Fitness Trackers vs. Smartphones: Why Wearables Win

[@YusefBaste]

Fitbit was exact because he took another step to the base

[@christianwong9491]

The fact that you walked 1000 steps for this vid is more than enough to earn a like from me. Love your videos! Keep it up man. Truly inspiring.

[@Guitarocker493]

Christian Wong You know 1000 steps is nothing right?

[@jhonnykankuro]

Muhammad Rahadiansyah really?

[@RajeshKaria]

You just ended my predicament, Fitbit Charge HR it is.

[@rodhernandez4134]

Even though the watch gives you false positives, it can be an indicator for how active you are throughout the day. Doing housework is a good example of an activity that could give you false positives but it is a physical activity regardless of how many steps you take.

[@SR-oc7fc]

I love my Fitbit HR. I purchased it to track my steps but more importantly, to check my sleep. I work a desk job to which I am tethered 10+ hours per day, and tracking my steps and heart rate has been invaluable to motivate me to get up and move around. I've been told that the HR is not as function-rich as the next step Fitbit, but it's working great for me. Not only am I parking further away from the office to get in my steps, I am very aware of my sleeping patterns and calorie burns. There are some limitations, like I can't set a varying step goal for other days of the week when I want to get in more or less steps, and the "floors" counter often mistakes an escalator/elevator for walking up stairs (I try to counter by actually doing it), but it's been great at biking and hiking otherwise. Whatever motivates you, right?

[@_hmhh_7589]

Wow Brent. Props to you, sir.. Not often we have a writer/analyst (i.e. youtube talking head) giving a clear, succinct analysis of both the motivating factor and opposing position, minus the bloated "Look at me, I'm a super, meta-extrovert" fluff. Thanks for a great example of "entertaining brevity"

[@DR-yj3gt]

The Fenix 3 can be paired to a Heart Monitor (more accurate than the fitbit), but even without it this guy didn't do it justice when cycling as he kept step counting instead of starting the cycling mode which would've given you a much better reading than the other, even without the heart rate monitor attached.

[@mysunnypie]

Having just purchased the Fitbit charge hr last week after counting steps with my iPhone 6 for the past 2 years, I feel I made the correct choice! Thanks for this well-done video. I subscribed and look forward to more informative videos.

[@OffBelay_]

I have a Garmin Fenix 2 and the Edge 500 which is more cycling specific. From what I have noticed you have not used the heart rate monitor on your Garmin tests.

[@eria3069]

Great video review! I own the Fenix 3 and when paired with a HRM it easily bests all fitness trackers on the market. I also own a basis peak that is now collecting dust. Not forgetting to mention that the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Basis Peak are seriously waterproof something that is lacking in nearly every other "fitness tracker".

[@kristianjensen8835]

Maybe you should have used the Fenix 3 with a heart rate monitor... Maybe that would give you heart rate data...

[@PT111111]

Your video is so much better than those stupid angry nerd and battle damage.

[@sys0x]

Well at the end you still didn't tell us how much calories you actually burned you just showed us that the fitness trackers with the heart rate monitor showed more calories burned but they still could be overcounting or undercounting your actual calories burned so we still don't know if the weareble devices can be trusted on their information or not.

[@mehmetcan.]

How do you expect him to know how much calories he actuallyl burns? Be smart Patrik

[@supersoni126]

one other thing about the widdling test.. i haveent read the comments so i idk if its been covered... most people should wear their fitness tracker on their non dominant hand. therefor.. not the hand you would be holding the knife with... just an opinion. every fitness track ive used has an option for dominant and non dominant hand

[@vindikad]

Fenix 3 is a beast ! With HR monitor you can pretty much do anything with it. Garmin forerunner 225 that has built in HR monitor is great as well.

[@2wenty286]

I hope WIRED is paying this guy well, if their not, they should be. Great reviews.

[@SurvivalTipsClips]

How accurate is this test. Some of the trackers you were wearing on your wrist in the place where a person usually wears them and others were farther up your arm. I'm not surprised if the ones worn farther up your arm were having difficulty tracking things since they weren't worn correctly.

[@neoroxx]

and you compare garmin with others while having no HRM and Speed/Cadence Sensors?

[@GiridharKulkarni]

neoroxx this review seemed more like a fitbit ad than an honest comparison

[@orirune3079]

The Garmin doesn't have a HRM built in. It can connect to them, sure, but for most casual people they are okay with the less-accurate but more convenient wrist monitor.

[@DayanaLee]

man this video is so helpful to my proposed research paper..i'm studying the fitness band adoption and looking for reasons why i choose fitness band to study and not smartwatch..

[@reysaj]

Well you've got a new subscriber. Your channel's content are on spot and just shows scientific explanation on the tech inside the wearables in relation to daily fitness or physical activities. Wish you have include Samsung Gear S2 3G in your test because this is my current wearable device I have and I want to know how accurate it is with its heart rate sensor.

[@MityayKo]

I bought charge HR a few weeks a go and it works fine. But now I am regretting that I didn't go for Fenix 3 as it does way more things and what I really need for outdoor activities...

[@ronhoek69]

Try comparing the Fenix3, Band2 and 360 sport with GPS on please.

[@BGmamaJwife]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this video!! thank you sooo much for the demonstrations!

[@samueltan2148]

To be fair, the Fenix 3 can be paired to a heart rate strap (comes in bundled with the watch or separately)

[@Vork81]

But do these fitness tracker work via their gyroscopes or on the basis of gps movement? Or a combination of the two?

[@SEaswarSwaminathan]

What background song is that during the cycling portion of the video?

[@namarocks101]

What if I use a fitness tracker like the AU band that only measures resting heart rate? Would I need to buy a chest hr monitor with that....

[@jelleybones8733]

what does hicama mean?

[@WIRED]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachyrhizus_erosus :)

[@blinkshadown]

Isnt it jicama. I think its like a fruit or vegetable its light brown the inside is white and it tastes weird its hard, if my memory doesnt fail me...

[@jelleybones8733]

ah I looked it up and it was saw that just that with him (I watched another video with Brent) I thought it meant something a bit dirtier lol

[@jelleybones8733]

i dont know anymore

[@jelleybones8733]

2 things firstly i tried that's why i tried secondly this was 6 fucking months ago you moron

[@TonyDanzer]

That Ron Cooper road bike is AMAZING!

[@roannemaycreer1587]

Good comparison. Nice review. I hope you can make a hands-on review about the modular smartwatch from blocks. It has everything that we're looking for a smartwatch. All in one. It offers a lot of exciting features such as an extra battery life, call&text features, fitness & activity tracking, GPS, active & passive NFC capabilities, fingerprint sensor. environment sensor, etc. I find it very useful and very innovative smartwatch as you can control its features that you want to include on your customizable smartwatch. Keep it up!

[@IdDuncan]

In some way i don't understand why the Fenix 3 is involve in this test. Ok it has a tracking activity functionnality but if you buy it for this purpouse... You miss the point...

[@christianmarcoux3325]

I'm thinking of getting one of these gadgets. I'm glad I saw this video because in the end, Calories Burned is what's important for me and I didn't know it needed to monitor my heart beat to find what I burned or approximately burned. Thumbs up!

[@sayfullah8658]

That's not true

[@christianmarcoux3325]

@@sayfullah8658 do you mind explaining why?

[@heartlandhawk4513]

Fenix 3 now has HRM version.

[@BennyParcher]

Heart rate doesn't determine calories burned

[@Zr0din]

What is the update on this?

[@sin8800]

Fuckin' love Brent, always fun to watch him explain shit. This should have been common knowledge to people but I guess some people would devour everything that's marketed. I was hoping to see a chest strap monitor but I understand that's not what the study was about. Chest straps often comes with serious wearables that accurately tracks your heart rate instead of pulse counting.

[@fatt0x]

Fenix 3 has a heart strap and you can also add a ton of other little dongles to it, fiddly but will be more accurate.

[@mjsolomon]

One - you can wear a chest strap with the Fenix. (Of course there's a hr based Fenix now.) Two - I think fitness trackers can tell that you are getting a lot of steps at a time, can't they? So they can in that sense understand you are burning more calories.

[@6Churches]

I had vouchers left over from Christmas and studied fitness trackers for a few hours to decide what to get. In the end I was happiest just with a free app "RunKeeper" because I was more interested in tracking routes, distance, time, (estimated calories), vertical meters and the Android won out providing all these free. I don't care so much about actual steps or heart rate - but I can see how budgeting my meals around caloric burn could be a useful investment. I'm waiting another year for better models to become available.

[@petaandrews6424]

Time for a new review

[@gopper747]

I feel like this overlooks one of the major considerations for those that run rather than those who are interested in causal fitness (I'm going to assume that those willing to spend $200+ are more on the 'serious' side of things). The major question when it comes to accuracy for distance runners (such as myself) is which form of GPS is more accurate and that is almost undeniably phones... Unless you're spending an insane amount of money. However, your ability to see and interact with wearable devices is actually what sets them apart. If you just want to monitor distance, speed etc for your run your phone (with appropriate apps) is probably a better device. If you need constant available feedback on your pace etc a watch is a no-brainer. I use headphones plugged into my phone (to listen to music etc) while running which can give audio based cues about if you are on pace or not... In that regard wearables are a waste of money. (I currently occasionally use the garmin fr235 when I don't want to take my phone).

[@TheRunnersPaceOcala]

Hey, how about wearing a HR strap for Garmin? :)

[@freedomarms2]

Wait, the WIRED is based in Berkeley?

[@enaruvie]

Thumbs up for bike ride with camera. An amazing feat of agility though I was a little worried you would crash.

[@theindiemachines]

Love this video! I've got a Pebble that I use to track my steps, but my phone in my pocket typically does about the same number. I just like having the Pebble for notifications :)

[@alexandriafuller3778]

what the name of the song during the crunches??

[@sase1017]

Good job, Thanks!

[@youngstunna323]

Very nice points made.

[@loshko]

Seems like you forgot to wear the heart rate strap for the Fenix3 while doing the sit-ups, hence the "no data". Going for Fitbit sponsorship maybe?

[@LakeCountryFlyers]

All the comments suggesting using a heart rate monitor strap. My phone can connect with several different versions. If you are going to wear a strap, it makes a phone more accurate as well. Only down side is their weight and bulk, especially the plus type phones...

[@IdDuncan]

But, in a way, you will not buy a Fenix 3 / HR / 5 for activity tracker functionality! You can, but others products will performe the same, are cheaper, and can fit the requirement. Buy a Fenix if you want a good indestructible multi sport tracker, mainly outdoor, in this specific domain, it rock!

[@samueltan2148]

I personally prefer the Fitbit Charge HR as it has the most accurate step counter although as I know the Charge HR doesn't have the world's most accurate heart rate monitor for a fitness tracker. I also read about a lot of people commenting about Brent being unfair for the Garmin Fenix 3. But as for me, Brent was fair as the Fenix really doesn't have a heart rate sensor built in because although Garmin do provide a heart rate chest strap for the Fenix 3 but you have to buy it separately. btw, thanks a lot Brent for making this video. I learnt a lot especially the importance of a heart rate monitor XD

[@shanekopman7226]

Smartphones do measure caloric burn though. You just need a tracking app like endomondo.

[@reysaj]

@BrentRose please compare these GPS enabled wearables the Samsung Gear S2 3G, Garmin Fenix 3 HR and Fitbit Surge. Thank you in advance.

[@ES92-]

Very Useful video

[@dekkker72]

If you use your phone with a separate chest monitor it will be just as accurate as any wrist monitor . That is if the wrist one comes with a chest strap which is in my opinion the most accurate .

[@MultiSimard]

One of the best review, period... continued! thank you.

[@ketanprasad07]

phones do detect cycling even when ur stationary on machine...I have tested this out using Google fit

[@mercenary021991]

I like your videos, and prefer the fitbit charge HR , I may be a little biased though since I own and use my fitbit alot. I have not tried to the other trackers, but I am glad the fitbit did well in your tests.

[@shavefan12]

I understand that they measure heart rate, but do the apps show calories burned based on your heart rate?

[@DharmendraHermaforfrenz]

Excellent! gives more idea abt the devices!..

[@TheMadvid]

This was not a fair comparison between the Fenix 3 and the other wearables. Your tests with the Fenix 3 are misleading. You were acting like it's not capable of measuring your heart rate. And you failed to mention that you could with an HRM strap. You could have done the same exercises with the strap and it would have given you your caloric burn and your heart rate. It was not meant as an all day tracker. It's a true sports watch and Garmin's top of the line one at that.

[@mw-cf5dr]

If its not accurate then why put it on the watch then? To fit itself into the 'fitness tracker' category and appeal to more buyers...

[@nickwhereyouat]

All I need is a timer that looks cool and which is very accurate

[@SocaNick]

Excellent article. Thank you!

[@taufanadikurniawan7170]

I'll tolerate a small measurements error, is way better than no measurements at all, thanks for your testing 🙏😊

[@gibblerview]

i really like this series keep it up!

[@jahvheadgawn]

Thanks a lot for this, very useful info.

[@kalpesh441]

Is the Apple watch a good fitness tracker?

[@EnduroFuss]

Brent Rose! please do a video comparing sport watches such as Suunto vs Garmin vs Polar.

[@colbyquinn21]

You forget that your phone is able to track data through that of Strava and Garmin Connect which might I add are Free to use apps. Not to mention most smartphones today are ant+ compatible, which also means a heart rate monitor that can cost no more than 20-30$ if you are a deal seeker like me is able to link with your phone. Compared with a $200 fitness watch the phone will highly outweigh any competition with the aid of one of the two formentioned apps.

[@colbyquinn21]

Especially in a world where most people already own a smart phone.

[@derekperkins7343]

That was really useful.

[@lal2235]

This was very clear and informative Im goin to subscribe, although I hate to claim this the fenix 3, has a heart rate monitor, for the chest, and it must be used with this hrm just like all the other garmin devices to take advantage of all the data, which by the way is much more than all the other devices.. but as a fitness track comparison that was pretty good

[@lilred71292]

Great video. I am sure you answered a lot of questions.

[@fabricioluna2621]

Hello Brent. I'm a amateur runner. Fitness Trackers and running devices are very useful and handy, way more than a smart phone. I'm also an electromechanical engineer majored in electronics. So technology wise, I can surely state that both devices share components. Accuracy though is basically the same. Reported variation in some metrics are basically due to unit design and usability. And there's the trick. Who can train with a phone in your hand and / or arm? That´s the thing. For me weareables win due to this. An eventually will win the battle for one single reason, a smartphones will never be wereables. Cheers.

[@ironmetalbeast]

thank you so much for this video. about a year ago I bought the fitbit flex n thought it was a joke so I got my money back. After using the Polar Loop I stayed with it for a while.. only complaint was setting up the band and the battery life. Felt the need to motivate through competition so I switched to Garmin. Great competitive app but not so much on the tracker. I would end up with about 30k steps easy when with the loop on my best day I'd reach 22k.. so I gave it to my son (vivosmart) because he liked the notification feature which I really didn't care for (drains battery). When I saw the Polar M400 i fell in love and still enjoy it alot. If you say the Fitbit HR is worth getting I believe you. I just hope it doesn't gather steps when I'm driving since it pretty much did (fitbit flex) when I had a fitbit. Anyhow thnx again!

[@roksraka9241]

If you're at least 5% serious about your exercise, most of these watches/phones are completely useless for you! In that case you need a GPS watch (like the Garmin here), and wear a heart-rate monitor strap.

[@sheheryarkhan4100]

can someone recommend the smartwatch, I need it for a workout so I can see the heart rate and burned calories, by seeing a lot of videos am confused

[@Zzeo7]

yeah agree, but through my gps based apps i can get a very accurate idea of how many calories i burned running, speed, alleviation, distance. heart rate is a plus for me then, not a necessity.

[@AdelAlberk]

thanks for the great video

[@rahbor]

with the apple watch i always have half a km done after showering

[@splashtime7066]

Are there any Fitness trackers that don’t connect to your Phone??

[@bjornrosco8029]

Song at 3:36?

[@melaniemeyer7540]

Nein

[@mjfalcon007]

Awsome video and very helpful info. Thank you for sharing.

[@jasonmei5454]

can i use a fitness watch without a phone with me?

[@pushkarbaral4064]

great video !

[@ssprojects1376]

when he said 1.000 he took another step with his other leg, the fitbit was perfectly accurate (assuming he didn't make any mistakes while counting)

[@valentinonguyen4609]

It's on your dominant hand so that makes things differently alot

[@jj7958]

yes, thank god for our dominant hand. ;)

[@sorinbunea471]

Glad to choose Fitbit

[@MarcoChapita]

amazing review

[@vespers119]

243 calories in a 10 minute bike ride... yeah ok.

[@keumkusou248]

vespers_ i thought the same thing... 1000 caloried an hour from a 1 handed bike ride. haha.

[@derrickisfat5870]

Keumku Sou dude he was walking you idiot

[@jamalfischer3505]

I do like the Band 2 from Microsoft...

[@HUNTER2015DESTINY]

Best video ever on wearable s doc

[@floworiginal8647]

No joke, did we factor in arm hair disrupting the watches that gave no data? Perhaps after the hair is coated in enough perspiration it would become conductive and less of an impedance.

[@DjGen0]

You sir, have just earned yourself another subscriber.

[@DiscoveryNewsNow]

Unlicensed does that just mean cheaper?

[@Oxizee]

My S7 Edge Heart Rate meter is verry accurate. My girlfriend who works in Hospital at Cardio, tested it with proffesional meter and the S7. Its was verry accurate.

[@Canto00]

And I'm sitting here debating on whether a 20 dollar heartrate fitness tracker is worth it or not

[@redjurij]

Um..I call the test too biased. If you wanted fair test you would use a good Bluetooth heart-rate monitor and for distance also use GPS in phones. To me this looks like you prefer trackers (and/or want to show how smarter you are then university) by doing biased tests for trackers and also not give smartphones equipment they need. I know..my car is better then any Ferrari and I can prove it by not giving Ferrari tires then drag race it.

[@iannicoleslo-koro3862]

redjurij Your argument pretty much boils down to "this isn't fair, because if you just buy a fitness tracker peripheral for your smart phone, then cell phones are as good as fitness trackers". Also, there are plenty of studies out there with flaws in their methodology. Applying your critical thinking skills when looking at a study does not mean you want to "show how smarter you are then university".

[@redjurij]

IanNicole Slo-Koro I am talking about test itself was made to favor fitness trackers. I really don't see where critical thinking skill is used here.

[@slevinshafel9395]

nice test. review

[@kondenzo]

Why didn't you wear chest strap. Phones and other wearables can read Bluetooth and ant+ straps, so they know what is your hart rate. If you want to compare them, then use them as they were intended. Otherwise thanks for the video.