In the spirit of American Heart Month, we thought it relevant to explore wearable fitness technology, which includes a variety of devices worn on the body that tracks the user’s physical activity, heart rate, and more. While there have been a plethora of these devices gaining popularity over the years, we’re focusing on a couple of the most loved: the Apple Watch and the Fitbit, as well as a different type of tracker that’s rising the ranks: the Oura Ring.
Each of these brands contains multiple styles; however, it would be overwhelming and redundant to assess all of them, so we’ll focus on the general concept and functions of each for the purposes of our comparison.
Apple Watch
Boasts being “the ultimate device for a healthy life” and provides its users “a fitness partner, meaningful health insights, and a connection to the people and things you care about most”
Worn on the wrist and displays time, looks like a wristwatch
Water resistant to 50 meters
Displays information in the corresponding phone App
Uses an “activity ring” to show daily movement, exercise, and standing goals and completion
Tracks a variety of activities, e.g. walking, yoga, weight lifting
Displays information in the corresponding phone App
Has advanced capability to keep track of heart rate zones, power, and elevation in workouts
Alerts users to irregularities in heart rate and rhythm
Includes sleep tracking and mindfulness apps
Can notify first responders of user incidents like a car accident, fall, etc.
Some styles track blood oxygenation, temperature, and advanced information on heart rhythm
Can perform many other Apple device functions, including: texting, calling, listening to music, Wallet, Siri, Apps, and more
Fitbit
“Designed to help you live a healthier, more active life”
Worn on the wrist and displays time; different styles, e.g. smartwatch, wristband tracker
Most styles are water resistant to 50 meters
Tracks a variety of activities, e.g. walking, yoga, weight lifting
Tracks heart rate, steps
Displays information in the corresponding phone App
Newer models can notify detection of irregular heart rhythm
Smartwatch models can text, call, and use a variety of compatible Apps
Owned by Google
Oura Ring
“The World’s Best Sleep Tracker”
Worn on finger
Water resistant to 100 meters
Primarily focuses on sleep tracking
Tracks sleep quality and sleep stages, keeping a nightly “sleep score”
Provides personalized guidance to improve sleep quality
Detects naps and need for “rest mode”
Tracks blood oxygenation, temperature, heart rate, activity level, and training frequency
Tracks a variety of activities, e.g. walking, yoga, weight lifting
Displays information in the corresponding phone App
The corresponding phone app offers guided meditations, health tips, and more
Of course, there are plenty of ways to address heart health without wearing a device! Make sure to check out our previous heart-related posts HERE and HERE for ideas. And, let us know: do you wear one of these devices? Or maybe a different one? What do you like or dislike about it? Are you considering purchasing one but still have questions? Let us know that, too!