- Small and easily concealed
- Free online tracking
- Accurate
- Difficult to input information
- Short shelf life
One of the more interesting pedometers to come onto the market in recent years is the Fitbit (*Est. $100). The Fitbit costs more than the average pedometer, but also does far more. The device measures steps, distance and calories burned, and it can even track the quality of your sleep. The Fitbit, like many of the higher-tech fitness monitors, has a digital plug-in; it syncs wirelessly to the base station, which in turns syncs with your computer. Users can upload their information to the Fitbit website to better track their progress. Unlike many other devices with digital plug-ins, this service is free, though premium services cost extra. Users say the premium prices are relatively fair, but unnecessary.
The Fitbit is substantially smaller than a traditional pedometer, which many reviewers appreciate, saying that the device is easily concealed. Most reviewers give the device positive feedback for accurate tracking. Some, unfortunately, note that the Fitbit can stop working after a few months, but then also comment that Fitbit customer service is very accommodating.
We found several excellent reviews of the Fitbit. PC Magazine and the American Council on Exercise feature incredibly detailed reviews of this fitness monitor, with both publications offering stellar insight into the positives and drawbacks of the device. The Fitbit was also selected as a top health and fitness gadget by Whole Living magazine and About.com. These reviews are not as detailed as those found in the aforementioned, but are still helpful. Amazon.com also features more than 600 reviews from consumers.
| Fitbit Wireless Activity/Sleep Tracker, Black/Blue | |
(2,139 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. PCMag.com
By far the most detailed review of the Fitbit comes courtesy of PC Magazine, where software analyst Jill Duffy provides an incredibly detailed review of the product. Duffy praises the Fitbit for its excellent performance in "collecting and aggregating" fitness information. She does note that this general fitness tracker is not as powerful as competing step-tracking-only pedometers but that it performs well overall.
Review: Fitbit Ultra Review, Jill Duffy , May 9, 2012
2. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
The American Council on Exercise reviews several one-off products. The reviews are extraordinarily detailed and provide excellent insight into the positives and negatives of the products. The Fitbit receives a perfect rating with reviewers saying that it is accurate, easy to use and easy to conceal. The one drawback, they say, is that entering information about food consumption is complicated and doesn't provide the best information.
Review: Fitness Product Reviews: Fitbit, Editors of Get Fit, Jan. 27, 2010
3. Whole Living
Editors of Whole Living magazine discuss their favorite healthy gadgets on Martha Stewart's TV show, and the Fitbit takes its place as their favorite to track activity. The editors say the Fitbit is easy to use and sleeker and smaller than other pedometers. While it seems to have been editor tested, it is unclear as to whether it was tested against other products. Plus, the review is fairly brief.
Review: Our Top Health Gadgets -- And Why You May Want One (As Seen on Martha), Terri Trespicio, March 24, 2011
4. About.com
Wendy Bumgardner, About.com's walking guide, provides a detail review of the Fitbit and the more upscale model the Fitbit Ultra. She also selects this product in her roundup of the 10 best pedometers. The Fitbit receives stellar feedback, with Bumgardner concluding that "The Fitbit is the activity tracker that most of us have been waiting for."
Review: Fitbit and Fitbit Ultra Pedometer Wellness Monitor, Wendy Bumgardner, Updated March 23, 2012
5. Amazon.com
More than 620 users provide feedback for the Fitbit at Amazon.com. The device performs well with reviewers, earning an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviews for this fitness tracker are particularly detailed -- even compared with reviews for other fitness gadgets. Reviewers praise the Fitbit for accurate tracking, but do say that it is more of a "techie" product and that it can be difficult to set up and figure out.
Review: Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer, Contributors to Amazon.com
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