Fitbit Versus Garmin Smartwatches Compared

Most everyone loves smartwatches, and these days many companies make great models for every purpose and price point. Let’s compare how the Fitbit stacks up against the Garmin smartwatch.

Both Fitbit and Garmin are known for their fitness trackers and smartwatches. Instead of comparing models like the Garmin Vivosmart 5 versus the Fitbit Charge 4, let’s explore some more general features offered by both brands.

Both Fitbit and Garmin promise long battery life with their smartwatches. Garmin models regularly last about a week on a single charge. However, power-hungry features like GPS and heart rate monitoring can drain the battery much faster. Some Garmin models offer a power-saving mode.

Early Fitbit models included just fitness and step trackers, so the battery life was very impressive. And thankfully, Fitbit smartwatches have retained good battery life on most models even as the brand adds more features. With Versa and Sense, you may get six or more days of battery life before charging. The Inspire 2 actually lasts closer to ten days without needing to be re-charged!

Both Garmin and Fitbit offer great fitness tracking. Garmin includes many activity-tracking features like 24/7 heart rate and sleep monitoring. Garmin smartwatches also motivate you to keep moving throughout the day with gentle reminders and Move IQ.

In addition, you can use stress monitoring, guided breathing exercises, or women’s health monitoring features as part of the well-being training. Where Garmin really excels is in its sports monitoring. You can use it to track your cycling progress, swimming, running, and a ton of other high-intensity activities. Some more expensive models even offer apps for hiking, skiing, and paddle boarding.

The foundation of every Fitbit is built on fitness tracking and activity. It’s how Fitbit got its name. These watches track your activity 24/7 and offer reminders to keep you moving. However, Fitbit’s sleep monitoring features really stand out with deep insights backed by heart rate monitoring.

Fitbit has also begun adding in some well-being and women’s health tracking features. Fitbit tracks a wide range of sports, including many outdoor activities. Users with Premium features will unlock access to even more training motivations, and higher-level heart monitoring prompts. If you are looking to maximize your workouts, Premium will get you there.

Although both Garmin and Fitbit started as health trackers, they have matured into fully functioning smartwatches that work with Android devices and iPhones. Garmin allows users to tap into their notifications and see the time and weather. Some of the more expensive models also offer touch-less payments and the ability to play music and even change watch faces. However, you have to get your apps from Garmin’s Connect IQ Store.

The first Fitbit models were very limited in terms of smart features. Since they expanded the screen size, they too offer the ability to check notifications, play music, change watch faces, and pay with your watch. Some models also work with digital assistants like Google and Amazon Alexa for voice commands. Although Fitbit models work with Android and iOS, you must use their proprietary marketplace named App Gallery.

Both models suffice as smartwatches, but they may not have all the essential features you desire.

Using your smartwatch for fitness means it will come in contact with water, sweat, dirt, and dust. In addition, if you fall or drop the watch, you could easily crack the screen.

Most smartwatches come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for one year. However, manufacturers’ warranties cover only limited claims for internet defects for a year or so. They don’t cover accidental damage. As a result, all smartwatch owners should pair their watch with an Upsie smartwatch extended warranty.

Upsie’s smartwatch warranties protect your device from:

Additionally, Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70% less than warranties from competitors. Upsie also has a low deductible of just $25, and customers can make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of the device.

If your smartwatch breaks, you can contact Upsie 24/7 and schedule a repair. You can send it in to a repair shop using Upsie’s free two-day shipping or take it to a local certified repair shop for a quick fix. Either way, it’s up to you.

Make the smart choice and pair your smartwatch with an Upsie warranty.