The Fitness Tracker Face-off: Microsoft Band vs Motiv Ring – Which One Should You Choose?

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What To Know

  • The Microsoft Band is a bulky wristband with a vibrant color display, while the Motiv Ring is a sleek and discreet smart ring.
  • Both the Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring offer a range of fitness tracking features, but their capabilities differ in key areas.
  • The Band provides a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features, including GPS and smart notifications, making it a good value for its price.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task. With a plethora of options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Two popular contenders in the market are the Microsoft Band and the Motiv Ring. While both devices offer valuable insights into your fitness journey, they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison explores the key features, pros, and cons of each device to help you determine which one is the ideal fit for your fitness goals.

In This Article

Design and Aesthetics

The Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring couldn’t be more different in terms of design. The Microsoft Band is a bulky wristband with a vibrant color display, while the Motiv Ring is a sleek and discreet smart ring.
Microsoft Band:

  • Design: The Band features a rectangular display with a silicone strap, offering a more traditional fitness tracker look. It’s available in various colors and sizes to suit different wrist sizes.
  • Aesthetics: While functional, the Band’s design might not appeal to everyone due to its bulkiness. The display, while bright, can feel a bit dated compared to newer fitness trackers.

Motiv Ring:

  • Design: The Motiv Ring is a minimalist and elegant option, designed to be discreetly worn on your finger. It comes in a variety of colors and materials, including stainless steel, rose gold, and black.
  • Aesthetics: The ring’s sleek and understated design makes it perfect for those who prefer a more subtle fitness tracker. It seamlessly blends with any outfit, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

Features and Functionality

Both the Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring offer a range of fitness tracking features, but their capabilities differ in key areas.
Microsoft Band:

  • Activity Tracking: The Band tracks steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, heart rate, and even UV exposure. It also includes GPS for outdoor workouts.
  • Smart Notifications: The Band allows you to receive notifications from your smartphone, including calls, texts, emails, and calendar reminders.
  • Music Control: The Band lets you control music playback on your phone.
  • Cortana Integration: The Band integrates with Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, enabling you to set reminders, search the web, and control smart home devices.

Motiv Ring:

  • Activity Tracking: The Ring focuses on core fitness metrics, tracking steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep. It also monitors heart rate and provides insights into sleep quality.
  • Smart Notifications: The Ring doesn’t offer smart notifications like the Band.
  • Water Resistance: The Ring is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and showering.
  • Long Battery Life: The Ring boasts a battery life of up to five days, significantly longer than the Band.
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Accuracy and Reliability

Both devices offer accurate tracking of basic fitness metrics, but their performance in specific areas can vary.
Microsoft Band:

  • Heart Rate Tracking: The Band’s heart rate sensor is generally accurate, but it can be affected by factors like skin tone and movement.
  • GPS Tracking: The Band’s GPS is reliable for outdoor workouts, providing accurate distance and pace tracking.

Motiv Ring:

  • Heart Rate Tracking: The Ring’s heart rate sensor is known for its accuracy, even during intense workouts.
  • Sleep Tracking: The Ring provides detailed sleep insights, including time spent in different sleep stages.

User Experience and App Integration

The user experience and app integration differ significantly between the Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring.
Microsoft Band:

  • User Experience: The Band’s user interface can feel clunky and outdated compared to newer fitness trackers. Navigating the menus can be cumbersome, and the display resolution isn’t as sharp.
  • App Integration: The Band integrates with the Microsoft Health app, which offers a comprehensive view of your fitness data. However, the app can feel cluttered and lacks the intuitive design of some competitor apps.

Motiv Ring:

  • User Experience: The Ring’s user experience is streamlined and straightforward. It pairs seamlessly with the Motiv app, which offers a clean and intuitive interface.
  • App Integration: The Motiv app provides insightful data visualizations and personalized recommendations. It also offers social features to connect with friends and share your progress.
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Price and Value

The Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring offer different price points, reflecting their features and target audience.
Microsoft Band:

  • Price: The Band is generally more affordable than the Motiv Ring.
  • Value: The Band provides a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features, including GPS and smart notifications, making it a good value for its price.

Motiv Ring:

  • Price: The Ring is a premium fitness tracker with a higher price tag.
  • Value: The Ring’s sleek design, accurate heart rate tracking, and long battery life justify its premium price for those seeking a discreet and stylish fitness tracker.

Which One Is Right for You?

The choice between the Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Microsoft Band if:

  • You want a comprehensive fitness tracker with a wide range of features, including GPS, smart notifications, and music control.
  • You prioritize affordability and value for money.
  • You don’t mind a bulky and less stylish design.

Choose the Motiv Ring if:

  • You prefer a sleek and discreet fitness tracker.
  • You prioritize accuracy in heart rate and sleep tracking.
  • You want a long battery life and a user-friendly app experience.
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Final Thoughts: Beyond the Band & Ring

While the Microsoft Band and Motiv Ring are both capable fitness trackers, the fitness technology landscape has evolved significantly since their introduction. Newer smartwatches and fitness trackers often offer a more refined user experience, advanced features, and a wider range of customization options.
Before making a decision, consider exploring the latest offerings from brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch. These devices often provide a more comprehensive and feature-rich experience, with more accurate tracking and a wider range of app integrations.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q1: Is the Microsoft Band still available?
A1: No, Microsoft discontinued the Microsoft Band in 2016.
Q2: Does the Motiv Ring work with Android phones?
A2: Yes, the Motiv Ring is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q3: Can I use the Microsoft Band for swimming?
A3: No, the Microsoft Band is not waterproof and should not be used for swimming.
Q4: What is the battery life of the Motiv Ring?
A4: The Motiv Ring has a battery life of up to five days.
Q5: Can I use the Motiv Ring to track my workouts at the gym?
A5: Yes, the Motiv Ring can track your workouts at the gym by monitoring your heart rate and activity levels.