Whether you’re searching for the best fitness smartwatch, the best smartwatch for health monitoring, or simply asking “Which smartwatch is right for me?”, this guide breaks down the strengths of each brand and highlights the most popular models to help you decide.

Fitbit vs Garmin vs Apple Watch: Quick Comparison

Fitbit: The Best Budget-Friendly Health Companion

Fitbit continues to dominate when it comes to the best budget smartwatch for health and wellness. If simplicity, sleep tracking, and guided health insights matter most, Fitbit is hard to beat at its price point. If you’re looking for the best Fitbit watch, these four models each offer a perfect balance of features, affordability, and user-friendly design.

Popular Fitbit Models

• Fitbit Charge 6 ($159) – Lightweight and ideal for casual fitness tracking
• Fitbit Inspire 3 ($99) – A great entry point if you want the best budget smartwatch
• Fitbit Versa 4 ($199) – Stylish, affordable, and suitable for everyday wear
• Fitbit Sense 2 ($249) – Same design as the Versa 4, but with added premium features

Pros:

• Excellent sleep tracking
• Affordable pricing
• Works with both Android and iPhone

Best for:

• New or casual fitness enthusiasts
• Users wanting an inexpensive, easy-to-use tracker

Garmin: The Ultimate Brand for Athletes & Adventurers

Garmin stands out as a leader in sports and outdoor performance, offering exceptional GPS accuracy, powerful training metrics, and rugged durability perfect for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. And with models ranging from around $200 all the way up to about $3,000, there’s a Garmin for just about every type of athlete.

Popular Garmin Models

• Garmin Fenix 8 ($999+) – A top contender for the best rugged smartwatch
• Garmin Venu 3 ($449) – Beautiful AMOLED display with balanced fitness features
• Garmin Vivoactive 5 ($249) – Perfect budget-friendly option with strong tracking capabilities

Pros:

• Industry-leading GPS precision
• Exceptional battery life (Up to 40 days with select models)
• Rugged outdoor-ready builds

Best for:

• Anyone seeking the best smartwatch for Android with advanced fitness data
• Runners, cyclists, triathletes, and outdoor explorers

And if you’re unsure which Garmin model is right for you, check out our Garmin watch comparison to find out whether their premium models are worth the price tag.

Apple Watch: The Smartest Smartwatch for Everyday Life

If you want premium features and health monitoring within the iOS ecosystem, Apple Watches can fit a range of budgets. While pricier than most Fitbits, you get a lot more in terms of smart features and overall polish. While Apple still can’t beat Garmin when it comes to advanced training tools or battery life, the Apple Watch delivers a more well-rounded, everyday experience, especially if you’re already in the Apple world.

Popular Apple Models

• Apple Watch Series 11 ($399) – Apple’s latest standard model with improved battery life
• Apple Watch Series 10 ($340) – Still a strong value at a lower price point.
• Apple Watch SE 3 ($249) – A strong budget option for casual users
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($799) – Built for adventurers and athletes who want maximum durability and iOS compatibility

Pros:

• Best-in-class app ecosystem
• Smooth iPhone integration
• Polished design

Best for:

• iPhone users seeking everyday functionality

Which Smartwatch Should I Get?

Choose Fitbit if:

• You want the best budget smartwatch
• You prefer simple wellness-focused features
• Sleep tracking is a top priority

Choose Garmin if:

• You’re a serious athlete or outdoors enthusiast
• GPS accuracy and battery life matter most
• You want the best rugged smartwatch

Choose Apple Watch if:

• You use an iPhone and want a full-featured smart device
• You’re interested in advanced health monitoring withing the iOS ecosystem
• You want one of the top-rated smartwatches with a wider range of apps

Garmin vs Apple Watch: Which Is Best for Fitness?

For performance athletes, Garmin wins thanks to superior GPS and endurance modes.

However, if you want top-tier performance and value iOS compatibility and smart features, consider the Apple Watch Ultra series. It delivers great specs with smooth iPhone compatibility.

Fitbit vs Apple Watch: What’s Better for Everyday Health?

Fitbit is more budget-friendly and straightforward, while Apple Watch delivers deeper health analytics, advanced safety features, as well as smoother iPhone compatibility. We recommend a Fitbit if you’re a casual fitness-enthusiast who values affordability.

Final Thoughts: The Best Smartwatch for You

Each brand excels in a different area:

• Fitbit = Best budget option for beginners and casual users
• Garmin = Best for athletes and adventurers
• Apple Watch = Best for iPhone users who want full Apple integration

With all that in mind, wearable tech in 2025 is more advanced and affordable than ever, so whichever brand you choose, you’ll get impressive value for the price.

And no matter which watch you choose, you can personalize your smartwatch with replacement straps from StrapsCo to upgrade comfort, durability, and style!

The post The Best Smartwatch: Fitbit vs Garmin vs Apple Watch appeared first on StrapsCo.

Swapping out the strap for a different style or material can radically change the perspective—function meeting fashion, if you will. And it works when you get the look you’re going for, no matter the need or occasion. Here are some straps to think about wrapping around your wrist.

When the athletic look suits you

The Fitbit Sense already comes with a rubber strap out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change how it looks. That design shouldn’t be limited to black when the options can be so much more colorful.

With a rubber strap, and with no less than twenty colors to choose from, wearing the Sense doesn’t have to feel like it only fits in. Why not make it stand out with a snazzy or louder color? The thing about straps made for devices like this is that there’s room for creativity. And we’re talking functional creativity here. Case in point, when you look at how perforated straps ventilate the wrist, you may like how that feels during a run or workout.

It’s a sophisticated sporty look that plays well to colors that may inspire you to move. And like the rubber straps, size does matter. You can go with either a small-medium (180mm) or a medium-long (210mm) strap for maximum comfort.

If your wrists do better with something more fabric in design, the Fitbit Sense does just fine with those, too. Woven nylon canvas straps are like a cross between the sporty and rugged rubber straps, and the more casual and luxury straps made from other materials. They can be sporty in their own right, yet fit right in while out in casual situations. Nylon can be pretty resilient when you make it right. Plus, when you add a nice design, with texture that stands out, it’s hard for people not to notice.

Go the casual route in more ways than one

It’s easy to transition to something more casual when the mood strikes, or the occasion calls for it. Canvas is the kind of neutral material that suits the color options available because there’s a subtlety to how the two look that makes these straps never feel out of place. And since the material is softer to the touch, it’s easy to feel comfortable wearing the Sense all day without really feeling like it’s there.

When you move on to suede, you’re upping the ante into decidedly more stylish territory. It evokes a classy vibe like few other materials do, and that’s really no exception when putting a suede strap onto either of these Fitbit devices. From the threaded accents, and on to the lovely brushed silver latch, it would be hard to look away when seeing one wrapped around anyone’s wrist.

There’s also length to consider. A short strap measures (without the buckle) in at 180mm, whereas a standard strap is 200mm, and a long one goes up to 220mm. Throw in about a dozen color options, and there’s plenty of room for comfort and personalization.

When it comes to a classic look, leather always gets its time to shine. There’s something about a leather strap that changes how an activity tracker looks, and that’s certainly no exception with the Sense. With the right outfit, it’s like a standout accessory, especially when the two match. Wouldn’t be hard to pull off, either, considering the mix of colors on offer. You can go classic with a black or brown, or take the funky route and pick one of the bright colors to truly make a statement.

Maybe it’s time to flash some metal

Dressing up a Fitbit Sense isn’t a complicated case. Not when you have some metal to strap on that really gives it some flair. Milanese mesh is one of those unisex options that works perfectly fine, regardless of who’s wearing it. It’s like an accent piece to an existing accessory, mainly because of how it can shine or stay subtle all at once. The strap’s lightweight design also lends itself to some additional comfort when you plan to wear it for a longer period.

Stainless steel adds some heft, but it’s hard not to appreciate what it does to anyone’s wrist. Even more so for an activity tracker. The Sense really does transform into something else when you put one of these straps onto it. Not unlike how you would notice a huge difference with a watch, and the best part is that no matter what strap you attach to it, it just oozes class.

Length is set at 185mm because it uses a clasp, and if you’re thinking that may not be the snug fit you’re looking for, the links do come out when you have the right tool for it.

Now that the fun has begun…

Silicone straps are like canvases when you really put some art to them, and that’s probably the best way to describe what patterned straps are like. These aren’t just colorful, they’re vibrant and say something about the person wearing them. With thirteen patterns to choose from, there’s plenty of ways to stand out wearing one of these.

While you’re at it, why not consider a woven patterned elastic strap? If these don’t stand out, it’s hard to tell what would. These unique straps add something others don’t, which is size without the extra weight. It’s available in multiple length options, so you will have zero problems slipping into one of these.

Another way to stand out is with an elegant cuff & chain bracelet. True, you don’t get the myriad of color choices other funky options give you, but it would be easy to have fun wearing one of these.

If you can imagine the very same strap that comes out of the box with the Sense, and then compare it to any one of these straps, you get an idea of just how expansive the options really are. It’s your activity tracker with your sense of style and comfort on the table. Roll with it and make it your own.

What’s your favorite way to sport your Fitbit Sense? Let us knows in the comments below!

The post Fitbit Sense Strap Style Guide appeared first on StrapsCo.

Swapping out the strap for a different style or material can radically change the perspective—function meeting fashion, if you will. And it works when you get the look you’re going for, no matter the need or occasion. Here are some straps to think about wrapping around your wrist.

When the athletic look suits you

The Fitbit Versa 3 already comes with a rubber strap out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change how it looks. That design shouldn’t be limited to black when the options can be so much more colorful.

With a rubber strap, and with no less than twenty colors to choose from, wearing the Versa 3 doesn’t have to feel like it only fits in. Why not make it stand out with a snazzy or louder color? The thing about straps made for devices like this is that there’s room for creativity. And we’re talking functional creativity here. Case in point, when you look at how perforated straps ventilate the wrist, you may like how that feels during a run or workout.

It’s a sophisticated sporty look that plays well to colors that may inspire you to move. And like the rubber straps, size does matter. You can go with either a small-medium (180mm) or a medium-long (210mm) strap for maximum comfort.

If your wrists do better with something more fabric in design, the Fitbit Versa 3 does just fine with those, too. Woven nylon canvas straps are like a cross between the sporty and rugged rubber straps, and the more casual and luxury straps made from other materials. They can be sporty in their own right, yet fit right in while out in casual situations. Nylon can be pretty resilient when you make it right. Plus, when you add a nice design, with texture that stands out, it’s hard for people not to notice.

Go the casual route in more ways than one

It’s easy to transition to something more casual when the mood strikes, or the occasion calls for it. Canvas is the kind of neutral material that suits the color options available because there’s a subtlety to how the two look that makes these straps never feel out of place. And since the material is softer to the touch, it’s easy to feel comfortable wearing the Versa 3 all day without really feeling like it’s there.

When you move on to suede, you’re upping the ante into decidedly more stylish territory. It evokes a classy vibe like few other materials do, and that’s really no exception when putting a suede strap onto either of these Fitbit devices. From the threaded accents, and on to the lovely brushed silver latch, it would be hard to look away when seeing one wrapped around anyone’s wrist.

There’s also length to consider. A short strap measures (without the buckle) in at 180mm, whereas a standard strap is 200mm, and a long one goes up to 220mm. Throw in about a dozen color options, and there’s plenty of room for comfort and personalization.

When it comes to a classic look, leather always gets its time to shine. There’s something about a leather strap that changes how an activity tracker looks, and that’s certainly no exception with the Versa 3. With the right outfit, it’s like a standout accessory, especially when the two match. Wouldn’t be hard to pull off, either, considering the mix of colors on offer. You can go classic with a black or brown, or take the funky route and pick one of the bright colors to truly make a statement.

Maybe it’s time to flash some metal

Dressing up a Fitbit Versa 3 isn’t a complicated case. Not when you have some metal to strap on that really gives it some flair. Milanese mesh is one of those unisex options that works perfectly fine, regardless of who’s wearing it. It’s like an accent piece to an existing accessory, mainly because of how it can shine or stay subtle all at once. The strap’s lightweight design also lends itself to some additional comfort when you plan to wear it for a longer period.

Stainless steel adds some heft, but it’s hard not to appreciate what it does to anyone’s wrist. Even more so for an activity tracker. The Versa 3 really does transform into something else when you put one of these straps onto it. Not unlike how you would notice a huge difference with a watch, and the best part is that no matter what strap you attach to it, it just oozes class.

Length is set at 185mm because it uses a clasp, and if you’re thinking that may not be the snug fit you’re looking for, the links do come out when you have the right tool for it.

Now that the fun has begun…

Silicone straps are like canvases when you really put some art to them, and that’s probably the best way to describe what patterned straps are like. These aren’t just colorful, they’re vibrant and say something about the person wearing them. With thirteen patternss to choose from, there’s plenty of ways to stand out wearing one of these.

While you’re at it, why not consider a woven patterned elastic strap? If these don’t stand out, it’s hard to tell what would. These unique straps add something others don’t, which is size without the extra weight. It’s available in multiple length options, so you will have zero problems slipping into one of these.

Another way to stand out is with an elegant cuff & chain bracelet. True, you don’t get the myriad of color choices other funky options give you, but it would be easy to have fun wearing one of these.

If you can imagine the very same strap that comes out of the box with the Versa 3, and then compare it to any one of these straps, you get an idea of just how expansive the options really are. It’s your activity tracker with your sense of style and comfort on the table. Roll with it and make it your own.

What’s your favorite way to sport your Fitbit Versa 3? Let us knows in the comments below!

The post Fitbit Versa 3 Strap Style Guide appeared first on StrapsCo.

Swapping out the strap for a different style or material can radically change the perspective—function meeting fashion, if you will. And it works when you get the look you’re going for, no matter the need or occasion. Here are some straps to think about wrapping around your wrist.

When the athletic look suits you

The Inspire already comes with a rubber strap out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change how it looks. That design shouldn’t be limited to black when the options can be so much more colorful.

With no less than ten colors, wearing the Inspire doesn’t have to feel like it only fits in. Why not make it stand out with a snazzy or louder color? The thing about straps made for devices like this is that there’s room for creativity. And we’re talking functional creativity here. Case in point, when you look at how perforated straps ventilate the wrist, you may like how that feels during a run or workout. It’s a sophisticated sporty look that plays well to color combos that may inspire you to move.

Go the casual route in more ways than one

It’s easy to transition to something more casual when the mood strikes, or the occasion calls for it. Canvas is the kind of neutral material that suits the color options available because there’s a subtlety to how the two look that makes these straps never feel out of place. And since the material is softer to the touch, it’s easy to feel comfortable wearing the Inspire all day without really feeling like it’s there.

When it comes to a classic look, leather always gets its time to shine. There’s something about a leather strap that changes how an activity tracker looks, and that’s certainly no exception with the Inspire. With the right outfit, it’s like a standout accessory, especially when the two match. Wouldn’t be hard to pull off, either, considering the mix of colors on offer. You can go classic with a black or brown, or take the funky route and pick one of the bright colors to truly make a statement.

Maybe it’s time to flash some metal

Dressing up a Inspire isn’t a complicated case. Not when you have some metal to strap on that really gives it some flair. Milanese mesh is one of those unisex options that works perfectly fine, regardless of who’s wearing it. It’s like an accent piece to an existing accessory, mainly because of how it can shine or stay subtle all at once. The strap’s lightweight design also lends itself to some additional comfort when you plan to wear it for a longer period.

Stainless steel adds some heft, but it’s hard not to appreciate what it does to anyone’s wrist. Even more so for an activity tracker. The Inspire really does transform into something else when you put one of these straps onto it. Not unlike how you would notice a huge difference with a watch, and the best part is that no matter what strap you attach to it, it just oozes class.

Length is set at 175mm because it uses a clasp, and if you’re thinking that may not be the snug fit you’re looking for, the links do come out when you have the right tool for it.

For the ladies, there’s something special to consider. This jewelry bracelet with rhinestones is designed with a nod toward elegance and professionalism. With removable links and selection of beautiful colors, this one is hard not to like.

Now that the fun has begun…

Silicone straps are like canvases when you really put some art to them, and that’s probably the best way to describe what patterned rubber straps are like. These aren’t just colorful, they’re vibrant and say something about the person wearing them. With 12 patterns to choose from, there’s plenty of ways to stand out wearing one of these.

Maybe an elastic nylon strap is more your thing. If these don’t stand out, it’s hard to tell what would. These unique straps add something others don’t, which is size without the extra weight. It’s a pretty wide length between 100-180mm, so wrists, thin and thick, will have zero problems slipping into one of these.

Another way to stand out is to wear a sequin leather strap. True, you don’t get the myriad of color choices other funky options give you, but it would be easy to have fun wearing one of these.

If you can imagine the very same strap that comes out of the box with the Inspire, and then compare it to any one of these straps, you get an idea of just how expansive the options really are. It’s your activity tracker with your sense of style and comfort on the table. Roll with it and make it your own.

What’s your favorite way to sport your Fitbit Inspire? Let us knows in the comments below!

The post Fitbit Inspire Strap Style Guide appeared first on StrapsCo.

Swapping out the strap for a different style or material can radically change the perspective—function meeting fashion, if you will. And it works when you get the look you’re going for, no matter the need or occasion. Here are some straps to think about wrapping around your wrist.

When the athletic look suits you

The Inspire 2 already comes with a rubber strap out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change how it looks. That design shouldn’t be limited to black when the options can be so much more colorful.

With no less than eight colors, wearing the Inspire 2 doesn’t have to feel like it only fits in. Why not make it stand out with a snazzy or louder color? The thing about straps made for devices like this is that there’s room for creativity. And we’re talking functional creativity here. And with these rubber straps, size does matter. You can go with either a short-medium (185mm) or a medium-long (215mm) strap for maximum comfort.

Go the casual route in more ways than one

It’s easy to transition to something more casual when the mood strikes, or the occasion calls for it. Canvas is the kind of neutral material that suits the color options available because there’s a subtlety to how the two look that makes these straps never feel out of place. And since the material is softer to the touch, it’s easy to feel comfortable wearing the Inspire 2 all day without really feeling like it’s there.

When it comes to a classic look, leather always gets its time to shine. There’s something about a leather strap that changes how an activity tracker looks, and that’s certainly no exception with the Inspire 2. With the right outfit, it’s like a standout accessory, especially when the two match. Wouldn’t be hard to pull off, either, considering the mix of colors on offer. You can go classic with a black or brown, or take the funky route and pick one of the bright colors to truly make a statement.

Maybe it’s time to flash some metal

Dressing up an Inspire 2 isn’t a complicated case. Not when you have some metal to strap on that really gives it some flair. Milanese mesh is one of those unisex options that works perfectly fine, regardless of who’s wearing it. It’s like an accent piece to an existing accessory, mainly because of how it can shine or stay subtle all at once. The strap’s lightweight design also lends itself to some additional comfort when you plan to wear it for a longer period.

Stainless steel adds some heft, but it’s hard not to appreciate what it does to anyone’s wrist. Even more so for an activity tracker. The Inspire 2 really does transform into something else when you put one of these straps onto it. Not unlike how you would notice a huge difference with a watch, and the best part is that no matter what strap you attach to it, it just oozes class.

Length is set at 165mm because it uses a clasp, and if you’re thinking that may not be the snug fit you’re looking for, the links do come out when you have the right tool for it.

Now that the fun has begun…

Maybe an elastic nylon strap is more your thing. If these don’t stand out, it’s hard to tell what would. These unique straps add something others don’t. It’s a pretty wide length between 100-180mm, so wrists, thin and thick, will have zero problems slipping into one of these.

Another way to stand out is to wear a metal strap with rhinestones. True, you don’t get the myriad of color choices other funky options give you, but it would be easy to have fun wearing one of these.

If you can imagine the very same strap that comes out of the box with the Inspire 2, and then compare it to any one of these straps, you get an idea of just how expansive the options really are. It’s your activity tracker with your sense of style and comfort on the table. Roll with it and make it your own.

What’s your favorite way to sport your Fitbit Inspire 2? Let us knows in the comments below!

The post Fitbit Inspire 2 Strap Style Guide appeared first on StrapsCo.

Swapping out the strap for a different style or material can radically change the perspective—function meeting fashion, if you will. And it works when you get the look you’re going for, no matter the need or occasion. Here are some straps to think about wrapping around your wrist.

When the athletic look suits you

The Charge 3 and Charge 4 already come with a rubber strap out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change how it looks. Fitbit went with a nice mix of a textured outer portion, and a smooth one on the inside. That design shouldn’t be limited to black when the options can be so much more colorful.

With no less than nine colors, wearing the Charge doesn’t have to feel like it only fits in. Why not make it stand out with a snazzy or louder color? The thing about straps made for devices like this is that there’s room for creativity. And we’re talking functional creativity here. Case in point, when you look at how perforated straps ventilate the wrist, you may like how that feels during a run or workout.

Not to mention that color is heavy on the inside, with only accents coming out in the open. It’s a sophisticated sporty look that plays well to color combos that may inspire you to move. And like the rubber straps, size does matter. You can go with either a small-medium (215mm) or a medium-long (245mm) strap for maximum comfort. The rubber straps are a bit shorter in both sizes, mainly because of the latch system.

If your wrists do better with something more fabric in design, the Charge 3 and 4 do just fine with those, too. Woven nylon straps are like a cross between the sporty and rugged rubber straps, and the more casual and luxury straps made from other materials. They can be sporty in their own right, yet fit right in while out in casual situations. Nylon can be pretty resilient when you make it right. Plus, when you add a nice design, with texture that stands out, it’s hard for people not to notice.

Go the casual route in more ways than one

It’s easy to transition to something more casual when the mood strikes, or the occasion calls for it. Canvas is the kind of neutral material that suits the color options available because there’s a subtlety to how the two look that makes these straps never feel out of place. And since the material is softer to the touch, it’s easy to feel comfortable wearing the Charge 3 or 4 all day without really feeling like it’s there.

When you move on to suede, you’re upping the ante into decidedly more stylish territory. It evokes a classy vibe like few other materials do, and that’s really no exception when putting a suede strap onto either of these Fitbit devices. From the threaded accents, and on to the lovely brushed silver latch, it would be hard to look away when seeing one wrapped around anyone’s wrist.

There’s also length to consider. A short strap measures (without the buckle) in at 180mm, whereas a standard strap is 200mm, and a long one goes up to 220mm. Throw in about a dozen color options, and there’s plenty of room for comfort and personalization.

When it comes to a classic look, leather always gets its time to shine. There’s something about a leather strap that changes how an activity tracker looks, and that’s certainly no exception with the Charge 3 and 4. With the right outfit, it’s like a standout accessory, especially when the two match. Wouldn’t be hard to pull off, either, considering the mix of colors on offer. You can go classic with a black or brown, or take the funky route and pick one of the bright colors to truly make a statement. Your personal choice goes further when you choose between a black or rose gold latch to go with all that leather goodness.

Maybe it’s time to flash some metal

Dressing up a Charge 3 or 4 isn’t a complicated case. Not when you have some metal to strap on that really gives it some flair. Milanese mesh is one of those unisex options that works perfectly fine, regardless of who’s wearing it. It’s like an accent piece to an existing accessory, mainly because of how it can shine or stay subtle all at once. The strap’s lightweight design also lends itself to some additional comfort when you plan to wear it for a longer period.

Stainless steel adds some heft, but it’s hard not to appreciate what it does to anyone’s wrist. Even more so for an activity tracker. The Charge 3 or 4 really does transform into something else when you put one of these straps onto it. Not unlike how you would notice a huge difference with a watch, and the best part is that no matter what strap you attach to it, it just oozes class.

Length is set at 165mm because it uses a clasp, and if you’re thinking that may not be the snug fit you’re looking for, the links do come out when you have the right tool for it.

Now that the fun has begun…

Silicone straps are like canvases when you really put some art to them, and that’s probably the best way to describe what patterned straps are like. These aren’t just colorful, they’re vibrant and say something about the person wearing them. With 18 to choose from, there’s plenty of ways to stand out wearing one of these.

While you’re at it, why not turn the Charge 3 or 4 into a scrunchie. If these don’t stand out, it’s hard to tell what would. These unique straps add something others don’t, which is size without the extra weight. It’s a pretty wide length between 160-250mm, so wrists, thin and thick, will have zero problems slipping into one of these.

Another way to stand out is to wear a sequin leather strap. True, you don’t get the myriad of color choices other funky options give you, but it would be easy to have fun wearing one of these.

If you can imagine the very same strap that comes out of the box with the Charge 3 or 4, and then compare it to any one of these straps, you get an idea of just how expansive the options really are. It’s your activity tracker with your sense of style and comfort on the table. Roll with it and make it your own.

What’s your favorite way to sport your Fitbit Charge 3 or Charge 4? Let us knows in the comments below!

The post Fitbit Charge 3 & 4 Strap Style Guide appeared first on StrapsCo.

Not all Fitbits can do all the same things, and that’s why some may stand out more than others, especially when you know where to find those features. These are 10 cool things to consider while using your Fitbit tracker or smartwatch.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) on your wrist

The Fitbit Sense is the only device in the lineup that has this, but it could be a lifesaver as an early warning system for anything feeling off about one’s heart.

The ECG app on the watch looks for an irregular heartbeat, or atrial fibrillation (AFib), though can’t tell if you’re having a heart attack or blood clot. Still, the app gives you the results, and you can save them as a PDF to share with your doctor who can see it as a heart rate graph.

Try to get better sleep

One thing Fitbit has tried to tackle is helping people get better sleep. It won’t knock you out on its own, but its latest smartwatches and activity trackers can keep tabs on how well you do when you’re in slumber.

That includes the SpO2 sensor to measure blood oxygen levels, or the way the Sense’s skin temperature sensor measures fluctuations overnight to look for any abnormalities. A big spike in either direction could be a sign you’re coming down with something.

Keep tabs on your route

Any Fitbit with built-in GPS means you can track distance on your route for every run, walk, hike, or cycle you take while wearing it. If you say you did a 10-mile run, show the evidence in the watch and the Fitbit app.

The outdoors-y person definitely benefits from that kind of tracking. And if they prefer to do it without bringing a phone along, that’s certainly doable, too.

Talking to Alexa on your wrist

A few Fitbit smartwatches, like the Versa 2, Versa 3, and Sense, support the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. That lets you use the watch to control smart home devices or get basic information on questions you might have.

Where it excels is in setting reminders, making lists, checking the calendar, and asking for activity data. It’s not the full gamut of Alexa you might be used to on other devices, but it is there to listen when you need it to.

Talking to your wrist for phone calls

Your phone might be nearby, but when not within reach for an incoming call, the Sense can use its own microphone and speaker to answer it. Now, you’re talking to your wrist instead of reaching out for your phone.

You can’t make outgoing calls this way, but you have the luxury of taking them anytime those red and green buttons appear as the watch vibrates when someone calls.

Controlling music from your wrist

It’s always nice when you can play, pause, skip, or repeat tracks by just tapping a screen on your wrist instead of pulling out your phone all the time. That’s the beauty of having apps like Spotify and Deezer embedded on various Fitbit devices.

You can also select among your playlists and choose what you want to hear. With Deezer, you can even store full playlists on the watch to listen offline.

Order an Uber from your watch

The Uber app for Fitbit smartwatches lets you order a ride with relative ease. You do need your phone with you to ensure the watch has that cellular connection, but the convenience is easy to like.

It shows you ride estimates based on your location and destination, including driver info to know who would be picking you up. Once you confirm on the watch, you’re ready to go.

Put your Starbucks card on the watch

That Starbucks app on Fitbit smartwatches isn’t just there for show. It really comes in handy when you’re making a run by your local spot and don’t want to pull out cash or your phone.

All you need to do is add the 16-digit card number into the Starbucks app (through the Fitbit app) and any location can scan the watch at point-of-sale.

Pay for things and scan your loyalty card

Fitbit Pay works with a wide range of credit and debit cards, and once linked, you can use a compatible Fitbit smartwatch or activity tracker to handle contactless payments for you. No need to pull out your phone or bring cash with you when you can just point your wrist and just do it that way. It allows up to six credit and debit cards per user.

In the Fitbit App Gallery, you will find apps that let you add your favorite loyalty cards to collect points for eligible purchases. Sure, there’s an app for that on your phone, but the cards can appear as barcodes on the smartwatch that scanners would recognize, so you can pay and collect points without touching anything.

Find your missing phone or Fitbit device

Where did you last leave your phone? A missing phone can feel harrowing, but you can mitigate any frustration by using the Find My Phone app on a Fitbit smartwatch to set off an alarm on the phone to clue you in. It only works when the phone is on and within Bluetooth range, so it’s not like finding something on a map. It just solves a potential pain point in misplacing a device.

The Fitbit Inspire 2 has Tile technology built-in that uses the latter’s large network of Bluetooth tracking to help find it in case it was ever misplaced. The Tile app will know the Inspire 2’s last known location, and if lost or stolen, could use the wider network to help track it down.

There’s more where all that came from if you dig a little more and see what your Fitbit is capable of. That’s part of the fun in owning one.

The post 10 Ways Your Fitbit Can Help Your Daily Life appeared first on StrapsCo.

That’s just what this list is all about; These smartwatches released in 2020 have come with more than their fair share of interesting new features, and any one of them would make a great gift for that special someone.

Without further ado, here is our list of the greatest new smartwatches that we think would make great gifts this holiday season!

Apple Watch Series 6

Apple didn’t do much to change how the Series 6 watches look, when compared to previous iterations (which is good news for anyone with a collection of old straps, which are still compatible), preferring instead to focus on what’s going on under the hood. One of the most notable new additions is the new blood oxygen sensor, which measures the oxygen saturation levels of your blood throughout the day, or for 15 second intervals for a more direct reading.

The Series 6 also runs on Apple’s new S6 processor, providing a 20% speed bump in overall performance. The new A6 chip also comes with a boost in power efficiency, allowing for a screen that is 2.5x brighter, without too much of an impact on battery life. Additionally, there are also some new watch faces to add a little bit more personalization.

Sleep tracking is another new one. Yes, it’s true; Apple waited until now to finally include this into their smartwatches. Granted, it’s courtesy of the WatchOS 7 update, so it isn’t exclusive to this model, as they’re available going as far back as Series 3. It works with Apple’s Sleep app to track sleep quality, and even uses the blood oxygen sensor to keep tabs on your respiratory health while you’re in dreamland.

There’s even a hand-washing tracker, as well as some extra fitness routines. And don’t forget that this is one of the few smartwatches with an ECG (electrocardiogram), which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Colors also maintain their familiarity (some of the colors are new here) with gold, graphite, blue and red options available to choose from.

Apple Watch SE

Think of this as the watch version of the iPhone SE; It looks a lot like the Series 3, but runs on a processor and components that are in line with the Series 5. Not coincidentally, Apple discontinued the Series 5 to make way for this one. The Apple Watch SE isn’t equipped with the blood oxygen sensor, ECG (electrocardiogram), fall detection, or even the always-on display, but it does come with a much more affordable price tag.

It differs from the Series 3 in a few ways; First, there’s 30% more real estate on the screen, plus it comes in 40mm and 44m sizes, rather than the 38mm and 42mm sizes of the Series 3. Second, it’s being aimed at kids through an Apple Watch Family Setup that ties multiple watches to one iPhone, allowing parents to manage access, and control who the kids can communicate with. Since the watch also has location data, helicopter parents can certainly tap into that as well.

The built-in speaker is considerably louder, though the microphone is about the same. Storage is also more plentiful at 32GB (compared to 8GB), and you can find both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants. Colors don’t change much either, as the Watch SE comes in gold, silver and space grey. Despite coming in different sizes than the Series 3, both watches support the same band sizes.

Samsung Galaxy Watch3

Samsung went back to a more traditional look with the Galaxy Watch3, with 41mm and 45mm sizes, and an exciting new color; Mystic Bronze is like an offshoot of rose gold, and it’s easily one of the best shades that Samsung has come out with. It is also available in Mystic Silver, as well as Mystic Black.

The Galaxy Watch3 has an air of elegance to it, thanks to a stainless steel body and genuine leather strap. The physical rotating bezel is also back — one of the signature features that Samsung’s watches have been known for.

Along with a heart rate sensor, you get an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen, as well as an ECG. You get plenty of exercises to track, including access to video workouts on a paired phone or Samsung TV. Spotify integrates nicely too, and with 8GB of storage, there’s plenty of room to store playlists for offline playback with Spotify Premium. Listen to tunes on your Bluetooth headphones, and leave your phone at home.

You can see incoming phone notifications, and even take calls directly from the watch, thanks to the onboard speaker and microphone. There are also countless watch faces to browse through and download — many of which you can match with a particular strap’s color or style.

Fitbit Sense

Fitbit maintains its penchant for activity tracking, but pivots hard toward including more health metrics into the Sense. For starters, you get new sensors for heart rate variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), and even an electrocardiogram (ECG). Not to mention the SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen.

The EDA sensor tracks stress when you place your palm over the screen and breathe normally for two minutes. It also keeps tabs on readings with a daily stress management score that appears in the Fitbit companion app to gauge how it may relate to sleep quality, heart health and level of activity. It can also measure skin temperature to look for fluctuations, and perhaps act as an early warning system if you’re coming down with something.

Fitbit’s new PurePulse 2.0 heart rate sensor is designed to look for low or elevated heart rates that seem off. The ECG is still pending FDA approval, but when active, it will measure the heart’s function, looking for signs of atrial fibrillation.

The Sense also marks a fresh start for Fitbit, in that it uses a new mechanism for its straps. This means that you unfortunately won’t be able to use your Versa or Versa 2 straps on the Sense, or vice versa. On the other hand, it’s now much easier to get the straps on and off.

Garmin Venu

Garmin actually splits the Venu into two variants; one of which includes a more premium feature set, and is distinguished by a round watch design. For comparison, the other variant (called the Venu Sq) has a square watch design, similar to that of the Apple Watch, and lacks a few of the features available on the premium version. The Venu Sq is also available in a ‘Music’ variant, which offers the option to store music — including Spotify — directly on the device for offline playback. This feature is also included with all of the premium variants of the Venu.

Otherwise, both the Venu and Venu Sq are very similar, and that means they both come with built-in GPS, heart rate monitor and an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen levels. The squared design of the Venu Sq is a departure from the rounder Venu, but both of these devices are great choices, depending on our budget.

Garmin maintains its solid reputation for waterproofing and swim tracking with these watches, and the 20mm straps are interchangeable between all the Venu models, so no exclusivity here. It also opens up avenues to accessorize the watch for certain activities or outings.

Which of these devices will you be picking up this holiday season? Is there another device not mentioned on our list that you’ll be getting instead? Let us know in the comments below!

The post The Newest Smartwatches of 2020 – Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on StrapsCo.

Before we begin, make sure to remove the old strap from your Fitbit Versa device, which is done by pulling down on the quick-release lever, as noted in step (3) of this guide, and pulling the band away from the device.

STEP (1): Begin by positioning the buckle half of the strap into the top of the Fitbit device, with one corner of the strap (the corner opposite the quick-release lever) nested into slot, as shown in the image below.

STEP (2): Bring the other corner of the strap towards the device, ensuring that your thumb is positioned comfortably to pull down on the quick-release lever (highlighted below).

STEP (3): Pull down on the quick-release lever using your thumbnail to compress the spring bar as shown below, while fully nesting the other corner into the slot of the Fitbit device.

STEP (4): Push the strap firmly inwards towards the Fitbit device, ensuring that both ends of the spring bar have been inserted into their respective holes.

STEP (5): Gently tug on strap, pulling it away from the device, to ensure that it has been securely attached.

STEP (6): Repeat steps (1) to (5) with the long half of the strap so that both halves of the strap have been securely installed onto your Fitbit Versa.

NOTE: Certain types Fitbit Versa straps (such as the rubber strap shown below) may need to be inserted into the Fitbit device at more of an angle, rather than straight in. In these cases, refer to the angle shown in the image below. The rest of the installation process is the same.

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For those unfamiliar, the Versa is Fitbit’s foray into the world of fully featured smartwatches, competing for a spot on your wrist against the likes of the Apple Watch and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup. For comparison, many of Fitbit’s other devices (such as the Inspire and Charge models) offer a much more simplified approach to fitness tracking without many of the smart features.

Image Credit: Fitbit

The Versa 2 is already available for pre-order on Fitbit’s official website and will officially be released on September 15. Pricing is set at $200 USD for the standard Versa 2 model, which includes a 7-day free trial of the Fitbit Premium service. Fitbit is also offering a ‘Special Edition’ Versa 2 model for $230 USD which comes with a more luxurious strap, as well as a 90-day free trial of the Fitbit Premium service, but with otherwise identical specs and features to the base model.

A FAMILIAR FITBIT

Before we talk about all the new bells and whistles, let’s briefly go over everything that has stayed the same from the original Versa. For the most part, Fitbit hasn’t strayed too far from what you may be familiar with – for better or worse.

Just like the original Versa, the Versa 2 will connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth in order to communicate with the Fitbit app, as well as to provide on-screen notifications for texts, Facebook and other apps. The device also retains its 50-meter water-resistance rating from its predecessor, which is nice. We weren’t expecting any of this to change, but we thought we’d mention it anyway!

The Versa 2 unfortunately still does not come with built-in GPS, so if you’re planning to track your runs, you will still need to have your phone with you. A bit of a bummer, but if you already bring your phone when you’re out for a jog, it shouldn’t be much a problem.

If you enjoy the convenience of making payments with a tap of your device using Fitbit Pay, you’ll be happy to know that NFC now comes standard with the Versa 2, which was previously an exclusive feature of the original Versa’s ‘Special Edition’ model.

And for anyone who is planning to upgrade from any of the older Versa models, and who may already have a collection of interchangeable straps; you’re in luck! We’re happy to report that the Versa 2 is compatible with any straps that were designed for the original Versa or Versa Lite. Great news, considering the vast array of styles that are already available. Strap collectors, rejoice!

WHAT’S NEW?

The Versa 2 keeps much of the same design from its predecessor, with it’s rounded-square shape and chamfered bezels. The number of physical buttons on the device has been reduced to 1 (down from 3 on the original Versa) which is used to wake the screen. The Fitbit logo that was featured on the front of the device on the original Versa has also been removed to make room for a slightly bigger display.

Speaking of which, the Versa 2 now features an AMOLED display, which will work in tandem with the device’s new always-on mode, showing the time and date without having to wake the display. AMOLED screens don’t consume any power to display black pixels, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons Fitbit is now able to claim a whopping 5-day battery life, up from 4 days on the original Versa.

The Versa 2 will now be able to activate Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant using the new built-in microphone, which can be done by holding down the device’s single physical button. Alexa won’t be able to talk back to you, since the Versa 2 doesn’t have any speakers, but she will instead communicate with the user via on-screen text. Unfortunately, Alexa does not run natively on the device, but instead requires a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone and the Alexa app installed.

Image Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET

Similarly, the Versa 2 will now be able to control playback of your music on Spotify, which also requires a connection to your smartphone, rather than allowing you to download your Spotify playlists directly to the device itself – something that many of Fitbit’s competitors already allow you to do.

All in all, the Fitbit Versa 2 certainly has some welcome new features, but we can’t help but feel that certain things – such as the lack of on-board GPS and over-reliance on phone connectivity – are keeping it just shy of perfection. Do you think the bigger screen and improved battery life are worth the upgrade for you? Let us know in the comments section below!

The post Fitbit Versa 2 – Features, Price & Release Date appeared first on StrapsCo.