Fitibit Ionic GPS Smart Watch
Meet the Fitbit Ionic, the watch designed for your life. Find the guidance to reach your goals with dynamic personal coaching, built-in GPS and continuous heart rate. Stay motivated by storing and playing 300+ songs and get inspired by a global fitness community.
- Start dynamic, personalized workouts on your wrist with step by step coaching. Synchronizing range: up to 30 feet. Certain features like smartphone notifications may require android 5.0 plus. Syncs with Mac OS x 10.6 and up, iPhone 4s and later, iPad 3 Jan. And later, android 4.4 and later and windows 10 devices
- Store and play 300 plus songs, and download playlists from Pandora. If the band sizes are small, it fits a wrist of circumference 5.5 6.5 inches and if the band size is large, it fits a wrist in circumference of 6.7 8.1 inches
- Use built in GPs to track pace, distance & routes and get pure, pulse continuous heart rate tracking & real time zones
- The package includes both large and small size bands for the perfect, comfortable fit for all day & all night wear
- Access your favorite apps for sports, weather & more and make payments on the go with a built in NFC chip. Durable screen corning gorilla glass 3 is tough and damage resistant
- Track runs, swims, rides, workouts, all day activity and sleep with 4 plus day battery life (varies with use & other factors)
- Increased pixels & amplified brightness up to 1000 nits, operating temperature: 4 degree to 113 degree fahrenheit, maximum operating altitude: 30,000 feet
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PK –
If your primary purchase decision is a health/activity tracker, get the Fitbit Ionic. If you want a smart watch with a bunch of features (that you really will not use), get the Apple Watch. As a former Apple watch user I really love this.First, it looks great (I always thought the apple watch face was too small on my wrist) and the various tracking capabilities are super robust and accurate. The most understated feature is the battery life! I cannot tell you how frustrating having to charge your watch every day is. It also makes other watches useless for my favorite functionality – sleep tracking. Sleep cycle patterns are really insightful is already impacting how long I allocate to sleeping and tracking how slight tweaks to my “sleeping experience” (different pillows, oil diffusers, etc) impacts my light sleep vs deep sleep, etc.Features – No, it does not have all the features or apps of the apple watch. However, I promise you will not use most of them. You may think you will send texts from your watch, but you really won’t. Most apps for the apple watch are super gimmicky and basically just scrunch an awesome phone app experience into a much smaller and less useful interface. For me – tracking heart rates, activity, sleeping patterns is the most important aspect of a smart watch (below).Tracking – This sets the Fitbit far apart from any other smart watch. I do not think the apple watch is even comparable here, though to be fair i think they are trying to achieve different things. In this regard, I guess it’s better to compare the Fitbit to some of the Garmin watches. For awhile, the Fitbit lagged behind Garmin for accurate heart rate and elevation tracking. While I do not own a Garmin, i have played around with them and from everything I have read the gap is closed in terms of accuracy. I really like how the Fitbit automatically detects different activities. I don’t know how it works but it somehow knew when I took a bike ride a few days ago, which I thought was awesome. Also, tracking V02 max (basically how well your body uses oxygen and thus how fit you are) and comparing this to age benchmarks is pretty cool (I don’t believe this is a part of the apple watch offering).Interface – I have read reviews about the laggy user interface and difficulties syncing, etc. Not sure if this was resolved with a software patch but I haven’t experienced this at all. The interface seems very responsive to me and it syncs to my phone whenever I open the app. I haven’t used the Fitbit pay yet, though it seems pretty cool (in theory).The Fitbit app – last point to mention is that the Fitbit app is awesome and has been consistently getting more useful as time goes on. I really like how they compare your health and fitness to benchmark standards for your age. I find myself opening it multiple times a day, which I never did with my apple watch/apple health app.In conclusion – I obviously really like my Ionic. I usually don’t post amazon reviews but I found myself frustrated by articles that seem to miss the point of having a tracker on your wrist. I don’t know if those reviewers are just apple fanboys, but man, I rarely used the apple watch for more than checking the time. The concept of a “smart watch” has changed in my mind after owning one. For me at least, fitness tracking is the most attractive use-case here and the Ionic is the gold standard for this. Stop reading reviews hung up on the lack of being able to send a text message. Get this watch and start seeing yourself caring much more about your overall well being.Not sure how to verify this isn’t a paid for review other than you checking my user history or posting a photo of it on my wrist/ order form. I ordered it direct on the Fitbit site (attached the order form). Also, I ordered the leather band (pricey, I know) but have not received it yet. I actually really like the blue/grey band though.Hope this helps your decision!
John –
Battery, Battery, BatteryI don’t understand why this smart watch is being compared to apple watch 3. Every article about this is either “is this the apple watch killer” or “More fitness tracker than smartwatch” The comparison to the third generation of apple watch is just odd, this is the first real smartwatch that Fitbit has done, yet it’s being compared to a device that has had three years of refinement and developmentThe general comments seem to be based around if the Ionic is smart enough to be considered a smartwatch, comparing features to the apple watch 3.For me its simple, a smart watch is smart, when it has built-in GPS, card payments, can store music and works with Bluetooth headphones – The basics that mean I don’t have to have my phone with me if I want to head out on a long walk, pay for things and listen to music on the way.Above all else though, a smartwatch is NOT a smartwatch, when it’s on charge. When it’s on charge, its a piece of metal and chips that have no use. This for me is the fundamental reason that makes the ionic amazing; you can wear it none stop for four days and reap all the benefits that come with that (sleep insights and true resting heart rate data etc.)I think there is a clear line between the 2 devices and users (Apple watch & Ionic) I have a phone, so I don’t need to send text messages from a 3cm display, I don’t need to access social media or the various other apps that the apple watch has and I don’t need to make calls from my watch like dick Tracy, I have a phone.The Fitbit community is based on the active lifestyle and the Ionic blends into that lifestyle perfectly. If you read an article and they are talking about certain apps or functions that the Ionic doesn’t have, just think about the actual day to day use you would get from those apps.When it comes to technology, the companies seem to be on a mission to reduce the size of devices and completely ignore battery life, the inconvenience of which can not be overstated.The last thing I would say is in regards to the look and feel of the Ionic, with a lot of comments saying its ugly and blocky, after wearing it for a few weeks I find it really stylish, even though I understand it may be big on a petite person arm. The display vibrancy is an absolute joy and something I have not seen before, all the graphics just jump off the screen, and it’s so crisp.Again there are comparisons to the apple watch regarding aesthetics, as if the apple watch is some sort of beautiful design to use as a benchmark. The design of the apple watch has never appealed to me and always felt like it was the best shape they could make to fit in the tech. With its curved edges and thickness, it looks like the original iPhone.There are issues with the Ionic such as every time I go to the Fitbit app it activates the card payment function on the watch, it also struggles to connect every so often and needs to be powered down and back on again. So its far from perfect, but it is a massive step in the right direction.NOTE: Every device I have is apple, all my work is done on apple, and I have an iPhone as my main phone, so the above is not a hater throwing shade on apple, I’m just comparing what I see and my own experience.
herralf –
Very disappointed that the device’s HR stopped working after a few months and with Fitbit’s response to the problem. I’ve had the device for about three months, and it worked well. The HR tracker is not perfect and can fluctuate significantly (which is to be expected), but in the past few days it’s gone haywire. I called and spoke to numerous Fitbit customer service folks, and they offered a number of reasons why the HR tracker wasn’t working. Some–like saying that my HR was 30-40 BPM higher because I wasn’t as active for a day–were ridiculous, while others were more credible.Long story short, the problem with the watch is most likely mechanical. It was working fine, but then stopped suddenly, with no intervening software changes (that I’m aware of, at least) or changes to how I wear or use it. However, Fitbit outright refused to honor the warranty and service the watch, and the last rep became somewhat hostile when I continued to press for an explanation why.Don’t spend so much money on a device that’ll break down so soon, without (apparently) even a limited warranty to back it up.
Chrissy –
I do not write many reviews, but I feel that it is important to share my experience thus far. I have had this watch since it’s release and it has been nothing but a headache and waste of several hundred dollars. There are major syncing flaws that occur on a daily basis. I chose this watch because I am an Android user and was looking for an all in one watch that I could use for running and receiving text and calls from my phone. The selling feature was the ability to download my music to the watch, eliminating the need to carry my phone with me during runs.The list of problems with this watch is never ending. Fitbit has released several updates in attempt to fix the many problems, yet they continue. In a last ditch effort to try to get my phone to sync with the watch I followed instructions for completely starting over…factory reset watch, delete app, delete watch from Bluetooth, etc. Now I cannot even get them to connect. WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME. DO NOT BUY!
Russ. M –
Bought this in April 2018 having been impressed with the advertised hardware and software features. Sadly, I found it to be inaccurate, temperamental and nothing but hassle. Having read the litany of complaints in previous reports I can now believe them all. If you take tracking your performance seriously then look elsewhere, this is not for you. The features look impressive but if the results are wildly inaccurate then what is the point. I now find myself with just another good looking waterproof watch.
Liam Byrne –
I am very disappointed by this product. I bought the Ionic Adidas version as I am a long-time Fitbit user (this is my third device) and an avid runner so delighted to see a GPS-enabled product in the Fitbit universe. Very easy to set up, lovely to look at and use. However!: During my first run 2 days after I received it, 80% charged, it turned off. So I reset and recharged and it was fine for 3 more days. After that it has turned off more times than I can remember, during normal use, during sleep, during exercise etc. I wasn’t expecting this after the investment made but from checking on-line, it’s a known bug. It’s a shame as it’s a nice device but let down by glitchy hardware. I have returned the unit to Amazon for a full refund after one weel and have bought a Garmin instead. I would not recommend this device to anyone and I am done with Fitbit.
BigSofty –
I have had a Surge for 2 years including 2 replacements due to the straps falling to pieces so I was looking forward to the ionic and it’s independent strap. However the quality of the software for the ionic is just not good enough yet. It needs to be tested and debugged a lot more before it is ready for paying customers. I followed the installation instructions and when completed I tried using the touch screen to scroll through the user interface. I could not use the interface for more than about 20s before the display would freeze, shortly followed by a reset of the ionic. I tried a factory reset and reinstall followed by leaving it overnight for it to sort itself out. Still the next morning it had the same problem. Searching the web showed there were lots of people with the same issue. Top of the range products should not have any issues out of the box. Disappointing Fitbit. Aug 2018.
John U –
Two reviews:Day 3: Lightweight, stylish (though fairly masculine but so was the Surge), clear display, easy set up, more apps (including weather!) no more wondering which hole to use as can adjust strap length very easily and a new charger.. again! Fitbit, honestly, can you and your design team stream line your charging platform please? Other than that, very happy with this product. Also bought screen protectors to keep it looking new.If you are a FitBit loyalist, this has all the capability of the Surge and Apple Watch combined at a competitive price. For serious runners who require more data e.g. altitude etc. then a more specialist watch would be ideal for you.Month 2: Still a fantastic, gorgeous watch and would count this as one of my ‘best buys’. The watch strap is easy to change with a simple click one-off tab. The Surge required a mini screwdriver and screws. Happy.
Richie S –
First and foremost this isn’t a smart watch, if you’re an Apple Watch fan then you’ll be disappointed. However, as a fitness watch it has everything you need with selectable notifications, so you’d never miss a call or text when exercising (providing the phone is with you).For a runner this has just the right amount of features and is so easy to use. GPS accuracy is spot on, I’ve completed 3 Half Marathons since purchasing this watch and the timing and distance has matched my chip time on each occasion. The bands are easy to change and the screen is really bright and easy to read. The pre installed apps are good, covering most of your activity requirements, I would like to see an indoor rowing app otherwise it would be 100% perfect. Is the Adidas version worth the extra over the standard Ionic? I’d say no, the Adidas fitness app is good and the exercises easy to follow but similar apps are available for free. That said I still love the Ionic, having swapped from a Garmin Fenix I’m finding it more reliable, easier to use and clearer to read
Peakcouple –
Fabulous. Had a Versa before and wanted to upgrade to a Fitbit with GPS. I thought this would be less comfortable, being bigger, but it’s actually much more comfortable than the Versa. The rear of the watch is designed for comfort and the ventilated strap is soft and finely adjustable thanks to all the holes. Looks great too!The GPS works perfectly, but does mean I need to recharge every 2 or 3 days. Using it without GPS extends the battery life considerably. The charger is much better designed that my old Versa and my wife’s Charge 3 chargers, held in place by magnets.The Fitbit app which I used before is ideal – clear, easy to use, stores lots of historical data. Couldn’t be bettered.I’ve since bought a Fitbit leather strap for more formal wear, from Fitbit rather than a cheaper and possibly more suspect source, and it looks really great ‘dressed up’. A fabulous tracker, highly recommended
Simon Foster –
Ordered this product on 22/07/19, initially found it hard to complete the firmware upgrade to the latest version, had to keep restarting it over and over again but eventually got it up and running. Ease of use is incredible and the fact it has built in GPS, which I did use to track a run, was excellent.As of today 06/08/19 the device has stopped working. It won’t charge, there is no display on the screen, and the support from Amazon was woeful.All they did was connected me through to FitBit, who asked the most ridiculous questions like ‘have you got some rubbing alcohol?’ (like I carry that round with me all the time, but it was suggested that I clean the charging contacts……..how does that fix a screen that does not display and a device that will not turn on?!).A new capsule is being sent by FitBit but after this experience I’m not overly confident it will be any better than the last one.Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Fred said: –
Fitbit’s Flagship model did not switch on !! Brand new, straight out of the box.What does this say about the quality control ?Can you really afford to spend that much money and have a chance you will need to send it back !!?Or will it keep going? Why just one year guarantee ?! Are you happy to bin it and buy another after 365days if the internals or side-buttons fail ?I have been very happy with my Fitbit Alto HR for over 18months now and so treated myself to the Ionic because I wanted the music and GPS in one unit. I read feedback about very slow updates, very slow music transfer, etc but was prepared to suffer these since (i think!) once transferred, it’s done and the music player and bluetooth earphone transfer is decent. But I am not going to find out !My 37minute call to Customer service was ok, going through the procedures but end result was the same, needs to be returned (to Netherlands by the way, not sure if at my cost).As I noted to Customer Service, when you add this issue to the other poor issues reported, it seems like Fitbit has taken a step too far – a great idea but poorly implemented with poor quality control on the manufactured product.Such reports are not what you expect about the FLAGSHIP model, which represents the very best that Fitbit can offer. It carries the reputation of the company.I would love to have written a glowing report since I really do rate my Alto HR and the Ionic’s specs are great, BUT the execution is flawed.It’s a lot of money for an Ionic and unless you are happy to have the risk of return, my experience shows you could be very disappointed.