Showdown: Jawbone vs Fitbit

We recently began the Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge where we are walking/running from Disneyland to Walt Disney World.   We are using a variety of fitness trackers from FitBit, Jawbone, Nike, Garmin, and various phone Apps.  The 2 largest user groups are FitBit and Jawbone, and we've gone head to head on who is better:  the #upsters or #teamfitbit.

So several weeks ago,  I decided to buy a Jawbone Up and wear the UP and FitBit Charge HR simultaneously to get a personal perspective on which one really was "the best".


For starters, I listed the general features that I wanted in a tracker and how each stood up.   

-I really preferred the FitBit's bluetooth integration than having to connect the tracker to the computer or phone.
-I liked having a watch and heart monitor included as on the FitBit
-I liked the long battery life of the Up
-Both iPhone Apps were available and easy to use.  You can make friends, challenge, encourage and support each other through their respective applications.

Now comes the most interesting and most asked about feature:  steps.  I had 2 really great opportunities to put them to the test:  The Crescent City Classic and Disneyland!  What better way to measure steps than at a super awesome race and the Happiest Place on Earth!

Looking at the Steps or Miles, you can see that the trackers were close.   The Up did record more steps and miles in the long haul, but on short distances, you couldn't really claim a victor.   I credit the differences to the FitBit taking into account if you are wearing it on your dominant or non-dominant arm.

Customer service can be a pressure point many times; I do not like to be put on hold, or never get an answer.  However, I had to call customer support on both models, and received impeccable service from each company.

So, after all the cheers, jeers, steps and miles,  it was tough deciding.  They were both great trackers, are comfortable, easy to wear, and I never knew I had them on.   I didn't want to loose my new Up friends or my old FitBit friends.

It came down to bells and whistles.  The extra $20 dollars I spent on the Charge HR bought me bluetooth and the visual display:  instant feedback, a watch, heart rate monitor, and phone call notification.   I wanted those extra bonuses,  and they were worth the money.  The frills and the large number of FitBit friends won me over:  I decided I am #teamfitbit !

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Just remember, the most important thing about fitness trackers is that they motivate you to get up and move and reach your goals!

These are just 2 of the many choices of fitness trackers.  If you need more help deciding, please let me know!  I have incentives that I can pass along, too!

kesselrunner77@gmail.com