Although both claim that they feature fitness-centric apps and functions, which between the Apple Watch and Fitbit Surge is the better wearable for an active user?

Design

In terms of design, both wearables claim that they are flexible enough that they can be worn either as a dedicated fitness tracker or a more sophisticated timepiece. Design-wise, the Apple Watch and the Fitbit Surge look alike at first glance, but the Apple Watch still comes on top in terms of custom options. While the Fitbit Surge can be customized with different color bands, the Apple Watch has a collection of different straps and bands as well as watch cases. In addition, the Apple Watch lineup itself has three editions of flexible, customizable wearables, while the Surge is the only top-tier smartwatch in the Fitbit lineup.

Specs

For the display, Apple's preference for its wearable lineup is also the better one, according to industry followers. The Cupertino-based conglomerate uses OLED screens with Sapphire crystal glass protection. The Fitbit Surge, on the other hand, has an LCD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. There are at least two size options for the Apple Watch, whereas the Fitbit Surge only has a 1.6-inch screen with 240 x 180 resolution.

Navigation also shows the Apple Watch as the clear winner, though the Fitbit Surge also has its own strengths. While both employ touchscreen displays, the Surge mixes it well together with two physical buttons. The Apple Watch, meanwhile, employs more of its Force Touch-enabled screen for navigation.

Performance-wise, though, the Fitbit Surge is more of a fitness tracker than the Apple Watch. Although the Apple wearable has a number of fitness- and health-related apps that give accurate and updated monitoring, the Fitbit Surge doubles its performance by having real-time exercise stats and updates and can even detect sleep patterns through heart rates and movement details.