What To Know
- This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison of the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit, exploring their key features, pros and cons, and ultimately helping you decide which tracker is the perfect fit for your fitness journey.
- The Fitbit Flex features a slim, minimalist design with a removable band that comes in various colors and materials.
- The Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit are both reasonably priced fitness trackers, but the Fitbit Flex offers a slight edge in terms of affordability.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which one will best suit your needs and preferences. Two popular choices in the market are the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit. Both devices offer a range of features designed to help you track your activity and progress towards your fitness goals. But which one comes out on top?
This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison of the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit, exploring their key features, pros and cons, and ultimately helping you decide which tracker is the perfect fit for your fitness journey.
Design and Comfort
Both the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit are designed to be comfortable and discreet. The Fitbit Flex features a slim, minimalist design with a removable band that comes in various colors and materials. The tracker itself is a small, unobtrusive capsule that sits comfortably on your wrist.
The Runtastic Orbit, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach, opting for a more robust and sporty design. It features a circular tracker with a bright LED display that shows time and activity data. The Orbit comes with a variety of interchangeable bands, allowing you to customize its look to your liking.
Activity Tracking
Both the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit are capable of tracking your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. They also offer sleep tracking features to monitor your sleep patterns and duration. However, there are some key differences in their capabilities:
Fitbit Flex:
- Automatic Activity Tracking: The Fitbit Flex automatically tracks your steps and distance, eliminating the need for manual input.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides detailed sleep insights, including time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep.
- Activity Reminders: Sends gentle reminders to encourage you to stay active throughout the day.
Runtastic Orbit:
- Manual Activity Tracking: Requires you to manually start and stop activity tracking sessions.
- Sleep Tracking: Offers basic sleep tracking features, but lacks the detailed insights provided by the Fitbit Flex.
- Activity Goals: Allows you to set custom activity goals and track your progress.
Additional Features
Beyond the basics, both trackers offer additional features that enhance their functionality:
Fitbit Flex:
- Water Reminders: Helps you stay hydrated by reminding you to drink water throughout the day.
- Food Logging: Allows you to log your meals and track your calorie intake.
- Social Features: Enables you to connect with friends and family to share your progress and motivate each other.
Runtastic Orbit:
- GPS Tracking: Tracks your location and pace during outdoor activities, providing detailed route information.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Monitors your heart rate during workouts for more accurate calorie burn calculations.
- Music Control: Allows you to control your music playback from your wrist.
Battery Life
Both devices offer decent battery life, but the Fitbit Flex boasts a significant advantage in this area:
- Fitbit Flex: Provides up to 5 days of battery life on a single charge.
- Runtastic Orbit: Offers around 3 days of battery life.
Price and Availability
The Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit are both reasonably priced fitness trackers, but the Fitbit Flex offers a slight edge in terms of affordability:
- Fitbit Flex: Typically retails for around $99.
- Runtastic Orbit: Typically retails for around $129.
Fitbit Flex vs. Runtastic Orbit: Pros and Cons
Fitbit Flex:
Pros:
- Automatic activity tracking
- Detailed sleep tracking
- Longer battery life
- Affordable price
- Wide range of available bands
Cons:
- No GPS tracking
- No heart rate monitoring
- Limited display features
Runtastic Orbit:
Pros:
- GPS tracking
- Heart rate monitoring
- Music control
- Customizable design
- Robust build quality
Cons:
- Manual activity tracking
- Shorter battery life
- More expensive than the Fitbit Flex
- Limited sleep tracking features
Which Tracker Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make the decision:
Choose the Fitbit Flex if:
- You prioritize automatic activity tracking and detailed sleep insights.
- You’re looking for a comfortable and discreet tracker with a long battery life.
- You’re on a budget and want a tracker that offers excellent value for your money.
Choose the Runtastic Orbit if:
- You need GPS tracking for outdoor activities and want to monitor your heart rate during workouts.
- You prefer a tracker with a more robust build quality and customizable design.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for advanced features and functionality.
The Verdict: It’s a Tie!
Both the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit are excellent fitness trackers with their own strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for you will depend on your individual requirements and preferences. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable tracker with automatic activity tracking and detailed sleep insights, the Fitbit Flex is a great option. However, if you need GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and advanced features, the Runtastic Orbit is a more suitable choice.
Is This the Right Fitness Tracker for You?
Deciding whether the Fitbit Flex or the Runtastic Orbit is the right fitness tracker for you requires considering your individual fitness goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Fitbit Flex:
- Best for: Casual fitness enthusiasts, those seeking a simple and comfortable tracker, individuals who prioritize sleep tracking and automatic activity tracking.
Runtastic Orbit:
- Best for: Serious athletes, runners, and individuals who need GPS and heart rate monitoring for accurate workout data.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which tracker is more accurate for step counting?
A: Both trackers offer accurate step counting, but the Fitbit Flex is generally considered to be slightly more accurate due to its automatic tracking capabilities.
Q: Can I use either tracker for swimming?
A: Neither the Fitbit Flex nor the Runtastic Orbit is waterproof. While they can withstand splashes, they are not designed for swimming.
Q: Which tracker has better app integration?
A: Both trackers have dedicated apps that offer comprehensive insights and features. The Fitbit app is known for its user-friendly interface and social features, while the Runtastic app provides more in-depth data and workout analysis.
Q: Can I customize the bands on either tracker?
A: Yes, both trackers offer a variety of interchangeable bands to personalize their look. The Fitbit Flex has a wider range of band options, while the Runtastic Orbit offers more robust and sporty band choices.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which fitness tracker is right for you is to consider your individual needs and preferences. By carefully evaluating the features, pros and cons, and price points of the Fitbit Flex and the Runtastic Orbit, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your fitness goals and lifestyle.