Apple Watch vs Fitbit: Do You Really Need One? A Practical Review

Are you an Apple Watch fan or more of a Fitbit person? Recently, I started doing yoga and spending more time outdoors. I even bought a new pair of Asics sneakers, which made me think: maybe I also need a smartwatch. Since my job requires me to keep track of time, a watch seemed essential.

But here’s the big question—do I really need an Apple Watch or Fitbit? In this blog, I’ll share my honest thoughts, weigh the pros and cons, and reveal the budget-friendly watch I actually use.

Do You Really Need to Track Your Heart Rate?

One of the biggest selling points of both Apple Watch and Fitbit is their heart rate monitoring feature. But do healthy people really need to check their heart rate all the time?

For example, one of my students who suffered from long COVID after Omicron found his heart rate spiking unexpectedly. For him, Apple Watch was essential to monitor his health. But for someone like me, who had a normal health checkup, constantly tracking heart rate feels unnecessary—and maybe even exhausting.

Another concern? Privacy. When you use a subscription to store heart rate data, you’re essentially sharing sensitive information about your emotions and stress levels with Apple or Fitbit. Not everyone cares, but it’s worth considering.

What Is Fitbit?

Fitbit is a California-based company known for stylish fitness wearables. Their watches are slimmer than Apple Watches and look great as a fashion accessory. At one point, I almost bought one—but here’s the catch: you need a subscription to unlock full functionality.

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I personally dislike subscription traps, so I decided against it.

Subscriptions: A Hidden Downside

Yes, Fitbit and Apple Watch can function without subscriptions, but they’re designed to push you toward premium plans. In today’s economy, I’d rather avoid unnecessary monthly expenses—especially for something as simple as tracking steps or calories.

Do You Really Want Texts and Calls on Your Wrist?

It depends on your lifestyle. Personally, I find constant notifications overwhelming. If you silence them, then why spend hundreds of dollars on a watch that duplicates your phone?

Apple tends to focus heavily on extra features, like more powerful cameras on iPhone 14 or extended battery life. But sometimes, it feels like overkill. At the end of the day, isn’t a watch supposed to simply tell the time?

The Marketing Trap

Apple and Fitbit also market their products as status symbols. Many people buy them to show success or keep up with trends. But do we really need to?

Take Warren Buffett, for example. He invests in Apple but famously still uses a flip phone. He recognizes the power of Apple’s marketing, but doesn’t fall for it himself.

I’ll admit, when I saw a stylish girl wearing an Apple Watch at yoga, I wanted one too. That’s how marketing works! But in the end, I didn’t buy it.

My Affordable Alternative: A Japanese Pedometer Watch

Since I live in New York, I walk a lot. For me, a Japanese-made pedometer watch with calorie tracking does the job perfectly. Available on Amazon – Buy Now

• Cost: only $20
• Step counter + calorie display
• No Bluetooth = complete privacy
• Replaceable bands (about $6 each)

It may look a little cheap, but it works, and I’ve used it for over a year. Most importantly, I don’t feel drained by unnecessary features or subscription costs.

Final Thoughts

In the end, I chose neither Apple Watch nor Fitbit. My affordable pedometer watch is enough for my lifestyle. Of course, if you need advanced features like heart rate monitoring or you enjoy luxury tech, then Apple Watch or Fitbit might be worth it.

But for me, keeping life simple and avoiding subscription traps feels right.

Sometimes, the best watch is the one that just tells time.