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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 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 AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated October 3rd, 2021 @ 10:13 am New Window
Price$99$109$149$99
Body PlacementWristWristWristWrist
Data Transfer TypeBluetooth SmartBluetooth SmartBluetooth SmartBluetooth Smart
Bluetooth to PhoneYesYesYesYes
Has GPS built-inNoNoNoNo
WaterproofingNot reallyATM1 (~10m)1ATM (~10m)10 Meters
Battery LifeUp to 5 DaysUp to 7 daysUp to 5 days5 Days
Battery TypeUSB RechargeableUSB RechargeableUSB RechargeableRechargeable
Changeable Bands/StrapsNo
Phone Music ControlNoNo
WatchFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Displays timeYesYesYesNo
Has time alarmsYesYesYesYes
Has smart sleep alarmsNoNoNo
NotificationsFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Smartphone NotificationsText/Call/Calendar onlyCall notifications onlyCall notifications onlyNo
WorkoutsFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Workout guidance/coachingNoNoNoNo
DataFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Step CounterYesYesYesYes
Stairs ClimbedNoYesYesNo
Distance WalkedYesYesYesYes
Calories BurnedYesYesYesYes
Sleep MetricsYesYesYesYes
24x7 HR MetricsNoNoYes
SensorsFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Skin TemperatureNoNoNoNo
Heart RateNoNoYesNo
Optical Heart RateNoNoYes
Can re-broadcast Heart Rate dataNoNoNoNo
Skin PerspirationNoNoNoNo
Cycling SensorsNoNoNoNo
Action Camera ControlNoNoNoNo
SoftwareFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
Web ApplicationYesYesYesYes
PC ApplicationYesYesYesYes
Mac ApplicationYesYesYesYes
Phone AppsiOS/Android/Windows PhoneiOS/Android/Windows PhoneiOS/Android/Windows PhoneANDROID/IOS/WINDOWS PHONE
Ability to export/sync settings from computer/phoneYesYesYesYes
PlatformFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
3rd parties can access data via APIYesYesYesYes
Ability to export your data out of platformYesYes (paid option)YesYes (paid option)
PurchaseFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
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DCRainmakerFitbit AltaFitbit ChargeFitbit Charge HRFitBit Flex
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