What To Know
- The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a slim, interchangeable wristband that comes in a variety of colors and materials.
- While the display isn’t as vibrant or high-resolution as some other trackers, it provides a clear view of your activity data at a glance.
- The Garmin Vivofit 3, while lacking some of the advanced features of the Flex 2, provides a dedicated mobile app that offers detailed insights into your activity data, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular contenders that often find themselves in the spotlight are the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivofit 3. Both devices offer a range of features designed to motivate you and track your progress on your fitness journey. But which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a slim, interchangeable wristband that comes in a variety of colors and materials. This makes it a stylish accessory that can seamlessly blend with any outfit. The tracker itself is a small, unobtrusive module that sits comfortably on your wrist.
In contrast, the Garmin Vivofit 3 adopts a more traditional fitness tracker aesthetic with a larger, rectangular display. It’s slightly bulkier than the Flex 2, but still comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Vivofit 3 also offers interchangeable bands, giving you the flexibility to customize the look.
Display and Navigation: A Clear View vs. a Silent Companion
The Fitbit Flex 2 takes a minimalist approach to its display. It features five LED lights that illuminate to indicate your progress towards your daily goals. This design prioritizes discreetness and battery life, but it lacks the ability to display detailed metrics or information.
The Garmin Vivofit 3, on the other hand, offers a small, always-on monochrome display that shows the time, steps, distance, calories burned, and other metrics. While the display isn’t as vibrant or high-resolution as some other trackers, it provides a clear view of your activity data at a glance.
Activity Tracking: Counting Steps and More
Both the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivofit 3 excel at tracking your steps, distance, and calories burned. However, the Vivofit 3 offers a slight edge with its built-in Move Bar, which encourages you to move every hour to avoid prolonged inactivity.
Beyond basic activity tracking, the Fitbit Flex 2 can also monitor your sleep patterns, providing insights into your sleep duration, quality, and wake-up times. The Vivofit 3 also tracks sleep, but it offers less detailed information compared to the Flex 2.
Heart Rate Monitoring: A Deeper Dive into Fitness
The Fitbit Flex 2 doesn’t include a built-in heart rate monitor. If you’re interested in tracking your heart rate, you’ll need to purchase a separate Fitbit heart rate tracker or use a compatible third-party device.
The Garmin Vivofit 3, however, features a built-in heart rate monitor, allowing you to track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. This data can provide valuable insights into your fitness level, workout intensity, and overall health.
Water Resistance: Taking Your Tracker for a Swim
Both the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivofit 3 are water-resistant, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities. The Flex 2 boasts a water resistance rating of 50 meters, while the Vivofit 3 is rated for 5 ATM (50 meters).
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
The Fitbit Flex 2 offers a remarkable battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge. This makes it a great option for those who don’t want to worry about frequent charging.
The Garmin Vivofit 3, on the other hand, boasts an impressive battery life of up to a year. This makes it a low-maintenance option that can keep track of your progress without the need for frequent recharging.
Features and Connectivity: Beyond the Basics
Both trackers offer basic connectivity features, including Bluetooth syncing with your smartphone. This allows you to view your activity data, receive notifications, and set alarms.
The Fitbit Flex 2 also offers additional features, such as automatic activity recognition, which can detect different types of workouts like running, swimming, and biking. It also allows you to set silent alarms and receive call and text notifications.
The Garmin Vivofit 3, while lacking some of the advanced features of the Flex 2, provides a dedicated mobile app that offers detailed insights into your activity data, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivofit 3 are priced within a similar range, making them both affordable options for fitness enthusiasts. However, the Flex 2 might be a better value for those who prioritize features like automatic activity recognition and sleep tracking. The Vivofit 3, with its impressive battery life and built-in heart rate monitor, might be a more appealing option for those who prefer a low-maintenance tracker with comprehensive health insights.
Making the Right Choice: Fitbit Flex 2 vs Garmin Vivofit 3
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Fitbit Flex 2 if:
- You prioritize a sleek and stylish design.
- You want a tracker with a long battery life and automatic activity recognition.
- You’re interested in detailed sleep tracking.
Choose the Garmin Vivofit 3 if:
- You prefer a tracker with a built-in heart rate monitor and a long battery life.
- You want a tracker with a clear, always-on display.
- You’re looking for a low-maintenance option that provides comprehensive health insights.
Beyond the Comparison: A Final Thought
While both the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivofit 3 are excellent fitness trackers, it’s important to remember that the best tracker is the one that motivates you to stay active and reach your fitness goals. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and budget to make the best choice for your fitness journey.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use the Fitbit Flex 2 or Garmin Vivofit 3 for swimming?
A: Yes, both trackers are water-resistant and can be used for swimming. The Flex 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters, while the Vivofit 3 is rated for 5 ATM (50 meters).
Q: Do the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit 3 track GPS data?
A: No, neither tracker has built-in GPS. You’ll need to use your smartphone’s GPS to track your location and distance during activities.
Q: Can I use the Fitbit Flex 2 or Garmin Vivofit 3 to receive notifications from my smartphone?
A: Yes, both trackers can receive notifications from your smartphone, including calls, texts, and app notifications.
Q: Which tracker has a better mobile app?
A: Both Fitbit and Garmin offer comprehensive mobile apps with detailed insights and features. However, the Fitbit app might be a better option for those who want more advanced features, such as social sharing and challenges.
Q: Can I customize the watch faces on the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit 3?
A: The Garmin Vivofit 3 allows you to customize the watch face, while the Fitbit Flex 2 doesn’t offer this option.