Fitbit Air Beats Apple Watch SE 3 in 4,500-Step Test as $99 Tracker Tops $249 Watch
Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · May 31
Fitbit Air Beats Apple Watch SE 3 in 4,500-Step Test as $99 Tracker Tops $249 Watch
4 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · May 31
A 4,500-step walk test found the $99 Fitbit Air logged 4,488 steps, beating the Apple Watch SE 3’s 4,463 against a manual count of 4,500.
Strava recorded 4,502 steps and 2.40 miles, with the Fitbit Air also slightly closer on distance at 2.41 miles versus the Apple Watch’s 2.37 miles.
Apple’s watch was more accurate on several other metrics, posting climb data of 289 feet versus Strava’s 277 and a pace of 17:07 versus the control 16:50; Fitbit logged 199 feet and 17:24.
The Fitbit Air’s heart-rate readings also ran lower at 122 bpm average and 160 max, compared with the Apple Watch’s 135 average and 167 max, which the reviewer said may reflect a looser fit.
The result suggests Fitbit’s screen-free tracker can match or beat a far pricier smartwatch on basic step counting, even as Apple’s device remains stronger across broader workout metrics and smart features.
A cheaper tracker won on steps, but a pricier watch won on GPS. Which device is truly the better fitness partner?
A screen-free tracker just beat the Apple Watch. Is the future of fitness ditching the distracting screen on your wrist?
Google's new AI coach analyzes Apple Watch data. Is this the first step towards ending closed fitness ecosystems?