Fitbit Blaze Review – Top Fitness Tracker?

The Fitbit Blaze is one of two new fitness trackers released by Fitbit this spring (the Alta is the other one). Find out everything you need to know about the Blaze fitness tracking smartwatch today in our review.

What is the Fitbit Blaze?

The Fitbit Blaze is the latest entry into a fitness tracker field that’s becoming increasingly crowded. The Blaze is a blend between the classic Fitbit design and a modern smartwatch. It features a face like a smartwatch and tracking abilities like a fitness tracker. But one of the most unique parts of the Blaze is that it’s modular: it’s not stuck together like a conventional smartwatch. You can remove the actual “Blaze” unit, which is a small, square device, and place it on different frames and bands.

You have the option to pick from metal links and frames, a leather band and frames, and classic (sport) bands.

Once you’re ready to use the Blaze (like after it’s completely charged), you pop it into the aluminum frame then strap it to your wrist, where it’s ready to track your activity, track your heart rate, and deliver notifications from your phone to your wrist.

Fitbit Blaze Features

The outside of the Blaze has three buttons. There are two buttons on the right and one on the left side. The left side button works like a back button and can also be used to activate the display. The right buttons are an Action button and a Select button, both of which change their specific functions based on the context. You can control everything on your Fitbit Blaze using these three buttons.

Here are some of the other features you’ll encounter on your Fitbit Blaze:

—  Automatic activity tracking, which lets the watch automatically track activities like walking, running, and cycling without swiping into an exercise menu

— Sweat, rain, and splash-proof (Fitbit doesn’t give a specific IP rating, but they claim you’ll be okay working out with it and getting some splashes on it – like if you’re running in the rain. You should still take it off before you go into the shower or into the swimming pool).

— Swipe-friendly user interface, where swiping lets you access all different parts of the menu. You can swipe down, for example, to bring up a quick menu allowing you to turn notifications on and off or to switch your music.

— Message notifications are delivered to your watch. However, it’s relatively limited which types of messages are available on the watch (only texts, calendar notifications, and call alerts appear on your watch).

— Additional notifications are available, like Google Voice, WhatsApp, or Hangouts, but you can only choose one of those options to send to your watch. You also get to choose from the stock messaging app or Skype, but once again, you can only choose one additional service to send notifications to your watch. If you do all your messaging through a single app, then that’s okay. But some may want additional text notifications.

— Silent alarms, where the watch vibrates to silently wake you up in the morning.

— Wrist-mounted heart rate monitor (which are known for not being as accurate as chest strap monitors)

— FitStar support, allowing you to access a virtual personal trainer on-the-go

— 5 to 7 days of battery life without needing a charge

Fitbit Blaze Pricing

The Fitbit Blaze is priced at $249.95 for the default band color (black, purple, or blue). You can also pay $299.95 for the gunmetal variety.

Additional accessories are available from the Fitbit online store, including the Fitbit Blaze Classic Band ($39.95), the Fitbit Blaze Leather Band + Frame ($139.95) and the Fitbit Blaze Metal Links + Frame ($179.95).

Currently, the Fitbit Blaze is the second most-expensive fitness tracker in the Fitbit lineup. The most expensive option is the Fitbit Surge, priced at $329.95.

Is the Fitbit Blaze your Next Fitness Tracker?

The Fitbit Blaze is a fitness tracker and smart watch rolled together into one. If you like the capabilities of a Fitbit fitness tracker but want the style and multiple functions of a smartwatch, then the Fitbit Blaze could be the right fit for you.

One of the few downsides of the device is that you have to remove the actual Blaze device from the casing every time you need to charge it. It’s an easy process that takes just a second, but some people would prefer having a wireless charger or a dock. Fortunately, the Blaze does have good 5 to 7 day battery life – so you won’t be charging it too often anyway.

If you’ve been in the market for a smartwatch but want it to come with expanded fitness tracking capabilities, then the Fitbit Blaze may be the right choice for you.