Garmin vs Fitbit: 7 Key Differences

When you think of the best fitness and activity trackers, a Garmin watch or a Fitbit watch likely comes to mind. The two are neck and neck in terms of activity tracking capabilities, making it challenging to choose between them.

We’ve outlined 7 major differences to help you decide more quickly!

1. Design

Garmin watches are known for their traditional look, featuring a circular design. Most Garmin watches have a round dial and a robust appearance.

In contrast, most Fitbit models have a slimmer design compared to Garmin watches, appearing more accessible. Fitbit watches are also lighter.

2. Ease of Use

Fitbit uses the Fitbit app, while Garmin uses the Garmin Connect app, both for tracking data.

The Fitbit app is the more user-friendly option. It’s easy to navigate and designed with simplicity in mind, ideal for beginners wanting quick access to sleep, recent workouts, or other fitness stats.

The Garmin app, however, is more complex. This is due to the extensive data it displays. Depending on your preference, this might take some getting used to. Garmin aims to give users maximum options to improve their health, making the system intricate. Fitbit offers a straightforward daily activity overview, scoring higher on ease of use.

3. GPS Tracking

Garmin, known for navigation systems for mariners, cars, trucks, and pilots, has extensive expertise in GPS tracking, backed by significant research. This expertise shines through in their smartwatches.

Compared to Fitbit smartwatches, Garmin watches excel at tracking your location during cycling, running, or hiking.

4. Sleep Tracking

Fitbit watches lead in sleep tracking compared to Garmin watches. Garmin has improved its sleep monitoring recently but hasn’t reached Fitbit’s level. Fitbit’s accuracy goes beyond a simple sleep quality report, with premium users able to measure breathing and detect potential sleep apnoea symptoms.

5. Battery Life

Garmin watches are designed with exceptionally long battery life. Take the Garmin Enduro 2, which lasts over 500 days in battery-saving mode—an exception, as battery life varies with used features.

Using sleep trackers, constant heart rate monitoring, and GPS drains power. Watches like the Fenix 6S include an UltraTrac mode for extended GPS tracking, though it reduces location update frequency. The Fenix 6S lasts about 10 days with normal use, dropping to 3-5 days with regular GPS and activity tracking.

The Fitbit Sense 2 lasts 6-7 days with normal use, without always-on display, and 2-3 days with it on. Daily GPS and sleep tracking can reduce this to around 2 days. Efficient feature use maximises battery life.

6. Price Difference

Both Fitbit and Garmin watches are reasonably priced. Garmin watches are pricier than Fitbit due to their advanced data collection capabilities, with prices reaching over £2000, while the most expensive Fitbit stays under £400.

Garmin offers all data for free, whereas a full Fitbit experience requires Fitbit Premium, costing £8.99 monthly.

7. Data Collection

Garmin watches go further than Fitbit in data collection, providing a detailed fitness workout overview in the Garmin Connect app. The in-depth data is more accurate, including metrics like daily intense activity duration, remaining energy levels, and apps for golf and diving. Garmin caters to fitness enthusiasts wanting comprehensive data.

Fitbit watches deliver useful data but lack the depth of Garmin. Fitbit data suits casual fitness tracking. For the complete experience, Fitbit Premium offers workouts for over 50 sports and mindfulness exercises.

Conclusion

Garmin watches are ideal for fitness enthusiasts seeking detailed data on daily activities. Fitbit watches suit casual users who want a simple overview of fitness and health metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Garmin better than Fitbit?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Want in-depth data on your daily activities? Garmin is better. Prefer a straightforward performance overview? Opt for a Fitbit watch.