What To Know
- Wyze Band is a newer entry in the fitness tracker market, known for its affordability and impressive feature set.
- It offers heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, activity tracking, and even blood oxygen monitoring, all at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
- The monochrome display is always visible, making it easy to track your progress at a glance.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options. Two popular contenders in the affordable fitness tracker market are the Garmin Vivofit 2 and the Wyze Band. Both devices offer essential fitness tracking features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which tracker aligns better with your fitness goals and budget.
Feature Comparison: Garmin Vivofit 2 vs Wyze Band
Garmin Vivofit 2 boasts a reputation for its user-friendly interface, long battery life, and robust fitness tracking capabilities. It features a colorful, always-on display that showcases your steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep data. The Vivofit 2 also encourages movement with its Move Bar, which reminds you to stay active throughout the day.
Wyze Band is a newer entry in the fitness tracker market, known for its affordability and impressive feature set. It offers heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, activity tracking, and even blood oxygen monitoring, all at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. The Wyze Band also boasts a stylish design and a comfortable fit.
Key Features Comparison:
| Feature | Garmin Vivofit 2 | Wyze Band |
| — | — | — |
| Display | Always-on, monochrome | Color, touchscreen |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 year | Up to 10 days |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Tracking | Yes (steps, distance, calories burned) | Yes (steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes) |
| GPS | No | No |
| Blood Oxygen Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
Garmin Vivofit 2: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Long battery life: The Vivofit 2’s battery can last for up to a year, eliminating the need for frequent charging.
- Always-on display: The monochrome display is always visible, making it easy to track your progress at a glance.
- Move Bar: The motivational Move Bar encourages you to stay active throughout the day.
- Water-resistant: The Vivofit 2 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Cons:
- No heart rate monitoring: The Vivofit 2 does not include heart rate monitoring, limiting its ability to track workout intensity.
- Limited features: Compared to newer fitness trackers, the Vivofit 2 lacks advanced features like GPS, blood oxygen monitoring, and smartphone notifications.
- No touchscreen: The Vivofit 2 relies on buttons for navigation, which can be less intuitive than a touchscreen interface.
Wyze Band: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: The Wyze Band is significantly cheaper than most other fitness trackers with similar features.
- Color touchscreen: The Wyze Band features a vibrant color touchscreen that makes navigation easy and enjoyable.
- Heart rate monitoring: The Wyze Band accurately tracks your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts.
- Blood oxygen monitoring: The Wyze Band offers a valuable health feature by monitoring your blood oxygen levels.
- Smartphone notifications: The Wyze Band can display notifications from your smartphone, keeping you connected without having to check your phone.
Cons:
- Shorter battery life: The Wyze Band’s battery lasts for up to 10 days, which is significantly shorter than the Vivofit 2’s battery life.
- No GPS: The Wyze Band does not include GPS, making it less suitable for tracking outdoor workouts.
- Limited customization: The Wyze Band offers limited customization options for watch faces and bands.
Choosing the Right Tracker: Factors to Consider
The best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Budget: The Wyze Band is significantly more affordable than the Garmin Vivofit 2.
- Battery life: If you want a tracker that you can wear for months without charging, the Vivofit 2 is the better choice.
- Features: The Wyze Band offers a wider range of features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, and smartphone notifications.
- Ease of use: The Vivofit 2’s simple interface and always-on display make it easy to use, while the Wyze Band’s touchscreen offers more intuitive navigation.
- Style: The Wyze Band offers a more stylish design with its color touchscreen and customizable bands.
Garmin Vivofit 2: Ideal for Simplicity and Long Battery Life
The Garmin Vivofit 2 is a great choice for those who prioritize simplicity, long battery life, and basic fitness tracking. Its always-on display and Move Bar make it an excellent motivator for staying active. However, its lack of advanced features and heart rate monitoring may be a drawback for some users.
Wyze Band: Ideal for Affordability and Feature-Rich Tracking
The Wyze Band is a fantastic option for budget-conscious individuals seeking a feature-rich fitness tracker. Its affordability, color touchscreen, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen monitoring make it a compelling choice. However, its shorter battery life and lack of GPS may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Fit
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose the Garmin Vivofit 2 or the Wyze Band comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize long battery life, simplicity, and a user-friendly interface, the Vivofit 2 is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable tracker with a wider range of features, including heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen monitoring, the Wyze Band is a compelling option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q. Which tracker is better for tracking sleep?
Both the Vivofit 2 and Wyze Band offer sleep tracking capabilities. The Vivofit 2 measures sleep duration and quality, while the Wyze Band provides more detailed sleep stage information.
Q. Can I use either tracker for swimming?
Yes, both the Vivofit 2 and Wyze Band are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming.
Q. Which tracker is more accurate for heart rate monitoring?
The Wyze Band offers heart rate monitoring, while the Vivofit 2 does not. The Wyze Band’s heart rate sensor is generally considered to be quite accurate.
Q. Which tracker is better for outdoor workouts?
The Vivofit 2 does not include GPS, making it less suitable for tracking outdoor workouts. The Wyze Band also lacks GPS, so neither tracker is ideal for tracking outdoor runs or bike rides.
Q. Which tracker is better for overall value?
The Wyze Band offers exceptional value for its price, providing a wide range of features at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. However, the Vivofit 2’s long battery life and simplicity may be worth the extra cost for some users.