Fitbit Inspire 2 vs Charge 3 (2021): Which Fitness Tracker Is The Better Buy?

Fitbit has recently launched 3 new devices, further expanding its lineup of fitness trackers. One of their newest releases is the Fitbit Inspire 2 and it boasts many improvements over the older Inspire models. That said, does it have what it takes to go up against Fitbit’s Charge range? The Fitbit Charge 3, which was launched in 2018, has always been considered one of the best Fitbits around, and it would take a lot to dethrone it. To see if the new Inspire 2 is comparable to the older Charge 3, here’s an in-depth comparison of the two, taking their design, features, and prices into consideration.

Fitbit Inspire 2 vs Charge 3 Comparison Chart

Design

The Inspire 2 is lightweight while the Charge 3 has a more premium feel to it.

Design-wise, the most significant difference between the Inspire 2 and the Charge 3 is their materials. The Inspire 2 has a plastic body, explaining why it feels so light when worn, while the Charge 3 is made of aluminum, giving it a more premium feel. Their interchangeable straps are made of different materials as well, the Fitbit 2 is designed with a silicone band and the Charge 3 with a textured elastomer one. Aside from materials, these two models are also different in terms of size. The OLED touchscreen display on the Charge 3 is bigger than that of the Inspire 2’s, so it’s definitely more obvious on the wrist. You can’t exactly call the Charge 3 bulky, however, because it’s actually slimmer than the Inspire 2.

As for controls, both the Inspire 2 and the Charge 3 have an inductive button found on the left of their screen displays which takes you back to the main menu and gives you access to their settings. Also, a PurePulse heart rate monitor can be found underneath the casing of both models (although the Charge 3 has an Sp02 monitor as well, which is missing on the Inspire 2). Another thing that the Inspire 2 and the Charge 3 have in common is their water-resistance, both able to withstand up to 50 meters.

Features

Both the Inspire 2 and the Charge 3 each has a couple of features that the other doesn’t.

One of the biggest advantages that the Inspire 2 has over the Charge 3 is something called Active Zone Minutes (AZM). With this feature, it’ll be much easier for you to get your heart pumping and reach the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week. So instead of just making sure that you take a certain number of steps per day or exercise for a certain number of hours each week, the Inspire 2 is also able to get you to reach specific heart zones while you’re working out. This way, you know for certain that you’re putting in enough effort to stay fit and healthy. What’s great is that you can set your own AZM goals and keep track of your performance via the Fitbit app.

AZM aside, the Inspire 2 and the Charge 3 are pretty much neck and neck in terms of features. They both have the SmartTrack feature, which is able to categorize different activities and provide you with a detailed breakdown of your workouts. Also, both models are waterproof and are able to perform swim tracking. They also come with goal-based exercise modes, allowing you to choose from different kinds of activities such as yoga, running, and biking.

Other metrics they have in common include calories, steps, distance, heart rate, Vo2 Max, active minutes, and advanced sleep. The Charge 3 does, however, have an altimeter that lets you know how many floors you’ve climbed. This elevation feature should come in really handy for the hikers and the bikers out there. It also has an SpO2 sensor which can detect changes in blood oxygen levels.

If built-in GPS is important to you, you’re not going to get that with either of these models. They do, however, have connected GPS which is able to map out the location of your runs with the help of your phone. As for battery life, the Inspire 2 is the definite winner, able to last up to 10 days on a single charge. The Charge 3 is only able to go 7 days before needing another charge.

Price

The Inspire 2 is more affordable than the Charge 3.

The Inspire 2 and the Charge 3 are in very different price ranges, with the former being the more affordable option of the two. The Inspire 2’s launch price is $99.95 and this already includes free access to Fitbit Premium for an entire year. This gives you personalized insights, guided nutritional and meditation programs, as well as audio and video workouts. You’d have to pay $79.99 for Fitbit Premium if you bought on its own, and so it’s great that you get to enjoy it as a freebie if you choose to purchase the Inspire 2. As for the Charge 3, it had a launch price of $149.95. While its value has gone down since then (it’s now at around $130), it’s still a lot pricier than the Inspire 2.

Verdict

The Inspire 2 has better value for money than the Charge 3.

The Inspire 2 is definitely the better pick for you if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Not only does it let you to save around 30 bucks, but you get to enjoy a pretty cool freebie as well. But even though it’s the more affordable option of the two, that doesn’t mean its features are lacking. In fact, it has something that the Charge 3 doesn’t. Its Active Zone Minutes feature lets you fully maximize your workouts, so if you’re a fitness enthusiast, it’s definitely something you can benefit from. One drawback of the Inspire 2, however, is its plastic casing, although it shouldn’t be too big of a deal if you don’t mind the cheaper feel.

As for the Charge 3, it’s the better buy if you want a fitness tracker that has a more premium design. Because it’s made of aluminum, it will definitely give you that quality feel you’re looking for. That said, you’re going to have to splurge a bit more for it. While it does come with a heftier price tag, its capabilities are pretty much the same as those of the Inspire 2’s. The only advantages it can boast of are its elevation and Spo2 features.

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