Apple Watch vs. Fitbit: whose steps count?

[John6Plus]

I have a Fitbit Charge HR, and tomorrow I'm getting the Apple Watch (woot). I use "sync solver" to get the fitbit data into the health app, but had to reprioritize apps in order for it not to double count the fitbit steps and the iPhone's recorded steps. Anyone experimented with this yet? I'm sure it would be similar for other trackers used simultaneously...

 

[The Tuck]

I do this as well, and haven't reprioritized the Fitbit data above the iPhone or Apple Watch. The coolest thing I think is that I have a Fitbit Aria scale which updates my weight on my Fitbit account, then Sync Solver updates my weight on iOS Health / Apple Watch. I'm assuming that means that it will keep kcal measurements up to date automatically as my weight fluctuates.

Tuck

 

[John6Plus]

I do this as well, and haven't reprioritized the Fitbit data above the iPhone or Apple Watch. The coolest thing I think is that I have a Fitbit Aria scale which updates my weight on my Fitbit account, then Sync Solver updates my weight on iOS Health / Apple Watch. I'm assuming that means that it will keep kcal measurements up to date automatically as my weight fluctuates.

Tuck

I have the Aria scale too, I love it, so I'll have my foot in the door of Fitbit still no matter what. There's now a "reverse" sync solver that sends data the other way in case you like the Fitbit app's UI (they both have their plusses and minuses).

So you don't have issues with it double counting steps when using both the Watch and Fitbit at the same time? Or do you not do that? I know initially (and maybe an update fixed this) if you didn't reprioritize it would count both the iPhone's steps AND the Fitbit (via Sync Solver) added together.

Do you find yourself using your Fitbit (which model?) at all?

 

[andyblila]

I still wear both and am figuring out the step count issue.

 

[John6Plus]

If I remember I will do some tests tomorrow as well. I'm mostly curious, I think my Fitbit's step counting days may be over for me... I think I'll sell it and get a leather band

 

[The Tuck]

It would be interesting to set the Watch as the top step counter in the Health app and compare the # of steps in a day to what the Fitbit app says. Might do this tomorrow.

Tuck

 

[DirtySocks85]

I have an Aria scale and I didn't even know about Sync Solver u tip now. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It would be interesting to set the Watch as the top step counter in the Health app and compare the # of steps in a day to what the Fitbit app says. Might do this tomorrow.

Tuck

You will be disappointed, with fitbit. My fitbit HR was probably 2000 over in step each day.

 

[WilliamG]

You will be disappointed, with fitbit. My fitbit HR was probably 2000 over in step each day.

Yep the Fitbits are not good at all. I don't know why I still use my Fitbit One. If you drive, basically give up on accuracy as the Fitbit can't figure out the difference between driving and walking.

 

[Gimmi]

I've personally found the Watch accurate for step counting and as a HRM but not for calorie burn. My resting calories are on average 600 more than my BMR.

As for Fitbit picking up extra steps from driving, never had that problem but I'd pick up an extra 1 lb a week if I went by the Watch's calorie burn

I will keep my Fitbit One and Premium account and will continue using MIO Link HRM with Digifit app for workouts. I trust their accuracy because of the results I've had. The integration between them and with Withings and Lose It is seamless.

I will use the fitness aspects of the Watch for fun and motivation and hope they sort out the BMR issue in due course.

 

[John6Plus]

You will be disappointed, with fitbit. My fitbit HR was probably 2000 over in step each day.

In reading through Fitbit's documentation and FAQs, they actually seem to have a bit of a different attitude about the "step" counting than is intuitive. They should probably not call it steps (maybe "activity). They say they use it to judge the overall activity of the wearer, which is why the dominant vs. non dominant hand setting is important. They assume more activity with the dominant hand, so won't count as much with it.

So relative to itself, I think the Fitbit is pretty good - I think it's consistent - but depending on how the Apple Watch measures or calculates a step, the numbers could be off by quite a bit. I haven't done a side by side test yet. I hate wearing things on my right arm, I've discovered.

 

[acctman]

I've noticed that the step amount on the Apple Watch is cut in half when synced over to Fitbit. Some jawbone users have complained about the same thing. would like to know why Fitbit does not count all steps

 

[John6Plus]

I've noticed that the step amount on the Apple Watch is cut in half when synced over to Fitbit. Some jawbone users have complained about the same thing. would like to know why Fitbit does not count all steps

Odd, just now I tried just that using the "reverse" sync solver and - for reasons unknown - the two are off by just 4 steps. (#fourstepsgate!!1!).

I sat very still between the checks.

 

[acctman]

Odd, just now I tried just that using the "reverse" sync solver and - for reasons unknown - the two are off by just 4 steps. (#fourstepsgate!!1!).

I sat very still between the checks.

what's your Source setup in Sync Solver? I have Phone for Weight, Watch Heart Rate and Steps

 

[jeffm5690]

I have sync solver but it does not seem to be adding to my Fitbit. I did 10,000 steps and nothing budged

 

[The Tuck]

I've had my Watch Sport and my Fitbit Charge HR on all day and I'm at 11,031 steps on the Fitbit and 10,552 steps on the Apple Watch (via Health app). So there's definitely a bit of a difference but they're close enough I think to be acceptable.

I also set my Watch calorie goal to be roughly when I hit my 10,000 steps on my Fitbit and today they buzzed at completion at almost the exact same moment! So that was kind of cool.

Tuck

 

[jeffm5690]

I've noticed that the step amount on the Apple Watch is cut in half when synced over to Fitbit. Some jawbone users have complained about the same thing. would like to know why Fitbit does not count all steps

How is yours set up? I can't get my Fitbit app to move and when in the health app the sync solver although on, says inactive below iPhone and apple watch...