Which one is the best calories tracking device?

serenere

Hey guys My nike+ sensor just ran out. I have a nike sportband to go with it. Now I'm thinking if buying a new sensor or just change the whole thing. I know many of you are using the fitbit zip. What I want to know is if it's really as accurate as the nike sportband even without a sensor in the shoe. If I had that I guess it will be easier to sync all my apps.

I'm also opened to save up money and buy something more expensive that can also calculate my heart rate like a fitbit flex but only if there is a huge improvement in the precision of the calories calculation.

Any suggestions? I'm also opened to new alternatives, guys help me out!

shadow2soul

Here is a comparison review:

http://www.getgrok.com/2013/01/a-comparative-review-28-days-with-the-fitbit-one-jawbone-up-nike-fuelband-and-bodymedia-link/

It compares some of the main activity trackers:
- Fitbit One (has more features than Zip)
- Jawbone UP
- Nike+ Fuelband
- Bodymedia Link

As for which is best, well that's just a matter of opinion. I have a Fitbit Zip, because it was the easiest device to fit into my budget. If I wasn't on such a tight budget, then I probably would have gone with Fitbit One or Flex. As for accuracy, I wear my fitbit on my bra and as far as distance is concerned (once I set my stride length) it actually matches the GPS recordings from Zombies,Run! on my phone. As for calories burned, it generally underestimates for me and that doesn't bother me one bit. All calorie burns are just estimates, but I do think it gets me a little closer to my true daily burn than any online calculator could. It has been motivating me to move more and the weight I lost since having it motivated my husband to buy one for himself. Now we compete with each other to see who can get the most steps in a week.

Some people feel that Bodymedia Link is more accurate for them, because of the skin sensors. Others view the Fitbit as being accurate enough even without the skin sensors. Some people dislike that Fitbit only syncs with a select few phones (although you can sync with computers).

Fitbit flex doesn't track heart rate. The only activity tracker that I'm aware of that does is Basis. Here's the link ($199):
http://www.mybasis.com/

serenere

thank you for the infos, I'll check that article out!!! I thought fitbit flex could register the heart-rate....mmmm since it's not like that maybe I can find something less expensive that does that. I know that decathlon sells some inexpensive ones....

shadow2soul

Keep in mind that the most accurate HRM's will have a chest strap and are only meant to track calorie burns during steady state cardio. A HRM will be not be very accurate for anything else. Also, HRMs without the chest strap only check your HR when you touch them and this will throw off the calorie counts as well.

Activity Trackers like the ones I listed above are to help you determine your total daily calorie burn and not just the burn from workouts. I believe all of the ones listed above (only 100% sure about fitbit) that all of them calculate your BMR (based on height, weight, and age) and add calories on top of that as you move throughout the day.

I use a combination. I have a Pyle Sports HRM ($30) and a Fitbit Zip ($60). I use my HRM to help get a better estimate of calories burned during workout videos, bike rides, swimming, etc and the Fitbit tracks everything else.

serenere

I'm convinced about the fitbit zip I will give this a try! Honestly the only thing the flex does more is tracking your sleep and I don't really need to pay more just for that. Also...the zip is so cute! I will try it thanks for the info!