Unveiling the Best: Fitbit Surge vs Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus for Your Fitness Goals

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with an overwhelming array of options available. Two popular contenders in the market are the Fitbit Surge and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. Both devices offer a comprehensive suite of features to monitor your activity and health, but they differ in their strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison of these two fitness trackers, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

Design and Comfort

The Fitbit Surge boasts a larger, more robust design compared to the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. Its square-shaped display and silicone band provide a comfortable fit, even for extended wear. The Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, features a sleek, slim design with a rectangular OLED display and a comfortable, adjustable band. While the Surge might feel slightly bulky, its larger screen offers better visibility and ease of navigation.

Activity Tracking and GPS

Both trackers excel in activity tracking, accurately monitoring steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. However, the Fitbit Surge takes the lead with its built-in GPS, allowing you to track your runs and walks without needing your phone. The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus relies on your phone’s GPS for location tracking, which might be inconvenient for those who prefer to leave their phone behind during workouts.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Both devices incorporate heart rate monitoring technology, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular health. The Fitbit Surge utilizes optical heart rate sensors, offering accurate readings during workouts and sleep. The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus also employs optical sensors and provides continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day. Both trackers offer detailed heart rate data, including average heart rate, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability.

Sleep Tracking and Analysis

Sleep tracking is a crucial feature for anyone seeking to optimize their sleep quality and overall health. The Fitbit Surge provides detailed sleep insights, including time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep stages. The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus also offers sleep tracking capabilities, but its analysis is less comprehensive than the Surge’s. Both devices can help you identify sleep patterns, track sleep duration, and make necessary adjustments to improve your sleep hygiene.

Smart Notifications and Connectivity

Both trackers offer smart notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist. The Fitbit Surge supports a wider range of notifications, including calendar events and social media updates. Both devices seamlessly connect with smartphones via Bluetooth, enabling data synchronization and app interactions.

Battery Life and Water Resistance

The Fitbit Surge boasts a longer battery life, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge. The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, has a shorter battery life of around 5 days. Both trackers are water-resistant, allowing you to wear them during swimming and other water activities.

Price and Value

The Fitbit Surge is generally priced higher than the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. However, its comprehensive feature set, including built-in GPS and detailed sleep tracking, justifies the higher price point for users who prioritize these features. The Vivosmart HR Plus offers a more affordable option with a solid set of features, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals.

Which Fitness Tracker Is Right for You?

The choice between the Fitbit Surge and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal scenarios for each tracker:
Choose the Fitbit Surge if:

• You prioritize built-in GPS for accurate outdoor workout tracking.
• You value detailed sleep tracking and analysis.
• You’re willing to pay a premium for a comprehensive feature set.

Choose the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus if:

• You’re looking for a sleek and affordable fitness tracker.
• You prefer a lightweight and comfortable design.
• You don’t require built-in GPS for workout tracking.

The Final Verdict: More Than Just a Fitness Tracker

Both the Fitbit Surge and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus offer a compelling blend of fitness tracking, health monitoring, and smart features. The Fitbit Surge emerges as the winner for users seeking a comprehensive and feature-rich device, particularly those who prioritize GPS tracking and detailed sleep analysis. The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, presents a more affordable option with a sleek design and a solid set of features, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals. Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs, priorities, and budget.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use the Fitbit Surge or Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus for swimming?
A: Both trackers are water-resistant and can be used for swimming. However, they are not designed for deep diving or high-pressure water activities.
Q: Which tracker has a better app interface?
A: Both Fitbit and Garmin offer user-friendly apps with comprehensive data visualization and insights. However, the Fitbit app is generally considered more intuitive and visually appealing.
Q: Can I customize the watch faces on either tracker?
A: Both trackers offer a limited selection of pre-installed watch faces. However, the Fitbit Surge allows for more customization options, including the ability to download additional watch faces from the Fitbit app.
Q: Do these trackers offer any fitness coaching features?
A: Both trackers offer basic fitness coaching features, such as personalized workout recommendations and progress tracking. However, dedicated fitness coaching apps like Strava or Runkeeper provide more advanced features and personalized training plans.
Q: What is the warranty on each tracker?
A: Both Fitbit and Garmin offer a 1-year limited warranty on their fitness trackers.