Most of us wish to transfer extra, sleep higher, and stress much less, however we’re not about to spend half a paycheck on a smartwatch to do it. That’s the place Fitbit’s older fashions are available in. The Fitbit Encourage 3 and Fitbit Luxe may not be the latest youngsters on the block, however they’ve nonetheless acquired loads of power left to your 2025 health objectives. Each monitor your exercises, sleep, and stress. However which one truly deserves a spot in your wrist?
Between work deadlines and college pick-ups, I undoubtedly really feel like I’m on a treadmill most days—simply not the sort that burns precise energy! However I’ve been making an attempt to maneuver extra—strolling after I can, sneaking in fast weight-lifting periods—however I’ve been craving a strategy to truly monitor that effort. I wish to do it with out blowing my finances. That’s what led me to match the Fitbit Encourage 3 vs Luxe. Launched in 2022 and 2021 respectively, these trackers aren’t the latest—however that’s what makes them so budget-friendly.
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If you happen to’re additionally making an attempt to get more healthy this fall and winter with out spending a ton, the Fitbit Encourage 3 and Luxe are strong contenders. Each are older fashions, which implies you’ll be able to snag them for much less—even when the software program’s a bit dated. Fitbit doesn’t formally promote the Luxe anymore, however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover refurbished ones on Amazon at nice costs.
A real discount hunter doesn’t let older tech scare them off. So for those who’re on the fence about both mannequin in 2025, I’ve damaged down their greatest options that will help you resolve which one’s truly value your time (and your steps).
Fitbit Encourage 3 vs. Luxe: Design and Show
The Fitbit Luxe is unquestionably the fancier of the 2. It has that slim, barely-there silhouette that appears simply as fashionable in a crew assembly because it does throughout a exercise—sure, it clothes up and down. Generally, that’s precisely what I would like from a health tracker. The case is manufactured from chrome steel, and the AMOLED show is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for further sturdiness.
The Fitbit Encourage 3, alternatively, is extra sporty and informal. It is aware of its function—monitoring your exercise—and sticks to it. The case is plastic, and it’s barely bigger than the Luxe, so it’s not fairly as discreet. However not like the Luxe, it is available in a number of enjoyable coloration choices: Midnight Zen, Lilac Bliss, and Morning Glow. (Proper now, the Luxe is just out there in black on Amazon). Like its dressier sibling, it additionally packs an AMOLED show with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Winner: Fitbit Luxe. It’s the jewellery piece of the Fitbit lineup—modern chrome steel, a slim physique, and that vivid AMOLED coloration show make it as a lot a style assertion as a health tracker.
Fitbit Encourage 3 vs. Luxe: Well being & Wellness Options
So, one’s a fashionista and the opposite’s sporty. However how do they stack as much as what’s actually essential right here, the well being and wellness options? Effectively, on the floor, each have lots in widespread on this space.
Stress Administration
This one’s vital in my 2025 fall/winter smartwatch. Parenting life will get busy beginning in September and solely intensifies till the New Yr. So I used to be comfortable to see that each watches have complete stress administration instruments: a stress rating, mindfulness periods, and guided respiration workout routines. A stress rating could possibly be simply the visible I have to cease for a minute and recalibrate. I discovered the the Luxe truly gave extra detailed stress analytics right here within the Fitbit app.
Health & Exercise Monitoring
I don’t have a lot psychological area left to consider my well being today, however I’m hoping one in every of these Fitbits can do the considering for me. What I really want is a mini coach on my wrist reminding me that sure, strolling a number of blocks to select up my child does rely as cardio (I hope).
Each the Fitbit Encourage 3 and Luxe come prepared to trace just about every part I do (and don’t do). They log steps, distance, and energy all day lengthy—which is nice, since half my exercise comes from climbing stairs or chasing errands throughout city. I may set objectives and get little buzzes after I hit them (yay for small wins), and each gadgets routinely acknowledge after I’ve began a exercise—even when I neglect to log it.
Sleep Monitoring
Sleep is one other story. I begin yawning round 10:30, however by the point I truly crawl into mattress, my mind’s unsleeping and fascinated about tomorrow’s to-do record. Each Fitbits monitor my sleep levels, although, and provides me a day by day sleep rating, and even create a sleep profile over time. They’ll inform me what I already know: I have to go to mattress earlier!
Winner: It’s a tie. In relation to health and exercise monitoring, the Encourage 3 and Luxe are mainly twins—completely different outfits, identical power!
Fitbit Encourage 3 vs. Luxe: Good Options
In relation to good options, neither of those Fitbits is making an attempt to be a full-fledged smartwatch. And, at this level in my life, that’s precisely what I would like. I don’t want a wrist buzz each time somebody emails the PTA. Each fashions deal with the necessities: name, textual content, and app notifications. I may even see calendar alerts, which is useful after I neglect what day it’s (once more).
And that’s about the place the smarts cease. Neither the Encourage 3 nor Luxe helps music management or Fitbit Pay, so for those who’re hoping to go phone-free throughout exercises, you’ll nonetheless have to carry it alongside. The Encourage 3 does edge out barely, although—it syncs quicker with my telephone and feels a bit extra responsive total.
Winner: Fitbit Encourage 3. It’s the higher choose in order for you a tracker that rapidly loops you in on calls and messages, however doesn’t drown you in notifications.
Fitbit Encourage 3 vs. Luxe: GPS
Let’s discuss GPS—the characteristic that makes outside runs (or brisk walks) a lot extra satisfying. Neither system has built-in GPS, which implies you’ll want to make use of your telephone’s GPS for route monitoring. That’s referred to as related GPS, and each the Encourage 3 and Luxe deal with it effectively sufficient for informal use.
The place the Encourage 3 pulls forward is consistency. It connects quicker and maintains a extra dependable sign, which is nice for monitoring routes or distances after I’m exploring a brand new strolling path. The Luxe will get the job achieved, however it will probably lag slightly in selecting up the connection.
Winner: Fitbit Encourage 3. With its faster GPS connection and higher exercise monitoring accuracy, it’s the extra sensible choice for anybody who likes seeing their tempo and distance in actual time.
Fitbit Encourage 3 vs. Luxe: Battery Life
Now, this one’s a biggie for me as a result of I’m horrible at remembering to cost my devices. The Fitbit Encourage 3 completely crushes it right here, lasting as much as 10 days on a single cost (until you employ the always-on show, which nonetheless provides you round 2–3 days). In the meantime, the Luxe faucets out round 5 days. Not unhealthy, however not nice for those who hate fixed recharging.
It’s such a small factor, however not worrying about charging all week actually makes me extra prone to preserve sporting the tracker. The Luxe may win on appears, however the Encourage 3 wins on stamina.
Winner: Fitbit Encourage 3. With twice the battery life and fewer trouble total, it’s the simple selection for busy individuals who’ve misplaced their charger, once more (me).
Ultimate Verdict: Fitbit Encourage 3 vs. Luxe
After evaluating these two, I’d say it comes right down to what motivates you most. In order for you one thing that appears stylish and doubles as jewellery, the Fitbit Luxe has that “health meets style” really feel. It’s modern, elegant, and blends proper in with on a regular basis outfits—which makes me wish to put on it extra.
However for those who’re in search of one thing that works tougher behind the scenes—monitoring your well being, maintaining along with your exercises, and lasting greater than per week without having a cost—the Fitbit Encourage 3 is the higher all-around selection. It’s the sensible choose that also appears cute, doesn’t break the financial institution, and presents higher options for the cash.
Seize the Fitbit Luxe (refurbished) for $185.30 (63% OFF) $67.99 on Amazon.
The Fitbit Encourage 3 prices $99.95 (10% OFF) $89.99, additionally on Amazon.