05/06/2026
Sharing
Recently, I came across an article from PCMag comparing Fitbit and Oura Gen 4. Since I wear these two devices, as well as Garmin, I will share my experience.
Heart rate: In short, Garmin is good for heart rate tracking and is probably the best of the three for HR.
Proof: I placed my Garmin Edge showing chest strap HR data side by side with the Garmin app on my phone showing watch data, and they match very closely, which is impressive.
Sleep: However, Garmin is extremely poor for sleep tracking. For example, while I was reading a book, it registered that I was sleeping, which is something I have never experienced with Fitbit or Oura Gen 4.
Comparison of Oura Gen 4 and Fitbit.
The Oura ring is supposed to be the most accurate for sleep based on research data, and I find this to be indeed true, with very impressive accuracy in my experience, but it comes with a subscription cost, which is its main disadvantage.
It is also very easy to scratch, especially during bike work. Wearing Fitbit on the wrist is much less prone to scratches. I bought a silicone cover for the Oura, but it stops charging when placed on the charger due to the added height from the silicone thickness, and it is too troublesome having to keep removing the silicone each time I charge it.
Another disadvantage of Oura ring is that it is easy to lose. Every time you wash your hands, if you remove it, there is a high chance you may forget to wear it again.
Fitbit and Oura gen4, on the other hand, are not very accurate for heart rate.
Comparing Fitbit and Oura sleep data, I will say they are close enough. Though Fitbit is not as accurate as Oura based on research data, we can say that Fitbit is good enough.
Reference :
https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/fitbit-air-vs-oura-ring-wrist-or-finger-for-the-future-of-wellness
