Need advice - fitbit ionic or garmin forerunner 235?

[Julesk1]

Hi all, my fitbit charge hr is on its last legs so I'm looking for a new watch. I can get a discount on the fitbit ionic so it makes it the same price as the garmin forerunner 235 (£167). Just wondering if anybody has either of these 2 models and can tell me pros or cons? Id like to think that I'm going to continue with my running, but I don't think I'm ever going to be doing it seriously... More to keep fit really. I usually run on a treadmill but might venture outside from time to time. I do like the fitbit interface and am used to that so am probably leaning more towards that than the garmin.. Thanks in advance!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I’ve trusted Garmin gps on some long walks before now, not dumb enough to go up mountains without a map and compass, but Garmin got me off kinder scout in virtually 0 visibility once, map was useless!

That said, if you’re running on treadmill mostly that won’t matter... I’d go with what I was used to on the web/pc interface I think.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

In the days before Garmin.. map and compass was all we had... Never got lost even in white out...!

But I do love my Garmin...

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aye... but you’re more skilled than me. I’ve got two walking garmins... maybe one day I’ll get a running one.

[Sarakc Graduate]

I had a Fitbit flex 2 and wanted to get something a bit better for tracking my runs. I thought I might be better sticking with Fitbit as I was familiar with it but I got a Garmin 235 and I’m really happy with it! Very easy to use! 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Garmin is my choice... Forerunner 10 was my first one.. upgrading each time. as I move on... Luckily Mr OF. likes to treat me for little successes on my running journey

[Taffinator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Still using my forerunner 10, esp on holiday as my Apple Watch is the original and not waterproof in the pool, forgot how much I like my Garmin 👍🏻

[MarkyD Graduate]

If you were running outside then the quick GPS on the FR235, and the customisation of the running screens would be the deciding factor.

The Garmin is probably not at its best on a treadmill, so go with your instinct.

[Garden17]

Fit bit garmin not that nice

[dory950 Graduate]

I have the ionic very easy to use . I have never had a Garmin but I believe they are also good . Run outsiders get full benefit !

[norabzil Graduate]

I have had my ionic since March when my surge gave up and I love it 😍. It has a treadmill function and also has built in gps which I have used for long walks.

So far it has not let me down and plus all your other fitbit options. Not had a garmin so can't compare but my fitbit suits me fine 🙂

[Julesk1 Graduate]

Thanks everyone... I think I'm still leaning towards the fitbit as I'm already used to it, and if I end up not running as much it will still be a good day to day tracker Obvs I hope this doesn't happen!!

[Julesk1 Graduate]

So I got the ionic, but it's just not worked right since I've had it.. It hasnt been tracking my heart rate properly, or GPS... Spoke to fitbit and they reckon my phone isn't compatible with their app... Absolute rubbish as I've had a fitbit charge hr for 2 years before this and it worked perfectly! Anyway, I'm sending it back for a refund... Torn between chancing the fitbit charge 3 although worried I'm gonna have the same problem with it... I really like the software boo!

[Hidden]

Hi Jules, I have a Fitbit charge2, I’ve been more than happy with it, till I started running... I’ve tracked my runs using my Fitbit & using the Nike app on my phone, same run, same day & fitbit was half a mile short, the GPS is way out, & has been on every run that I’ve double tracked... I googled it and a lot of people have issues with this, I think it can be something to do with your step stride... I’ve not really got round to looking in to it further. It’s annoying tho!

Hope whatever you decide works for you! 😊

[Julesk1 Graduate]

The more I'm reading the more I'm leaning towards garmin now.. Seems like there are a lot of problems with devices and Huawei phones, but garmin have posted updates to sort this out.. Fitbit haven't attempted to do anything and don't sound like they will... I do love the software but think it's time to move on! I had so many problems with customer service today which is also swaying me.. I had high hopes for the ionic but don't really want to get a new phone to make it work!

[Hidden]

I’ve always been happy with mine as a day to day tracker... it’s only since I’ve started running that it’s giving me problems. It’s frustrating as they advertise the feature of tracking your runs, but if it’s not accurate, it’s a pain! You definitely shouldn’t have to get a new phone to make it work!

I use mine with iPhone... I’m going to faff around with the settings & step stride to see if it tracks better. (When I get round to it)

Hopefully if you contact customer service again they’ll deal with it better & help you! 😊

[Julesk1 Graduate]

I got so annoyed i just asked for a refund and because I've not had it for more than 45 days they said I could.. Now Im wondering if I have the patience to wait for black Friday to see if there are any good deals, or just get one now... I've mostly been running indoors, but recently when I was away I ran outdoors and it was the one time the ionic didn't track GPS like it was meant too.. I also realised that the hr was way off.. My resting hr has shot up by 15 since getting that watch, but presumably because its only tracking my hr for about half of each week! Good luck with sorting yours out!!