Device Comparisons BY: AMBER STEVENS

Activity Trackers

Typically an activity tracker will monitor the steps you have taken, the distance you have walked, the calories you have burned, and sleep activity throughout the day. Usually fitness bands can connect via Bluetooth to your smart phone, but some allow you to connect to your computer to see your activity aswell.

Fitbit Alta The Fitbit Alta is an activity tracker that monitors all/everyday activity. The Alta tracks your calorie intake, monitors sleep, how many minutes per day you were active, and measures hourly activity. The Alta also allows you to view your stats and activity on and LED screen which is the front face of the band. The battery life lasts up to five days, which is about average for a fitness watch.

Jawbone Up3 The jawbone Up3 supplies information on heart health, sleep activity, and the activity you have done throughout the day. The Jawbone Up3 also tracks your calorie intake, how many calories you have burned, your sleep pattern, and gives you an on hand learning coach to help you successfully reach your goals. The jawbone has a shorter battery life and only last a consistent 4 days.

Fitbit Flex The Fitbit Flex is a wireless activity tracker and sleep monitor. It measure everyday activity, lights up when your close to reaching your daily goal, and sets silent alarms to remind you to get active. The Flex measures your calorie intake, the calories you have burned, tracks the amount of steps that you have taken, and your hourly activity. Unfortunately the Flex does not have an LED screen, but it does flash indicating your completion for your daily goal.

The Cost

Fitbit Alta costs around $130.00

The Jawbone Up3 costs around $49.99

The Fitbit Flex costs around $79.99

Waterproof The Fitbit Alta is waterproof to an extent. It is okay for mild precipitation, but will not last after being submerged in water.

The Jawbone Up3 is also okay with slight dampness, but will be ruined if submerged into water.

The Fitbit Flex is not completely waterproof either, but a little rain or sweat wont hurt it.

Overall Review The Fitbit Alta is great if you want to have an actual view of your stats on the go. Though, most of the time there is a smartphone around, the Alta allows you to view your activity on the touchscreen surface. It measures what a typical fitness band would measure, though the price is a little high. The Jawbone Up3 is a great affordable alternative to any of the fitbits, although it does not have a touch screen, its easy to download the app and look at your stats through your phone. The Fitbit Flex is cheaper than the Alta, but is the mid range for a wireless activity tracker. It does not have a touchscreen, but like the jawbone it is easy to download the app to your smartphone and track your activity through there.