Breaking Down the Best: Fitbit Flex 2 vs Jawbone Up Move – Your Fitness Tracker Guide

What To Know

  • The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a slim, interchangeable band that comes in various colors and materials, allowing for personalization.
  • The Fitbit Flex 2 integrates with a smartphone app, providing a detailed breakdown of your activity data, personalized insights, and challenges to motivate you.
  • The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a long battery life of up to 5 days, while the Jawbone Up Move can last for up to 7 days on a single charge.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders in the market are the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Jawbone Up Move. Both devices offer a range of features to help you stay on track with your fitness goals, but they differ in their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key aspects of each tracker, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

Design and Comfort

Firstly, let’s examine the design and comfort of both trackers. The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a slim, interchangeable band that comes in various colors and materials, allowing for personalization. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during sleep.
The Jawbone Up Move, on the other hand, adopts a more compact and button-like design with a removable clip. While it’s smaller than the Flex 2, it might feel a bit bulkier and less discreet, especially if you have a smaller wrist. The clip-on design offers greater flexibility in terms of placement, allowing you to wear it on your belt, bra, or even your shoe.

Activity Tracking and Accuracy

Both trackers excel in activity tracking, but they employ different methods. The Fitbit Flex 2 relies on a built-in accelerometer to monitor steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also tracks sleep duration and quality, providing insights into your sleep patterns. The Jawbone Up Move uses a combination of accelerometer and motion detection to track steps, distance, and calories burned. It also provides sleep tracking, but with less detail than the Flex 2.
In terms of accuracy, both trackers generally perform well, but there can be variations depending on individual usage and environmental factors. It’s important to note that neither device is designed for high-intensity workouts or sports activities where precise tracking is crucial.

Features and Functionality

Beyond basic activity tracking, both trackers offer a range of features to enhance your fitness experience. The Fitbit Flex 2 integrates with a smartphone app, providing a detailed breakdown of your activity data, personalized insights, and challenges to motivate you. It also allows you to set goals, track your progress, and connect with friends.
The Jawbone Up Move also pairs with a smartphone app, offering similar features to the Flex 2. However, it lacks the advanced sleep tracking and activity insights found in the Fitbit app. Additionally, the Jawbone app has been discontinued, which can be a significant drawback for some users.

Battery Life and Water Resistance

Battery life is an important factor to consider. The Fitbit Flex 2 boasts a long battery life of up to 5 days, while the Jawbone Up Move can last for up to 7 days on a single charge. This difference is mainly due to the simpler design and functionality of the Up Move.
Water resistance is another key aspect. The Fitbit Flex 2 is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. The Jawbone Up Move, on the other hand, is splash-proof but not fully waterproof, limiting its use in water-related activities.

Price and Value

The Fitbit Flex 2 and Jawbone Up Move differ significantly in price. The Flex 2 is generally more expensive than the Up Move, reflecting its more advanced features and capabilities. However, the Up Move offers a more budget-friendly option for those looking for basic activity tracking without the bells and whistles.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Fitbit Flex 2 if:

  • You value advanced sleep tracking and insights.
  • You want a waterproof tracker for swimming and showering.
  • You prefer a sleek and comfortable design.
  • You’re willing to pay a premium for comprehensive features.

Choose the Jawbone Up Move if:

  • You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
  • You need a long battery life.
  • You prefer a compact and clip-on design.
  • Basic activity tracking is sufficient for your needs.

Your Fitness Journey Starts Here

Whether you choose the Fitbit Flex 2 or the Jawbone Up Move, both trackers can be valuable tools for achieving your fitness goals. They provide motivation, accountability, and insights to help you stay active and make healthier choices. Remember to consider your individual needs, budget, and lifestyle when making your decision.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use either tracker with my Android or iPhone?
A: Both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Jawbone Up Move are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q: Does the Jawbone Up Move still receive software updates?
A: Unfortunately, the Jawbone Up Move no longer receives software updates. The Jawbone app has been discontinued, and the company no longer provides support for its products.
Q: Can I track my heart rate with either tracker?
A: Neither the Fitbit Flex 2 nor the Jawbone Up Move includes heart rate tracking. If heart rate monitoring is essential for you, you’ll need to consider a different tracker with this feature.
Q: Which tracker is better for sleep tracking?
A: The Fitbit Flex 2 offers more detailed sleep tracking than the Jawbone Up Move. It provides insights into your sleep stages, duration, and quality.
Q: Is the Jawbone Up Move still a good option in 2023?
A: While the Jawbone Up Move is a budget-friendly option, its lack of software updates and discontinued app make it less appealing than other trackers available in 2023. It’s advisable to consider other options with ongoing support and features.