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Over the last few days, Garmin made three fitness related software announcements:

A) They (finally) enabled you to combine activity tracker data from multiple devices into one cohesive picture
B) They enabled Strava Beacon support through Garmin Connect Mobile
C) They took a swipe at Fitbit by enabling you to migrate off Fitbit and onto Garmin

The first combo-dish one I dove into in a separate post already today, and the second one I’m less interested in.  I talked about Strava Beacon here, and this essentially allows you to have your Garmin device trigger the Strava Beacon service (*see my 5-second thoughts on this at the end of this post).  Whereas the rest of this post is all about the Fitbit to Garmin migration piece.

Speaking of which, the service is actually named: Fit a Bit.

Trolling level is high in these parts.  Almost like when Garmin trolled Apple during their Apple Watch announcement.

(As to why I have two posts on Garmin updates today instead of one, it’s simply because I broke them apart when I had to wait while Garmin fixed some issues I was having.)

Testing it out:

Now in order to test this, I wanted a completely clean slate.  So I created a new random account on Garmin Connect.  Totally virgin, not a single step walked or night slept (with anyone).

Now Garmin doesn’t exactly make it obvious as to where to go.  In fact, even the press release doesn’t have a link or anything on how to set this up.  I would have thought the very first thing Garmin Connect would have asked upon creation of a new account is “Do you have any previous activity tracker data to import?”.  But it doesn’t.

Instead, you have to know to click on the bust on the left side, which then shows you an ‘Import Data’ option.

Next you’re given the option to import either specific activity/workout files, in GPX/FIT/TCX format, or Fitbit scale and activity data.  In the case of the workout files, those three file types cover basically everyone/everything out there.  Whereas the Fitbit body data is specific to the formatting that Fitbit has created.

Garmin helpfully links to Fitbit’s own support page on how to export your data.  For step data, you can do it all in one giant shot.  Whereas for workout data, you’ve gotta do it one by one (which sucks&#;every&#;single&#;activity).  To be clear, that&#;s Fitbit&#;s issue for not just having a giant &#;Download everything&#; option.

On the Fitbit site, you’ll go under Settings and then Data Export:

Now the really important part here is another limitation that Fitbit has on exporting out data, which is limited to 31 days at a time.  So, I just did basically the last month’s worth, since I’ve been wearing the new Fitbit Charge 2 during that time period.

I then checked all the boxes on the right side.  Mostly because when in doubt, just choose everything.  It serves me well when at the ice cream sundae bar, so I figured it works fine here too.

A few seconds later I got the file to download:

I decided to take a peek at the file, since I was curious how much data could be moved over.  Looking first at steps, it’s pretty clear cut.  It just saves totals per day, but also inclusive of things like floors and minutes sedentary.

Weight measurements are in there too, but I didn’t step on the Fitbit scale during this time period.  Still, Fitbit just puts in the last known value for each day.

Sleep is there as well, again, pretty simplistic.  No wake-up/fall asleep times, just totals for each night.

Finally, there’s food logged for each day.  But since I don’t log food, these are all zeros.

What you’ll notice is that none of the workouts are in here.  Rather, it’s just activity data.  As I noted earlier, you have to do the workouts individually, one painful one at a time.

So, back to Garmin’s site I went, and dragged my little 10KB data file into the box doohickey:

It’ll then confirm the type of units I was using on the Fitbit site/data:

About seconds later, it completes (with zero fanfare), and shows as such on the page:

With the assumption of success in the air, I went to check out my dashboard and dove into steps.  I figured that’d be the easiest one.  Yet…nothing:

I double-checked my Fitbit file, and indeed, it showed plenty of steps on those dates.  So then I looked at sleep. Also, nothing.  Same for weight as well (which has values in the file).

So I decided to give it some time.  After all, there was a massive amount of data imported – some 10KB in total.  That’s like 5 Blu-ray DVD’s worth, right?

I shot off an e-mail to some people I know, and then went for a run.  And then 24 hours later they (Garmin) fixed something magical behind the scenes and it started working.

To double-check the data imported correctly, I started by picking a random day – November 1st it was. And then looked at both the Fitbit data (on the right), and the Garmin Connect data (on the left).

Looking through them, it correctly copied:

Steps: 7,
Floors: 2 (apparently I was lazy that day)
Distance: miles (which Garmin converts to mi)

However, calories was quite different.

Fitbit: 2,
Garmin: 1,

So I decided to do some digging and see why.  I went back to the Fitbit CSV file and checked out the calorie section for that day:

And immediately you see why.  Garmin is (incorrectly) parsing Activity Calories instead of Calories burned.  Or perhaps they’re doing it on purpose.  Either way, I think it’s a (minor) mistake.  Garmin normally includes your BMR calories within their calorie calculations, thus using only activity calories would make less sense than total calories burned.

As you saw above, the floors climbed was correctly reported on an individual day – and then also shown in the various report totals:

Anyway, onto sleep.  There was no sleep.  No, I mean, I was sleeping, but none of it was imported in.  I checked different days, all show null (no) values.

Last but not least, weight.  It did correctly pull over the values Fitbit had in the files. I didn’t weigh myself during this time period, but Fitbit records the last known weight automatically for each day in the export files.  All of which shows up correctly on Garmin Connect.

So there you have it – a quick overview of how Garmin converts stuff from Fitbit.

Wrap-Up:

While this functionality may seem minor – I suspect it’s actually the beginning for not just Garmin, but other companies as well.  These types of migration tools are incredibly common in other software industries, enabling consumers (and corporations) to quickly move between platforms.

At present, the import tool is as you can see, pretty basic.  Ideally it’d be wrapped in a bit of a wizard and would leverage some sort of automation to grab the data for you (perhaps even available API’s).  And of course, as you can see there’s still some bugs to be worked out.  But I’d bet a penny the calorie one (along with sleep) will likely be fixed in short order (probably measured in hours).

That said, it’s leaps and bounds better than the competitors. Namely because the competitors have nothing.  Kinda like winning your age group at a race…but being the only competitor in your age group.  Still, any of us would take a free medal any day.  And in this case, data portability is a great medal to have.

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*Strava/Garmin Beacon Hook-Up: Honestly, I don’t get it.  I’m not sure why I’d want to have Garmin trigger Strava Beacon (which requires paid Strava Premium), when Garmin’s own Live Tracking service is free.  Further, you’d now have to have both Strava and Garmin Connect Mobile apps open on your phone for this to work.  I’m sure this is useful to someone, but I’m not that someone.  It would probably be useful if Strava hooked up with Polar, Fitbit, or Suunto for this, since they lack their own live tracking platforms.  But since Garmin now has an exclusive on this for a while with Strava, that won’t happen.  Thus…shrug.

Introduction

What constitutes the ‘best’ smartwatches for you is more than whether or not it’ll tell you that you have a WhatsApp message. It’s a device that can do many things; be your personal assistant, your fitness coach and even your banker. Some smartwatches can literally save your life by notifying you when your heart rate is irregular. One step more than that, it can even call an ambulance for you if you were to fall.

Some devices do this better than others. Some cater to great volumes of apps that you’re able to download. Others have accurate GPS. Some heart rate sensors are more sensitive than others. 

Some offer batteries that you need to change every day whereas some will offer you a week, or more. 

Don’t forget how they look. Smartwatches are almost totally bespoke to your style, thanks to the number of customisable options from faces to straps, colour and material options.

How to tell what the best smartwatch is

This article is updated for April and nothing has changed at the top spot. The best smartwatch you can find is still the Apple Watch Series 5 ($).

You get an Always-On colour display, compass, and more advanced health tracking features than its predecessor, the Series 4. These advanced features include the fall detector we mentioned as well as an electrical HR sensor that will pick up on electrocardiograms. 

It comes with a GPS option so you don’t even need to have your phone with you and you can enjoy the freedom of being without it.

The Apple watch has reigned supreme for some time. It has the best development when it comes to apps and ultimately this means you can do far more with it than any alternatives can offer.

The Series 3 is still worth a punt. Since the release of the 4 and 5, the price is now very accessible, at under $ It doesn’t offer the ECG, but otherwise, there is very little difference to be noted.

The Apple Watch Series 6 is due for release this September, all being well. There are talks of a design having no crown and sleep monitoring capabilities.

If you’re an Android user and aren’t feeling the love yet, don’t worry. 

The best smartwatch for you, in this early stage of , is the Galaxy Watch Active 2 from Samsung coming in at less than $

This sleek design isn’t all that’s noteworthy. It offers built-in GPS and a heart rate sensor with advanced health features as well as water-resistance for swimming and Samsung Pay. 

The battery life can go twice that of an Apple Watch but that’s probably because there are fewer apps to choose from.

Apple Watch Series 5

Still the king of smartwatches

In either a 40mm or 44mm size, water-resistant for swimming, 18 hours of battery life, optional GPS and an advanced heart rate monitor. 

The revelation in the Apple Watch series was the introduction of the Always-On display. It makes a big impact on user experience. You’re able to take a quick glance and immediately be able to see the screen. It knows your conditions via an ambient light sensor and adjusts accordingly. You might think this would cause carnage on your battery, but it doesn’t.

You also get a compass which is built-in. It’s handy for when you’re using a map so you know what direction you’re looking at, every time. 

Design-wise, there’s zero development from the Series 4. You do get the option of a ceramic or titanium finish, though. You also get the same health features.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

A dream for Android users

Again, this comes in 40mm and 44mm respectively. The battery life is better, at 24 to 60 hours. It’s swim-proof and has a GPS option. It offers a heart rate monitor and Samsung Pay. It does work with iOS phones but works best of all with Android, particularly Galaxy models.

We know the Apple Watch is great. But give the Galaxy Watch 2 a chance. Firstly, it works with iOS and Android, so it’s already more generous.

The rounded aesthetic is really pleasing. You can use the display for apps like Samsung Pay or Spotify, for which it can give you on-board music. It offers some health features, but it’s not a patch on Apple’s ECG (but watch this space, they’re working on it).

The main reasons this is a great option is the value for money and battery life.

Fitbit Versa 2 ($)

Your best option for sleep tracking

The Versa 2 is marginally smaller at 39mm but packs a whopping 4 day battery life. It can offer you GPS, but it needs to be connected to your smartphone. It’s water-resistant and so you’re able to swim in it. It has a decent HRM and offers Fitbit Pay. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android users.

The Versa 2 from Fitbit is an evolved version of the pioneering Versa. It offers Alexa capabilities and much better sleep tracking. 

Fitbit has developed an update that allows users to track blood oxygen saturation which is useful if you suffer from sleep apnea. 

The 4 day battery life means this is a strong contender for a fitness watch, but ultimately the don of sleep tracking.

It’s friendly with iOS and Android users alike. There’s a new-ish Spotify app so you can control your music on your wrist. 

There’s no built-in GPS, but at under $, you wouldn’t expect it.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 ($)

The best fitness tracking smartwatch

Now we get a little bigger, coming in at either 40mm or 45mm respectively. Here you get a monster battery life of 7 days if you’re using a 4S or 8 days for the 4. It’s got built-in GPS, is water-resistant, has a HRM, built-in storage for your music, Garmin Pay and is compatible with both Android and iOS.

What Garmin did here is keep the best bits about the Vivoactive 3 and made it better. It can even offer you yoga and pilates on your display!

There’s an improved pulse oxygen sensor that means it can monitor what your blood oxygens levels are saying. It’ll offer you a decent insight into your sleep, too. 

The battery life means this is perfect for people who like to keep going.

Amazfit Bip ($)

The best starter smartwatch 

This only comes in one size, but does boast a inch display. The battery life is anything up to 45 days. It’s not water-resistant, nor does it offer mobile payments but it does have both GPS and HRM. It’s compatible with iOs and Android.

Looks-wise, you can tell it draws, well, everything, from the Apple Watch. If you’re looking for a budget or starter smartwatch, you’ll love this. 

The fitness tracking capabilities are decent and they don’t drain the battery, which, you read right, can last 45 days. 

Of course, this is a budget watch so there are limited features and functions. You can still choose between 5 faces, which isn’t bad. You can see your notifications, but not respond via the watch. 

The price-accessible option costs well under $ but still offers GPS and a heart rate monitor. 

Summary 

Hopefully, you’ve been given some direction toward your next smartwatch! If like many, you’re denying that is happening, you can still read our article on the best looking smartwatches of

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THE FITBIT APP

Live a healthier, more active life with Fitbit, the world's leading app for tracking all-day activity, workouts, sleep and more. Use the app on its own to track basic activity and runs on your phone, or connect with one of Fitbit's many activity trackers and the Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale to get a complete picture of your health--including steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, weight, and more.

TRACK ACTIVITY: Accurately record your steps and distance with MobileTrack when you carry your phone. For all-day tracking of stats like calories burned, active minutes, and sleep, pair the app with a Fitbit tracker.

RUN SMARTER: Enhance runs, walks and hikes by using MobileRun to track your pace, time and distance. You can also control your music, get voice cues or use your phone's GPS to map your routes.

RECORD WORKOUTS: Use your Fitbit tracker to track your exercise, then check the app to see your stats, their impact on your day, and how your performance is improving.

MONITOR HEART RATE: Use a Fitbit tracker with PurePulse to analyze heart rate graphs in the app. Identify trends, manage stress and see the results of your workouts. Review resting heart rate trends to see when your fitness is improving.

LOG FOOD FASTER: Easily log calories with our barcode scanner, calorie estimator, and expanded food database of more than , foods. See your meal history at a glance, and get nutritional insights.

MEASURE HYDRATION: Quickly log your water intake to make sure you're properly hydrated during workouts and throughout the day.

SET & MANAGE GOALS: Create weight, nutrition and exercise goals, and start a food plan to stay on track. Then get a visual picture of your progress with colorful, easy-to-read charts and graphs.

SEE HOW YOU SLEEP: Set sleep goals in the app, and use a Fitbit tracker to monitor how much time you spent awake, restless or peacefully sleeping.

SHARE & COMPETE: Connect with friends and family by sharing stats, sending direct-messages, and competing on the leaderboard or in Fitbit Challenges.

STAY MOTIVATED: Get a nudge in the right direction with notifications that pop up when you're close to reaching a goal or have already met one.

SYNC WIRELESSLY: Fitbit trackers sync your stats to computers and + leading devices so you can continuously track your progress without needing to plug in.

MANAGE WEIGHT: Connect wirelessly to the Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale to seamlessly track your weight, BMI, lean mass and body fat percentages, and to see your weight trends over time.

Learn more about Fitbit products and services at adityagaur.com