Skip to main content
Tech Radar Tech Radar TechRadar The source for Tech Buying Advice
Subscribe
RSS
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
Technology Magazines
(opens in new tab)
Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)
Why subscribe?
  • The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12.99
(opens in new tab)
View (opens in new tab)
  • News
  • Best
  • Reviews
  • Opinion
  • How To
  • Deals
  • More
    • Versus
    • Appliances
    • Audiovisual
    • Cameras
    • Car Tech
    • Computing
    • Coupons
    • Downloads
    • Entertainment
    • Fitness
    • Laptops
    • Phones
    • Smart Home
    • Tablets
    • TVs
    • Wearables
    • About Us
Tech Radar Pro
Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • iPhone 15
  • ChatGPT
  • Wordle hints
  • Best phones
  • Best VPN
  • Best air-fryers

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Wearables

Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band

By Lily Prasuethsut
published 12 March 2015

It's a battle for the wrist

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band

Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band

The Microsoft Band isn't the best fitness tracker out there but it's definitely one of the most popular despite being an elusive unicorn in store and online.

The Band's unique features are also why pitting it against the upcoming Apple Watch make sense despite the former being a fitness tracker and the latter a smartwatch.

You may also be wondering which wearable to get. This versus will hopefully help you avoid a wristy situation where you end up choosing a tracker or watch unsuited to your needs.

Page 1 of 17
Page 1 of 17
Design: Microsoft Band

Design: Microsoft Band

The Microsoft Band isn't the most ergonomic device or visually appealing. The Band's jampacked with ten sensors which probably made designing something fashionable difficult.

Most of the time, it's barely recognizable - when I wear it out, people typically don't catch on that it's a Microsoft Band until I tell them.

So far, the band only comes in black and isn't interchangeable though you can get in small, medium or large. It's made of a thermal plastic elastomer material and is pretty comfy against the skin.

Page 2 of 17
Page 2 of 17
Design: Apple Watch

Design: Apple Watch

The Apple Watch on the other hand, is as fashionable as you can get.

From different band materials to colors and cases, there are a lot of options - 38 Apple Watch designs to be exact. Then there are the eight rather ostentatious, high end 18-karat gold Apple smartwatches.

If gold and Sapphire crystal glass sound too expensive for you, the Sports edition should do the trick - its made of aluminum and Ion-X glass and comes with a smooth fluoroelastomer band supposedly making it resilient for all activities.

Page 3 of 17
Page 3 of 17
Display: Microsoft Band

Display: Microsoft Band

The Microsoft Band is one of the few fitness trackers out there with a decent screen. For the outdoorsy types, it won't be difficult to see your notifications on the 1.4-inch TFT (320 x 106 pixels) full color display in the harsh sunlight. The ambient light sensor is a nice addition too.

Page 4 of 17
Page 4 of 17
Display: Apple Watch

Display: Apple Watch

The Apple Watch has two case sizes: 38mm and 42mm in height. Both have AMOLED Retina displays with high pixel densities.

There's also a single layer of scratch-resistant sapphire glass, at least among its higher-priced editions, and ION-X on the lower-priced pieces.

Page 5 of 17
Page 5 of 17
Software: Microsoft Band

Software: Microsoft Band

There's no fancy operating system on the Microsoft Band. Rather it's a simple, platform-agnostic operating system. Interestingly, Microsoft decided to use a wearable architecture that has been optimized for low-power micro-devices, instead of Windows 10 or a modified version of Windows.

You can change the colors and design of the home screen from a pre-determined list in your Microsoft Health app but that's as far as visual customizations go. Apps themselves can be switched around but you can only have 13 apps on the device.

There also aren't too many apps on the Band, but Microsoft says it will continue to keep adding more over time.

Page 6 of 17
Page 6 of 17
Software: Apple Watch

Software: Apple Watch

With the release of iOS 8.2, came an Apple Watch app - bloatware to be specific, because you can't delete it even if you don't have an Apple wearable.

The Apple apps ecosystem seems pretty rich already considering iOS is heavily developed for. Expect a lot of "glanceable" type apps and notifications with the iWatch when it comes out as well.

There are also a bunch of watch faces pre-installed and likely more on the way.

Page 7 of 17
Page 7 of 17
Waterproof: Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band

Waterproof: Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band

A major drawback for a fitness tracker? Lack of water resistance abilities which is an issue with the Microsoft Band. It's supposed to be "splash resistant" which basically means you can wipe it down with a damp cloth.

According to Tim Cook, the Apple Watch is water resistant. The Apple Watch waterproof rating has been certified at IPX7, which means that it can be immersed in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Page 8 of 17
Page 8 of 17
Fitness: Microsoft Band

Fitness: Microsoft Band

A fitness tracker focusing on fitness, what a concept! Except the Microsoft Band takes the idea and really runs with it (punny). Again, there are ten sensors - an optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyrometer, GPS, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, capacitive sensor, microphone and a galvanic skin response sensor - where most of them have to do with fitness.

The Health platform is also part of the device's fitness experience though it's not exactly up to speed yet. However, Microsoft does say it needs to collect a lot of data from a lot of people, which its still in the process of meaning there will be many more updates along the way.

Page 9 of 17
Page 9 of 17
Fitness: Apple Watch

Fitness: Apple Watch

Unlike the Band, the Apple Watch has no GPS and doesn't have as many sensors. However, it isn't completely empty handed in the fitness department.

There will be three activity tracking metrics the Watch will employ: Move shows how many calories you've burned while wearing the watch. Exercise keeps track of your most active minutes and Stand measures how long you spend on your feet.

An app called Workout will also provide real-time stats for your total exercise time, distance, calories and pace.

Like Microsoft, Apple intends to keep you motivated with goals, reminders and achievements - though also like Microsoft, seeing these features in action might be a different story.

Page 10 of 17
Page 10 of 17
Battery life: Microsoft Band

Battery life: Microsoft Band

The battery life of a wearable is typically a sore subject as they only last one to two days at best - unless it's a Pebble device which last seven to ten days.

Microsoft hits the average of two days with its fitness tracker. That's also dependent on usage but results have been satisfactory with my time with the band.

Page 11 of 17
Page 11 of 17
Battery life: Apple Watch

Battery life: Apple Watch

The Apple Watch's battery life doesn't sound too promising. Apparently, you'll need to charge this device every day. Again it depends on your usage but 18 hours seems like the average the Apple Watch can stay alive.

Page 12 of 17
Page 12 of 17
Compatibility: Microsoft Band

Compatibility: Microsoft Band

Most fitness trackers are cross-platform, but there are still a few out there that aren't. The Microsoft Band is in the mostly compatible camp as it works with iOS 7.1, iOS 8, Windows Phones 8.1 and Android 4.3-4.4 devices through Bluetooth.

If you're using a Windows Phone, Cortana is another handy option the Band offers. Through a data or Wi-Fi connection, you can use voice commands to set alarms, dictate short voice notes, create time/location/people based reminders, ask Bing questions, create calendar events, play music through your phone, and tell it to call or text message people.

Page 13 of 17
Page 13 of 17
Compatibility: Apple Watch

Compatibility: Apple Watch

Despite early rumors that the iWatch would be Android-friendly, it's not. True to Apple fashion, the timepiece will work solely with iOS mobile devices, and only iPhone 5 or later on iOS 8.2 to boot.

Like Cortana on the Band, Siri will play a huge role with the Apple Watch.

Page 14 of 17
Page 14 of 17
Price: Microsoft Band

Price: Microsoft Band

For a fitness tracker, the Microsoft Band is on the pricier side at $199 (about £125, AU$230).

It costs more than a $150 (£125, AU$180) Jawbone UP24 but less than a $250 (£200, likely north of AU$290) Fitbit Surge - two other trackers that have been well-received.

But the Band's price still isn't too bad considering you get a color, touchscreen display and ten sensors which have been fairly accurate and helpful.

Page 15 of 17
Page 15 of 17
Price: Apple Watch

Price: Apple Watch

The Apple Watch price, on the other hand, starts at $349 (£299), and that's for the 38mm Sport version. At 42mm, it's $399 (£339).

Plus it only goes up from there. The stainless steel regular "Watch" collection starts at $549 (£479) and goes up to $1099 (£949).

The 18-karat gold version tops the price list at $10,000 (£8,000) to $17,000 (£13,500, AU$24,000) with a limited supply in Apple Stores.

Page 16 of 17
Page 16 of 17
Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band Wrap Up

Apple Watch vs Microsoft Band Wrap Up

This is a tough choice. Both these wearables are first-gen flagships from their parent companies meaning they're probably not going to be the best just yet.

That said, with consistent updates, the Microsoft Band could be one of the best fitness trackers out there. Unless Microsoft dumps it and makes an even better second-gen device.

The same can be said of the Apple Watch. That battery life could be a killer despite how pretty it is. Oh yeah, that price tag isn't helping either.

Right now, it seems like both the Microsoft Band and Apple Watch have a long way to go. But in some ways, each are carving out a unique path for future iterations of smart wearables to come.

Page 17 of 17
Page 17 of 17
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Lily Prasuethsut
Social Links Navigation
See more Wearables news
More about wearables
Fitbit Inspire 3

Got an iPhone and a Fitbit? You may need to update your phone

Apple Watch 8 on grey background with lowest price text overlay

The Apple Watch 8 is more affordable than ever - on sale for a record-low at Amazon

Latest
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand

Quordle today - hints and answers for Friday, March 31 (game #431)

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Marvel's Wolverine: everything we know about the PS5 exclusive so far

By Vic HoodMarch 30, 2023

Wonder Woman game: everything we know so far

By Cat BussellMarch 30, 2023

Netflix's Scott Pilgrim TV show reunites the film's cast – and I couldn't be happier

By Tom PowerMarch 30, 2023

The White House is sending millions to countries hit by major cyberattacks

By Sead FadilpašićMarch 30, 2023

Foldable phones are set for some major growth

By Sead FadilpašićMarch 30, 2023

Google is making sure its ads are actually worth clicking on

By Craig HaleMarch 30, 2023

It looks like PSVR 2 probably won't outsell its predecessor

By Rhys WoodMarch 30, 2023

Xbox vice president promises “10 more years” of support for indie devs

By Cat BussellMarch 30, 2023

The FDA now requires medical devices be secured against cyberattacks

By Craig HaleMarch 30, 2023

HBO Max's streaming successor will be revealed very soon

By Tom PowerMarch 30, 2023

Google - these serious security threats are targeting both Android and iOS devices

By Sead FadilpašićMarch 30, 2023

  1. Woman using a laptop in a coffeeshop
    1
    Leaked screenshot could be an early glimpse of the Windows 12 desktop
  2. 2
    The Xbox Series X receives visual update, but not the one we've been waiting for
  3. 3
    Apple TV 4K gets promised Quick Media Switching feature to eliminate 'HDMI bonk'
  4. 4
    The best QLED TVs are catching up to OLED TVs
  5. 5
    Microsoft’s mission to make Windows 11 worse continues with ads in the Start menu
  1. Apple TV 4K 2022 and Siri remote on white background
    1
    Apple TV 4K gets promised Quick Media Switching feature to eliminate 'HDMI bonk'
  2. 2
    Windows 12’s RAM demands could spell doom for older PCs
  3. 3
    Microsoft’s mission to make Windows 11 worse continues with ads in the Start menu
  4. 4
    ChatGPT has passed the Turing test and if you're freaked out, you're not alone
  5. 5
    I switched from my iPhone 14 Pro but iMessage wouldn't let me go
Technology Magazines
(opens in new tab)
  • ●
Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)
  • The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews
From$12.99
(opens in new tab)
View (opens in new tab)

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Contact Future's experts (opens in new tab)
  • Contact Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Advertise with us (opens in new tab)
  • Web notifications (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.