Apple Watch Series 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a premium smartwatch experience with its always-on LTPO OLED display, comprehensive health suite including ECG capability, and dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking. Its S8 chip powers responsive performance, while 18-hour battery life suffices for daily use (36 hours in Low Power Mode). Fitbit Inspire 3 targets budget-conscious users seeking essential fitness tracking, offering exceptional 10-day battery life, SpO2 and skin temperature monitoring, and solid build quality at a quarter the price. However, it lacks GPS, ECG, always-on display, and cellular connectivity. For serious fitness enthusiasts and Apple ecosystem users, Series 8 justifies its premium cost through superior features and integration. Inspire 3 excels as an affordable entry-level option for basic health monitoring and casual fitness tracking, though its reliance on Bluetooth-only GPS limits running accuracy. Choose Series 8 if ecosystem integration and comprehensive health data matter; select Inspire 3 if budget and battery longevity are priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- →Crash Detection and temperature sensing are genuinely useful safety features
- →Always-On LTPO display is bright and readable even outdoors
- →Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking in dense urban areas
Buy the Fitbit Inspire 3 if…
- →10-day battery life — charge once and forget for well over a week
- →Color AMOLED display is a huge upgrade over Inspire 2's grayscale
- →Ultra-lightweight at 20 g — perfect for sleep tracking
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Series 8
Pros
- Crash Detection and temperature sensing are genuinely useful safety features
- Always-On LTPO display is bright and readable even outdoors
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking in dense urban areas
- ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature cover comprehensive health monitoring
- Low Power Mode extends battery to 36 hours for travel
Cons
- 18-hour standard battery still requires daily charging
- S8 chip is essentially identical to S7 — minimal performance upgrade
- Stainless steel model pushes price to $699+
- Skin temperature sensing is limited to cycle tracking on launch
Fitbit Inspire 3
Pros
- 10-day battery life — charge once and forget for well over a week
- Color AMOLED display is a huge upgrade over Inspire 2's grayscale
- Ultra-lightweight at 20 g — perfect for sleep tracking
- SpO2 and skin temperature sensors at just $99
- 5ATM water resistance for swimming
Cons
- No built-in GPS — relies on phone GPS for outdoor tracking
- No NFC — cannot use Fitbit Pay
- Tiny screen limits notification readability
- Best health insights locked behind Fitbit Premium subscription
- No always-on display option
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Fitbit Inspire 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Fitbit OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 32 g (41mm Al) / 38.8 g (45mm Al) | 20 g |
| Case material | Aluminum / Stainless Steel | Plastic resin |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m), EN13319 dive certification | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours (36 hrs in Low Power Mode) | Up to 10 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 41mm / 45mm | 0.73 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 352 x 430 / 396 x 484 | 256 x 124 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Fitbit custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Fitbit products. View full details for the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Fitbit Inspire 3.