Fitbit Inspire 3 vs 2: Which Fitness Tracker Reigns?
Are you looking to level up your fitness game? Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a game-changer, helping you monitor your activity, sleep, and overall health. But with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the best choice.
We’re putting the Fitbit Inspire 3 and its predecessor, the Inspire 2, under the microscope. Both are popular choices for their sleek design and comprehensive tracking features. This comparison will break down the key differences, from design and battery life to the features that matter most to your fitness journey.
Get ready to discover which Fitbit reigns supreme and is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each tracker, helping you decide which one aligns best with your needs and budget. Let’s find out which fitness tracker will help you crush your goals!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Inspire 3 | Inspire 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Display | Color Touchscreen | Grayscale Touchscreen |
| Heart Rate Tracking | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| GPS | Connected GPS | Connected GPS |
| Swim Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced Sleep Tracking | Basic Sleep Tracking |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Active Zone Minutes | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Smartphone Notifications | Smartphone Notifications |
| Battery Life (Typical) | Up to 10 days | Up to 10 days |
| Water Resistance | 50M | 50M |
| Size | Small, Medium, Large | Small, Medium, Large |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Display
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Features a sleek, streamlined design with a brighter OLED touchscreen display. The design is comfortable for all-day wear, but the screen size can be considered small by some.
- 2: Similar design to the Inspire 3, but with a slightly smaller display and a lower resolution. It’s lightweight and comfortable, but the display can be harder to read in direct sunlight.
- Winner: Inspire 3
Heart Rate Tracking
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Offers 24/7 heart rate tracking with improved accuracy compared to its predecessor. It provides resting heart rate and heart rate zone information.
- 2: Provides 24/7 heart rate tracking, but the accuracy may be slightly less refined than the Inspire 3. Offers similar heart rate zone information.
- Winner: Inspire 3
Activity Tracking
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Tracks steps, distance, active minutes, and calories burned. Includes automatic exercise recognition for various activities.
- 2: Tracks steps, distance, active minutes, and calories burned. Also offers automatic exercise recognition.
- Winner: Tie
Sleep Tracking
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Provides detailed sleep tracking, including sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and sleep score. Offers insights into sleep quality.
- 2: Tracks sleep duration and sleep stages, providing a sleep score. Offers insights into sleep patterns.
- Winner: Inspire 3
Battery Life
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Offers up to 10 days of battery life on a single charge. This allows for extended use without frequent charging.
- 2: Offers up to 10 days of battery life on a single charge. Provides reliable battery performance.
- Winner: Tie
Swim Tracking
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Waterproof up to 50 meters and tracks swims, offering metrics like duration.
- 2: Waterproof up to 50 meters and tracks swims, offering metrics like duration.
- Winner: Tie
Smart Features
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Displays smartphone notifications (calls, texts, app alerts), but does not have built-in GPS.
- 2: Displays smartphone notifications (calls, texts, app alerts), but does not have built-in GPS.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Generally has a slightly higher price point due to its newer features and design enhancements.
- 2: Usually more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Winner: 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | fitbit inspire 3 |
| Sleep Tracking | fitbit inspire 3 |
| SpO2 Monitoring | fitbit inspire 3 |
| Value | fitbit inspire 2 |
| Design | fitbit inspire 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Heart Rate Tracking: Both the Inspire 3 and Inspire 2 offer continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day and night, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.
- Connected Gps: Both trackers utilize connected GPS, meaning they can use your smartphone’s GPS to track your pace and distance during outdoor activities.
- Swim Tracking: Both devices are water-resistant and can track your swimming workouts, recording metrics like laps and duration.
- Smartphone Notifications: Receive call, text, and app notifications directly on your wrist with both the Inspire 3 and Inspire 2.
- Activity Tracking: Both devices automatically track your steps, distance, and calories burned throughout the day.
- Sleep Tracking: Both devices track your sleep, providing insights into your sleep stages and overall sleep quality.
Fitbit Inspire 3 vs 2 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Fitbit Inspire 3 boasts a sleeker, more modern design compared to the Inspire 2. It features a vibrant touchscreen display, replacing the monochrome screen of its predecessor. The Inspire 3’s design is more streamlined, with rounded edges and a comfortable, lightweight feel. The build quality is generally good for both, suitable for everyday wear. The Inspire 3’s improved screen enhances the user experience significantly, making it easier to read notifications and track your progress.
Fitness Tracking Features
Both the Inspire 3 and Inspire 2 offer core fitness tracking functionalities, including steps, distance, and calorie burn. The Inspire 3, however, enhances the experience with more advanced features like Active Zone Minutes and a Daily Readiness Score (requires Fitbit Premium). The Inspire 3 also provides better heart rate tracking, delivering more accurate data. Both devices support automatic exercise recognition. The Inspire 3 gives a more comprehensive fitness overview.
Health Tracking Capabilities
Health tracking is a key area where the Inspire 3 shines. It provides SpO2 monitoring and skin temperature tracking, features absent in the Inspire 2. The Inspire 3 also offers more detailed sleep tracking, giving users a better understanding of their sleep stages and patterns. Both track heart rate variability. These improvements give a more holistic view of your overall health and wellness. The Inspire 3 offers a richer health monitoring experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life is an important consideration for any wearable. Both the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Inspire 2 offer impressive battery life, typically lasting several days on a single charge. The Inspire 3 provides up to 10 days of battery life, slightly longer than the Inspire 2. The charging time is similar for both devices, usually taking around an hour or two to reach full charge. This extended battery life is a significant advantage for users.
Smart Features and Notifications
Both devices offer basic smart features, such as call, text, and app notifications. The Inspire 3 has a slightly improved user interface for notifications. The Inspire 3 and Inspire 2 both allow users to control music playback. The Inspire 3 has a slightly better user experience due to its improved display. While neither device is feature-rich in this area, they provide adequate functionality for everyday use.
Price and Value
The price is a crucial factor when choosing between these two devices. The Inspire 3 is typically priced slightly higher than the Inspire 2. However, considering the enhanced features and improved design, the Inspire 3 offers better value for the price. The Inspire 2 is still a good option for those on a budget. Both provide excellent value for the price. The Inspire 3 offers a more compelling overall package, justifying the slightly higher cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy fitbit inspire 3 If…
- You want a vibrant color display that’s easy to read.
- You want more advanced sleep tracking features, including sleep stages.
- You value a sleek and modern design with a more premium feel.
- You want to monitor your SpO2 levels.
Buy 2 If…
- You’re looking for the most affordable Fitbit tracker.
- You prioritize simplicity and ease of use.
- You don’t need the advanced sleep tracking features.
- You prefer a more basic, streamlined design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Inspire 2?
The Inspire 3 has a color touchscreen display, SpO2 monitoring, and skin temperature tracking, features absent in the Inspire 2. It also offers a Daily Readiness Score (with Premium) and a sleeker design. The Inspire 3 provides a more comprehensive health and fitness tracking experience than the Inspire 2. The Inspire 3 offers more advanced metrics and a more modern design.
Does the Fitbit Inspire 3 offer GPS?
Neither the Fitbit Inspire 3 nor the Inspire 2 has built-in GPS. Both rely on connected GPS, meaning you need to connect them to your smartphone to track your location during activities like running or cycling. This is a common feature limitation for these types of trackers. Connected GPS provides accurate activity tracking.
How accurate is the heart rate tracking on the Inspire 3?
The Inspire 3 offers improved heart rate tracking compared to the Inspire 2. It uses an updated sensor that provides more accurate readings. While it’s not medical-grade, the Inspire 3’s heart rate monitoring is generally reliable for tracking your activity levels and understanding your cardiovascular health. It’s suitable for everyday fitness tracking.
What is the battery life of the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Inspire 2?
Both devices boast excellent battery life. The Inspire 3 can last up to 10 days on a single charge, while the Inspire 2 typically lasts around 7-10 days. Battery life can vary depending on usage, such as how often you use certain features. These long battery lives make them very practical for everyday use.
Can I swim with the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Inspire 2?
Yes, both the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Inspire 2 are water-resistant and can be worn while swimming. They can track your swim workouts, including duration. You can comfortably wear them in the shower or during other water activities. Water resistance is a key feature.
What kind of notifications does the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Inspire 2 support?
Both trackers support call, text, and app notifications from your smartphone. You can see who’s calling, read text messages, and receive alerts from apps like Facebook or WhatsApp directly on your wrist. The Inspire 3 has a slightly better display for viewing notifications. They keep you connected on the go.
Does the Fitbit Inspire 3 require a subscription?
While you can use the Fitbit Inspire 3 without a subscription, some features are locked behind Fitbit Premium. This includes the Daily Readiness Score, more in-depth sleep analysis, and advanced insights. Basic fitness tracking and health metrics are available without a subscription. A subscription unlocks additional features.
Final Verdict
The Fitbit Inspire 3 emerges as the superior choice, offering a more modern design, a vibrant touchscreen display, and enhanced health tracking features like SpO2 and skin temperature monitoring. While both devices provide excellent value, the Inspire 3’s upgraded capabilities and improved user experience make it the better option for those seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker.
Winner: Fitbit Inspire 3