OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Fitness trackers Methodology v3.0
Fitness trackers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Fitness trackers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Fitness trackers Methodology v3.0

Fitbit Force review: 163 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110Battery life:8.5 daysScreen size:0.7 inchHeart rate monitor:noGPS:noWaterproof depth rating:0 m

Fitbit Force Review: Compare 163 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Fitness trackers category and whether it is worth buying.

Fitbit Force
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

6.5

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 55% of fitness trackers
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the fitness tracker's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a fitness tracker with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

▼Worse than 54%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

20%

7.4

Sports

20%

5.2

Battery

18%

5.3

Health

18%

6.5

Display

8%

7.0

Smart functions

8%

8.6

Wellness

4%

9.1

Connectivity

4%

6.2

Design

▼Worse than 72%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.1

Popularity

Grades by review (22)
18 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 85%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • fitbit-force
fitbit-force
Where to buy
    N/A~ £110
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Fitbit Force

Based on 9 · 4

The clear display and handy vibration alerts win praise, but the clasp, weak sleep tracking and skin irritation draw complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Fitbit Force

Based on 49 owners sharing their experience in online comments

31%positive4%mixed65%negative

Owners appreciate fixes that restore the tracker, while recurring screen, reset, and syncing failures drive frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say holding the button for a minute, draining the battery or repeating the reset fails, or works only briefly before the screen freezes again.11
  • Owners say it won't sync to the phone app or computer, the USB dongle isn't recognised, and sync stays stuck for weeks.8
  • Owners say the screen stays stuck on the Fitbit logo, flashing or showing a red X, even after the battery drains and recharges.6
  • Owners say the touch screen won't scroll and the side button does nothing, even after holding it for a long time.5
  • Owners say the band glue melts or lets go with daily wear, and refitting needs a small Torx screwdriver that they struggle to find.4
  • Owners say Fitbit support gave no fix after two representatives, was unhelpful, and a phone support number was hard to find.4
  • Owners say resets show a 'data not cleared' message, and some lost their saved step totals and all data on the watch.4
  • Owners say the watch keeps asking to unlock with the old paired phone, so a replacement phone cannot unlock it.3
  • Owners say the screen is barely visible or stays blank with only a dim backlight, and the watch will not turn on.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of fitness tracker Fitbit Force

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

20%

7.4

Sports

20%

5.2

Battery

18%

5.3

Health

18%

6.5

Display

8%

7.0

Smart functions

8%

8.6

Wellness

4%

9.1

Connectivity

4%

6.2

Design

6.5
Reviews score
8.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the fitness tracker's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a fitness tracker with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

8.1
Heart rate monitor
no
This fitness tracker does not support heart rate monitoring. 64.2% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
Resting heart rate
no
This fitness tracker does not support Resting heart rate. 53% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
Fast/slow heart rate alerts
no
This fitness tracker does not support high and low heart rate alerts. 36.5% of fitness trackers support high and low heart rate alerts.
Irregular heart rate alerts
no
This fitness tracker does not support irregular heart rate alerts. 13.7% of fitness trackers support irregular heart rate alerts.
Blood oxygen sensor
no
This fitness tracker does not have a blood oxygen sensor. 32.2% of fitness trackers have a blood oxygen sensor.
Show more
What reviewers say
GPS
no
This fitness tracker does not have GPS. 12.7% of fitness trackers have GPS.
Satellite systems supported
no
This fitness tracker supports no satellite systems which is less versatile than that of 14.4% of fitness trackers and the same as that of 85.6% of fitness trackers.
GNSS bands supported
no
This fitness tracker does not support advanced GNSS bands. 8.4% of fitness trackers support advanced GNSS bands.
Galileo support
no
This fitness tracker does not support Galileo. 5.6% of fitness trackers support Galileo.
Acquires GPS faster
no
This fitness tracker does not support faster GPS acquisition. 8.1% of fitness trackers support faster GPS acquisition.
Show more
Notifications
yes
This fitness tracker supports notifications. 27.8% of fitness trackers support notifications.
limited to call/SMS alerts.
Vibrating alerts
yes
This fitness tracker supports vibration alerts. 14.3% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
Call control
no
This fitness tracker does not support call controls. 40.8% of fitness trackers support call controls.
Call answering
no
This fitness tracker does not support call answering. 0.9% of fitness trackers support call answering.
Calendar sync
no
This fitness tracker does not support calendar sync. 20.5% of fitness trackers support calendar sync.
Show more
What reviewers say
Activity reports
yes
This fitness tracker supports activity reports. 5% of fitness trackers support activity reports.
via Fitbit app
Goal setting
yes
This fitness tracker supports goal setting. 2.5% of fitness trackers support goal setting.
Achievements
yes
This fitness tracker supports achievements. 23.8% of fitness trackers support achievements.
Inactivity alerts
no
This fitness tracker does not support inactivity alerts. 79.1% of fitness trackers support inactivity alerts.
Coaching
no
This fitness tracker does not support coaching. 36.4% of fitness trackers support coaching.
Show more
What reviewers say
Bluetooth version
4
This fitness tracker supports Bluetooth 4 which is newer than in 4.6% of fitness trackers and equal to that in 47% of fitness trackers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
30 m
Market range: <9 m – >30 m
This fitness tracker offers a Bluetooth range of 30 m which is higher than that of 88.7% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 8.5% of fitness trackers.
NFC
yes
This fitness tracker has NFC. 88.7% of fitness trackers have NFC.
NFC is for app launching only.
Wi-Fi connectivity
?
Wi-Fi version
no
This fitness tracker does not support modern Wi-Fi. 0.9% of fitness trackers support modern Wi-Fi.
no Wi-Fi support.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
8.5 days
Market range: <5 days – >180 days
This fitness tracker offers a battery life of 8.5 days which is shorter than that of 53.1% of fitness trackers.
source range 7-10 days.
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery life in training mode
?
Power-saving battery life
N/A
Battery capacity
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Display
yes
This fitness tracker has a display. 26.3% of fitness trackers have a display.
Screen size
0.7 inch
Market range: <0.72 inch – >1.6 inch
This fitness tracker has a screen size of 0.7 inch which is smaller than that of 91.8% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 1.9% of fitness trackers.
Display type
OLED
This fitness tracker uses OLED display technology which is more advanced than that of 54.6% of fitness trackers and the same as that of 19.1% of fitness trackers.
Screen resolution
?
Pixel density
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Form factor
wristband
Hybrid design
no
This fitness tracker does not support Hybrid design. 2.1% of fitness trackers support Hybrid design.
Designed for kids
no
This fitness tracker is not designed for kids. 3.3% of fitness trackers are designed for kids.
Replaceable watch band
no
This fitness tracker does not have a replaceable watch band. 77.1% of fitness trackers have a replaceable watch band.
Band width
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Fitbit Force vs the average fitness tracker

246810TotalHealthSportsBatteryDisplayConnectivitySmart functionsDesignWellness
  • Tracks elevation
    This fitness tracker supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.5% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
    Floors climbed via altimeter
  • Tracks menstrual cycle
    This fitness tracker supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 45.2% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • Windows compatible
    This fitness tracker is compatible with Windows, while the average fitness tracker is not. 20.9% of fitness trackers are compatible with Windows.
  • Mac OS X compatible
    This fitness tracker is compatible with Mac OS X, while the average fitness tracker is not. 26.3% of fitness trackers are compatible with Mac OS X.
    Via Fitbit Connect.
  • Built-in barometer
    This fitness tracker has a barometer, while the average fitness tracker does not. 10.4% of fitness trackers have a barometer.
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    This fitness tracker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average fitness tracker (30 m vs 10 m). The average fitness tracker offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    30 m vs 10 m
  • 12.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 85% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (22)
    18 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.3
  • NFC
    This fitness tracker has NFC, while the average fitness tracker does not. 11.7% of fitness trackers have NFC.
    NFC is for app launching only.
  • 12.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 85% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (22)
    18 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.3
  • Tracks menstrual cycle
    This fitness tracker supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 45.2% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • Tracks elevation
    This fitness tracker supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.5% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
    Floors climbed via altimeter
  • Built-in barometer
    This fitness tracker has a barometer, while the average fitness tracker does not. 10.4% of fitness trackers have a barometer.
  • Windows compatible
    This fitness tracker is compatible with Windows, while the average fitness tracker is not. 20.9% of fitness trackers are compatible with Windows.
  • Mac OS X compatible
    This fitness tracker is compatible with Mac OS X, while the average fitness tracker is not. 26.3% of fitness trackers are compatible with Mac OS X.
    Via Fitbit Connect.
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    This fitness tracker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average fitness tracker (30 m vs 10 m). The average fitness tracker offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    30 m vs 10 m
  • NFC
    This fitness tracker has NFC, while the average fitness tracker does not. 11.7% of fitness trackers have NFC.
    NFC is for app launching only.
  • 1 more physical buttons
    This fitness tracker has a higher physical buttons than the average fitness tracker (1 vs 0). The average fitness tracker has 0 of physical buttons.
    1 vs 0
  • 22.13 mm lower height
    This fitness tracker is shorter than the average fitness tracker (19.2 mm vs 41.3 mm). The average fitness tracker has a height of 41.325 mm.
    19.2 mm vs 41.325 mm
  • Tracks calorie intake
    This fitness tracker supports calorie intake tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 38.4% of fitness trackers support calorie intake tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This fitness tracker supports water intake tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 40.9% of fitness trackers support water intake tracking.
  • No heart rate monitoring
    This fitness tracker does not support heart rate monitoring, while the average fitness tracker does. 63.9% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
  • No automatic activity detection
    This fitness tracker does not support automatic activity detection, while the average fitness tracker does. 56.4% of fitness trackers support automatic activity detection.
  • Higher resting heart rate
    This fitness tracker does not support Resting heart rate, while the average fitness tracker does. 52.7% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
  • No phone finder
    This fitness tracker does not support phone finding, while the average fitness tracker does. 50.9% of fitness trackers support phone finding.
  • 0.36 inch smaller screen size
    This fitness tracker has a lower screen size than the average fitness tracker (0.7 inch vs 1.06 inch). The average fitness tracker has a screen size of 1.06 inch.
    0.7 inch vs 1.06 inch
  • No sleep reports
    This fitness tracker does not support sleep reports, while the average fitness tracker does. 86.6% of fitness trackers support sleep reports.
  • Limited ip rating
    This fitness tracker has a lower IP rating than the average fitness tracker (IPX7 vs IP68). The average fitness tracker has an IP rating of IP68.
    1 ATM water resistance.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 50 m lower waterproof depth rating
    This fitness tracker has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average fitness tracker (0 m vs 50 m). The average fitness tracker has a waterproof depth rating of 50 m.
    Not waterproof.
    0 m vs 50 m
  • 17.7% lower sentiment score
    6.5 vs 7.9
  • 57.1% more expensive
    Fitbit Force is more expensive than the average fitness tracker (£110 vs £70).
    £110 vs £70
  • No heart rate monitoring
    This fitness tracker does not support heart rate monitoring, while the average fitness tracker does. 63.9% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
  • Higher resting heart rate
    This fitness tracker does not support Resting heart rate, while the average fitness tracker does. 52.7% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
  • No sleep reports
    This fitness tracker does not support sleep reports, while the average fitness tracker does. 86.6% of fitness trackers support sleep reports.
  • 4 years older release date
    This fitness tracker was released earlier than the average fitness tracker (2013 vs 2017). The average fitness tracker was released in 2017.
    October 2013
    2013 vs 2017
  • No automatic activity detection
    This fitness tracker does not support automatic activity detection, while the average fitness tracker does. 56.4% of fitness trackers support automatic activity detection.
  • No route tracker
    This fitness tracker does not support route tracking, while the average fitness tracker does. 52.3% of fitness trackers support route tracking.
  • 1.5 days shorter battery life
    This fitness tracker has a lower battery life than the average fitness tracker (8.5 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.
    source range 7-10 days.
    8.5 days vs 10 days
  • 0.36 inch smaller screen size
    This fitness tracker has a lower screen size than the average fitness tracker (0.7 inch vs 1.06 inch). The average fitness tracker has a screen size of 1.06 inch.
    0.7 inch vs 1.06 inch
  • Old Bluetooth version
    This fitness tracker supports an older Bluetooth version than the average fitness tracker (4 vs 4.1). The average fitness tracker supports Bluetooth 4.1.
    4 vs 4.1
  • No phone finder
    This fitness tracker does not support phone finding, while the average fitness tracker does. 50.9% of fitness trackers support phone finding.
  • Limited ip rating
    This fitness tracker has a lower IP rating than the average fitness tracker (IPX7 vs IP68). The average fitness tracker has an IP rating of IP68.
    1 ATM water resistance.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 50 m lower waterproof depth rating
    This fitness tracker has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average fitness tracker (0 m vs 50 m). The average fitness tracker has a waterproof depth rating of 50 m.
    Not waterproof.
    0 m vs 50 m
  • 35.8% heavier
    This fitness tracker is heavier than the average fitness tracker (32.6 g vs 24 g). The average fitness tracker weighs 24 g.
    19.2 mm at the thickest point.
    32.6 g vs 24 g
  • No replaceable watch band
    This fitness tracker does not have a replaceable watch band, while the average fitness tracker does. 76.8% of fitness trackers have a replaceable watch band.
  • No inactivity alerts
    This fitness tracker does not support inactivity alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 78.7% of fitness trackers support inactivity alerts.
  • Ads in app
    This fitness tracker shows ads in the app, while the average fitness tracker does not. 50.6% of fitness trackers have an ad-free app.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Onourshelf
≈ estimated
25/02/2014
Unboxing and setup · hands-on use with battery and running tests
Verdict
Fitbit Force is a great little activity tracker, extremely light and comfortable, with battery life of around eight to ten days.
9.0
KLisaLisa
≈ estimated
23/01/2014
Hands-on review · gym activity and sleep tracking
Verdict
Fitbit Force is an enjoyable everyday tracker that can slip off, so adding an extra O-ring is worth it.
8.0
Hands-On Tech
≈ estimated
30/10/2013
Hands-on review · display, battery and fit tests
Verdict
Fitbit Force is a recommended buy despite being bulky, with a useful display and long battery life.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.4
cnet.com
✓ explicit
10/10/2013
Hands-on test · OLED wristband
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is a comfortable, water-resistant band with a bright OLED screen, but it works with only a few Android phones and was later recalled.
8.0
businessinsider.com
≈ estimated
27/10/2013
Week-long test · Wristband tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force suits anyone who wants a general overview of daily activity and sleep, but food and gym workouts must be typed in by hand.
9.0
genuinecuriosity.com
≈ estimated
09/12/2013
Hands-on review · Three weeks of wear
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is a low-profile band that lasts about 10 days per charge and wakes you with a silent vibrating alarm, suiting people who want daily tracking.
9.0
gstylemag.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2013
Daily-use review · Wrist display
Verdict
The Fitbit Force combines the Flex's wristband with the One's stair counting and sleep button, though it comes only in black or slate with no swappable bands.
9.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2014
Hands-on review · Smartwatch-style tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is a clear improvement on the Flex, with a readable display and stair counting, though it was withdrawn from sale over allergic reactions.
8.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
14/02/2014
Hands-on review · Recalled fitness band
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is a solid, comfortable tracker with a clear screen and stair counting, but the band has been recalled and is no longer sold.
9.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
06/03/2014
Expert review · Wristband tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force suits beginners who want a wristband, with the sharpest display and a solid web and app, though it has no heart-rate sensor and was recalled.
9.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
24/03/2014
Hands-on test · Wristband tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is the best pick for a beginner who wants a wristband, with the sharpest display and a clear online dashboard, but it has no heart-rate sensor.
9.0
bestthingslicedbread.com
≈ estimated
28/02/2014
Personal review · Daily use
Verdict
The Fitbit Force shows how much you move each day and nudges you to move more, but it misses some workouts and its sleep data adds little.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
14/03/2014
Hands-on test · Activity and sleep tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is comfortable and tracks activity well, with a helpful silent alarm, but its sleep tracking is less accurate than the Jawbone Up 24.
7.0
michellecederberg.com
≈ estimated
03/04/2014
Personal review · Cycling and classes
Verdict
The Fitbit Force suits walkers and new exercisers who want simple, accurate tracking, but cycling and fitness classes don't log well.
8.0
laptopmag.com
✓ explicit
13/10/2013
Hands-on review · Sleep and stair tracking
Verdict
The Fitbit Force suits people who want to check their progress without their phone, thanks to its bright OLED screen, though the clasp is awkward to close.
G
gizmodo.com
30/10/2013
≈ estimated
9.0
Summary of the review
Fitbit Force Review: A Health Tracker You'd Actually Keep Wearing
8.0
gadfit.com
≈ estimated
11/01/2014
Hands-on test · Wrist tracker accuracy
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is a credible wrist tracker that counts steps well, doubles as a watch and stays water-resistant, though it is slightly off on slow walks.
8.0
macmaniacs.at
≈ estimated
07/12/2013
Hands-on test · OLED display tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is comfortable, with a clear OLED display and about 11 days of battery, but it is not waterproof and must come off for showers and swims.
7.0
computerbild.de
≈ estimated
13/03/2014
Lab test · Recalled fitness band
Verdict
The Fitbit Force has a useful display and motivating badges, but it was recalled over skin irritation and its distance readings are often off.
9.0
es.gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
02/11/2013
Hands-on test · Monochrome display tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is a comfortable, simple tracker with a clear screen and about 10 days of battery, but only some Android phones can sync with it.
8.0
elconfidencial.com
≈ estimated
01/06/2014
Hands-on test · Screen-equipped band
Verdict
The Fitbit Force is an upgrade on the Flex, with a screen for your stats and long battery life, though sales were paused over allergic skin reactions.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Fitbit Force

  • Bright and sharp OLED display for easy tracking of metrics and time
  • Comfortable, lightweight design suitable for 24/7 wear
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting 7 to 10 days on a single charge
  • Tracks various metrics including steps, stairs (altimeter), and sleep
  • User-friendly mobile app and comprehensive web dashboard
  • Silent vibrating alarms and wireless Bluetooth syncing

What customers don't like about Fitbit Force

  • Voluntary recall due to widespread reports of skin rashes and irritation
  • Difficult and secure-challenged wrist clasp that can be hard to close
  • Uses a proprietary charging cable rather than standard micro-USB
  • Not waterproof; only water-resistant to splashes and sweat
  • Inability to replace the band if it breaks or wears out
  • Lacks advanced sensors like a heart rate monitor

Verdict

The Fitbit Force is a wrist-worn fitness tracker featuring a bright alphanumeric OLED display, a built-in altimeter for tracking floors climbed, and a 3-axis accelerometer to monitor steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. Its core strengths include a long battery life of 7 to 10 days, seamless wireless syncing via Bluetooth 4.0, and a silent vibrating alarm for sleep tracking. However, it was famously subject to a voluntary recall due to reports of skin irritation and rashes from the nickel-containing stainless steel clasp, and it lacks a heart rate monitor and full waterproofing, being only water-resistant against splashes and sweat.

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