Bodybugg - Fitbit - Heart Rate Monitor

I am asked all the time what the difference is between the Bodybugg and the Fitbit.  They are both products that count your calories burned so you can figure out what your deficit for the day is.  Over the last couple of days I  wore my Bodybugg, Fitbit and a heart rate monitor to compare them all against the same activity.  They all have their good points and bad points.

BodyBugg--  Price ranges from $99-$129.99.  There are 2 options, Version 3 that you can purchase an extra watch type readout to use with it or the SP version that works with your iphone.  I have the SP version and I always have a hard time getting it to sync with my phone.  I usually just hook it up to the computer when I want to know my stats.

It counts your calories burned as well as the steps you take.  You can wear it over night, but it doesn't really give you a correct read out of your sleep pattern.  I think that BodyMedia's version does give you a sleep read out.

It runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts several days before you have to plug it back in to charge.  It does take a while to charge.

You wear it on your arm and it works by movement and body heat with sensors that touch your arm.  I think it is pretty accurate with calories burned because it connects with your body.  It is bulky and not very pretty.  I have added crystals to the bands for my Bodybugg to make them more attractive.  It is very noticeable on your arm.

It is expensive in cost and up keep.  Not only do you pay for the unit, you also pay a monthly fee to use the website and collect the data.  It doesn't do much good without the subscription.

Bodybugg has its own online program to track your food intake.  It has an app, but it only syncs with the SP version.  Could probably still use it to track food and it would sync with the online program, but doesn't sync with any other apps.  I don't really care for their tracking system online or the app.

Fitbit--  The price is $99.  Only a one time cost!!  No monthly fee!  The cheapest of the units.

It counts your calories burned, steps you take, flights of stairs you climb and how many miles you have walked for the day.  It also tracks your sleep pattern and lets you know how your sleeping.  

It is small and discreet.  Can fit in a pocket, on the waist of your pants/skirt, hooks on the center of a bra for women and also comes with a belt clip for a secure fit.  You can hide it very easily.  

Fitbit also has it's own online program and phone app for tracking your food, but it also syncs with My Fitness Pal and Lose it.  Might even sync with a couple of other apps as well.  All the apps are free.  I personally really like Lose it.  Both Lose it and MFP have scanners to help you add your food choices!

I do love the Fitbit, but I find because it doesn't work on body heat or heart rate, the calories are not always accurate.  When you set it up you enter your height, weight and age, so it gives you an estimate based on that information.  I found it to be consistently lower than my Bodybugg, but for the cost it does a great job.

Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)--  Prices vary depending on the brand and model.  Really only works for counting calories during a workout.  Can't really wear it all day and it doesn't counts steps or miles.  Only counts calories, but is great for someone who has to watch their heart rate while working out.

My comparisons:

Running 5K

Bodybugg- 36 mins

calories-  361

steps-  5778

Fitbit-  36 mins

calories-  344

steps-  5073

HRM-  35 mins

calories-  321

*my overall totals for the day were Bodybugg- 2680 cals burned, 10943 steps

Fitbit- 2245 cals burned, 10864 steps

Zumba (60 min class)

Bodybugg- 

calories-  506

Fitbit-

calories-  386

steps-  5810

HRM-  

calories-  388

*my overall totals for the day were Bodybugg- 3061 calories, 13063 steps      

                Fitbit- 2355 cals burned, 13961 steps

When it comes down to it, it is really just a personal preference.  They are all really good products.  If you just want to know what you burn during workouts, the HRM is a great choice.  If you want really accurate information for your overall day the Bodybugg is great.  If you need something discreet the Fitbit is for you.  They all work if you put them to good use and you track the food your eating so you know what your deficit is.  If your not tracking your food, you won't find much difference in any of the products.