Ever puzzled whether or not Apple or Fitbit is extra correct on the subject of monitoring your steps? So did we. So to search out out extra, I strapped the model new Apple Watch Collection 9 and newly launched Fitbit Cost 6 onto my wrist and bought strolling. After I bought dwelling, I downloaded the info and in contrast which tracker was extra correct — learn on to search out out which received.
Earlier than drilling into the outcomes, it’s essential to begin by having a look at how the Apple Watch 9 and the Fitbit Cost 6 depend your steps. Each accomplish that in an identical approach — utilizing an inner accelerometer, which measures the swing of your arm. Every swing counts for 2 steps. It doesn’t matter whether or not you put on your watch in your dominant or non-dominant hand, or whether or not you’re strolling along with your fingers in your pockets, or holding one thing, the accelerometer ought to nonetheless measure your physique’s motion.
Followers of the Tom’s Information health pages will know this isn’t my first step-counting take a look at. I’ve additionally accomplished the identical experiment with the Apple Watch 9 and the Fitbit Encourage 4. The Apple Watch 9 and Fitbit Cost 6 are each new watches, however you may take a look at our Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch 9 face-off right here, in addition to our Fitbit Cost 5 vs Fitbit Cost 6 face-off.
I walked 5,000 steps with Apple Watch 9 and Fitbit Cost 6 — and one was extra correct
As a way to take a look at the accuracy of the 2 watches, I wore each watches on one wrist, and in my different hand, I held a $6.99 tally counter tool from Amazon and clicked every time I took a step. 5,000 steps later, I completed strolling, and in contrast the info from my Apple Watch 9 and Fitbit Cost 6.
As a way to examine steps, I uploaded each walks onto my telephone and used Fitbit’s app to take a look at my general steps and Lively Zone Minutes. I’ve discovered prior to now that Apple makes it practically unimaginable to view your precise quantity of steps per exercise. Certain, you may see your each day whole within the Health app, and you’ll find hourly step knowledge within the Well being app, however to make issues rather less complicated, I downloaded the StepsApp Pedometer app on my Apple Watch.
However what did the watches report? In keeping with my Apple Watch 9 I walked 2.4 miles in 40 minutes and 22 seconds. My Fitbit Cost 6, however, recorded a stroll of two.29 miles. Each had the identical common coronary heart fee studying of 120 bpm.
The outcomes
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Steps taken |
| Handbook recording | 5,000 |
| Apple Watch 9 | 4,942 |
| Fitbit Cost 6 | 4,907 |
From these outcomes, you possibly can conclude that the Apple Watch 9 is barely extra correct, solely being 58 steps away from the guide counter. Then again, the Fitbit Cost 6 missed 93 of my steps.
It’s value noting that no health tracker can be 100% correct at counting each single step — I’m 5 foot two and have fairly a brief stride. After I’m working, I typically discover I’ve a excessive cadence due to this. What’s extra, health trackers do much more than simply monitoring your steps, and counting steps alone isn’t the perfect metric on the subject of getting fitter and shedding weight. That mentioned, it’s a superb place to begin.
Strolling 10,000 steps per day began as a advertising marketing campaign, however specialists have discovered that it’s an inexpensive goal for many adults. 10,000 steps is the equal of strolling round 5 miles per day, which could sound like loads, however would possibly imply taking the steps, not the elevator, getting off the subway a few stops early, or assembly a pal for a stroll at lunch, not sitting in a espresso store. There are a number of advantages of strolling extra, together with shedding weight, constructing muscle, and feeling much less careworn. Right here’s what 30-minutes of strolling every day can do on your physique.
In fact, the Apple Watch 9 and Fitbit Cost 6 are very totally different trackers. Whereas the Fitbit Cost 6 is without doubt one of the finest health trackers available on the market for most individuals, and has Google Maps and Google Pockets for the primary time, it’s nowhere close to as complete because the Apple Watch 9, which is like sporting an iPhone in your wrist. The Fitbit Cost 6 prices $159.95, whereas the Apple Watch 9 is over double this, costing $399. You’ll be able to learn our Apple Watch 9 evaluation, and our Fitbit Cost 6 evaluation for more information.