Withings Move vs Amazfit Pace: Which should you buy?

If you're just starting out with fitness tracking, check out the Withings Move. A stylish analog watch, it has automatic activity tracking so you don't need to think about it when you want to start tracking a workout. On the other hand, there's Amazfit Pace. While it lacks automatic workout tracking, it does track more and monitors your heart rate. It also has built-in GPS, letting you keep track of your routes. If you're more serious about keeping track of your workouts, you should strongly consider the Amazfit Pace.

Putting them through their paces

The Withings Move and Amazfit Pace are an interesting pair. In many ways, the Pace is like a step-up version of the Move, with both being activity-oriented watches. The Amazfit Pace certainly functions as more of a full-featured smartwatch, though it lacks native apps that something like the Apple Watch or an Android Wear device would have.

The Move is an analog watch with some excellent fitness-tracking features, but is a more basic option. The Move won't display notifications, doesn't have on-board storage for music or anything else, and won't let you select workouts to track on the watch. One thing this watch has (and something that can be very important for something you wear on your wrist) is style.

If you order directly through Withings, you'll have the option to completely customize your Move, from the color of the straps to the activity tracking dial. Put your favorite color on the face, or get everything with some kind of pattern. While you can't change these customizations after you get the watch, it's a great way to put a personal touch on a device you'll potentially wear every day.

As previously noted, the Pace is more of a full-featured smartwatch. It's got a touchscreen display for direct, on-watch control of workouts, Bluetooth device connections, and music playback. Because it's a digital watch, the Pace can change the information it displays, making it more adaptable.

The watch also has built-in GPS + GLONASS for accurate location tracking, as well as 4GB of onboard music storage for music playback, letting you listen to music during your workouts without needing your phone. And unlike some other smartwatches, the Pace features an always-on display so there's no delay from when you raise your wrist to when you can look at the time.

If you're looking to save money, the Withings Move is a solid option, especially if you're not looking for series tracking features. Being an analog watch, it's also less obvious that you're wearing a gadget on your wrist. Automatic activity tracking is an excellent inclusion, especially if you're just getting started with fitness tracking, and the battery life is unmatched by any other fitness tracker.

If you want features like built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, the Amazfit pace is the way to go. While more expensive than the Move, at around $130, it's still a lot less expensive than many other smartwatches, and even some dedicated fitness trackers. With onboard music storage and independent workout control, the Pace is an always-on-you workout companion. You might need to charge it every few days, but that's the trade off you make for its excellent set of features.