Software Alternatives & Startups

fitbit VS PULS

Compare fitbit VS PULS and see what are their differences

fitbit

The Fitbit mobile app is for people who use Fitbit fitness trackers to keep track of their activity goals, food plans, and other fitness related things. Read more about fitbit.

PULS

Will.i.am's smart watch - no phone needed

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Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Health And Fitness popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 7

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

fitbit
PUL
PULS
Website fitbit.com will.i.am
Company Startup from the United States —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

fitbit 5 features
PUL
PULS 5 features
  • Health and Fitness Tracking
    Fitbit devices offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking, including steps, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. This helps users monitor their physical activity and health metrics actively.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The Fitbit app features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and interpret their health data. It provides clear and detailed insights into various health metrics.
  • Community Features
    Fitbit's community features allow users to connect with friends, join groups, and participate in challenges. This social aspect can motivate users to stay active and reach their fitness goals.
  • Wide Range of Devices
    Fitbit offers a variety of devices catering to different needs and budgets, from basic fitness trackers to advanced smartwatches. This variety ensures that there is a suitable option for everyone.
  • Third-party App Integration
    Fitbit devices support integration with popular third-party apps like Strava, MyFitnessPal, and others. This allows users to enhance their health tracking experience through additional functionalities.

Possible disadvantages

  • Battery Life
    Some Fitbit models, especially the more advanced ones, may have a shorter battery life compared to simpler fitness trackers. This means users may need to charge their devices more frequently.
  • Accuracy Limitations
    While Fitbit devices provide useful health metrics, some users have reported occasional inaccuracies in tracking, particularly for more nuanced activities like cycling or weightlifting.
  • Subscription Fees
    Access to premium features in the Fitbit app requires a subscription to Fitbit Premium. This additional cost may be a deterrent for users who want to access advanced health insights and personalized guidance.
  • Durability Concerns
    There have been some user reports regarding the durability of Fitbit devices, specifically issues with the strap or screen. This can affect the longevity and reliability of the device.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any health tracking device, there are potential privacy concerns related to the collection and use of personal health data. Users may have concerns about how their data is handled and shared.
  • Standalone Connectivity
    The PULS was designed as a standalone wearable device with its own cellular connection, meaning it could make calls, send texts, and access the internet without needing to be paired with a smartphone, which was a novel concept at the time of its release.
  • Voice Control Integration
    The device featured voice command capabilities powered by an intelligent assistant, allowing users to interact with the device hands-free for tasks like sending messages, making calls, and searching the web.
  • Unique Design Concept
    As a cuff-style wearable rather than a traditional smartwatch, the PULS offered a distinctive fashion-forward design that stood out from other wearables on the market, reflecting will.i.am's vision of merging technology with fashion.
  • Music and Media Features
    The PULS included music streaming and playback capabilities, along with a built-in speaker and microphone, catering to music lovers who wanted entertainment on the go without carrying a phone.
  • GPS and Fitness Tracking
    The device included GPS functionality and basic fitness tracking features such as a pedometer, giving users the ability to track their location and physical activity directly from their wrist.

Possible disadvantages

  • Poor Battery Life
    The PULS suffered from notoriously short battery life, often lasting only a few hours on a single charge, making it impractical for all-day use and a major frustration for users who needed reliable performance throughout the day.
  • Bulky and Uncomfortable Design
    Despite its fashion-forward aspirations, the PULS was widely criticized for being overly bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, which undermined its appeal as an everyday wearable accessory.
  • Limited App Ecosystem
    The device ran a custom operating system with a very limited selection of apps, lacking access to major app stores like Google Play or Apple's App Store, which severely restricted its functionality compared to competing smartwatches.
  • High Price Point
    The PULS was priced at a premium level that was difficult to justify given its limited functionality, poor battery life, and overall underwhelming user experience, making it a poor value proposition compared to alternatives.
  • Unreliable Performance
    Users and reviewers frequently reported laggy performance, software bugs, connectivity issues, and an unresponsive touchscreen, leading to a frustrating user experience that made the device feel unfinished and poorly tested before release.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

fitbit
PUL
PULS

Overall verdict

  • Fitbit is a good option for those looking for a comprehensive fitness tracking solution. It offers a variety of devices at different price points, ensuring that there is a Fitbit suitable for most fitness levels and budgets. The combination of quality hardware with a well-designed app makes Fitbit a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.

Why this product is good

  • Fitbit is known for its reliable fitness tracking devices that offer a wide range of features including step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS functionality. The Fitbit app is also highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive data analysis, making it easier for users to track their fitness progress. Additionally, Fitbit offers a strong community element with challenges and leaderboards that help motivate users.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking a reliable fitness tracker with a proven track record.
  • People interested in tracking their daily activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
  • Those who enjoy participating in motivational challenges and community features.
  • Fitness enthusiasts looking for devices with built-in GPS and other advanced features.

Overall verdict

  • PULS (also marketed as i.am+ Buttons) was an ambitious wearable smartwatch from will.i.am that aimed to be a standalone communication device, but it received largely mixed-to-negative reviews due to a bulky design, poor battery life, laggy performance, and a high price, making it hard to recommend over more polished competitors.

Why this product is good

  • It offered standalone cellular connectivity, meaning it could make calls and send messages without needing a paired smartphone
  • It featured a bold, distinctive design aimed at fashion-conscious and celebrity-driven audiences
  • It included voice assistant capabilities and built-in apps for a self-contained smart experience
  • The brand carried the marketing weight and creative vision of will.i.am, giving it strong visibility

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts and early adopters curious about experimental wearable devices
  • Fans of will.i.am interested in celebrity-branded gadgets
  • Collectors of unusual or niche smart wearables

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

fitbit 3 videos + Add
PUL
PULS 0 videos + Add

Fitbit Inspire HR Newest Fitness Tracker 2019 - REVIEW

More videos

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  • - Fitbit Inspire HR vs Charge 3 | Fitness Tracker Review (MUST WATCH)

No PULS videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
fitbit
PUL
PULS
100% 100%
0% 0%
90% 90%
10% 10%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

fitbit 5.0 · 1 review
PUL
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