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The Fitbit Alta HR is a brilliantly well-rounded entry-level fitness tracker that, thanks to its new heart rate tracking abilities, offers something more than many of its rivals.
It’s a no faff, no fanfare device and one that’s a simple, elegant solution to track all your footfalls and exercise sessions.
It’s a tracker that brings peace of mind knowing you can trust everything that’s relayed to your phone and, despite not doing anything unique or special, stands out for its consistency and accuracy.
It’s a refinement of a now familiar process, is easier on the eye than most and offers a more robust app platform than much of the competition.
It’s not without fault though. Its display really struggles in bright sunlight, and this is a serious mark against a device that’s effortlessly accomplished in most other areas.
Who's this for?
The Fitbit Alta HR is the fitness tracker for the everyman/woman. It’s a device that will encourage you to get moving, and take you from general activity to a bit of light sport without ever feeling like you’re wanting for features.
Its heart rate scanner is a great way to keep a more accurate track of your improving fitness levels and calorie burn if that’s what you're after, while the accompanying app does a great job of making your data accessible and understandable.
It’s a device for those of you looking to develop and maintain a basic level of fitness rather than strive towards a new half marathon personal best, and those who fear the added complexity of the Fitbit Charge 2.
Should you buy it?
If you’re after a general-purpose activity tracker, you can do a whole lot worse than the Fitbit Alta HR. Its increased feature list and higher price tag edges it perilously close to the Fitbit Charge 2, muddying the waters of choice, but it still succeeds as a solid fitness tracker in its own right.
Not only is it accurate and easy to use, but it looks great too. Its battery life is solid and its customization options impressive.
Just be wary about taking it out in the sun too often, you might strain your eyes with all that screen-struggling squinting.
First reviewed: March 2017
