Choosing the right fitness tracker can feel like navigating a maze of features and brands. Two of the most popular contenders in the early days of wearable tech were the Jawbone UP and the Fitbit Flex. Both offered a glimpse into the world of activity monitoring, but they approached it with distinct philosophies and functionalities.
If you’re looking back at these iconic devices or perhaps considering a used model, understanding their differences is key. This comparison will delve into what made each of these trackers stand out, helping you see which one might have been the better fit for your lifestyle.
We’ll explore their design, core features, and overall user experience to give you a clear picture. Let’s see how the Jawbone UP stacked up against the Fitbit Flex.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | jawbone up | fitbit flex |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Tracking | Steps, Distance, Calories Burned, Active Minutes | Steps, Distance, Calories Burned, Active Minutes |
| Sleep Tracking | Deep Sleep, Light Sleep, Time Asleep, Wake-up Time | Light Sleep, Deep Sleep, Time Asleep, Wake-up Time |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Water Resistance | Splashproof | Splashproof |
| Display | No display (LED indicators) | No display (LED indicators) |
| Smart Notifications | Vibration alerts (calls/texts) | Vibration alerts (calls/texts) |
| Music Control | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days | Up to 5 days |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy | Bluetooth Low Energy |
| App Ecosystem | Jawbone UP App | Fitbit App |
| Reminders to Move | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Activity Tracking
- Jawbone Up: Tracks steps, distance, active minutes, and calories burned. It excels at detailed sleep tracking and offers a “smart alarm” feature to wake you during lighter sleep stages. Its accuracy is generally good, but some users report occasional step count discrepancies.
- Fitbit Flex: Monitors steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also provides automatic exercise recognition for common activities like running and cycling. While good for general tracking, its sleep analysis is less detailed than Jawbone’s.
- Winner: Jawbone Up
Sleep Tracking
- Jawbone Up: Offers highly detailed sleep analysis, including light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and time awake. The Smart Alarm feature is a significant pro for waking up more gently. Its detailed insights can be a pro for those who want to deeply understand their sleep patterns.
- Fitbit Flex: Tracks total sleep duration, time in sleep stages (light, deep, REM), and restlessness. While comprehensive, it doesn’t offer the same level of granular detail or the Smart Alarm functionality of the Jawbone Up.
- Winner: Jawbone Up
Display
- Jawbone Up: The original UP lacked a display, relying entirely on the app for data. The UP2 and UP3 also lack a traditional display, using LED indicators for notifications and status. This minimalist approach can be a pro for battery life but a con for quick glanceability.
- Fitbit Flex: The Flex has a discreet LED display that shows progress towards goals with dots and can indicate notifications. While not a full screen, it offers more immediate feedback than the Jawbone UP’s LED indicators.
- Winner: Fitbit Flex
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Jawbone Up: The Jawbone UP2 and UP3 models do not include heart rate monitoring. This is a significant drawback for users interested in tracking heart rate zones during workouts or resting heart rate.
- Fitbit Flex: The original Fitbit Flex does not have heart rate monitoring. However, later models in the Fitbit ecosystem (like the Charge HR or Blaze) do. For direct comparison, the Flex is lacking.
- Winner: Neither (for these specific models)
Water Resistance
- Jawbone Up: Jawbone UP bands are generally splash-proof and sweat-resistant, suitable for everyday wear and light rain. They are not designed for swimming or submersion.
- Fitbit Flex: The Fitbit Flex is also splash-proof and sweat-resistant, making it suitable for workouts and everyday activities. Like the Jawbone UP, it’s not recommended for swimming.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Jawbone Up: Jawbone UP bands typically offer excellent battery life, often lasting 7-10 days on a single charge. This is a significant pro for users who prefer not to charge their devices frequently.
- Fitbit Flex: The Fitbit Flex generally provides around 5-7 days of battery life. While good, it’s slightly less than the Jawbone UP, meaning slightly more frequent charging.
- Winner: Jawbone Up
App and Ecosystem
- Jawbone Up: Jawbone’s UP app is known for its intuitive interface and insightful data analysis, particularly for sleep. It integrates with other health apps. However, Jawbone’s hardware business has faced challenges.
- Fitbit Flex: Fitbit has a robust and user-friendly app with a large community. It offers detailed dashboards, challenges, and integrates with a wide range of third-party apps and services. Their ecosystem is generally considered more mature and stable.
- Winner: Fitbit Flex
Design and Comfort
- Jawbone Up: The Jawbone UP bands are known for their sleek, minimalist, and often stylish design. They are generally comfortable for all-day wear. The snap closure on some models can be a pro for security.
- Fitbit Flex: The Fitbit Flex has a slim, unobtrusive design that is comfortable and easy to wear. It uses a buckle closure, which is secure and adjustable. The interchangeable bands offer customization.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | jawbone up |
| App Ecosystem | fitbit flex |
| Design | jawbone up |
| Overall Value (for basic tracking) | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Activity Tracking: Both devices excel at tracking fundamental daily activities like steps taken, distance covered, and calories burned. They provide a solid foundation for understanding your general movement throughout the day.
- Sleep Tracking: Both the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex offer comprehensive sleep analysis, distinguishing between different sleep stages such as light and deep sleep. They also report on total time asleep and wake-up times, giving you insights into your sleep quality.
- Water Resistance: Neither device is designed for swimming, but both offer splashproof protection. This means you can wear them through handwashing, rain, or light sweat without worry.
- No Built-in Gps: For users who rely on GPS for precise route tracking during outdoor activities, neither of these models will suffice on their own. You’d need to pair them with a smartphone for GPS data.
- Vibration Alerts: Both trackers utilize subtle vibrations to notify you of incoming calls or text messages, allowing you to stay connected without constantly checking your phone.
- Reminders to Move: To combat sedentary behavior, both the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex will gently nudge you with vibrations if you’ve been inactive for a set period.
Jawbone Up Vs Fitbit Flex Buying Guide
Durability and Water Resistance
When considering the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex, durability is a key factor for active individuals. The UP series, while sleek, has had some reports of band detachment over time, especially with rigorous use. The Fitbit Flex, on the other hand, is generally considered more robust and better equipped to handle daily wear and tear. Both devices offer some level of splash resistance, but neither is designed for submersion during swimming or prolonged water exposure. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
App Ecosystem and Features
The accompanying app experience is crucial for any fitness tracker. Jawbone’s UP app is known for its intuitive interface and detailed sleep tracking analysis, offering insights into sleep stages and quality. Fitbit’s app is equally comprehensive, providing a wide range of activity tracking metrics, social challenges, and a vast library of compatible third-party apps. Both platforms offer personalized goal setting and progress monitoring, but the breadth of community features in Fitbit’s ecosystem often appeals to users seeking external motivation.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is paramount, especially for a device worn 24/7. The Jawbone UP boasts a slimmer, more minimalist design that can be quite comfortable for many users, often feeling less obtrusive on the wrist. The Fitbit Flex offers a slightly wider band, which some find provides a more secure fit. Both trackers come with interchangeable bands, allowing for personalization. Ultimately, the choice between the two often comes down to individual preference for the feel and aesthetic on the wrist.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a practical consideration for any wearable. The Jawbone UP typically offers an impressive battery life, often lasting up to 7-10 days on a single charge, which is a significant advantage for those who dislike frequent charging. The Fitbit Flex generally provides around 5-7 days of battery life. Charging mechanisms differ, with the UP often utilizing a proprietary connector, while the Flex uses a clip-on charger. Both are relatively quick to charge, but the extended longevity of the UP can be a deciding factor for some. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy jawbone up If…
- You prioritize a longer battery life, aiming for a full week of tracking on a single charge.
- You appreciate the Jawbone app’s detailed insights and potential for food logging integration.
- You prefer a sleeker, more minimalist design without a dedicated screen.
Buy fitbit flex If…
- You are looking for a slightly more robust ecosystem and a widely recognized brand in the fitness tracking space.
- You value the ease of use and broad compatibility of the Fitbit app with other services.
- You don’t mind charging your device a bit more frequently for a generally reliable fitness tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tracker is better for sleep tracking?
The Jawbone UP is often lauded for its advanced sleep tracking capabilities. Its algorithms are designed to provide detailed breakdowns of light, deep, and REM sleep, offering more granular insights into sleep quality. While the Fitbit Flex also tracks sleep, its analysis tends to be less detailed. If deep sleep insights are your priority, the UP generally has a slight edge.
Are either of these waterproof?
Neither the Jawbone UP nor the Fitbit Flex are fully waterproof. They are designed to be water-resistant, meaning they can withstand sweat, rain, and accidental splashes. However, it is not recommended to submerge them in water for extended periods, such as during swimming or showering, as this could damage the devices and void the warranty.
Which tracker has a better companion app?
Both Jawbone and Fitbit offer robust and user-friendly companion apps. Jawbone’s app is praised for its clean interface and insightful sleep analysis. Fitbit’s app, on the other hand, excels in its social features, challenges, and extensive integration with other health and fitness apps. The “better” app often depends on individual priorities – detailed sleep data versus community engagement and broader connectivity. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
How do these trackers handle notifications?
Neither the Jawbone UP nor the Fitbit Flex offer on-screen notifications for calls or texts. They are primarily focused on activity and sleep tracking. Some users prefer this simplicity, while others might find the lack of notification alerts a drawback. If you require a tracker that displays incoming alerts on your wrist, you would need to consider other models from either brand or different manufacturers.
What is the typical battery life for each device?
The Jawbone UP generally boasts a longer battery life, often lasting between 7 to 10 days on a single charge. This makes it a convenient option for users who prefer less frequent charging. The Fitbit Flex typically offers a battery life of around 5 to 7 days. Both are considered good battery performance for their respective classes, but the UP offers a slight advantage in longevity.
Final Verdict
Both the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex were popular choices in their time, offering solid fitness tracking basics. The Jawbone UP excelled in its detailed sleep analysis and longer battery life, making it appealing for those prioritizing rest and fewer charging interruptions. However, the Fitbit Flex offered a more robust build and a vibrant app ecosystem with strong community features. For overall user experience and a more reliable, well-rounded fitness tracking package, the Fitbit Flex generally held the advantage.
Winner: Fitbit Flex