The Fitness Tracker Revolution: Fitbit Surge vs Withings Steel – Which One Should You Invest In?

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options vying for your wrist. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Fitbit Surge and the Withings Steel. Both devices boast impressive features and sleek designs, but which one truly emerges as the champion? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Aesthetics: A Tale of Two Styles

The Fitbit Surge and Withings Steel couldn‘t be more different in terms of design. The Surge, with its bold, sporty aesthetic, is clearly geared towards fitness enthusiasts. Its large, square-shaped display and prominent buttons scream functionality. On the other hand, the Withings Steel embraces a minimalist, elegant approach. Its circular, watch-like design blends seamlessly with any attire, making it a perfect everyday companion.
Fitbit Surge:

• Pros: Bold and sporty design, large display for easy viewing, comfortable wristband.
• Cons: Bulky and less stylish for casual wear, might feel too sporty for formal occasions.

Withings Steel:

• Pros: Sleek and elegant design, watch-like aesthetics, discreet and stylish for everyday wear.
• Cons: Smaller display, limited functionality compared to the Surge.

Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics

Both devices offer a range of fitness tracking features, but their focus and capabilities differ significantly. The Fitbit Surge, with its emphasis on athletic performance, excels in detailed metrics and advanced tracking. The Withings Steel, while offering essential tracking, prioritizes a minimalist approach, focusing on providing a clear overview of your activity.
Fitbit Surge:

• Pros: GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, detailed activity tracking, sleep analysis, smartphone notifications.
• Cons: Limited battery life, can be overwhelming for casual users.

Withings Steel:

• Pros: Activity tracking, sleep monitoring, silent alarms, smartphone notifications, long battery life.
• Cons: No GPS, no heart rate monitoring, limited data insights.

Activity Tracking: Measuring Your Every Move

Both trackers accurately capture your steps, distance, and calories burned. However, the Surge goes a step further with its GPS tracking, allowing you to map your runs and hikes. This feature is invaluable for serious athletes who need detailed insights into their performance. The Steel, while lacking GPS, provides a comprehensive overview of your daily activity, helping you stay motivated and track your progress.
Fitbit Surge:

• Pros: GPS tracking for accurate distance and route mapping, detailed activity data.
• Cons: Can be less accurate in indoor environments.

Withings Steel:

• Pros: Accurate step and distance tracking, easy-to-read activity summaries.
• Cons: No GPS for detailed route mapping.

Sleep Tracking: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Rest

Both devices monitor your sleep patterns, providing insights into your sleep quality, duration, and stages. The Surge offers a more detailed analysis, including REM sleep and light sleep phases. The Steel, while lacking this level of granularity, provides a clear overview of your sleep duration and quality, helping you identify areas for improvement.
Fitbit Surge:

• Pros: Detailed sleep analysis, including REM and light sleep phases.
• Cons: Can be less accurate if you move around a lot during sleep.

Withings Steel:

• Pros: Accurate sleep duration and quality tracking, intuitive sleep summaries.
• Cons: Limited sleep analysis compared to the Surge.

Battery Life: Powering Your Journey

Battery life is a crucial consideration for any fitness tracker. The Withings Steel shines in this aspect, offering up to 8 months of battery life on a single charge. This makes it a truly low-maintenance device, perfect for those who don’t want to constantly worry about charging. The Fitbit Surge, with its more advanced features, requires more frequent charging, lasting around 5-7 days on a single charge.
Fitbit Surge:

• Pros: 5-7 days of battery life, suitable for frequent use.
• Cons: Requires more frequent charging compared to the Steel.

Withings Steel:

• Pros: 8 months of battery life, minimal charging required.
• Cons: Can’t be used for extended periods without charging.

Price: Finding the Right Value for You

The Fitbit Surge and Withings Steel come with different price tags, reflecting their respective feature sets and design aesthetics. The Surge, with its advanced features and GPS tracking, is generally more expensive than the Steel. The Steel, with its minimalist design and long battery life, offers a more budget-friendly option.
Fitbit Surge:

• Pros: Advanced features, GPS tracking, comprehensive data insights.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than the Steel.

Withings Steel:

• Pros: Sleek design, long battery life, affordable price point.
• Cons: Limited features compared to the Surge.

Choosing the Right Tracker for You: A Final Verdict

Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a serious athlete seeking detailed performance metrics and GPS tracking, the Fitbit Surge is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize a stylish and minimalist design with long battery life, the Withings Steel is an excellent choice.

The Final Word: Beyond the Numbers

Both the Fitbit Surge and Withings Steel are excellent fitness trackers, each catering to different user profiles. The Surge excels in performance and data insights, while the Steel prioritizes style and simplicity.
The key is to understand your own fitness goals and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and detailed tracking experience, the Surge is the way to go. But if you prefer a sleek and low-maintenance device that seamlessly blends with your everyday life, the Withings Steel is a worthy contender.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use the Fitbit Surge or Withings Steel for swimming?
Neither the Fitbit Surge nor the Withings Steel is waterproof. The Surge is splash-proof, but it’s not recommended for swimming. The Withings Steel is not even splash-proof.
2. What is the difference between the Fitbit Surge and the Withings Steel HR?
The Withings Steel HR is an updated version of the original Withings Steel, incorporating heart rate monitoring. However, it lacks GPS tracking, which is a key feature of the Fitbit Surge.
3. Can I use the Fitbit Surge or Withings Steel to monitor my sleep?
Both devices offer sleep tracking capabilities. The Fitbit Surge provides a more detailed analysis, including REM and light sleep phases, while the Withings Steel provides a simpler overview of your sleep duration and quality.
4. Can I receive smartphone notifications on the Fitbit Surge or Withings Steel?
Yes, both devices support smartphone notifications, allowing you to see incoming calls, texts, and app alerts.
5. Which fitness tracker is better for casual users?
For casual users who prioritize style and battery life, the Withings Steel is a better choice. However, if you want more detailed tracking and insights, the Fitbit Surge might be a better option.