What To Know
- It features a small, removable tracker that can be worn in a variety of ways, including a wristband, a clip, or even a necklace.
- The Fitbit Flex 2 relies on a tri-axis accelerometer to track your movement, while the Garmin Vivofit HR employs a more advanced heart rate sensor that measures your pulse throughout the day.
- Both devices offer a variety of features that enhance your fitness journey, but the Fitbit Flex 2’s silent alarm and call/text notifications may be more appealing to individuals who prioritize connectivity and a seamless experience.
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 come up in discussions are the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivofit HR. Both devices offer a range of features to track your activity and sleep, but they differ in their functionalities and strengths. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Fitbit Flex 2 vs Garmin Vivofit HR, helping you determine which tracker best suits your needs and preferences.
Design and Comfort
The Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR boast different design aesthetics and wearability. The Fitbit Flex 2 stands out with its sleek and minimalist design. It features a small, removable tracker that can be worn in a variety of ways, including a wristband, a clip, or even a necklace. This versatility makes it ideal for individuals who prefer a discreet and stylish tracker.
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivofit HR opts for a more traditional wristband design with a built-in display. The display is always-on, providing constant access to your activity data and time. While it may not be as sleek as the Flex 2, the Vivofit HR offers a more functional and practical approach.
In terms of comfort, both trackers are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The Fitbit Flex 2’s slim profile and soft wristbands make it ideal for all-day wear, while the Vivofit HR‘s breathable strap ensures comfort even during intense workouts. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and desired level of style.
Activity Tracking and Accuracy
Both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR excel in activity tracking, providing comprehensive insights into your daily movement. They accurately monitor steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and active minutes. However, they differ in their specific features and accuracy levels.
The Fitbit Flex 2 relies on a tri-axis accelerometer to track your movement, while the Garmin Vivofit HR employs a more advanced heart rate sensor that measures your pulse throughout the day. This feature allows the Vivofit HR to provide more accurate calorie burn estimates and insights into your heart rate variability.
While both trackers provide reliable step counts, the Vivofit HR’s heart rate monitoring can offer a more precise picture of your overall activity levels. Additionally, the Vivofit HR’s built-in GPS enables it to track your outdoor runs and walks with greater accuracy, providing detailed information about your pace, distance, and route.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking is an essential feature for many fitness enthusiasts, and both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR offer valuable insights into your sleep patterns. The Fitbit Flex 2 automatically detects your sleep stages, providing information on your time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. It also tracks your time awake and restlessness during the night.
The Garmin Vivofit HR also monitors your sleep duration and quality, but it doesn’t provide detailed breakdowns of sleep stages. However, it does offer a sleep score that summarizes your overall sleep quality based on factors like heart rate variability and movement.
While both trackers offer useful sleep tracking features, the Fitbit Flex 2 provides more detailed information about your sleep stages, which can be helpful for those seeking a deeper understanding of their sleep patterns.
Additional Features
Beyond activity and sleep tracking, both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR offer a range of additional features. The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a silent alarm, allowing you to wake up without disturbing your partner. It also features call and text notifications, keeping you connected without needing to check your phone.
The Garmin Vivofit HR also includes a silent alarm and notifications for calls, texts, and emails. Additionally, it offers a Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day and a built-in timer for tracking workouts.
Both devices offer a variety of features that enhance your fitness journey, but the Fitbit Flex 2’s silent alarm and call/text notifications may be more appealing to individuals who prioritize connectivity and a seamless experience.
Battery Life and Water Resistance
The Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR have different battery life and water resistance capabilities. The Fitbit Flex 2 offers a battery life of up to five days, while the Garmin Vivofit HR can last for up to a year on a single charge. This significant difference in battery life is due to the Vivofit HR’s always-on display and lack of advanced features like GPS.
In terms of water resistance, the Fitbit Flex 2 is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. The Garmin Vivofit HR is only water-resistant, meaning it can withstand splashes and light rain but should not be submerged.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you value long battery life and are not a frequent swimmer, the Garmin Vivofit HR might be the better option. However, if you prioritize water resistance and a longer battery life is not a top concern, the Fitbit Flex 2 might be a better fit.
Price and Value for Money
The Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR are both available at competitive prices. The Fitbit Flex 2 is generally priced slightly lower than the Garmin Vivofit HR. However, both devices offer excellent value for money, providing a range of features and functionalities at a reasonable cost.
When considering price, it’s essential to factor in the features that are most important to you. If you prioritize advanced activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and long battery life, the Garmin Vivofit HR might be the better value. However, if you value a stylish design, water resistance, and a comprehensive set of features at a lower price point, the Fitbit Flex 2 might be a more attractive option.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tracker for You
Choosing between the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivofit HR ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Fitbit Flex 2 offers a sleek design, comprehensive activity and sleep tracking, water resistance, and a range of additional features. The Garmin Vivofit HR, on the other hand, boasts a traditional design, advanced heart rate monitoring, long battery life, and a focus on practical features.
If you’re looking for a stylish and versatile tracker with a focus on sleep tracking and additional features, the Fitbit Flex 2 might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize long battery life, advanced heart rate monitoring, and a focus on practical functionalities, the Garmin Vivofit HR might be a better fit.
By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the fitness tracker that will best support your fitness journey.
Popular Questions
Q: Which tracker is better for swimming?
A: The Fitbit Flex 2 is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. The Garmin Vivofit HR is only water-resistant and should not be submerged.
Q: Which tracker offers more detailed sleep tracking?
A: The Fitbit Flex 2 provides more detailed breakdowns of sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep. The Garmin Vivofit HR only offers a sleep score.
Q: Which tracker has a longer battery life?
A: The Garmin Vivofit HR has a much longer battery life of up to a year, compared to the Fitbit Flex 2’s five days.
Q: Which tracker is better for runners?
A: The Garmin Vivofit HR offers built-in GPS, allowing it to track your outdoor runs and walks with greater accuracy. The Fitbit Flex 2 does not have GPS.
Q: Which tracker is more affordable?
A: The Fitbit Flex 2 is generally priced slightly lower than the Garmin Vivofit HR.