Fitbit Blaze vs. Apple Watch – Which Device Is Right for You?

The smartwatch market is still a very young one, however there are a few devices that have made serious waves since their release. Perhaps the most important smartwatch release to date is the Apple Watch, the best selling smartwatch by far, and one that has arguably changed the game. In fact, its influences can be seen in another great device – the Fitbit Blaze.

Fitbit is known for its fitness tracking devices, rather than for its straight-up full-fledged smartwatches, however often those two markets cross over, as is the case with the Blaze. But how do the two devices compare? We took a look at some of the reviews of the two to determine which is best for you.

Design

Apple is well known as the design king in the tech industry, and for good reason – the company’s attention to design is incredible, and the Apple Watch is no exception. While some prefer a round watch design over the square one, it’s a little hard to argue that the Apple Watch is an “ugly” device.

“The Fitbit Blaze sports a razor-like design with rigid edges, as opposed to the Apple Watch’s smooth and rounded design, but one big feature is the ability to quickly switch out watch bands, as well as watch cases,” said a review from Gotta Be Mobile, highlighting the fact that the Fitbit Blaze includes the ability to switch out the case and band quickly and easily.

Of course, if you don’t want or need the ability to dramatically change the look of your device, then the Apple Watch is clearly a better device in terms of design. Sure, design preferences are subjective, but the Apple Watch features a classic look and a sleek profile, while the Fibit Blaze offers a sportier look.

Fitness Tracking

Fitbit is a tough opponent when it comes to fitness tracking, however the Blaze doesn’t offer much more than other Fitbit trackers. The Blaze manages everything you would expect, including things like steps, sleep, calories, and so on.

One thing that Apple has over its competition, however, is end-to-end integration. Data is automatically synced to an iPhone and can be accessed through iCloud, making it great for those that actively use Apple devices.

Still, Fitbit is an established presence in fitness tracking, and for good reason.

“Clearly, the Fitbit ecosystem is better geared towards fitness tracking. While Apple’s app is decent, the lack of comparison, insights into health trends, resting heart rate data and proper workout recording means it still can’t hold a candle to the Fitbit, even if there’s little difference in the hardware,” said a review from Wearable.

Battery Life

Smartwatches in general have had a tough time when it comes to battery life. The big question on everyone’s lips right now is “how much battery life is enough?” Clearly we can’t expect the same battery life as a traditional watch, but is as little as one day enough?

When it comes to battery life, there’s a clear winner here: The Fitbit Blaze. The Apple Watch offers at most two days of battery, however the Fitbit Blaze promises five. Even if it can’t deliver on that promise and only offers half that, at two and a half days that’s still more than the Apple Watch at its best.

Notifications And Other Features

The Fitbit Blaze is a great device, but it’s a fitness tracking device. While the Apple Watch offers great fitness tracking features, it really shines as an all-in-one smartwatch.

“With the Apple Watch, you get all the notifications you could want including third party apps, plus you get the Glances (widgets) for small bite-sized bits of real time information from your favourite apps – and perhaps even more importantly, you can control which notifications you see,” continues the review from Wearable.

Still, there’s one thing that the Blaze has over the Apple Watch – compatibility. If you’re an iPhone user that wants more than the Fitbit Blaze can offer, then the Apple Watch is a great option. Android and Windows Phone users, however, will need to stick with the Blaze if they’re choosing between the Blaze and the Apple Watch.

Conclusions

For the iPhone user who wants an all around smartwatch, the clear winner is the Apple Watch. Those that are more fitness minded or who don’t own an iPhone, however, may want to take a serious look at the Fitbit Blaze.

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