rate tracking.
Sleep Monitoring: Getting a Good Night’s Rest
Both trackers offer sleep tracking capabilities, helping you understand your sleep patterns and identify areas for improvement. The Fitbit Alta monitors your sleep duration, quality, and stages (light, deep, and REM). It also provides insights into your sleep consistency and wake-up times.
The Jawbone Up Move also tracks your sleep duration and quality, but it lacks the detailed sleep stage analysis offered by the Alta. However, the Up Move’s sleep tracking is still effective in providing a general overview of your sleep patterns.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness tracker, and both the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move offer decent performance in this regard. The Fitbit Alta boasts a battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge, while the Jawbone Up Move can last up to 7 days.
Both trackers are easy to charge, with the Alta using a proprietary charger and the Up Move employing a standard micro-USB connector.
Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics
While both trackers offer core fitness tracking features, they diverge in their additional functionalities. The Fitbit Alta provides smartphone notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist. It also features a silent alarm function that vibrates to wake you up gently.
The Jawbone Up Move, on the other hand, focuses on a simpler user experience. It lacks smartphone notifications and a silent alarm feature. However, its built-in Smart Coach feature provides personalized insights and recommendations based on your activity patterns.
Fitbit Alta vs Jawbone Up Move: The Verdict
Choosing between the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a comprehensive activity tracking experience with detailed sleep analysis and smartphone notifications, the Fitbit Alta is the better choice.
However, if you prefer a minimalist design, longer battery life, and a focus on personalized insights, the Jawbone Up Move might be a better fit.
The Final Call: Beyond the Features
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you is the one that motivates you to stay active and reach your fitness goals. Both the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move offer a range of features and benefits that can help you achieve your fitness objectives. Consider your personal needs, budget, and design preferences to make an informed decision.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the price difference between the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move?
A: The Fitbit Alta is generally priced higher than the Jawbone Up Move. However, both trackers can be found on sale or with promotional offers, so it’s worth checking for deals before making a purchase.
Q: Can I use either tracker with my smartphone?
A: Yes, both the Fitbit Alta and Jawbone Up Move are compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. They connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth to sync data and receive notifications.
Q: Are these trackers waterproof?
A: The Fitbit Alta is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. The Jawbone Up Move, on the other hand, is splash-proof but not waterproof.
Q: Which tracker is better for tracking sleep?
A: While both trackers offer sleep tracking capabilities, the Fitbit Alta provides more detailed sleep stage analysis (light, deep, and REM).
Q: Which tracker has a better app?
A: Both Fitbit and Jawbone offer user-friendly apps with a range of features. However, the Fitbit app is generally considered to be more comprehensive and intuitive, with a wider range of data visualization options and social sharing features.