Fitbit Flex, Jawbone UP 24 or Garmin vivofit? HELP!!

ak248902
ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
edited October 2014 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello! I have logged my food in MFP for 100 days in a row and wanted to reward myself with a fitness tracker. I have done some research on each of the above, but wanted to hear reviews from MFP peeps who have used it and can clue me in on how well it sync's (or doesn't) with MFP.

My goal with this is to basically get myself to move more throughout the day. I would be interested in the sleep tracking, but that's not my primary use for it. I like that the Jawbone will "remind" you if you have been sitting too long since I work at a desk all day, but the Garmin uses your heart rate to calculate calories burned.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Replies

  • check1972
    check1972 Posts: 26 Member
    I have had the Fitbit Zip, Fitbit One, and Fitbit Force. I recently had the Garmin Vivosmart. Both have advantages, but the Fitbit community is far more developed and supportive. Garmin has better features on the hardware, but has far more issues syncing with other apps. If your goal is to integrate with MFP I would say Fitbit, however they currently do not have a "move" alarm like Garmin and Jawbone. Never tried the Jawbone, but have heard great things from those who have it.

    Personally, after having it out with Fitbit support and having phone pairing issues with Garmin, I gave up on wearing a fitness tracker. I do have to admit, without initially wearing one I don't think I would have lost as much weight initially. Now, however, I have developed a habit of working out regularly and eating WAY better, so the fitness tracker is just a gadget at this point.

    Hope any of this helps. Best of luck and MUCH success!!!
  • ak248902
    ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
    check1972 wrote: »
    I have had the Fitbit Zip, Fitbit One, and Fitbit Force. I recently had the Garmin Vivosmart. Both have advantages, but the Fitbit community is far more developed and supportive. Garmin has better features on the hardware, but has far more issues syncing with other apps. If your goal is to integrate with MFP I would say Fitbit, however they currently do not have a "move" alarm like Garmin and Jawbone. Never tried the Jawbone, but have heard great things from those who have it.

    Personally, after having it out with Fitbit support and having phone pairing issues with Garmin, I gave up on wearing a fitness tracker. I do have to admit, without initially wearing one I don't think I would have lost as much weight initially. Now, however, I have developed a habit of working out regularly and eating WAY better, so the fitness tracker is just a gadget at this point.

    Hope any of this helps. Best of luck and MUCH success!!!

    Yes, this does help. I was worried about the syncing issues with the Garmin. Thanks!!
  • angieroo2
    angieroo2 Posts: 970 Member
    I had the Zip (one broke and was replaced, then I lost the replacement) and the Force (was recalled and falling apart after about 6 months). When I got my cheque for the force recall, I put it towards a Garmin Forerunner 15. It combines the GPS watch with a pedometer. I find it is a lot more accurate than the Fitbit. Notably, I can't shake it and earn steps. I didn't have the issues mentioned by check1972, but everyone has different experiences. Mine connected just fine and I don't have syncing issues.
    You can add friends in the Garmin community, but there is no cheering/taunting. Overall, I'm happy with my Forerunner and would recommend it over a fitbit.
  • ak248902
    ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
    bump
  • check1972
    check1972 Posts: 26 Member
    angieroo2 wrote: »
    I had the Zip (one broke and was replaced, then I lost the replacement) and the Force (was recalled and falling apart after about 6 months). When I got my cheque for the force recall, I put it towards a Garmin Forerunner 15. It combines the GPS watch with a pedometer. I find it is a lot more accurate than the Fitbit. Notably, I can't shake it and earn steps. I didn't have the issues mentioned by check1972, but everyone has different experiences. Mine connected just fine and I don't have syncing issues.
    You can add friends in the Garmin community, but there is no cheering/taunting. Overall, I'm happy with my Forerunner and would recommend it over a fitbit.
    angieroo2 wrote: »
    I had the Zip (one broke and was replaced, then I lost the replacement) and the Force (was recalled and falling apart after about 6 months). When I got my cheque for the force recall, I put it towards a Garmin Forerunner 15. It combines the GPS watch with a pedometer. I find it is a lot more accurate than the Fitbit. Notably, I can't shake it and earn steps. I didn't have the issues mentioned by check1972, but everyone has different experiences. Mine connected just fine and I don't have syncing issues.
    You can add friends in the Garmin community, but there is no cheering/taunting. Overall, I'm happy with my Forerunner and would recommend it over a fitbit.

    For the record, my syncing issues were only with the Vivosmart, not all Garmin products. I have an Forerunner 220 that works absolutely flawlessly. ;-)

    The Forerunner 15 is a great idea and I often wish I would have gone that route rather than the FR-220.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    Now that I use MFP and Map My Fitness I don't think I would get another Fitbit if it broke. I just don't think it's that great of a piece of equipment and the best thing about it was the software but MFP is superior to the Fitbit software.
  • ak248902
    ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
    Wheelhouse15 wrote: »
    Now that I use MFP and Map My Fitness I don't think I would get another Fitbit if it broke. I just don't think it's that great of a piece of equipment and the best thing about it was the software but MFP is superior to the Fitbit software.

    Good to know, thanks.
  • ak248902
    ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
    check1972 wrote: »
    angieroo2 wrote: »
    I had the Zip (one broke and was replaced, then I lost the replacement) and the Force (was recalled and falling apart after about 6 months). When I got my cheque for the force recall, I put it towards a Garmin Forerunner 15. It combines the GPS watch with a pedometer. I find it is a lot more accurate than the Fitbit. Notably, I can't shake it and earn steps. I didn't have the issues mentioned by check1972, but everyone has different experiences. Mine connected just fine and I don't have syncing issues.
    You can add friends in the Garmin community, but there is no cheering/taunting. Overall, I'm happy with my Forerunner and would recommend it over a fitbit.
    angieroo2 wrote: »
    I had the Zip (one broke and was replaced, then I lost the replacement) and the Force (was recalled and falling apart after about 6 months). When I got my cheque for the force recall, I put it towards a Garmin Forerunner 15. It combines the GPS watch with a pedometer. I find it is a lot more accurate than the Fitbit. Notably, I can't shake it and earn steps. I didn't have the issues mentioned by check1972, but everyone has different experiences. Mine connected just fine and I don't have syncing issues.
    You can add friends in the Garmin community, but there is no cheering/taunting. Overall, I'm happy with my Forerunner and would recommend it over a fitbit.

    For the record, my syncing issues were only with the Vivosmart, not all Garmin products. I have an Forerunner 220 that works absolutely flawlessly. ;-)

    The Forerunner 15 is a great idea and I often wish I would have gone that route rather than the FR-220.

    Have heard good things about the Forerunner 15. Thanks!
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    I haven't tried the Jawbone, but I did try both the Fitbit and Vivofit before settling on a Bodymedia for accuracy. They each have pros and cons, but had I not gotten the Bodymedia, I would have gone with the Vivofit. The long battery life, the easy to read screen, and the (in my opinion) superior software made it a better choice, not to mention the ability to use while swimming (with decreased accuracy, but at least it won't die from getting wet) all made it much more suited to my lifestyle.
  • shai74
    shai74 Posts: 512 Member
    I have a HTC One M8 mobile with a Fitbit built in that syncs with my MFP app. One gadget, perfect.
  • indianwin2001
    indianwin2001 Posts: 296 Member
    angieroo2 wrote: »
    I had the Zip (one broke and was replaced, then I lost the replacement) and the Force (was recalled and falling apart after about 6 months). When I got my cheque for the force recall, I put it towards a Garmin Forerunner 15. It combines the GPS watch with a pedometer. I find it is a lot more accurate than the Fitbit. Notably, I can't shake it and earn steps. I didn't have the issues mentioned by check1972, but everyone has different experiences. Mine connected just fine and I don't have syncing issues.
    You can add friends in the Garmin community, but there is no cheering/taunting. Overall, I'm happy with my Forerunner and would recommend it over a fitbit.

  • indianwin2001
    indianwin2001 Posts: 296 Member

    I had the exact same experience. My fitbit one would not sync on the 8th day I had it. I returned it and got the garmin 15 also.more accurate and it automatically syncs to mfp
  • sldeane
    sldeane Posts: 6 Member
    I use the Garmin Vivo, no problems syncing with MFP at all. Likes - ease of use, accurate, has a battery so doesnt require computer hookup, can use and tracks whilst doing watersports. Dislikes - no backlight so cannot see time etc in Dark.
  • cindytw
    cindytw Posts: 1,027 Member
    I love my Fitbit One, so much that I am on my 3rd one after losing them! I was looking at the Garmin Vivofit reviews, and a number of people had issues with software and syncing. It also doesn't do as much with sleep tracking as the One. I would hope Fitbit will come out with a band device that is comparable as it does work flawlessly with MFP. Cheesy as it sounds, I love seeing my Smiley faces when I meet my goals on the Fitbit interface!

    A side note...I had a Garmin Forerunner 405 I believe, and sold it. I found for running outside I did just fine with Runkeeper on my phone. I like the fitness tracker for tracking activities all the time and giving me a better idea of my regular daily activities, and my sleep. I did find that the Garmin syncing agent was very testy and my friend that I sold my Garmin to is still having issues with his and his wifes.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    I've tried them all. I really liked the Force out of them all, even though it was not perfect, but it was recalled. I might suggest holding off just a week bit longer for the Fitbit coming out. But they all work about the same. I didn't like the Garmin because it did not allow for live activity tracking (to see how long you were working out or how many calories during that session). It also was not very visible at night.
  • JourneyingJessica
    JourneyingJessica Posts: 261 Member
    edited October 2014
    I love my fitbit flex. I purchased it in march and it's been super motivating. My most recent tool is a polar H7 HRM. My HRM, Fitbit & MFP perfect combination IMHO.

    Oh for those that are having issues. Use the digifit app to link your HRM -> Fitbit. Then link fitbit to MFP. (You'll need to purchase the $3 in app upgrade in digifit to link the HRM)

    The nice thing is once set up, you can forget about it. Everything just flows into MFP. I'm really super motivated by the stats. If you're obsessive like me you'll find it rewarding.

    Oh and reason i chose the flex- you can change the bands. I was worried a non changeable band could get gross or break. Plus love i can match my outfit. <3
  • 11406203
    11406203 Posts: 23
    I have an UP24. Love it. I like the fact that is doesn't have a display and it looks like a bracelet. And it is synced with MFP too.
  • ak248902
    ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
    Chaelaz wrote: »
    I've tried them all. I really liked the Force out of them all, even though it was not perfect, but it was recalled. I might suggest holding off just a week bit longer for the Fitbit coming out. But they all work about the same. I didn't like the Garmin because it did not allow for live activity tracking (to see how long you were working out or how many calories during that session). It also was not very visible at night.

    Do you know what the new one is called so I can look it up? Wondering if it has the vibration reminder to get up once you have been inactive for an hour. Thata probably one of the featurea I want the most.
  • jessiruthica
    jessiruthica Posts: 412 Member
    I have the Flex and really like it. As JourneyingJessica mentioned, the stats are great for a numbers-obsessive like me. FitBit and I almost broke up because it wasn't charging, but I cleaned the connectors and all is well again.

    When FitBit and I were on a break, I looked into the Misfit Shine. It gets great reviews, looks really nice, and can be worn anywhere, which is my one issue with the Flex. Now that Flex and I are back together, I think I'll stick with it.
  • ak248902
    ak248902 Posts: 141 Member
    11406203 wrote: »
    I have an UP24. Love it. I like the fact that is doesn't have a display and it looks like a bracelet. And it is synced with MFP too.

    How does the syncing track calories burned with MFP work? Does it track all your walking as calories burned or does it adjust somehow for your normal daily activity? Thanks!
  • BuddhaMom74
    BuddhaMom74 Posts: 147
    [/quote]For the record, my syncing issues were only with the Vivosmart, not all Garmin products. I have an Forerunner 220 that works absolutely flawlessly. ;-)

    The Forerunner 15 is a great idea and I often wish I would have gone that route rather than the FR-220.[/quote]

    I have the Forerunner 15 and the Vivofit. Love them both. They both upload to Garmin Connect which syncs perfectly with MFP.
  • flheat0227
    flheat0227 Posts: 1
    I just replaced my Fitbit One with the Vivofit. My Fitbit would no longer charge, no matter how many workarounds I tried (apparently a common problem). I had it for almost two years. I went with the Vivofit because of the "reminder" feature. I kinda wish the reminder was more obvious, like a beep or a vibration or something. I have to look down to notice it's red, and my whole problem is that I get so focused on what I'm doing and time flies. But so far, it has been a great motivator both at home and at work to move more often than I was. I've only had it a few days, so I'm really hoping I don't run into the syncing issues I read so much about, but I think most of those sync issues are related to syncing with a phone. While it's nice to sync with the phone when I think about it in the middle of the day, it's just as easy to sync with the computer. That's one thing I miss about the Fitbit: get close enough to my computer and it synced automatically. But I can deal with this.

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