Fitbit Alta HR vs Charge 2… One of the most popular brands of wearable fitness trackers is Fitbit. Is buying the latest model a good idea? Should you even consider getting yourself one?
Here’s a simple checklist.
- Do you exercise regularly?
- Would you be comfortable wearing it?
- Do you know what to do with the data a Fitbit gives you?
If you answer “no” to even one of these questions, then you don’t need a Fitbit. You only need one if you are consistent in tracking your habits and then act on the data it provides you.
When you’re absolutely sure that you need a fitness tracker, let’s answer another question: Which is the better Fitbit for you? Is it the Alta HR or the Charge 2. Let’s answer that in this Fitbit Alta HR vs Charge 2 comparison report.
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Comparison Table
How different is the Alta HR to the Charge 2? Here’s a Fitbit Alta HR vs Charge 2 chart highlighting the similarities and differences in their features and specs.
| Fitbit |  |
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| Check Price | Fitbit Alta HR | Fitbit Charge 2 | |
| Inclusions | Tracker, charging cable | Tracker, charging cable | |
| Display | OLED tap display | OLED tap display | |
| Interchangeable wristband? | ✅ | ✅ | |
| All-day Stats Tracked | Steps taken, Heart rate, Resting heart rate (optional), Distance covered, Calories burned, Active minutes | Steps taken, Current heart rate, Distance covered, Calories burned, Floors climbed, Active minutes, Hourly activity | |
| Other Stats Captured | Sleep history (hours slept and sleep patterns); Stationary vs active hours; BPM (beats per minute), average resting heart rate, and time spent in heart-rate zones | Sleep history (hours slept and sleep patterns); Stationary vs active hours; exercise history and progress towards a weekly exercise goal; BPM (beats per minute), average resting heart rate, and time spent in heart-rate zone | |
| Sensors and Motors | MEMS 3-axis accelerometer (your motion patterns) and optical heart rate tracker | MEMS 3-axis accelerometer (your motion patterns), optical heart rate tracker, and altimeter (altitude changes) | |
| Material | wristband – durable elastomer material; frame – surgical-grade stainless steel; buckle – aluminum | wristband – durable elastomer material; frame – surgical-grade stainless steel; buckle – aluminum | |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth 4.0 radio transceiver | Bluetooth 4.0 radio transceiver | |
| Haptic Feedback |
vibration motor for alarms, goals, notifications, and reminders | vibration motor for alarms, goals, notifications, and reminders | |
| Battery | rechargeable lithium-polymer battery | rechargeable lithium-polymer battery | |
| Operating Temperature | 14° to 113° F (-10° to 45° C) | 14° to 113° F (-10° to 45° C) | |
| Non-Operating Temperature | -4° to 140° F (-20° to 60° C) | -4° to 113° F (-20° to -10° C); 113° to 140° F (45° to 60° C) | |
| Water Resistant | Splash proof, not intended for use in the shower, not to be submerged in water | Splash proof, not intended for use in the shower, not to be submerged in water | |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 30,000 feet (9,144 m) | 30,000 feet (9,144 m) | |
| Receiving Call, Text & Calendar Notifications | ✅ | ✅ | |
| SmartTrack | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Silent Alarms | ✅ | ✅ | |
| GPS Feature | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Guided Breathing | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days | Up to 5 days | |
| Weight | 0.8 ounces | 1.3 ounces | |
| Product Dimensions | 1.6 x 0.6 x 1.3 inches | 9.9 x 0.9 x 0.5 inches |
Key Differences
Based on the chart presented in the preceding section, the Alta HR and the Charge 2 have a lot of impressive features in common. But below are their key differences.
Size and Weight
The Alta HR is visibly slimmer than the Charge 2. It also weighs less at 0.8 ounces, compared with Charge 2’s 1.3-ounce weight. The Alta HR is ideal for people who are looking for a fitness tracker that has a subtle look / small size.
Battery Life
As advertised, the Alta HR can last up to 7 days. In comparison, the Charge 2 can last only up to 5 days, a respectable number, but still, it requires more re-charges than the Alta HR.
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GPS
The Alta HR does not have a GPS feature. The Fitbit Charge 2, however, has what the manual says a “connected GPS feature.”
As explained, the Charge 2 doesn’t have a built-in GPS. Instead, the feature works in conjunction with the GPS sensor of your mobile device to give you “real-time pace and distance information, as well as recording a map of your route.” That said, for this GPS feature to work, you must have your phone with you.
Guided Breathing Exercises
Between the two Fitbits, only the Charge 2 has a “Guided Breathing” feature. How does this benefit you? One way is to help reduce your stress levels. It can also help lower blood pressure and even lessen anxiety.
Fitbit Charge 2’s Guided Breathing feature helps get your breath in rhythm. You can choose between 2 or 5 minutes of deep inhale-and-exhale sessions. Note that these sessions are personalized. They are based on your heart rate.
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Fitbit Alta HR vs Charge 2: Final Word
To end this Fitbit Alta HR vs Charge 2 comparison report, we go back to the original question and answer it: Which Fitbit fitness tracker is for you? Here’s our recommendation.
The Fitbit Charge 2’s advantage over the Alta HR is its “connected GPS” and Guided Breathing features. If you are into activities that need GPS tracking (e.g., hiking), then get the Fitbit Charge 2. However, if you don’t really care about these features and you’re looking for a slimmer, subtle Fitbit, then purchase the Alta HR.
Where to Buy Fitbit Alta HR and Charge 2
Cheap Fitbit Alternatives
Is the Fitbit too expensive for you? Try one of these cheaper fitness tracker alternatives.
