// WEARABLES
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Complete Fitness Tracker Comparison
The fitness tracker market offers compelling choices for health-conscious consumers, with the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 representing two distinct approaches to wearable wellness technology. The Mi Band 8, priced at just $49, exemplifies Xiaomi's philosophy of delivering premium features at budget-friendly prices, while the $99 Fitbit Inspire 3 represents the established leader in fitness tracking with its comprehensive ecosystem and proven accuracy. Both devices target users seeking reliable activity monitoring, sleep tracking, and heart rate measurement without the complexity and cost of full smartwatches. However, they differ significantly in their approach to design, software integration, and feature prioritization. The Mi Band 8 focuses on maximizing hardware value with a larger, brighter display and extended battery life, while the Inspire 3 emphasizes software sophistication with advanced health metrics and seamless smartphone integration. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right fitness companion for your health optimization journey.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
by Xiaomi Mi Band
$49
Fitbit Inspire 3
by Fitbit
$99
[FEATURE COMPARISON]
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Fitbit Inspire 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Display Quality Screen size, resolution, and brightness for outdoor visibility |
1.62" AMOLED, 192×490px, 600 nits brightness | 1.4" AMOLED, 124×208px, lower brightness |
|
Battery Life Real-world usage duration between charges |
16 days typical usage, 1-hour fast charging | 10 days typical usage, 2-hour charging time |
|
Health Sensors Available biometric monitoring capabilities |
Heart rate, SpO2, sleep tracking, 150+ workout modes | Heart rate, SpO2, temperature sensor, HRV tracking, stress management |
|
Water Resistance Swimming and water activity protection level |
5ATM (50m water resistance) | Waterproof rating with swim stroke counter |
|
Smart Features Connectivity and smartphone integration capabilities |
Bluetooth 5.1, notifications, music control, widgets | Always-on display, GPS connectivity, readiness scoring |
|
Build Quality & Design Materials, dimensions, and overall construction |
48×22.5×11mm, 27g, plastic construction | Premium materials, 18.54mm width, more refined finish |
|
Software Ecosystem App quality, data analysis, and platform integration |
Mi Fitness app, dozens of watch faces, basic analytics | Fitbit Premium integration, advanced health insights, Google ecosystem |
[PROS & CONS]
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Pros
- Exceptional value at $49 price point
- Larger 1.62-inch display with 600-nit brightness
- Outstanding 16-day battery life with 1-hour fast charging
- 150+ workout modes and comprehensive fitness tracking
- Premium AMOLED display quality typically found in expensive devices
Cons
- Basic software ecosystem compared to Fitbit
- Unreliable strap clasp design prone to coming undone
- Proprietary charging cable required
Fitbit Inspire 3
Pros
- Advanced health sensors including temperature and HRV tracking
- Superior software with stress management and readiness scoring
- Integration with Google ecosystem (Maps, Pay)
- More refined build quality and premium materials
- Comprehensive Fitbit Premium health insights
Cons
- Significantly shorter 10-day battery life
- Smaller display with lower resolution
- Double the price of Mi Band 8
- Many advanced features require Fitbit Premium subscription
[OUR VERDICT]
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 wins with its unbeatable value, offering superior display and battery life at half the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3.
The choice between the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget constraints. The Mi Band 8 delivers exceptional value for money, offering a premium display experience with its larger 1.62-inch AMOLED screen and impressive 16-day battery life at half the price of its competitor. Its 600-nit brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility, and the extensive selection of watch faces provides personalization options that rival more expensive devices. For users primarily interested in basic fitness tracking, step counting, and heart rate monitoring without premium software features, the Mi Band 8 represents outstanding value.
However, the Fitbit Inspire 3 justifies its higher price point through superior software sophistication and health analysis capabilities. Features like temperature sensing, HRV tracking, stress management, and the comprehensive Fitbit ecosystem provide deeper health insights that serious fitness enthusiasts will appreciate. The waterproof rating with swim stroke counting and integration with Google services like Maps and Pay add practical daily-use value. The more refined build quality and materials also contribute to a premium feel that matches the higher price.
For budget-conscious users or those new to fitness tracking, the Mi Band 8 offers nearly everything needed for effective health monitoring at an unbeatable price. The longer battery life and larger display are genuine advantages that enhance the daily user experience. However, serious fitness enthusiasts or users who value detailed health analytics should consider the Inspire 3's advanced features worth the additional investment.
The Mi Band 8 emerges as the winner for most users due to its exceptional value proposition, delivering 80% of the Inspire 3's functionality at 50% of the cost, making it the smarter choice for the majority of fitness tracking needs.
Our pick:
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
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