Fitbit Charge 2 vs Garmin Vivofit: The Ultimate Fitness Tracker Showdown!

What To Know

The Vivofit, however, features a built-in Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day, providing a gentle nudge to get up and move.
The Vivofit can last for up to a year on a single charge, making it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about frequent charging.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed tracker with a stylish design, the Charge 2 is a solid option.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Garmin Vivofit. Both devices offer a range of features to track your activity, sleep, and even heart rate. But which one comes out on top? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

In This Article

Design and Comfort
Activity Tracking and Accuracy
Heart Rate Monitoring
Sleep Tracking
Additional Features

Design and Comfort

The Fitbit Charge 2 boasts a sleek and stylish design with a comfortable, lightweight band. Its OLED display is bright and clear, providing easy access to essential information. The Garmin Vivofit, on the other hand, features a more traditional, durable design with a monochrome LCD display. While it’s not as flashy as the Charge 2, it’s known for its long battery life and rugged construction.
The choice between the two ultimately boils down to your personal preference. If you prioritize aesthetics and a vibrant display, the Charge 2 might be more appealing. If durability and battery life are your top concerns, the Vivofit could be the better option.

Activity Tracking and Accuracy

Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Garmin Vivofit excel in tracking your daily steps, distance, and calories burned. Both devices leverage advanced sensors to provide accurate data, although there might be slight variations depending on individual factors like stride length and activity type.
The Charge 2 offers additional features like automatic exercise detection and a more comprehensive sleep tracking algorithm. The Vivofit, however, features a built-in Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day, providing a gentle nudge to get up and move.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Both devices offer heart rate monitoring capabilities, with the Charge 2 using a wrist-based sensor and the Vivofit employing a chest strap (sold separately). The Charge 2’s wrist-based sensor is convenient but might not be as accurate as the chest strap used by the Vivofit.
If you’re serious about tracking your heart rate for workouts and fitness goals, the Vivofit’s chest strap option provides more accurate readings. However, the Charge 2’s wrist-based sensor is a good choice for casual monitoring and general fitness tracking.

Sleep Tracking

Both trackers provide detailed sleep analysis, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep phases. The Charge 2 offers a more advanced sleep tracking algorithm, providing insights into your sleep duration, quality, and even sleep disturbances.
The Vivofit, while not as sophisticated, still provides valuable information about your sleep patterns. It tracks your sleep duration and provides a basic sleep score, which can be helpful for identifying potential sleep issues.

Additional Features

The Fitbit Charge 2 offers a few additional features that the Vivofit lacks, including:

Connected GPS: Use your phone’s GPS to track your pace, distance, and route during outdoor activities.
Music Control: Control music playback on your smartphone directly from the device.
Call and Text Notifications: Receive notifications for calls, texts, and calendar events.

The Garmin Vivofit, on the other hand, boasts a few unique features:

Long Battery Life: The Vivofit can last for up to a year on a single charge, making it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about frequent charging.
Move Bar: The Move Bar encourages you to stay active throughout the day, reminding you to get up and move every hour.
Water Resistance: The Vivofit is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming.

Price and Value

The Fitbit Charge 2 is generally more expensive than the Garmin Vivofit. However, the Charge 2 offers a wider range of features and a more polished design. The Vivofit, while less feature-rich, provides great value for its price, especially considering its long battery life and durability.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for a feature-packed tracker with a stylish design, the Charge 2 is a solid option. If you prioritize affordability, long battery life, and durability, the Vivofit is an excellent choice.

Choosing the Right Tracker for You

To determine the best fitness tracker for your needs, consider the following factors:

Your Fitness Goals: Do you want to track your steps, sleep, and heart rate, or are you looking for more advanced features like GPS and music control?
Your Budget: Both trackers offer good value for their price, but the Charge 2 is generally more expensive.
Your Lifestyle: Do you need a tracker that’s water-resistant for swimming or a tracker with long battery life for extended trips?
Your Personal Preferences: Do you prefer a sleek and stylish design or a more rugged and durable tracker?

A Final Verdict: The Winner Is…

Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Garmin Vivofit are fantastic fitness trackers that offer a range of features to help you achieve your fitness goals. The Charge 2 excels in design, features, and sleep tracking, while the Vivofit shines in durability, battery life, and affordability.
Ultimately, the best tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize features and aesthetics, the Charge 2 is a great choice. If you value affordability, durability, and long battery life, the Vivofit is a solid option.