What is the most accurate Fitbit for counting calories burned?

[keengkong]

Does anyone have any opinions on the most accurate Fitbit device for counting calories burned?

Theoretically, it ought to be a Fitbit with heart rate tracking turned on.  (I should point out that I never get even remotely accurate heart rate readings compared to using a chest strap monitor, and I've followed all provided advice on how to get accurate heart rate readings.)  However, I don't lose weight when using it in that fashion.

[WavyDavey]

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@keengkong wrote:

Does anyone have any opinions on the most accurate Fitbit device for counting calories burned?

Theoretically, it ought to be a Fitbit with heart rate tracking turned on.  (I should point out that I never get even remotely accurate heart rate readings compared to using a chest strap monitor, and I've followed all provided advice on how to get accurate heart rate readings.)  However, I don't lose weight when using it in that fashion.

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Heart rate tracking is an important part of calculating calories burned. Chest strap monitors tend to be more accurate, but the averaged heart rate monitoring that Fitbit provides is adequate for daily calorie counts.

I believe the Ionic will be the most accurate (most up-to-date HR monitoring), but I've only had it a short while, and need more time to verify that.

If using the calorie counts you're given by Fitbit doesn't result in the weight loss of your chosen plan, you may need to subtract further calories from your intake.

[Mukluk4]

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@keengkong wrote:

Does anyone have any opinions on the most accurate Fitbit device for counting calories burned?

Theoretically, it ought to be a Fitbit with heart rate tracking turned on.  (I should point out that I never get even remotely accurate heart rate readings compared to using a chest strap monitor, and I've followed all provided advice on how to get accurate heart rate readings.)  However, I don't lose weight when using it in that fashion.

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It's going to depend on your activity.  In comparing a non-HRM to an HRM in walks and runs, the caloric burn was within 5% difference assuming you have your stride length correctly configured.  Where they HRM really shines is the non-step based activities (weight training, biking, etc).

[Baltoscott]

@keengkong -- None of them are perfect, but they are all accurate enough to help you lose weight and monitor your activity. Over the first six months of this year I lost about 40 pounds using the Charge 2.  It seemed to overestimate my calorie burn by about 500/day (or I underestimated what I ate by about 500/day), but it is easy to adjust for if you are monitoring your weight.  The error was consistent, and I just adjusted by increasing my deficit.  I've been wearing an Ionic lately and while I think it is generally more accurate in measuring my HR, the differences over the course of a day are not dramatic, and my daily calorie burn due to activity is similar for both devices (According to fitbit, I usually burn between 2200 and 2500 calories/day due to activity).

The trick to making sure you are really in a calorie deficit is to measure your weight regularly (I do it daily) and make adjustments every week or so if you are not losing.

[Daves_Not_Here]

Agreeing with @Baltoscott -- all measuring devices introduce errors - accuracy is interesting from an academic perspective, but not necessary for Fitbit to be a very effective tool for weight control.  I think accuracy varies with the individual and the types of activities in which they engage.

I have the Charge 2 which has heart-rate monitoring and have found it underestimates my calorie burn by about 160 calories per day.  This means I lose weight slightly faster than Fitbit predicts - about 1 extra pound every 3 weeks.  For me, this is inconsequential.  Others complain of "huge" overestimation errors, but methinks they doth complain too much and are more likely failing to log all their eating.

[emili]

exactly what @Baltoscott said.. in addition.. I have had the Charge HR, Alta HR, Charge 2 and now the Ionic- they all have the same consistent margin of error. So switching trackers did not all of a sudden give me insane calorie burn or HR readings. They have all been consistent. So whichever one you choose, I would go with what fits your lifestyle and pocket book the best.