Choosing between two popular fitness trackers can be a challenge, especially when they come from the same trusted brand. If you’re eyeing the Fitbit Alta and the Fitbit Flex 2, you’re likely looking for a sleek way to monitor your activity without breaking the bank.
Both devices offer core fitness tracking features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The Alta boasts a more prominent display and a stylish, customizable design, making it a fashion-forward choice. On the other hand, the Flex 2 is remarkably swim-proof and discreet, perfect for those who want a minimalist tracker that goes everywhere.
Deciding which one will best support your health goals and lifestyle requires a closer look at their unique strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Fitbit Alta | Flex 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | OLED | No Display |
| Water Resistance | Sweat & Splash Proof | Swimproof (50m) |
| GPS | Connected GPS | Connected GPS |
| Heart Rate Tracking | No | No |
| Automatic Exercise Recognition | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications (Calls, Texts, Calendar) | Yes | Yes (Vibration only) |
| Reminders to Move | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 days | Up to 5 days |
| Interchangeable Bands | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | No | No |
| Find My Phone | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Fitbit Alta: Features a bright OLED touchscreen display that shows time, stats, and notifications clearly. Its tap interface is intuitive for navigating through menus and checking progress. The display is a significant upgrade in terms of usability and information at a glance.
- Flex 2: Lacks a traditional display, relying on a series of LED lights to indicate progress and notifications. While minimalist, it requires users to sync with the app for detailed information, making it less convenient for quick checks.
- Winner: Fitbit Alta
Design & Comfort
- Fitbit Alta: Boasts a slimmer, more stylish design with a premium feel, available in various band materials like leather and metal. It’s comfortable for all-day wear and can be dressed up or down. The aesthetic is a key selling point for those who prioritize fashion.
- Flex 2: Is the smallest and slimmest Fitbit tracker available, making it incredibly discreet and comfortable. Its waterproof design allows for swimming, and it offers interchangeable bands, including elegant bangles and pendants, for versatile styling.
- Winner: Flex 2
Activity Tracking
- Fitbit Alta: Accurately tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also includes automatic exercise recognition (SmartTrack) for common activities and allows for manual logging of workouts.
- Flex 2: Offers similar core activity tracking capabilities, including steps, distance, calories, and active minutes. Its automatic exercise recognition is also present, and it excels in tracking swimming automatically due to its waterproof nature.
- Winner: Flex 2
Sleep Tracking
- Fitbit Alta: Provides detailed sleep stage analysis, showing time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. It automatically tracks sleep duration and can offer insights into sleep quality.
- Flex 2: Also offers automatic sleep tracking and analyzes sleep duration and quality. While it doesn’t offer the same granular sleep stage breakdown as some higher-end models, it provides a good overview for most users.
- Winner: Fitbit Alta
Water Resistance
- Fitbit Alta: Is splash and sweat resistant but not suitable for swimming or showering. This limits its usability in water-based activities.
- Flex 2: Is swim-proof up to 50 meters, making it the ideal choice for swimmers and those who want to track their performance in the water without worry. This is a significant advantage for water enthusiasts.
- Winner: Flex 2
Notifications
- Fitbit Alta: Displays call, text, and calendar alerts directly on its screen, allowing users to stay connected without constantly checking their phone. The vibration alerts are noticeable.
- Flex 2: Uses subtle LED color cues to indicate different types of notifications (calls, texts). While less detailed than the Alta’s display, it offers a discreet way to stay informed.
- Winner: Fitbit Alta
Battery Life
- Fitbit Alta: Typically offers up to 5-7 days of battery life on a single charge, which is competitive for a tracker with a display.
- Flex 2: Boasts an impressive battery life of up to 5 days, which is quite good considering its small size and waterproof capabilities.
- Winner: Fitbit Alta
GPS
- Fitbit Alta: Does not have built-in GPS but can leverage connected GPS from your smartphone for more accurate distance and pace tracking during outdoor activities.
- Flex 2: Also lacks built-in GPS and relies on connected GPS from a paired smartphone for enhanced outdoor activity tracking.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Clarity | Fitbit Alta |
| Water Resistance | Flex 2 |
| Discreetness | Flex 2 |
| Style Options | Fitbit Alta |
| Core Fitness Tracking | Tie |
| Notifications | Fitbit Alta |
What They Have in Common
- Activity Tracking: Both devices meticulously track your daily steps, distance covered, calories burned, and active minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of your physical activity.
- Sleep Monitoring: Essential for recovery and understanding your well-being, both the Alta and Flex 2 offer detailed sleep tracking, analyzing light, deep, and REM sleep stages.
- Automatic Exercise Recognition: Forget manually logging your workouts. Both trackers can automatically detect and record select exercises like running, walking, and elliptical, ensuring you get credit for every move.
- Reminders to Move: To combat sedentary behavior, both the Alta and Flex 2 provide gentle nudges to get up and move throughout the day, helping you stay active even during busy periods.
- Smartphone Notifications: Stay connected without constantly checking your phone. Both devices offer vibration alerts for incoming calls, text messages, and calendar reminders, keeping you informed at a glance.
- Interchangeable Bands: Personalize your look with ease. Both the Alta and Flex 2 feature interchangeable bands, allowing you to switch styles to match your outfit or mood.
Fitbit Alta Vs Flex 2 Buying Guide
Who is the Fitbit Alta For?
The Fitbit Alta is a fantastic choice for individuals who prioritize a stylish and customizable fitness tracker. Its sleek, band-like design allows for easy personalization with various fashionable straps, making it a versatile accessory for both workouts and everyday wear. If you appreciate aesthetics and want a device that blends seamlessly with your personal style, the Alta is a strong contender.
It’s also well-suited for users who need essential fitness tracking features like step counting, distance, calories burned, and automatic exercise recognition. While it lacks a heart rate sensor, its focus on core metrics and elegant presentation makes it appealing to a broad audience seeking a reliable and attractive fitness companion.
Who is the Fitbit Flex 2 For?
The Fitbit Flex 2 is an excellent option for those who desire a discreet, minimalist, and exceptionally durable fitness tracker. Its ultra-slim profile and swim-proof design make it ideal for active individuals who don’t want to be weighed down by their tech. If you lead an aquatic lifestyle or simply prefer a tracker that remains out of the way, the Flex 2 excels. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
This tracker is also perfect for users who value automatic activity tracking and smart notifications without the need for a screen. Its long battery life and subtle LED display provide just enough information for those who want to stay connected to their health data without constant screen interaction, making it a low-maintenance yet effective fitness tool.
Key Differences to Consider
When comparing the Alta and Flex 2, consider the importance of a display. The Alta features a small OLED screen that provides time, stats, and notifications at a glance, offering immediate feedback. The Flex 2, on the other hand, relies on a series of LED lights to communicate progress and notifications, demanding a bit more interaction with the app for detailed information.
Another significant difference lies in their build and water resistance. The Flex 2 is fully waterproof and suitable for swimming, a feature the Alta lacks. The Alta’s band is also more customizable with a wider array of official and third-party strap options, catering to fashion-conscious users. Your priorities regarding display, water activities, and style will heavily influence your choice.
Budget and Value Proposition
Both the Fitbit Alta and Flex 2 are positioned as more budget-friendly options within the Fitbit lineup, especially when compared to newer models with advanced features like GPS or heart rate monitoring. The Flex 2 often presents a slightly lower price point, making it a very accessible entry into the world of fitness tracking, particularly for those prioritizing core functionalities and durability.
The Alta, while potentially a bit more expensive due to its display and more fashion-forward design, offers added value through its screen for quick stat checks and its wider aesthetic appeal. When considering value, think about whether the added convenience of a display and broader style options for the Alta justify its price, or if the Flex 2’s robust water resistance and minimalist approach offer superior bang for your buck. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Fitbit Alta If…
- You prefer a tracker with a visible display to see the time and your stats directly on your wrist.
- You want a more stylish and fashionable fitness tracker that can double as a regular accessory.
- You’re looking for basic notifications and a clear interface for your fitness data.
Buy Flex 2 If…
- You prioritize a discreet and minimalist design that’s comfortable for all-day wear, including sleeping and swimming.
- You need a truly swimproof tracker for serious swimmers or water-based activities.
- You don’t need a display and are happy to check your stats via the Fitbit app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fitbit Alta track heart rate?
No, the Fitbit Alta does not have a built-in heart rate sensor. It focuses on core fitness metrics such as steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and sleep patterns. For heart rate tracking, you would need to look at other Fitbit models like the Charge series or the Versa smartwatches. The Alta prioritizes a sleek design and essential tracking over advanced biometric data.
Is the Fitbit Flex 2 waterproof?
Yes, the Fitbit Flex 2 is completely waterproof and swim-proof, meaning you can wear it while swimming, showering, or doing any water-related activities without worry. It’s designed to withstand submersion up to 50 meters. This makes it an excellent choice for swimmers or anyone who wants a tracker that can handle exposure to water without issue.
Can I change the bands on the Fitbit Alta?
Absolutely. One of the main selling points of the Fitbit Alta is its highly customizable band system. You can easily swap out the default tracker band for a wide variety of official Fitbit bands made from different materials like silicone, leather, and metal, as well as numerous third-party options. This allows you to tailor the look of your Alta to match your outfit or occasion.
Does the Fitbit Flex 2 have a screen?
The Fitbit Flex 2 does not have a traditional display screen like the Alta. Instead, it uses a series of subtle LED lights to indicate progress towards your daily goals, incoming calls, and text message alerts. You will need to sync it with the Fitbit app on your smartphone to view detailed stats, workout summaries, and other comprehensive data.
Which tracker is better for notifications?
The Fitbit Alta offers a slight advantage in terms of notifications due to its small OLED display. It can show incoming call alerts, text messages, and calendar reminders directly on your wrist, allowing you to quickly glance at them without needing to pull out your phone. The Flex 2 will vibrate and flash its LEDs for notifications, but you won’t see the content on the device itself. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Final Verdict
Both the Fitbit Alta and Flex 2 are solid, budget-friendly fitness trackers with their own distinct strengths. The Alta shines with its customizable style and on-wrist display for quick stats and notifications, making it a more fashion-forward and convenient choice for everyday wear. The Flex 2, however, is the superior option for active lifestyles, boasting full waterproofing for swimming and a discreet, durable design.
If your priority is aesthetics and immediate access to information, the Alta is the way to go. For those who need a robust, swim-ready tracker that’s less obtrusive, the Flex 2 is the clear winner.
Winner: Fitbit Flex 2