Fitness Tracker Face-off: Microsoft Band vs Withings Pulse HR – Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options available on the market. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Microsoft Band and the Withings Pulse HR. Both devices offer a range of features to track your fitness progress and overall well-being, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
This comprehensive guide aims to help you make an informed decision by comparing the Microsoft Band and Withings Pulse HR across various aspects, including design, features, performance, and value for money.

Design and Comfort

The Microsoft Band and Withings Pulse HR boast distinct designs that reflect their intended functionalities.
Microsoft Band:
The Microsoft Band was known for its sleek and modern design, featuring a colorful OLED display and a comfortable, adjustable band. The band was available in various sizes and colors, allowing users to personalize their experience. However, the band’s design was also criticized for its bulkiness and less-than-stylish appearance.
Withings Pulse HR:
The Withings Pulse HR, on the other hand, adopts a minimalist and stylish design. It’s smaller and lighter than the Microsoft Band, making it more discreet and comfortable to wear throughout the day. The Pulse HR comes with a sleek, minimalist design and a comfortable silicone band.

Features and Functionality

Both devices offer a range of fitness tracking features, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Microsoft Band:
The Microsoft Band was a powerhouse of features, offering comprehensive fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, heart rate tracking, GPS, and even NFC for contactless payments. It also boasted integration with various Microsoft services, including Cortana, allowing for voice commands and notifications. The Band’s ability to track various activities, including running, cycling, and swimming, made it a versatile choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Withings Pulse HR:
The Withings Pulse HR focuses on core fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, sleep analysis, and automatic activity detection. It also boasts a long battery life and water resistance, making it a solid choice for everyday wear and swimming. Unlike the Microsoft Band, the Pulse HR doesn’t offer GPS or NFC capabilities.

Performance and Accuracy

Microsoft Band:
The Microsoft Band’s performance was generally reliable, with accurate heart rate readings and activity tracking. However, some users reported issues with GPS accuracy and inconsistent sleep tracking.
Withings Pulse HR:
The Withings Pulse HR consistently delivers accurate heart rate readings and activity tracking. Its sleep tracking is also considered reliable and provides detailed insights into sleep patterns.

Battery Life

Microsoft Band:
The Microsoft Band‘s battery life was a major drawback, with users typically needing to charge it every 2-3 days. This limited its usability for extended periods.
Withings Pulse HR:
The Withings Pulse HR boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge. This makes it a more convenient option for users who don’t want to constantly worry about charging their device.

Value for Money

Microsoft Band:
The Microsoft Band was priced competitively for its feature set, but its short battery life and inconsistent performance raised concerns about its value for money.
Withings Pulse HR:
The Withings Pulse HR is priced reasonably for its features and performance. Its long battery life and accurate data tracking make it a solid value for money, especially when compared to other fitness trackers in its price range.

Choosing the Right Tracker for You

The choice between the Microsoft Band and Withings Pulse HR ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Microsoft Band if you:

• Need a comprehensive fitness tracker with advanced features like GPS and NFC.
• Prefer a device with a vibrant display and customizable bands.
• Are willing to sacrifice battery life for a broader range of functionalities.

Choose the Withings Pulse HR if you:

• Primarily focus on core fitness tracking features like heart rate and activity monitoring.
• Value long battery life and a sleek, minimalist design.
• Prefer a device that’s comfortable to wear all day long.

The Verdict: A Fitness Tracker for Every Need

While the Microsoft Band is no longer available, its legacy continues to influence the fitness tracker market. The Withings Pulse HR remains a popular choice for those seeking a balance between features and value for money. Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the difference between the Microsoft Band and Withings Pulse HR?
A: The Microsoft Band offered a wider range of features, including GPS, NFC, and Cortana integration, while the Withings Pulse HR focuses on core fitness tracking functionalities like heart rate, activity, and sleep monitoring.
Q: Which fitness tracker is better for tracking heart rate?
A: Both devices are known for their accurate heart rate tracking, but the Withings Pulse HR is generally considered more reliable.
Q: How long does the battery last on each device?
A: The Withings Pulse HR offers a significantly longer battery life of up to 7 days, while the Microsoft Band lasted for 2-3 days.
Q: What is the price range for each device?
A: The Microsoft Band was priced competitively for its features, while the Withings Pulse HR is considered a more affordable option.
Q: Can I use either device for swimming?
A: The Withings Pulse HR is water-resistant and suitable for swimming, while the Microsoft Band was also water-resistant but not specifically designed for swimming.