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Product Comparison Calculator

How to find the right product for you

This Product Comparison Calculator will allow you to compare products in one of two ways. Choose from the two dropdown menus below to auto-populate the product boxes with results, or click on the product boxes to activate your own personalized choices. Once the product boxes are shaded per your liking, click the “COMPARE NOW” button to retrieve a customized product comparison graph.

Currently there are eight product types:

– Watches (and bike computers!!!!)
– Trainers (for cycling indoors)
– Activity monitors (things like Fitbits and step counters)
– Power meters (for cycling)
– Action Cams (things like GoPro’s and the like)
– Heart Rate Sensors (Straps and Optical sensors that measure HR)
– Trainer Apps (for cycling indoors on trainers)
– Drones (primarily sport focused options)

For trainers, the focus is primarily on computer-integrated trainers that provide resistance control. Additionally, like the watches I only include units that I’ve personally reviewed and/or used.

Select product use/budget for a comparison from the drop down menus:

Select product type:
Select product use:

Note: While many running watches have a basic bike mode, only running units that are multi-sport focused are also included in the bike-only results (in addition to bike-specific units). Hiking units are those that include a Barometric Altimeter, Magnetic Compass and navigational functions.

Or select products for comparison by clicking the product boxes below:

Basis B1
Basis Peak
Fitbit Alta
Fitbit Alta HR
Fitbit Blaze
Fitbit Charge
Fitbit Charge 2
Fitbit Charge 3
Fitbit Charge 4
Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge HR
FitBit Flex
FitBit Force
Fitbit Inspire
Fitbit Inspire 2
Fitbit Inspire HR
Fitbit One
Fitbit Surge
Fitbit Zip
Garmin Forerunner 15
Garmin Lily
Garmin Lily 2
Garmin Lily 2 Active
Garmin Vivofit
Garmin Vivofit 3
Garmin Vivofit 4
Garmin Vivofit Jr
Garmin Vivofit2
Garmin Vivosmart
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Garmin Vivosmart HR
Garmin Vivosmart HR+
Garmin Vivosport
Microsoft Band
Mio Fuse
Nike+ Fuelband
Polar A300
Polar A360
Polar A370
Polar Loop
Polar Loop 2
Polar M400
Timex Move x20
TomTom Touch
Withings Activité
Withings Activité Pop
Withings Pulse

Comparison Results:

Function/FeatureFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated October 3rd, 2021 @ 10:13 am New Window
Price$109$99
Body PlacementWristWrist
Data Transfer TypeBluetooth SmartBluetooth Smart/ANT+
Bluetooth to PhoneYesYes
Has GPS built-inNoNo
WaterproofingATM1 (~10m)50 Meters
Battery LifeUp to 7 days1 Year
Battery TypeUSB RechargeableCR1632
Phone Music ControlNo
WatchFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Displays timeYesYes
Has time alarmsYesNo
Has smart sleep alarmsNoNo
NotificationsFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Smartphone NotificationsCall notifications onlyNo
WorkoutsFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Workout guidance/coachingNoNo
DataFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Step CounterYesYes
Stairs ClimbedYesNo
Distance WalkedYesYes
Calories BurnedYesYes
Sleep MetricsYesYes
24x7 HR MetricsNoNo
SensorsFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Skin TemperatureNoNo
Heart RateNoYes (with HR Strap)
Optical Heart RateNoNo
Can re-broadcast Heart Rate dataNoNo
Skin PerspirationNoNo
Cycling SensorsNoNo
Action Camera ControlNoNo
SoftwareFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
Web ApplicationYesYes
PC ApplicationYesYes
Mac ApplicationYesYes
Phone AppsiOS/Android/Windows PhoneAndroid/iOS/Windows Phone
Ability to export/sync settings from computer/phoneYesYes
PlatformFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
3rd parties can access data via APIYesYes
Ability to export your data out of platformYes (paid option)Yes
PurchaseFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
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DCRainmakerFitbit ChargeGarmin Vivofit2
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