When comparing Microsoft Band vs Garmin Forerunner 235, the Slant community recommends Garmin Forerunner 235 for most people. In the question“What are the best fitness trackers with heart rate monitoring?” Garmin Forerunner 235 is ranked 6th while Microsoft Band is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Garmin Forerunner 235 is:
It's quite lightweight at 1.6oz and has a large bright display for easy reading while on the move in all types of lighting conditions. It's water resistant up to 50 meters so you're safe to wear it running in all types of weather.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Always-on heart-rate monitor
There is a built in heart rate monitor that is always monitoring and for the most part it is consistent in its tracking. This way people can get a full view of what their daily heart rate is at any given time.
Pro Allows downloading workouts
Users can download workouts to their devices from companies that have partnered with Microsft such as Gold's Gym or Men's Fitness. This allows for one to find workouts that fit their needs that are created by people familiar with what should work the best.
Pro Shows email, sms and call notifications
No matter the device being used, Android, iOS or Windows Phone the Microsoft Band is able to show ones connected devices emails, SMS and call notifications. This makes it easy to see what ones alerts are without having to pull the phone out of their pocket.
Pro Ideal tracker for runners
It's quite lightweight at 1.6oz and has a large bright display for easy reading while on the move in all types of lighting conditions. It's water resistant up to 50 meters so you're safe to wear it running in all types of weather.
Pro Quickly picks up a GPS signal
It picks up the GPS signal much faster than most other GPS fitness trackers available, so there is little waiting around for it to connect before you start your run.
Pro Customize the display screen to display the data most important to you
The display screens are fully customizable so you can control which stats you want to see.
Pro Extremely lightweight and comfortable
Despite the amount of hardware this tracker contains and it's large size, it's very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Cons
Con Finess tracker heart rate monitoring
Fitness tracker
Con Slightly too big and heavy to be unnoticeable
Like most smart watches the Micorsoft band is big and heavy (due to their screens) and will be hard to forget one is wearing it due to the weight size and shape.
Con Has trouble tracking heart rate during intervals
During interval training when there is a frequent change of exertion, the Forerunner 235 has trouble continuously providing accurate readings. It's better suited for running with a sustained pace.
Con Needs to be recharged often
Garmin states the watch has a battery life of 11 hours training and 9 days of use as a watch, which is a fairly short charge compared to other fitness trackers.
However many people have found the actual charge to be much less, often needing to be recharged every couple of days.