This is an interesting comparison: the flagship model of the brand that sparked the surge in demand for fitness tracker watches, and the affordable model from a heart rate tracker company that is dipping its toes into this technology’s recently discovered waters. They features vastly different prices, with the Fitbit Surge retailing at $249 and the A300 costing a significantly lower $159 with heart rate monitor included.
While the features and appearance of the two trackers vary hugely, this is reflected in the prices. The decision between these watches really depends on what you personally need in a fitness tracker watch, so this comparison will be more geared towards the value per dollar than total function.
Form and Appearance
Both trackers sport modern, simple looks that are becoming the norm among fitness watches, but the Surge’s large size almost negates that change. While it doesn’t weigh enough to distract you during a workout, the Surge leans more towards smartwatch than fitness tracker and can be distracting for 24/7 use, giving the A300 a slight advantage here.
Additionally, the A300 is available in more colors and offers changeable wristbands, for the fashion-sensitive. The A300 is also waterproof and can transmit heart rate and workout statistics while swimming, compared to the water-resistant Surge that can’t be taken underwater.
Software
Both fitness trackers offer compatibility with their company’s fitness software: FLOW for Polar, and Fitbit’s app. The Surge tracks more detailed workout statistics than the A300, so if you’re looking for a full analysis of your fitness life then the Fitbit Surge may be better for you.
Fitness Features
Both the Fitbit Surge and Polar A300 can track your heart rate, but the A300 requires you to wear Polar’s H7 chest-strap style heart rate monitor which many find less comfortable. However, the heart rate function only helps you greatly during a workout, when the presence of the transmitter is less noticeable.
The biggest feature the Surge offers over the A300 is the GPS tracking and built-in heart rate monitoring. These two alone are the chief reason for the Surge’s high price, but the A300 counters with a bigger variation in sport modes (offering swimming and an improved biking mode).
Other Features
The biggest problem facing both trackers is their watches. The power of the screens is relatively weak with the backlight on, and the Fitbit Surge’s touchscreen is excessively sensitive and rarely shows the actual time. However, the clarity and image on the Surge’s screen is much better and more detailed than the A300’s, which is important for those who want to use their fitness tracker as a smartwatch.
The Surge offers many more non-fitness features than the A300, including notifications for calls and texts, caller ID, a vibration alarm, and music control. The A300 only offers the alarm of these, but the Surge lacks the A300’s extra-convenient inactivity alerts.
Conclusion
The Surge is definitely the more full-featured of the two fitness trackers, but its price can be imposing to those looking for an entry-level model. Unless you are looking for all the features found in the Fitbit Surge or the most advanced tracker you can find, we recommend the Polar A300.
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