Fitness tracking watches have become increasingly popular in recent years, and two of the most well-known brands are Garmin and Fitbit.
If you’re in the market for a fitness watch, you may be wondering which one is better: the Garmin Forerunner 235 or the Fitbit Surge.
In this article, we’ll compare the two watches and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Overview of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Fitbit Surge
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at what each watch has to offer:
Garmin Forerunner 235
- GPS running watch
- Heart rate monitoring
- Activity tracking
- Smart notifications
- Connect IQ compatible
Fitbit Surge
- Fitness super watch
- GPS tracking
- Heart rate monitoring
- Activity tracking
- Smart notifications
- Music control
Now that we know the basic features of each watch, let’s take a closer look at how they compare in different categories.
Design and Comfort
The design and comfort of a fitness watch are important factors to consider, especially if you plan to wear it all day. Here’s how the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Fitbit Surge compare:
Garmin Forerunner 235
- Circular watch face
- Silicone strap
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to read display
Fitbit Surge
- Rectangular watch face
- Rubber strap
- Bulkier and heavier than the Garmin
- Display can be difficult to read in bright sunlight
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 235 is the more comfortable watch to wear, thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design.
Fitness Features
When it comes to fitness tracking, both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Fitbit Surge have a lot to offer. Here’s how they compare:
Garmin Forerunner 235
- GPS tracking for running and cycling
- Heart rate monitoring
- VO2 max and lactate threshold estimates
- Customizable workouts
- Recovery advisor
Fitbit Surge
- GPS tracking for running and cycling
- Heart rate monitoring
- Multi-sport tracking
- Automatic exercise detection
- Cardio fitness level estimates
While both watches offer similar fitness features, the Garmin Forerunner 235 has a slight edge when it comes to advanced metrics like VO2 max and lactate threshold estimates.
Activity Tracking
In addition to fitness tracking, both watches also offer activity tracking to monitor your daily steps and calories burned. Here’s how they compare:
Garmin Forerunner 235
- Tracks steps, calories, and distance
- Inactivity alerts
- Sleep tracking
Fitbit Surge
- Tracks steps, calories, and distance
- Inactivity alerts
- Sleep tracking
Both watches offer similar activity tracking features, so this category is a tie.
Smart Features
Finally, let’s take a look at the smart features of each watch:
Garmin Forerunner 235
- Smart notifications for calls, texts, and emails
- Music controls
- Connect IQ compatibility for apps and widgets
Fitbit Surge
- Smart notifications for calls and texts
- Music controls
- Mobile payment capabilities
While the Fitbit Surge has the added bonus of mobile payments, the Garmin Forerunner 235’s Connect IQ compatibility offers more customization options.
Conclusion
So which watch is right for you? Here’s a quick summary of our comparison:
- The Garmin Forerunner 235 is more comfortable to wear and offers advanced fitness metrics.
- The Fitbit Surge has mobile payment capabilities and multi-sport tracking.
- Both watches offer similar activity tracking and smart features.
Ultimately, the best watch for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re a serious runner or cyclist who wants advanced metrics and a comfortable watch, the Garmin Forerunner 235 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a watch with mobile payment capabilities and the ability to track multiple sports, the Fitbit Surge may be a better fit.
No matter which watch you choose, both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Fitbit Surge are excellent fitness tracking watches that can help you reach your health and fitness goals.
FAQs
- Can I swim with the Garmin Forerunner 235 or Fitbit Surge?
- The Garmin Forerunner 235 is water-resistant, but not recommended for swimming. The Fitbit Surge is water-resistant up to 50 meters and can be worn while swimming.
- Can I track my food intake with the Garmin Forerunner 235 or Fitbit Surge?
- Both watches offer basic food tracking features, but for more robust food tracking options, it’s recommended to use a separate app.
- Can I use the Garmin Forerunner 235 or Fitbit Surge without a smartphone?
- Both watches can be used independently, but many of the smart features require a smartphone connection.
- Do the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Fitbit Surge have built-in GPS?
- Yes, both watches have built-in GPS for accurate tracking of your outdoor workouts.
- How long does the battery last on the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Fitbit Surge?
- The Garmin Forerunner 235 has a battery life of up to 9 days in watch mode and up to 11 hours in GPS mode. The Fitbit Surge has a battery life of up to 7 days with normal use and up to 10 hours in GPS mode.