Our goal is to help you reach your fitness goals with what we've learned (and are still learning - as well as the other experts and influencers.
Best Ellipticals
Best Treadmills
Best Max Trainers
Best Exercise Bikes
Best Home GymsFitbit Blaze versus Fitbit Alta (HR) 2024
Deciding between fitness trackers is harder than ever. There are so many styles, features, and brands to choose from – but it can even be hard to decide within a single brand.
The Fitbit Blaze and Fitbit Alta HR is one key example. Although the styles look very different, there are enough smart features between the two that picking one can be tricky. We’ll take a look at these devices to help you make an informed decision.
Before we do side by side comparison, let’s take a look at the specifics of both of these devices.
Fitbit Alta HR
See Best PriceInnovative Design
25% thinner than the Alta, the new version is slimmer and lighter, so you won’t even notice you’re wearing it. There is a vast array of interchangeable bands, including Fitbit’s classic elastomer ones. They come in multiple colors, from gray to fuschia, with a matching colored clasp for a sleek look.
There are also several fashion bands, in leather, metal, and rope, making it easy to take this device from day to night. Oh, and the narrow OLED screen is just as pretty. It can be customized to show the stats and apps you want and is easy to navigate thanks to the tap display.
PurePulse Heart Rate Monitoring
The addition of PurePulse heart monitoring, at this price point, is the main selling point. Using wrist-based sensors, it gives round-the-clock tracking and analyzation. So, you can get a clear image of how active you are and how effective your exercise routine is.
Improved Sleep Tracking
With the Alta HR—sleep patterns and heart rate are monitored together, rather than individually, a feature you won’t find anywhere else. The mobile app allows you to analyze sleep patterns and quality so you can get better sleep.
Smart Track
This feature was first introduced on the Blaze, so having it here is a big plus. Smart Track recognizes any activity you perform, from cycling to jogging, and records those stats automatically.
Fitbit Blaze
The Blaze is eye-catching, with some high-end tracking features that put it on par with the Apple Watch. Featuring some never before seen technology, improved sensors, and new tracking features, it’s another excellent offering by Fitbit at a slightly higher price.
Classic Design
It has a wide elastomer band and octagon-shaped face, giving it a crisp, classy look that works at work and at home. It can also be customized, thanks to interchangeable stainless-steel and metal bands, and a display that can also be adjusted in terms of size and fonts.
PurePulse Heart Rate
The Blaze is fitted with Pure Pulse technology to track heart rate when active and resting, but they’ve improved the sensors for more enhanced readings. Using optical sensors, it monitors 24/7, analyzing every beat. This is good because you can see your overall cardiovascular health and well-being, for enhanced performance and execution when you exercise.
Smart Track
With Smart Track the Blaze takes exercise to the next level, automatically recognizing activities (running, hiking, basketball, soccer, and tennis) and recording those stats specifically.
FitStar App
The built-in FitStar app is a component everyone will love. With this app you can access 3 different sets of exercises right from the touchscreen – no phone needed. This is a big help and lets you see step by step how to perform exercises.
Alta HR Vs. Blaze: Common Features
Now that you see what each has to offer, let’s compare how they are alike. To start, both are fun to wear, with innovative designs that make them look more like jewelry than trackers. They can each be customized in terms of colors and materials too, so as far as looks go, it’s really a matter of choice.
Both devices have a battery life of up to 5 days.
In addition, both the Alta HR and the Blaze track calories, distance, and steps, so whether you’re a pro or a beginner it can tell you exactly how well you’re doing. Finally, both devices have SmartTrack, to recognize your workouts and keep track of them.
Fitbit Alta HR vs Blaze: Side-By-Side Competition
As you can see, these devices have a lot in common, but it is their differences that set them apart. Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of them in terms of main features to see what each can do:
While all are stylish and can be customized, they differ in looks. The Alta HR, with its slim, polished screen has elastomer bands in multiple colors (including purple, rose gold and more) that are comfortable and allergy free.
There are stylish metal, rope, and leather bands available as well, for an additional price.
The Alta has elastomer, leather, and metal bands also; however, the bands are a bit wider and come in more basic colors.
The Blaze has a wider, watch style elastomer band and octagonal frame with a colored touchscreen display, making it look like a high-end watch. It also has interchangeable bands in stainless-steel and leather, but they cost more than the Alta.
Verdict: Either is great to get a personalized look, but the Alta HR is a sleeker and less expensive, so the advantage goes to it.
Features
The Alta HR has some nice upgrades, giving you a well-rounded experience; however, it lacks in some areas compared to the Blaze.
- Heart Rate Monitor: The Alta HR and the Blaze both have Pure Pulse, so they tie in this category
- Smart Notifications: The Alta HR has call, text and calendar notifications, while the Blaze has call and text alerts, along with a way to silence them
- GPS: Neither of the devices has built-in GPS, although you can sync to your phone’s GPS with the Blaze
Verdict: When it comes to features, the edge goes to the Blaze, but not by much.
Water Resistance
Both of these devices are water-resistant up to 5 ATM. This means you can sweat or splashed, but you can’t swim or take a shower with them.
Price
The list price for these makes a difference of $50, but depending on where and when you buy, the price difference could be even less. The two are close enough in price that we can’t call a winner here. Having said that, the cost might be the deal breaker for some buyers.
Some differences in price can come from accessories, so it’s worth it to check on pricing for things like replacement bands.See Best Price
Bottom Line
These devices have a lot to offer. The Alta HR is fashion-minded, affordable, and great for reaching fitness goals, making it a smart choice for those looking for style and function.
The Blaze is also fashion savvy and cutting-edge, with state-of-the-art technology that puts everything you need at your fingertips.
We love both the Alta HR and the Blaze, so whichever you choose will be a great selection.