Which FitBit Is Right for Me?

I recently bought myself a FitBit for my birthday.  I already had a pedometer and heart rate monitor, but rarely used either one.  The pedometer was an old, clunky model that barely worked and kept popping off my belt.

And I was getting tired of strapping on the HRM chest strap every single time.  Add in the fact that I'm doing a lot of yoga and Pilates classes, and the HRM just wasn't comfortable to wear while  exercising.

I'd already been toying with the idea of getting a FitBit and talking with my nextdoor neighbor sealed the deal. She really loved hers!

Decision made, it was time to head over to FitBit.com to buy my first FitBit.  Simple enough, right?

But the decision gets more complicated when it comes down to choosing which of the six FitBit models is right for you.

If money's no object, and you like all the bells and whistles, the decision is easy:  get the FitBit Splurge -- um, sorry, I mean the FitBit Surge.

And if you're on a tight budget and only want to track your steps, calories burned and distance, the Zip is your best choice.

But what if you want to spend your money wisely or want to make sure you buy the right one for your activity level?

This review groups the six models by type of exerciser you are.  Whether you're a casual exerciser who's only interested in being active, a fitness enthusiast or fitness fanatic, there's a FitBit that's just right for you.

You can also click on an FitBit model down below to quickly see which feature it has.  I've set it up using colors so you can easily see the features. Green means yes.  Red means no.  Pretty neat, eh?

What You Get With Every FitBit

Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, keep in mind that each FitBit comes with these features (except for a few noted exceptions):
  • You can track the steps you take, the calories you burn and the distance you've walked or run in a 24 hour period.
  • It acts like a watch (except for the FitBit Flex).
  • Your "active minutes" will be tracked automatically.  Active minutes are activities more strenuous than walking that last more than 10 minutes. 
  • Free mobile app for your iOS, Android or Windows device (check here first to make sure your device is compatible).
  • Free online dashboard, where you can track your food and really dig down into the details.
  • Set goals, get notifications, messages from FitBit and connect with Friends who use FitBit.
  • Wireless syncing.
  • A variety of colors to choose from.
  • Track GPS activity through your phone with the FitBit app.  (With the FitBit Surge, the GPS receiver is built in.)
  • Every FitBit except for the Zip has a rechargeable battery. The Zip has a replaceable 3v coin battery.

FitBit Comparison & Features Chart

 
Click on a FitBit to see its features!

FitBit Zip

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FitBit One

Learn More Buy Now
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FitBit Flex

Learn More Buy Now
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FitBit Charge

Learn More Buy Now
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FitBit Charge HR

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FitBit Surge

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Features

Click on a FitBit image to quickly and easily see which features it does -- and doesn't -- have. The color-coded chart helps you to see, at a glance, which FitBit is right for you. Green means "yes" and red means "no."
 
Track Steps, Calories, Distance
Track Active Minutes
Free Online Dashboard & Apps
Pedometer Style
Wrist Band Style
Clock Face
Track Floors Climbed
Track Sleep + Silent Awake Alarm
Auto Sleep Detect
Track Heart Rate
Caller ID
Music Control/Text Notifications/GPS

Help Keep FitWatch Free
Every FitBit bought by using the links on this page helps support FitWatch. Thanks!

 
 
Track Steps, Calories, Distance
Track Active Minutes
Free Online Dashboard & Apps
Pedometer Style
Wrist Band Style
Clock Face
Track Floors Climbed
Track Sleep + Silent Awake Alarm
Auto Sleep Detect
Track Heart Rate
Caller ID
Music Control/Texts/GPS

Help Keep FitWatch Free
Every FitBit bought by using the links on this page helps support FitWatch. Thanks!

FitBits for Beginners, Casual Exercisers & Everyday Fitness

I get it. Not everybody loves to exercise.  Or maybe you find it difficult to start a formal exercise program. The word 'exercise' is banned from your vocabulary.

But if you want to burn more calories, become more fit and lose some weight, lower your cholesterol, you need to become more active.

The FitBit Zip and FitBit Flex are  great for those who don't do any "formal exercise" like a weight training workout or a Pilates class. or who don't want to necessarily track every single workout automatically.

If most of your exercise is everyday activities like walking, gardening, walking the dog, the FitBit Zip or FitBit Flex are right for you.

These two FitBits are great if you're not ready to take the step into formal exercise but you want to know how active you are and to push yourself into doing more.

Note to Beginners:  I've included beginners in this section more for those who don't exercise a lot and don't  really intend to "work out". But if you're new to exercise but have joined a gym or fitness studio, or you're determined to make exercise and working out a part of your life, consider the FitBits in the Intermediate or Fitness Enthusiasts section.

Both the Zip and the Flex  track your steps, calories burned and the distance you've walked.  You can set goals and compete with other friends who have a FitBit.

While each one will track your activity minutes, neither FitBit will automatically track your workouts. But you can easily record a workout manually through the online dashboard.

Casual Exerciser Who Doesn't Want to Track Sleep

Recommendation:  FitBit Zip


The Zip is a clip-on pedometer, so you can discreetly track your physical activity.   You just pop it on to your belt, pocket or bra.
  • Track steps, calories, distance
  • Clock Face
  • Active minutes
Learn More About Zip
 

Casual Exerciser Who Wants to Track Sleep 

Recommendation:  FitBit Flex

Unlike the Zip, the FitBit Flex is a wristband you strap on like a watch instead of clipping it on to your  clothing.

Easily track your sleep patterns by tapping. the Flex rapidly for one or two seconds or through the FitBit app when it's time for bed.
  • Track steps, calories, distance
  • Sleep tracking
  • Silent wake alarm
  • Activity minutes
Learn More About Flex

FitBits For Intermediate Exercisers Interested in Every Day Fitness

If you're more or less active and try to exercise on a regular basis, the FitBit One or the FitBit Charge are right up you bowling alley.

Not only can you track your sleep and floors climbed with both models, but you can track your workouts at the simple push of a button.

Both models have a silent wake alarm, too.
 

Intermediate Exercisers Who Prefer a Pedometer

Recommendation: FitBit One


The FitBit One is a step up from its fellow pedometer, the Zip. Not only can you clip it to your clothing. the One can also be worn IN your pocket.

It comes with a sleep wristband to use while sleeping.
  • Track steps, calories, distance
  • Clock Face
  • Sleep tracking
  • Auto sleep detection
  • Floors climbed
  • Active minutes
Learn More About One

Intermediate Exercisers Who Prefer a Wristband and More

Recommendation: FitBit Charge


The FitBit Charge is a wristband style FitBit.  When paired with your mobile phone, it can show you who's calling you while you're busy working out.
  • Track steps, calories, distance
  • Clock Face
  • Sleep tracking
  • Auto sleep detection
  • Silent wake alarm
  • Floors climbed
  • Active minutes
  • Caller ID

Learn More About Charge

FitBits for Active Exercisers, Fitness Enthusiasts or Performance Fitness

If you exercise on a regular basis and want to track your heart rate, the FitBit Charge HR and Surge will pump you up.

Both models will monitor your heart rate. with the Surge adding in extra features like MultiSport (to track a variety of sports, including biking) and built-in GPS tracker.

With a $100 USD price difference bewteen the two, the Charge HR will still do a great job of tracking your workouts and your heart rate.

Fitness Enthusiasts Who Want to Track Heart Rate

Recommendation: FitBit Charge HR


The FitBit Charge HR is exactly like the Charge, except it uses PurePulse Heart rate to continuously monitor your heart.  No more uncomfortable heart rate monitor!
  • Track steps, calories, distance
  • Clock Face
  • Sleep tracking
  • Auto sleep detection
  • Silent wake alarm
  • Floors climbed
  • Active minutes
  • Continuous heart rate
  • Caller ID


Learn More About Charge HR

Fitness Enthusiasts Who Want It All

Recommendation: FitBit Surge

The Surge has it all.  Not only will it track all your workouts, your sleep habits and heart rate, but you can see your text notifications, control your music and it also includes a built-in GPS receiver. You can track your routes while you walk, run, bike or hike.

It has a swipe screen to quickly and easily scroll between screens.
  • Track steps, calories, distance
  • Clock Face
  • Sleep tracking
  • Auto sleep detection
  • Silent wake alarm
  • Floors climbed
  • Active minutes
  • Continuous heart rate
  • Caller ID
  • Text notifications
  • Music Control
  • Built-in GPS receiver
Learn More About Surge