Wellness apps: Fitbit App vs. Noom
Quick Verdict
Both apps offer comprehensive health and wellness features, but Noom focuses more on nutrition and mental wellness with a higher price point, while Fitbit excels in activity tracking and device integration at a lower cost.
- Noom offers a more comprehensive nutrition tracking database.
- Fitbit provides seamless integration with its own devices and Google Pixel Watches.
- Noom has dedicated mental wellness support through Noom Mood.
- Fitbit Premium is significantly cheaper than Noom's subscription.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Fitbit App | Noom |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Tracking Accuracy | Acceptably accurate (around 50%) for step counting, comparable to smartphone apps. | Tracks steps and exercise, syncs with Fitbit or Apple Health. Manual adjustment available. |
| Sleep Monitoring Features | Tracks sleep stages using heart rate and movement, provides a sleep score; Premium offers more detailed analysis. | Partnership with Oura for sleep course on metabolism and hunger. |
| Nutrition Tracking Capabilities | Allows users to log food intake. | Comprehensive database (3.7M+ options), barcode scanner, restaurant meals. Calorie tracking with color-coded system. |
| Personalized Coaching and Feedback | Offers personalized guidance and actionable insights, AI features for coaching and workout suggestions. | AI and human-led coaching via chat. Coaches trained in Noom method. Personalized feedback on food choices and tailored plans. |
| Integration with Wearable Devices | Integrates seamlessly with Fitbit devices and Google Pixel Watches. | Syncs with Fitbit, Garmin Connect, Google Fit, and Apple Watch for steps and weight. |
| Community and Social Features | Includes Community Feed, Friends section, and Groups (Challenges and Adventures were removed). | Interest-based groups (Noom Circles) led by coaches. |
| Mental Wellness Support | Offers tools for stress management, including mood logging, mindfulness content, guided breathing, and a stress management score. | Noom Mood for stress management using CBT, DBT, ACT. Includes lessons, mindfulness, mood logging, coaching. |
| Exercise and Workout Programs | Fitbit Premium includes workout videos and audio sessions; Fitstar Personal Trainer app offers personalized video-based routines. | Customized plans, meal logging, water tracking, on-demand Noom Move exercise classes. Integrates with Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin. |
| Subscription Cost | $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year; new devices often come with a free trial. | Monthly: $70, Annual: $209, Noom Med: +$49/month |
Overall Comparison
Nutrition: Noom wins; Device Integration: Fitbit wins; Mental Wellness: Noom wins; Price: Fitbit wins
Pros and Cons
Fitbit App
Pros:
- Comprehensive activity and sleep tracking
- Personalized coaching and feedback
- Seamless integration with Fitbit and Google Pixel devices
- Tools for stress management and mental well-being
- Varied exercise programs with Premium subscription
- User-friendly interface with simpler navigation
Cons:
- Step tracking accuracy can vary depending on device placement
- Premium subscription required for detailed sleep analysis and workout content
- Challenges and Adventures features were removed
Noom
Pros:
- Comprehensive food database with over 3.7 million options
- Personalized coaching and feedback
- Integration with wearable devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch
- Community features for support
- Mental wellness support through Noom Mood
- Exercise programs for different fitness levels
- Tools for tracking progress and macronutrients
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Step tracking accuracy can vary
- Coaching effectiveness may vary for some users
User Experiences and Feedback
Fitbit App
What Users Love
- Personalized guidance and actionable insights
- Effective tools for managing stress
- User-friendly insights
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- Fitbit Premium offers more detailed analysis.
- Fitbit Premium includes varied workout videos and audio sessions.
User Recommendations
- Step tracking accuracy is comparable to smartphone apps.
- Fitbit tracks sleep stages and provides a sleep score.
- The Fitbit app integrates seamlessly with Fitbit devices and Google Pixel Watches.
- The Fitbit app has a redesigned Sleep experience with simpler navigation.
Noom
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- Some users find the built-in pedometer less accurate.
- Some users have found the coaching to be a weak point.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.