Are you getting a Fitbit for yourself to kick-start your New Year's resolutions [1]? We love how these trackers all encourage you to move more — but they're all so different! Decide which features you need for your type of workouts and activity level (and preference for data). Do you need all the bells and whistles, or are you just looking for simple step and activity tracking?
We break down the major features, what each model does and doesn't have, and the price point so you can decide which one is for you (or whoever you're shopping for!).
Surge
Fitbit Surge [3]
In sum: the fully-loaded Fitbit
Major features:
- Heart rate monitor
- Built-in GPS
- Touchscreen display
- Intuitive exercise tracking (automatic)
- Sleep tracking
- Smartphone notifications, calendar notifications, texts
- Music control
What you don't get with this model:
- No designer collaborations
- Not waterproof
- No guided breathing
- No onscreen workouts
Price: $250
Best for: The serious athlete and data junkie; someone who loves running, cycling, weightlifting, and more and who doesn't mind the distinct look of a fitness tracker (no bells, whistles, or Vera Wang collaborations needed).
Blaze
Fitbit Blaze [4]
In sum: the fitness smartwatch
Major features:
- Heart rate monitor
- Onscreen workouts
- Intuitive exercise tracking (automatic)
- Designer collaborations/interchangeable bands
- Sleep tracking
- Smartphone notifications, calendar notifications, texts
- Music control
What you don't get with this model:
- Not waterproof
- No built-in GPS (you need your phone to use GPS)
- No guided breathing
Price: $200 to $230
Best for: The fitness enthusiast who likes the idea and look of an Apple Watch or smartwatch but needs something more exercise-focused.
Charge 2
Fitbit Charge 2 [5]
In sum: the sleekest heart rate monitor
Major features:
- Heart rate monitor
- Intuitive exercise tracking (automatic)
- Designer collaborations/interchangeable bands
- Sleep tracking
- Smartphone notifications, calendar notifications, texts
- Guided breathing
What you don't get with this model:
- Not waterproof
- No built-in GPS (you need your phone to use GPS)
- No music control
- No onscreen workouts (like with the Blaze)
Price: $150 to $180
Best for: The versatile fitness addict who cares as much about style as she does about improving her workouts. A sleek way for her to get her stats without a bulky tracker, and she can wear it every day.
Alta
Fitbit Alta [6]
In sum: the beautiful step tracker
Major features:
- Step tracking
- Intuitive exercise tracking (automatic)
- Sleep tracking
- Smartphone notifications, calendar notifications, texts
- Designer collaborations/interchangeable bands
- Shower-proof
What you don't get with this model:
- No heart rate monitor
- No guided breathing
- No GPS
- No onscreen workouts
- No music control
Price: $130 to $150
Best for: The general fitness enthusiast or newbie who wants a little bit of data but doesn't need the intricate heart rate zone graphs, someone who loves workouts but not running, and anyone with a New Year's resolution to move more.
Flex 2
Fitbit Flex 2 [7]
In sum: the basic Fitbit, the everyday band
Major features:
- Swim-proof with swim tracking
- Sleek, thin band in pretty colors
- Intuitive exercise tracking (automatic)
- Sleep tracking
- Smartphone notifications (no ability to read)
- Ability to style with bangle and pendant accessories
What you don't get with this model:
- No heart rate monitor
- No watch or screen
- No interchangeable bands
- No GPS
- No guided breathing
- No music control
Price: $100
Best for: The newbie, the minimalist, and anyone looking for the essentials (who doesn't need or want a watch).
One
Fitbit One [8]
In sum: the one that's not a watch or wristband
Major features:
- Step tracking
- Clock
- Sleep tracking
- Tracks floors climbed
What you don't get with this model:
- No heart rate monitor
- No GPS
- No intuitive exercise tracking
- No guided breathing
- No music control
- No smartphone notifications
Price: $100
Best for: Someone who wants nothing on their wrist yet yearns for a pedometer and sleep tracker.
Zip
Fitbit Zip [9]
In sum: the pedometer that may or may not be a Tamagotchi
Major features:
- Step tracking
- Clock
- Tap display
- Tracks calories burned
What you don't get with this model:
- No heart rate monitor
- No GPS
- No sleep tracking
- No intuitive exercise tracking
- No guided breathing
- No music control
- No smartphone notifications
Price: $60
Best for: Someone who wants a grown-up Tamagotchi that tells them how many calories burned and how much they've stepped.