Wearable gadgets have turned more common than ever, and the credit goes to the Internet of Things. Basically, 2 wearables are more popular than others: smartwatches and fitness trackers. Both might seem similar to you, but there are noticeable differences between a smartwatch vs fitness tracker.
Additionally, you can find countless options available under both these categories. A smartwatch is more than just a watch that connects to your phone and offers various activities. On the other hand, a fitness tracker has different sensors that relay data to your connected smartphone.
In the last few years, these 2 gadgets have converged. Now, smartwatches offer different health and fitness tracking options. On a contrary note, fitness trackers let you sneak into what’s going on in your smartphone, social media handles, and more.
Then, what should you buy if you are planning to invest in a wearable? Let’s continue with the guide to reveal the best decision for you according to your preferences.
Smartwatch vs Fitness Tracker: How Do They Differentiate?
As a user, we can understand your struggle with comparing a smartwatch vs fitness tracker. Most people think they are the same thing, but originally, they are not. A smartwatch was invented to extend your smartphone screen and make it available on your wrist.
A smartwatch lets you check emails, texts, and other notifications that strike your smartphone. You can even respond to a call with a smartwatch. A fitness tracker was built to help people with fitness and daily activities. For example, you can count your daily steps, cycling, and other exercises on a fitness tracker or smart band.
However, things have turned out differently in the smartwatch vs. fitness tracker conflict. For instance, smartwatches have now turned into powerful fitness trackers. You can check out how innovative Apple Watches have become, and they now offer excellent fitness monitoring facilities.
Similarly, fitness trackers have adopted bigger screens and more controls of your smartphone. They can now even show you smartphone notifications. Let’s see what you would prefer: a fitness tracker vs smartwatch Reddit.
Wearable Flexibility
In terms of wearability, both smartwatches and fitness trackers have a lot of thighs in common. You have to wear both of them over your wrist. Additionally, both a smartwatch and a fitness tracker can inform you of the following details:
- Date and time
- Tracking fitness goals
- Mirroring smartphone notifications
The main noticeable difference between a smartwatch vs fitness tracker is the size or dimensions. A smartwatch looks more like a watch and has more screen space. Besides that, smartwatches have improved software experience, watch faces, and extra sensors.
A fitness tracker or smart band is solely based on tracking your fitness. In addition, it can convey smartphone notifications to some extent. Both devices may offer the following technologies to take care of your health and fitness activities:
- Pedometer
- Sleep monitor
- Tachymeter
- Heart rate monitor
Even high-end Apple Watches offer music control, thermometer, GPS, ECG, NFC, voice control, and more. So, smartwatches now offer more features and have become more versatile than smart bands or fitness trackers.
Battery Life
Smartwatches are more complex in the battle of a smartwatch vs fitness tracker. Since a smartwatch has a larger screen and offers sophisticated functions, it will drain its battery faster than any fitness tracker. Additionally, a smartwatch has to deal with a complex operating system.
Generally, a smartwatch lasts a day or a maximum of 2 days at maximum potential. On the other hand, a fitness tracker will last you up to 5 days in a row with a full charge. Even some smart bands might last longer than that.
Usage
How frequently or where you will use your wearable can decide whether you should get a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. A smartwatch is a perfect replacement for a traditional watch. Hence, you can carry the smartwatch anywhere you want.
Additionally, the build of the smartwatch can vary widely, and you can pick from buckle-like, stainless steel, rubber, leather, or something else. You can switch between these choices and keep changing your statement style according to the occasion.
However, you don’t get many options when it comes to fitness trackers. They are mainly available in rubber straps. In addition, they are mostly worn during daily fitness activities or sports. They are not meant to wear during a business meeting. Thus, you will know the best choice between a smartwatch vs fitness tracker.
Extra Fitness Monitoring Facilities
If you are looking for a fitness-dedicated wearable, a smart band or fitness tracker will be a better choice. You can achieve your fitness goals more efficiently with a fitness tracker over a smartwatch.
For instance, a fitness tracker lets you eye the following metrics:
- Water intake
- Calorie intake
- Weight gain or loss management
Moreover, your fitness trackers track all your health and fitness data on the associated application. It’s helpful to revisit previous timelines and find out how you have improved your fitness in the past few years.
You can find similar data on your smartwatches, but you might have to install a few applications to track them. Therefore, fitness trackers are better if you want a detailed fitness record.
When to Select a Smartwatch over a Fitness Tracker?
If you still need clarification about a smartwatch vs fitness tracker debate, this section will help you. Here, we have highlighted a few points that might compel you to pick a smartwatch over a smart band or fitness tracker.
- A smartwatch allows you to read notifications easily without accessing your smartphone. A bigger smartwatch screen lets you control your call, reply to your texts, and review your basic activities.
- In addition, smartwatches flaunt a watch-like style. Hence, you can wear them anywhere, with different builds and watch faces.
- It keeps you connected through your preferred operating system.
- Smartwatches can be outstanding fitness trackers for outdoors with the following features:
- Barometer
- Altimeter
- Thermometer
- Running metrics
- Heart rate monitoring
- Navigation features
- Swim-specific metrics
When to Select a Fitness Tracker over a Smartwatch?
Fitness trackers permit you to track your daily activities, calorie intake, sleeping durations, and more. Additionally, you can specify your sports types, such as swimming, golfing, cycling, running, or anything else, for more specific data on your fitness tracker. However, most high-end smartwatches offer these too.
Well, you can pick a fitness tracker from the battle of a smartwatch vs fitness tracker, keeping the following things in mind:
- You can wear fitness trackers all day. They are highly comfortable.
- In addition, you can get a smart band at a cheaper price than a smartwatch.
- Fitness trackers are loaded with default tracking options and facilities.
Final Words
So, who wins the conflict between a smartwatch vs fitness tracker? Well, it entirely depends on what you’re looking for. A smartwatch is the best option if you are after a superior screen, better smartphone controls, basic activity and health monitoring tools, and versatility.
Otherwise, you can stick to a fitness tracker if you prioritize fitness over app communication, voice control, music control, and more complex functions. On the other hand, fitness trackers are more affordable than smartwatches. So, take your time and review the latest smartwatches and fitness trackers before you commit.
