As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Are you searching for the perfect fitness tracker to motivate your child to be more active? The world of kids’ wearables can be tricky to navigate, with so many options promising to track steps, sleep, and more. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Fitbit Ace 2 and its successor, the Ace 3.
Both the Fitbit Ace 2 and Ace 3 are designed with kids in mind, offering a fun and engaging way to encourage healthy habits. However, there are some key differences between the two devices that could influence your purchasing decision. This comparison will dive deep into the features, design, and overall value of each tracker.
We’ll explore everything from battery life and activity tracking to the all-important comfort and durability factors that are essential for active kids. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which device, the Fitbit Ace 2 or the Ace 3, is the better fit for your child and your family’s needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | fitbit ace 2 | ace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | OLED | OLED |
| Water Resistance | Swimproof | Swimproof |
| Activity Tracking | Steps, Active Minutes, Sleep | Steps, Active Minutes, Sleep |
| Heart Rate Tracking | No | No |
| Notifications | Call Notifications | Call Notifications |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 days | Up to 8 days |
| Connected GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Climbing Floors | No | No |
| Band Material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Watch Faces | Multiple | Multiple |
| Age Range | 6+ | 6+ |
| Colors | Multiple | Multiple |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Display
- Fitbit Ace 2: Features a more basic, plastic design with a monochrome OLED display. It’s lightweight and comfortable for kids. However, the display is less vibrant than newer models.
- Ace 3: Boasts a slightly updated design with a more rounded look and a brighter monochrome display. The design is arguably more modern and the display is easier to read.
- Winner: ace 3
Screen Size & Resolution
- Fitbit Ace 2: Smaller screen size and lower resolution compared to Ace 3. This can make viewing information slightly more difficult.
- Ace 3: Larger screen size and higher resolution, making it easier to read notifications and other data.
- Winner: ace 3
Battery Life
- Fitbit Ace 2: Offers up to 5 days of battery life, which is standard for kids’ fitness trackers.
- Ace 3: Also provides up to 8 days of battery life, offering more convenience and less frequent charging.
- Winner: ace 3
Activity Tracking
- Fitbit Ace 2: Tracks steps, active minutes, and sleep. It provides basic activity monitoring suitable for children.
- Ace 3: Similar activity tracking to Ace 2, including steps, active minutes, and sleep.
- Winner: Tie
Swim Tracking
- Fitbit Ace 2: Swim-proof and tracks swims, allowing kids to monitor their swimming activity.
- Ace 3: Also swim-proof and tracks swims, offering the same functionality.
- Winner: Tie
Motivation & Gamification
- Fitbit Ace 2: Includes features like goal setting, challenges, and virtual badges to motivate kids to be active.
- Ace 3: Similar gamification features to Ace 2, including animated clock faces and challenges to encourage activity.
- Winner: Tie
App & Parental Controls
- Fitbit Ace 2: Uses the Fitbit app with parental controls to manage the child’s account, view activity data, and approve friend requests.
- Ace 3: Uses the Fitbit app with parental controls, providing the same user experience and features for parents.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Availability
- Fitbit Ace 2: Often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Availability may be limited as it’s an older model.
- Ace 3: Typically priced slightly higher than Ace 2. More readily available due to its newer release.
- Winner: ace 2 (for budget) / ace 3 (for availability)
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | ace 3 |
| Design | ace 3 |
| Value | fitbit ace 2 |
What They Have in Common:
- Activity Tracking: Both the Ace 2 and Ace 3 track steps taken, active minutes, and sleep patterns, helping kids stay active and understand their activity levels.
- Swimproof Design: Both fitness trackers are water-resistant, making them suitable for swimming and splashing, allowing kids to wear them in the pool or during water activities.
- Call Notifications: Both devices provide call notifications, allowing kids to see who is calling without having to reach for a phone.
- Parental Controls: Both trackers offer parental controls through the Fitbit app, enabling parents to manage their child’s account and view their activity data.
- Comfortable Design: Both devices are designed with comfortable, durable bands suitable for children’s active lifestyles.
Fitbit Ace 2 Vs Ace 3 Buying Guide
Design and Durability
The Fitbit Ace 2 boasts a classic, kid-friendly design with a durable, swim-proof construction. It features a secure buckle and comfortable silicone band, ideal for active children. The Ace 3 maintains a similar design philosophy, but with a more modern aesthetic. It includes a slightly updated band design and is also swim-proof. Both devices are built to withstand the bumps and tumbles of daily life, making them suitable for active kids. The Ace 3’s design offers a sleeker look, while the Ace 2 focuses more on simplicity.
Tracking Features
Both the Ace 2 and Ace 3 primarily focus on activity tracking. They both monitor steps, active minutes, and sleep. They lack advanced features such as heart rate tracking or GPS. The Ace 3 introduces some new features, including a slightly improved interface and animated clock faces to make the experience more engaging. The Ace 2, while functional, has a more basic feature set. Both devices encourage kids to be more active and help parents monitor their activity levels.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any wearable device. The Fitbit Ace 2 offers a respectable battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge. This minimizes the need for frequent charging, a significant advantage for busy parents. The Ace 3 builds upon this, providing a battery life of up to 8 days, significantly extending the time between charges. This improved battery performance provides added convenience and reduces the potential disruption to activity tracking. Longer battery life is a clear advantage of the Ace 3.
Ease of Use and Setup
Both devices are designed to be easy to set up and use, with a focus on simplicity. Parents can easily set up the devices through the Fitbit app, creating child accounts and managing their activity data. Both models feature a straightforward interface that children can easily navigate. The Ace 3 offers a slightly improved user interface, offering a more intuitive experience. Setting up the device and using it is simple for both parents and kids, promoting consistent usage.
Price and Value
The Fitbit Ace 2 is typically available at a slightly lower price point than the Ace 3, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious parents. However, the Ace 3 justifies its higher price with improved features, extended battery life, and a more modern design. Both devices provide excellent value by encouraging children to be active and offering valuable insights into their activity levels. The value proposition depends on the importance of the extended battery and the newer features the Ace 3 offers.
Compatibility and App Features
Both the Ace 2 and Ace 3 are compatible with the Fitbit app, which allows parents to monitor their child’s activity, set goals, and participate in challenges. The app provides a safe and secure environment for children to engage with their activity data. The Fitbit app offers parental controls to manage privacy settings and connect with other family members. The Ace 3, with its updated interface, may provide a slightly smoother experience within the app. Compatibility and app features remain largely consistent between both models.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy fitbit ace 2 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You prefer a simpler design.
- You don’t mind a slightly shorter battery life.
Buy ace 3 If…
- You want a longer battery life.
- You prefer the updated design.
- You value the additional watch face options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Ace 2 and Ace 3?
The Ace 3 offers several improvements over the Ace 2, including a longer battery life (up to 8 days), a slightly updated design, and a more interactive interface with animated clock faces. It also has a more modern aesthetic. While both track similar metrics, the Ace 3 provides a more refined user experience and added convenience for parents and kids.
Does the Ace 2 or Ace 3 track heart rate?
No, neither the Fitbit Ace 2 nor the Ace 3 includes a heart rate sensor. Both devices are primarily focused on tracking steps, active minutes, and sleep. They are designed to encourage general activity levels rather than providing detailed physiological data. This keeps the focus on the core features for kids.
Are the Ace 2 and Ace 3 waterproof?
Yes, both the Fitbit Ace 2 and Ace 3 are swim-proof. They are designed to withstand splashes, spills, and swimming. This makes them suitable for everyday wear, including water activities. The swim-proof design enhances their durability and suitability for active kids. Water resistance is a key feature.
Can I set up multiple profiles on one Fitbit account?
Yes, the Fitbit app allows parents to set up child accounts under their primary account. This enables parents to monitor their children’s activity data and manage their settings. Each child account is separate, allowing for personalized experiences and activity tracking. This feature is crucial for families with multiple children.
What kind of bands are compatible with the Ace 2 and Ace 3?
The Ace 2 and Ace 3 use proprietary bands designed specifically for each model. While the Ace 3’s band is slightly different, it’s backward compatible with some Ace 2 bands. Both models offer a range of colorful and kid-friendly band options. The band styles are designed for comfort and durability.
What is the minimum age for using the Fitbit Ace 2 or Ace 3?
Fitbit recommends that children be at least six years old before using the Ace 2 or Ace 3. This is due to the app’s features and the need for parental supervision. Parental controls are vital for managing the privacy and activity data of younger users. Safety and age appropriateness are considered.
How do I charge the Fitbit Ace 2 or Ace 3?
Both devices come with a proprietary charging cable. You attach the cable to the device and plug it into a USB port or wall adapter. The charging process is relatively quick. Check the manual for specific charging instructions. Ensure the charger is clean and the connection is secure for optimal charging.
Final Verdict
The Fitbit Ace 3 builds upon the strengths of the Ace 2, offering improvements in battery life, design, and interface. While the Ace 2 remains a viable option, the Ace 3 provides a more refined experience and enhanced features for kids. The extended battery life alone makes the Ace 3 a better overall choice.
Winner: Fitbit Ace 3