5.0 out of 5 stars
After trying others... Fitbit HR is the best one so far. All MUST knows in review. UPDATED 3 times, with links
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2016
I have been after a GOOD tracker for some time.
I tried a few others in the market of roughly the same price range.
I liked the Fitbit HR from the start, but I thought all positive reviews were because of the well-known brand. I was wrong.
After wasting money and time trying others, I have finally bought my HR and I can say, It’s one of the best!
The first thing you need to ask yourself is…
Do you want a tracker with approximate readings that calculates calories through weight and height and just give you the daily steps and time?
Then there are many cheap trackers available on the market.
As well as of course all other Fitbits prior to HR (Flex, Charge, Alta models)
Or do you want a real time data tracker that will monitor your heart rate constantly?
Then you need a heart rate monitor tracker (Fitbit HR & Charge Models)
HR model will have a constant “off” screen.
Once you press the side button you get the following readings:
Press Once -the time,
Twice-current daily steps,
3 times-current heart rate
4 times- current distance covered (km)
5 times- calories burned
6 times- floors climbed
(although if your heart rate does not raise, you can go upstairs in your house 10 times a day and it will only mark 2, bast…! Ha, ha, ha)
Obviously on the app you get many more features and readings as:
Max and Min heart rate
Active minutes (time you have exercised)
Sleeping patterns (deep sleep, restless, awake)
Why choose Fitbit HR (for me personally):
-One of the most accurate trackers on the market
-Design is not bulky
-Nice availability of colours
-Comfortable strap
-Life of battery (more info bellow)
-Discreet to wear
-1 year guarantee
-Easy to use
Common queries that might help you before you purchase;
SIZE?
Medium Size of strap measures from one end to the other 26 cm + just over 10 inches
Small Size of strap measures from one end to the other 23.5 cm + just over 10 inches
(These measurements are including the metal bit)
It may seem a very small difference but I bought 2 size S, one for me and one for my husband and had to exchange my husband’s S for an M so it fitted.
I have a size S and it fits nicely (I still have 5 extra strap holes)
WATERPROOF?
Fitbit trackers are water-resistant
So you can run, go to the gym and sweat as much as you want.
But do not shower, swim or submerge your Fitbit in water.
HOW TO WEAR AND WHERE?
The good thing about Fitbit HR is that it does not only calculate your calories expenditure by weight and height as previous models do.
It keeps a constant record of your heart rate so the overall readings are more accurate.
Therefor it needs your pulse.
You wear it every day, 24/7.
Specially as at night it will track your sleep patterns.
You can place it on your wrist like a watch (as my husband does)
Or you can place it on your inner wrist like I do, so on the top of my wrist the strap is the only bit showing.
I personally feel it’s more comfortable this way.
Place Fitbit on the lower part of your wrist and fasten to a comfortable position.
Then push your Fitbit up further away from your wrist bone.
So there’s a space of approx. 1.5 cm to 2 cm away from your wrist bone.
This way it will have your constant heartbeat.
Tight enough so it doesn’t move around but loose enough so you can move it down or up.
If you check the pictures, I can squeeze a pilot pen in between Fitbit and my arm/wrist but it doesn’t move.
It’s very important that you feel comfortable with it on.
I must add that Fitbit’s strap is the most comfortable to wear strap I have had out of a few trackers I have worn in the past. It will not itch or feel sweaty as others.
But do keep it clean, by taking it off, wiping with wet cloth and dry, especially after workouts.
CONNECTIVITY
You Fitbit charge can be linked to your phone, through the Fitbit App.
It’s very easy to download and get it up and running - available from Play Store.
Download, add your Fitbit model, it finds it and sends a 4-digit code, insert the code on the phone and GO!
Tip-
If you are buying more than one. Make sure you set up one first without the other one been in the same room.
I set mine up, paired it with my phone and then while my husband was pairing his, a code came up on mine again!
Mine was getting paired to his phone, not his! Ha, ha, ha.
You can also go to Fitbit dot com, and create your profile from your desktop.
And there is also a desktop app available too.
Data will be shared if you set up the same email address.
I find the phone app to be super complete and I barely never go online.
You can also use the USB cable that comes with your Fitbit to connect to your laptop/desktop.
Same USB cable that you use to charge it.
DOES IT DRAIN MY PHONE BATTERY?
Nope.
Your Fitbit will store the data on the devices internal memory and periodically will upload all data to your phone app.
So if you go to the app and the heartbeat, has a circle going round and round, that’s your data been updated for you to see.
A few seconds and current heartbeat, calories, etc are available for you to see in real time!
CHARGE
It roughly lasts 2 1/2 to 3 full days.
It takes just over 1 h to fully charge.
Tip –
You can set up alerts for battery from the phone app.
When your phone app sends you an e-mail to alert you of low battery, you can still carry on with it for over 8 h before it’s fully battery dead.
Fitbit HR is a great fitness tracker and I just wish I would have bought it sooner.
P.S You can buy its screen protectors here;
Fitbit Charge HR Screen Protector (10-Pack) - QIBOX Premium Clear Shatterproof Screen Protector for Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband, Anti-Fingerprint & Anti-Scratch Film Cover
You will have to change the protector every 4 to 6 weeks as you can see on my pictures the corners peel up. Due for a Change! :)
REVIEW UPDATE:
As mentioned before; the above screen protectors peel off very easily and the corners lift off very quickly.
I thought there were no other screen protectors available.
I have now used a new screen protector, from another seller, that fits my Fitbit HR perfectly, and does not lift off (not even on the corners).
Me and my husband have had them on for 4 days now and the protectors still look as good as when applied.
They have passed the gym, weekend and sleep test ;) I highly recommend this new screen protectors to all Fitbit HR owners.
In case it helps anyone, here's the link;
FitBit Charge HR MATTE Anti Glare Screen Protector (PACK of x6) Fitness Wireless Tracker Film Military Grade Protection Exclusive to ACE CASE
2nd UPDATE
I have found a superb HR Charging cable (set of 2 actually) that comes in 3 feet / 91.5cm length.
It has made my life so much easier for charging my Fitbit downstairs, that I thought I had to share with you.
In case it helps, here's the link;
KIMILAR 3FT Replacement USB Charger Cable for Fitbit Charge HR Band Wireless Activity
3rd and LATEST UPDATE
I hope you don’t mind me to keep updating my review.
But every time I try something new that works with my Fitbit HR, I like to share it with you all in case it helps.
This time I have had the pleasure to try a cover for my new Fitbit HR.
At first I thought : "This is a silly thing…" But now that I have seen it on… It's coming off! ;)
In case you like it and it helps, here's the link:
Fitbit Charge/Charge HR Band Cover,SnowCinda Slim Designer Sleeve Protector Band Cover Accessories (No Tracker,No Band)
The complete SnowCinda covers range, are made of quality silicone.
I wouldn't go for the cheaper ones!
I have paid £100 (original price) for my Fitbit HR, so I refuse to spoil it with a cheap copy / version.
Hope this update helps.
Do feel free to leave any comments ;)
Remember I am not linked to any of this companies or sellers.
I only update you and upload the links in case these help.
Am I still loving my Fitbit HR?...Every bit, Yes!
If you have any questions, that you think I could help, just click on the comment box bellow and I will do my best ;)
I hope my review has been helpful to you, thanks for reading.
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