Fitbit Inspire vs. Inspire HR - Where's the difference?

The Fitbit Inspire has been available to everyone since 2019. However, there are the Fitbit Inspire and the Fitbit Inspire HR. Judging by the name, both are quite similar. But there are differences. Which are clarified here.

Comparison Chart

What are the differences between Fitbit Inspire and Inspire HR?

In terms of appearance, there is little difference between the Inspire and Inspire HR. In contrast, the two models differ greatly in terms of their functions.

Overall, the differences and similarities are similar to the comparison between Fitbit Alta and Alta HR. That's not surprising since the Inspire is a combination of the older Fitbits, Flex 2, Alta and Zip.

Pulse measurement - HR function

The biggest difference lies in the pulse measurement. This is only available with the Fitbit Inspire HR. Thus, only HR you can show cardio fitness and resting frequency variant.

However, measuring the heart rate is an important factor in the meaningful use of a fitness tracker. From the point alone, the Inspire HR* is clearly ahead of the Inspire without HR.

Only the measurement of the pulse rate allows a meaningful statement about the activity. Just the analysis of the steps gives only a fraction of the information and thus does not allow such an accurate calculation of the calorie consumption (energy requirement).

Sleep analysis

Another difference between the Inspire and Inspire HR is the analysis of sleep phases. Although both models can record sleep, the analysis is only available on the Pulse Sensor model.

Connected GPS

None of Fitbit's two fitness trackers has a built-in GPS. The Fitbit Inspire HR supports connected GPS. The GPS of the smartphone is used. This requires an active connection between the Fitbit and the smartphone.

This method is used on most Fitbit devices. Only the Fitbit Ionic has a built-in GPS.

Target-based training modes

With the Fitbit Inspire HR you can choose between several training modes. Adapted to the respective type of training you will be shown intermediate results on the clock. In addition, the frequency of the pulse measurement in training mode is increased to every second, instead of every five seconds.

Guided breathing exercises

Only the Inspire HR model gives you the opportunity to use guided breathing exercises. The Fitness Tracker helps you to focus on breathing and thus heart rate for a short time. The function is for relaxation and focusing. Personally, however, I have hardly used them in practice.

Colors & bands

In the point of the colors, the two Fitbits also differed. The color of the bracelet is secondary, as both the Inspire, and the Inspire HR, the bracelet can be changed. There are also a lot of cheap bands, which can change the look strongly. The bands for the Inspire and Inspire HR are also identical.

However, the color of the Fitness Tracker (Module) itself can not be changed. Black is available for both versions. The HR is still in lilac. There is the Inspire without HR in lilac.
 

• Fitbit Inspire: Black, Sangria
• Fitbit Inspire HR: Black, Lilac

Similarities - Inspire and Inspire HR

In addition to the differences, the two Fitbits of course have similarities, which are interesting in part.

No floors

Both fitness trackers have no altimeter installed and can therefore not count floors. This is what the Inspire has in common with the older Alta. Even there, neither the Alta without, as well as the Alta with HR could record the number of floors.

Both are waterproof

Both the Inspire without pulse sensor and the Inspire HR are waterproof and can therefore be worn while swimming or in the water. Both fitness trackers are waterproof up to 50 meters.

Battery life is identical

The fitness trackers do not differ in battery life. Both Fitbits have a battery life of 5 days. This is a bit surprising as the pulse sensor suggests higher power consumption.

Of course, the battery life will decrease depending on usage. This affects, for example, the training mode and the GPS connection. Overall, the Inspire HR will have a shorter battery life in practice.

Which is better?

Compared to Fitbit Inspire and Inspire HR, the Pulse Sensor model definitely makes a better impression. Priced, the Inspire HR is only slightly more expensive.

With this aspect in mind and the difference in features and functions, I recommend you to buy the Fitbit Inspire HR* in the selection. In view of meaningful data for the evaluation of fitness, the Inspire without pulse sensor brings little benefit.

Priced more expensive would be the Fitbit Charge 3*. The fitness tracker comes in a similar style, but still offers a few more features. Look at the comparison between Charge 3 and Inpsire HR for that Have a l Optically, there is the Versa* or Versa Lite*, which are identical in size and significantly larger than the Inspire. You can also check the comparison between Fitbit Charge 3 and Versa.