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Best Home GymsFitbit Surge vs Fitbit Charge 2
The Fitbit Surge’s sleek design and innovative features mean that it is hailed as the best of the best by many consumers. On the other hand, the less expensive and highly rated Fitbit Charge 2 gives it a run for its money. To help you figure out which one is the best for you, we’ve complied this Fitbit Surge vs Fitbit Charge 2 review. We will give you an in-depth look at both and compare all of their features side-by-side so you can decide for yourself which one will provide you with the features you need.
The Fitbit Charge 2
The Charge 2 is one of Fitbit’s upgraded models and has a lot of enhanced features to help you maximize your fitness activities. It is durable, yet compact so you hardly notice that you are wearing it and it has heart rate monitoring for more accurate statistics. Statistics include steps taken and quality of sleep for an overall picture of how healthy you are. It is also water resistant, so you can run in the rain without having to take it off.
The Charge 2 main features include:
- Continuous, 24-hour heart rate monitoring from your wrist, so you don’t have to wear those annoying, cumbersome chest straps.
- Multi-sport mode, so in addition to tracking steps it also tracks elevations climbed and records entire workouts to analyze every aspect of your exercise regimen.
- OLED screen shows smartphone notifications, so you never have to worry about missing an important call while you are exercising.
- A slim, lightweight band conforms and moves with your wrist, working with you instead of wearing you down.
- Automatically syncs with your smartphone or computer so you can review your overall daily progress in greater detail.
- Sleep tracking and all day activity tracking, for a comprehensive look at your overall health.
See Best PriceThe Fitbit Surge
Consumers can’t stop raving about the Fitbit Surge, thanks to enhanced features that make it feel more like a smartwatch than a fitness tracker. With GPS capabilities and integrated Caller ID functions, it has everything you need right at your fingertips. Although it is larger than most trackers it is made from flexible, high-grade materials that make it very comfortable to wear. It can track all your daily activities, monitor you heart rate and even record and differentiate between different activities for a comprehensive fitness overview. It is water-resistant, so it can handle rain and sweaty workouts.
The Surge’s key features are:
- Built in GPS tracking, so you can monitor and compare split times, go over routes used and track distance, pace and elevation with pin-point precision. Best of all, with the GPS you can track without carrying your smartphone on you.
- Multi-sport tracking lets you record individual stats for cardio, cross-training, running and more so you know how much you are burning and how hard you’re working at each activity.
- LCD touch-screen display allows you to see call and text notifications so you are never out of touch and can work out without worry. You can also control your music on your smartphone too.
- Pure Pulse heart rate monitoring gives you non-stop tracking of your heart rate so you can fine tune your movements or slow them down depending on how hard you’re working out.
- Long battery life – track all day and night for up to 7 days.
- Elevate your exercise routine with SmartTrack automatic tracking and music control on your wrist.
Surge vs Charge 2: Similarities
Both the Charge 2 and the Surge have great features and work with the excellent Fitbit app. There are also some key features that they share.
Band
The Charge 2 has a slimmer, more streamlined band that is lighter than the Surge. It is made of an elastomer material that flexes and moves and it comes in two colors: black, blue, and plum. It is available in two sizes, small and large, and the bands are exchangeable. The Surge has a larger band to accommodate the LCD screen, but is still lightweight and flexible thanks to an elastomer material normally seen in sports watches. It bends with your wrist so it’s never in the way. It also comes in three sizes: small, large and extra-large, and is available in black or red. You cannot change out the bands, however, so the Charge 2 has the advantage if you want to customize your look.
Display
The Surge has an LCD touch-screen that comes equipped with a backlight so you can see clearly in almost any light. You not only see calories burned or steps taken, but you also see smartphone notifications including missed calls and texts. You can also shuffle between songs from your smartphone. The Charge 2, on the other hand has an OLED display that shows daily stats and missed calls and text. It also doesn’t have a backlight so it can be hard to see the screen in certain lighting. While both allow you to see your statistics the Surge is the clear winner here thanks to its advanced capabilities.
Dimensions
The Charge 2 has three sizes: small (5.5 – 6.7 inches), large (6.3 – 7.9 inches) and extra-large (7.8 – 9.1 inches). The Surge also has three sizes: small (5.5 – 6.5 inches), large (6.3 – 7.9 inches) and extra-large (7.6 – 9.1 inches). Although they are quite similar in sizing the Charge 2 weighs less, coming in at 30 grams while the Surge comes in at 32.
Water Resistance
Neither of these devices are waterproof, only water resistant.
Battery Life
The Surge has a lithium-polymer battery that can last for up to seven days on a single charge and takes 1-2 hours to charge fully. The Charge 2’s lithium-polymer battery lasts up to five days and also charges in under two hours. With the added two days of battery life the Surge is the clear winner.
Surge versus Charge 2: Differences
The primary differences in features is that the Surge simply comes with more. Since it’s quite a bit more expensive, that is to be expected. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages of the Surge:
- The LCD touchscreen is a key feature because it allows you to see and do more. With this screen there is no excuse not to get moving because no matter where you are you can stay in touch thanks to a Caller ID that also shows text messaging. You can also control your music without having to stop and grab your smartphone- so you can blast those tunes without interrupting your flow.
- The GPS function is another great feature that gives you a more well-rounded workout experience. It makes sure you know precisely how many calories you burn or how far you travel. It also lets you track your routes when running or hiking so you can see where you were and how you did throughout the course. Best of all, the GPS helps you to compare times side-by-side so you know how on track your routine is.
- “Always on” clock and better visibility thanks to backlighting
- More water resistant
On the other hand, the Charge 2 has a few additional perks that the Surge does not. The Charge 2 is much sleeker and more customizable than the Surge. It also has reminders to move and guided breathing, which the Surge lacks.
Which One is Right For You?
As our Fitbit Surge vs Fitbit Charge 2 review shows, there are a lot of great features with both of these devices, making either one a great choice. The Surge, with its GPS feature, multi-sport tracking and enhanced Caller ID is a good value for your money. It gives you more accuracy in your readings and a broader experience that is worth the investment. The Charge 2 comes close though with lower price, and has a lower profile style that is more appealing to plenty of customers. Whichever one you choose you really can’t go wrong. Consumers can’t stop raving about both of these trackers, which is why Fitbit is tops in the field of wearable fitness devices. Both devices motivate you and put you on track to better health and wellness.
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