What To Know
- The Band 2015 comes in a single black color and offers a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes.
- While the Microsoft Band 2015 offers a more advanced and visually appealing display, the Garmin Vivofit 2’s lightweight and comfortable design makes it a winner for all-day wear.
- The Microsoft Band 2015 takes the lead in terms of features, offering a wider range of tracking options, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and advanced notifications.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the fitness tracker arena are the Garmin Vivofit 2 and the Microsoft Band 2015. Both devices offer a range of features to track your fitness journey, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each device, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Garmin Vivofit 2 boasts a simple yet stylish design. Its sleek, rectangular display is housed in a lightweight, comfortable band. The device is available in a variety of colors and band materials, allowing you to personalize your look. The Vivofit 2’s waterproof design makes it suitable for swimming and other activities.
The Microsoft Band 2015 takes a more sophisticated approach, featuring a vibrant, color touchscreen display. Its unique design incorporates a variety of sensors, including a heart rate monitor, UV sensor, and even a GPS. The Band 2015 comes in a single black color and offers a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes.
Winner: While the Microsoft Band 2015 offers a more advanced and visually appealing display, the Garmin Vivofit 2’s lightweight and comfortable design makes it a winner for all-day wear.
Key Features
Garmin Vivofit 2:
- Activity Tracking: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.
- Sleep Monitoring: Monitors sleep duration and quality.
- Move Bar: Encourages movement with a bar that fills up throughout the day.
- Water Resistance: Waterproof up to 50 meters.
- Long Battery Life: Up to a year of battery life.
Microsoft Band 2015:
- Activity Tracking: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep.
- GPS: Built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts.
- UV Sensor: Measures UV exposure levels.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous heart rate tracking.
- Notifications: Receive calls, text messages, and app notifications.
- Music Control: Control music playback on your smartphone.
- Cortana Integration: Use voice commands to control your Band.
Winner: The Microsoft Band 2015 takes the lead in terms of features, offering a wider range of tracking options, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and advanced notifications.
Accuracy and Reliability
Both the Garmin Vivofit 2 and the Microsoft Band 2015 are known for their accuracy in tracking basic metrics like steps and distance. However, there are some notable differences in their performance.
The Garmin Vivofit 2 is generally considered reliable for step counting and distance tracking. Its move bar feature, while encouraging movement, can sometimes result in inaccurate step counts.
The Microsoft Band 2015 has been lauded for its accurate heart rate monitoring, thanks to its optical sensor. However, some users have reported inconsistencies in its GPS functionality.
Winner: While both devices offer reliable tracking, the Microsoft Band 2015’s more accurate heart rate monitoring gives it a slight edge.
Software and App Integration
The Garmin Vivofit 2 pairs with the Garmin Connect app, which offers a comprehensive platform for viewing your data, setting goals, and tracking your progress. The app is user-friendly and offers a wealth of insights into your fitness journey.
The Microsoft Band 2015 utilizes the Microsoft Health app, which provides a similar experience to Garmin Connect. The app allows you to monitor your fitness data, personalize your settings, and connect with other fitness apps.
Winner: Both apps offer a similar level of functionality, making the choice largely based on personal preference.
Battery Life and Durability
The Garmin Vivofit 2 stands out with its remarkable battery life. The device can last up to a year on a single charge, making it ideal for users who prioritize convenience.
The Microsoft Band 2015, on the other hand, has a much shorter battery life, lasting around 2-3 days on a single charge. While this is still sufficient for most users, it requires more frequent charging.
Winner: The Garmin Vivofit 2’s exceptional battery life makes it the clear winner in this category.
Price and Value
The Garmin Vivofit 2 is generally more affordable than the Microsoft Band 2015. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The Microsoft Band 2015 is priced higher, reflecting its more advanced features and technology. While it offers greater functionality, its price tag might be a deterrent for some users.
Winner: The Garmin Vivofit 2 offers better value for money, especially for users who prioritize affordability.
The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Fitness Tracker
The choice between the Garmin Vivofit 2 and the Microsoft Band 2015 ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Garmin Vivofit 2 if:
- You prioritize comfort, battery life, and affordability.
- You want a simple yet effective tracker for basic fitness metrics.
- You value a user-friendly app experience.
Choose the Microsoft Band 2015 if:
- You desire a feature-rich tracker with advanced capabilities.
- You need accurate heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking.
- You appreciate the convenience of notifications and music control.
Final Thoughts: The Quest for Fitness
Both the Garmin Vivofit 2 and the Microsoft Band 2015 are capable fitness trackers that can help you achieve your fitness goals. By carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can choose the device that best suits your lifestyle and provides the most value for your investment.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Is the Garmin Vivofit 2 waterproof?
A: Yes, the Garmin Vivofit 2 is waterproof up to 50 meters.
Q: Does the Microsoft Band 2015 have GPS?
A: Yes, the Microsoft Band 2015 has built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts.
Q: Which tracker is better for tracking steps?
A: Both devices are generally accurate for step counting, but the Garmin Vivofit 2’s move bar feature can sometimes lead to inaccurate counts.
Q: Can I use the Microsoft Band 2015 to control music playback?
A: Yes, the Microsoft Band 2015 allows you to control music playback on your smartphone.
Q: Which tracker is more comfortable to wear all day?
A: The Garmin Vivofit 2’s lightweight and comfortable design makes it more suitable for all-day wear.