Best Fitness Watch with a Budget: Fitbit vs Garmin vs Mi Band

LSillyEgg on 10/07/2019 - 11:33
Last edited 10/07/2019 - 11:49 by 1 other user

I've been looking at a few fitness watch wanting to upgrade from my Mi Band 2, which was a gift I received before becoming active and doing actual activities. Now I've been running regularly and swimming occasionally as well so in need of an upgrade. I was wondering with a budget of 200 or less what would be the best watch?

I've considered Fitbit Alta HR and Garmin Vivosmart 4, but Mi Band 4 came into the consideration with their music control and the low price tag. Functionality preferences would be GPS since my phone's GPS doesn't work properly making it really hard to track my runs. I don't know if it will be worth to spend 100+ more on Garmin for the GPS or if Fitbit would be a better middle ground, or just go with Mi Band as the cheapest option. Or if there is other option to consider? Any opinions would be appreciated.

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  janezzy on 10/07/2019 - 12:01

  I'm currently using a Garmin Vivosmart 4 (bought it just over a week ago). I was previously using a FitBit Versa, but switched after two failed devices and terrible customer service from FitBit (I've also used a FitBit Flex 2).

  The main differences between FitBit and Garmin devices I've noticed are:
  -Garmin tracks steps more accurately
  -FitBit tracks sleep more accurately
  -The two apps are pretty much the same, FitBit probably gets the slight advantage as it has marginally more functionality (e.g. ability to track food).

  I've read that Garmin products are built much better, which is why I made the switch.

  I've no experience with the MiBands. I use a fitness tracker solely for the purposes of AIA Vitality and reaching benefit targets (hence my interest in tracking food) - and AIA cannot link with a MiBand.

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    EightImmortals on 10/07/2019 - 12:17

    Do you have to have location services turned on for the Garmin to sync to the app like fitbit does?

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      janezzy on 10/07/2019 - 13:00

      Yep

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    dasher86 on 10/07/2019 - 17:33

    AIA cannot be linked to MiBand but MiBand can be linked to Google Fit, and Google Fit links with AIA Vitality.
    You do not need to own a FitBit device to track food. You can use the app and link it to AIA to track food.
    Google Fit also allows you to manually add steps and work outs.

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  dfitt10 on 10/07/2019 - 12:03

  Mi Bands don't support GPS, so if that's your selling point they're out.

  If its not as big a deal then check out the Mi Band 4. Released last month and easily the best value (about $50 AUD from gearbest right now). It'll be a massive upgrade from the Mi Band 2.

  Personally i'd avoid Fitbit's due to the high price tag and laughable battery life (only about 5 days)

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    SillyEgg on 10/07/2019 - 14:27

    I think for me it's whether or not the extra GPS feature will be worth the extra $$. Mi Band 4 definitely sounds like a deal overlooking the lack of GPS. Sounds like everyone is saying no to Fitbit though.

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      knk on 10/07/2019 - 17:24

      if the band 4 is similarly sized to the 3 they're very bulky and look cheap if that's something you care about.

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  Davo1111 on 10/07/2019 - 12:49

  I'm against fitbit because of their longevity, battery life, limiting standard functionality, and price tag.

  Mi bands are great, but depends on the data you want, sounds like it wont be suitable.

  I doubt the garmin would have gps (might rely on phone), and as a result, i'd look at the data/apps/information you need.

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  whatsinaname on 10/07/2019 - 13:43

  Xiaomi Amazfit 1 or 2?
  Battery life is amazing and all around an amazing watch.

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    SillyEgg on 10/07/2019 - 14:29

    Did a small research and looks like a well rounded budget smartwatch. The reasons I didn't go for smartwatches are the size (I like slim designs) and the price. Have you ever experience any significant issues with it?

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  ihbh on 10/07/2019 - 17:57

  budget of 200 or less

  If you wait you might be able to get a Garmin FR 235. I haven't taken mine off my wrist for over 2.5 years and it's still as good as the day I bought it.

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  crashloaded on 11/07/2019 - 10:20

  I've read HR monitors on even the very expensive watches are inaccurate, can anyone confirm/deny?

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  Karly1 on 01/08/2019 - 01:18

  -1

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  I was just doing some research the other day and got to know about the fitness and Spa retreat vacation options that are very popular nowadays. These vacations seem perfect for me as well because I am a freelancer so I can opt for that. Is anyone aware of such vacations? Did you like the idea?"