Fitness bands are the pedometers of today. They have become a more advanced, fashion-friendly tech accessory than the obnoxious pager-like devices of the past. These cool accessories do more than track your daily steps; they remind you to get moving and even track sleep patterns. Together with a smartphone app, you get easily digestible results and the ability to further analyze your health through meal logging and encouragement from friends.
But which is the best? What brand should you buy? I took the two hottest band brands for a test drive and compared the results. I wouldn’t go as far to say one is fundamentally “better” than the other because each has their highlights, and the rest will really depend on what features matter most to you. Here’s what I found:
BASICS
Jawbone UP $129.99
Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large
Colors: Onyx, Mint Green, Light Grey, Blue, Navy Blue, Red, Orange and Hunter Green
Fitbit Flex $99.99
Sizes: Small and Large (you get both in the box).
Colors: Black and Slate (with interchangeable bands available to purchase separately, in Tangerine, Teal and Navy)
Winner: Fitbit Flex—Based on these facts alone, saving money is always a good thing and I liked that there was no guesswork in what size to purchase. Plus, I love color customizing, so the ability to swap out the band is an enticing option.
SETUP
I found the UP band to be incredibly easy to set up. Download the app for Android (Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0+) or Apple iOS and plug the band directly into the headphone jack on your device. Enter some personal info and voila! – setup complete.
Fitbit was a bit trickier in comparison. The Fitbit tracker is actually a separate tiny device that merely cohabitates within the accompanying rubber wristband (something I didn’t realize until after purchase). A pocket on the underside of the top of the wristband seals the tracker in place; so a little assembly is required.
The box also contains a USB dongle for syncing with a computer. The directions routed me to do the setup through my computer, rather than sync with my smartphone first.
Winner: Jawbone UP— by a landslide. The Fitbit Flex had too many separate components and an overly complicated setup process.
COMFORT
The Jawbone UP has a handy plastic sizing tool on the back of the packaging to help you gauge what size band you need (S, M, L). Unfortunately for me, the small seemed a bit too snug and the medium way too loose (just call me Goldilocks). For me, the band was a little annoyingly uncomfortable, especially at night. I did get more accustomed to it after a few days but it wasn’t until I tried the Fitbit Flex that I really noticed how much I didn’t like the bulk.
The Fitbit Flex is a more lightweight band with an easily customizable fit. The box contains a both a small and large band, and they’re further equipped with notches, like fitting a belt. My biggest complaint here is that I often struggled to secure the band on my own wrist.
Winner: Fitbit Flex – Because the tracker is snugly tucked into the top of the band, the top is the thickest part, leaving the under-side of the band thin, comfortable and lightweight. I barely noticed it while trying to sleep, whereas I had to keep reminding myself not to rip the Jawbone UP band off of my wrist every night.
BATTERY LIFE
Fitbit Flex
Recharge every 3-5 days
(Wirelessly sync via Bluetooth 4.0 technology)
Jawbone UP
Up to 10 days of use
(Manually sync twice per day via headphone jack)
Winner: Jawbone UP –The band’s lack of Bluetooth syncing keeps the battery going for twice as long as my Fitbit Flex. And honestly, I didn’t mind having to manually sync; it was kind’ve fun waiting to see my results and it only took about 30 seconds.
OVERALL
Like most things in life, I wish I could incorporate the best of both worlds from these two bands. In the end, I enjoyed the comfort and convenience of the Fitbit Flex, but the overall functionality and battery life of the Jawbone UP. I would wholeheartedly recommend either band for anyone looking to learn a little more about their daily activity, it’s a great tool to get on track with a healthier lifestyle.