Microsoft Band review: specs and price
Microsoft Band
Why is Microsoft Band better than the average?
- Battery power?
200 mAhvs131.65 mAh - Screen size?
1.4"vs1.16" - Thickness?
8.7 mmvs10.48 mm - Width?
19 mmvs23.13 mm - Charge time?
1.5 hoursvs2.76 hours - Maximum altitude?
39370 feetvs25088.23 feet
Price comparison
User reviews
Design
screen size
1.4"
The size of the screen (measured diagonally).
Display type
LCD
The type of technology used in the display.
is dustproof and water-resistant
✖Microsoft Band
The device is dustproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices can resist the penetration of water, such as powerful water jets, but not being submerged into water.
Ingress Protection (IP) rating
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water.
ATM rating
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The ATM rating indicates how much water pressure a device can withstand. 3 ATM is one of the lowest ratings and means that the device can only withstand splashes of water, whereas 20 ATM is one of the highest ratings and means that the device can be used for snorkeling and water sports.
pixel density
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Pixel density is a measurement of a screen's resolution, expressed as the number of pixels per inch (PPI) on the screen. A higher pixel density translates into more clarity and sharpness for the images rendered on the screen, thus improving the quality of the viewing experience.
resolution
106 x 320 px
Resolution is an essential indicator of a screen's image quality, representing the maximum amount of pixels that can be shown on the screen. The resolution is given as a compound value, comprised of horizontal and vertical pixels.
refresh rate
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The frequency at which the display is refreshed (1 Hz = once per second). A higher refresh rate results in smoother UI animations and video playback.
has branded damage-resistant glass
✖Microsoft Band
Damage-resistant glass (such as Corning Gorilla Glass or Asahi Dragontrail Glass) is thin, lightweight, and can withstand high levels of force.
Sensors
has GPS
✔Microsoft Band
GPS enables global positioning, useful in map, geo-tagging or navigation apps.
Has a heart rate monitor
✔Microsoft Band
A heart rate monitor can help show your fitness levels, enabling you to calculate a suitable intensity of exercise.
Monitors blood oxygenation levels
✖Microsoft Band
Your blood oxygen level is a measurement how much oxygen is reaching your muscles. It is important because low levels mean that you will become easily fatigued during exercise. The more exercise you do, the better your blood oxygen levels will become.
Has ECG technology
✖Microsoft Band
ECG stands for electrocardiogram and measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat, which is a more in-depth reading of heart health than blood pressure alone. Note: This feature may not be available in all markets.
Has a temperature sensor
✖Microsoft Band
With a temperature sensor you can monitor changes in temperature to measure your exertion levels and avoid hyperthermia.
Has a barometer
✖Microsoft Band
This measures barometric air pressure. It can predict weather changes, for example a sudden drop in air pressure could mean a storm is coming. When calibrated correctly it can be used to determine altitude, which helps GPS devices to lock on quicker and with greater accuracy.
has a gyroscope
✖Microsoft Band
A gyroscope is a sensor that tracks the orientation of a device, more specifically by measuring the angular rotational velocity. Initially, they were built using a spinning rotor to detect changes in orientation, like twisting or rotation.
Has a cadence sensor
✖Microsoft Band
A cadence sensor measures the number of pedal revolutions per minute when you are cycling. It enables you to monitor how fast you are pedaling.
Monitors perspiration
✔Microsoft Band
The device can measure the level of perspiration on your skin, indicating the level of intensity of your workouts.
Activity tracking
Detects activities automatically
✖Microsoft Band
The device automatically detects when you start an activity such as jogging, saving you from entering it manually at a later time.
Has multi-sport mode
✖Microsoft Band
A multi-sport mode allows you to easily switch between tracking different sports such as running, cycling, and swimming. This feature is ideal for those who need to change quickly between various activities (e.g., triathletes).
Has exercise tagging
✖Microsoft Band
After exercising, you can add details about your workout (e.g., jogging, swimming, cycling). This enables the device to provide more accurate information, such as the number of calories burned.
Tracks elevation
✖Microsoft Band
It can detect changes in elevation, such as when you are climbing stairs.
Tracks distance
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
It tracks how far you travel.
Tracks steps taken
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
It tracks how many steps you take throughout the day, allowing you to see how active you have been.
Has a route tracker
✖Microsoft Band
With a route tracker you can add your route onto a map. It is helpful if you plan to do the same route again, or want to share it with your community.
Measures pace
✖Microsoft Band
Measuring pace shows how much time it takes to travel one kilometer or one mile. For example, in running, a 4 minute kilometer would be a very good pace.
Tracks your sleep
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
It can track your sleep, such as how long you sleep for and the quality.
Connectivity
supports Wi-Fi
✖Microsoft Band
The device can connect to Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
has NFC
✖Microsoft Band
NFC (near-field communication) allows a device to perform simple wireless transactions, such as mobile payments. Note: this feature may not be available in all markets.
Is compatible with Android
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
It is compatible with a range of Android devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Is compatible with iOS
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
It is compatible with a range of iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch.
supports Galileo
✖Microsoft Band
Galileo is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that is similar to GPS. Supported devices can use a combination of Galileo and GPS for location-based services such as Google Maps, and tend to be around 30% more accurate than GPS-only devices.
Wi-Fi version
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.
supports ANT+
✖Microsoft Band
ANT+ is a wireless protocol similar to Bluetooth Smart, and is very power efficient. It is mainly used for fitness monitoring devices such as heart rate monitors and cadence sensors to connect to other devices (e.g., sports watches, smartphones, and cycling computers).
has a cellular module
✖Microsoft Band
Devices that use cellular technology can connect to mobile networks. Cellular networks have much wider signal coverage than Wi-Fi.
Battery
battery life
2 days
With a longer battery life, you don’t have to worry about charging the device as often.
battery life with GPS on
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
There is less chance that you will run out of battery during an adventure.
charge time
1.5 hours
The time it takes to fully charge the battery.
has wireless charging
✖Microsoft Band
It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.
battery power
200 mAh
Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.
battery life in training mode
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
With a long battery life, you can train for several hours a week and only have to recharge the device every few weeks.
battery life in power save mode
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
In power save mode you can still check what time it is and other basic functions. A long battery life is good if you wear the device day to day.
Has a solar power battery
✖Microsoft Band
A solar battery takes its energy from light, and stores it in a self-recharging battery which never needs to be changed.
has a rechargeable battery
✔Microsoft Band
The battery can be recharged and used over again.
Features
has HRV tracking
✖Microsoft Band
Heart rate variability (HRV) tracking measures fluctuations in the time between heart beats. These fluctuations can be an indication of health conditions (such as heart conditions or mental health issues). Note: This feature may not be available in all markets.
measures VO2 max
✖Microsoft Band
VO2 max capacity is a measurement of the amount of oxygen your body can use during physical exercise. A high VO2 max capacity indicates good fitness levels.
measures resting heart rate
✖Microsoft Band
This measurement is your heart rate per minute when you're at rest, such as when you're relaxed, sitting, or lying down. For adults, this is typically between 60–100.
has fast/slow heart rate notifications
✖Microsoft Band
It can notify you when your resting heart rate is above or below the normal range.
shows readiness level
✖Microsoft Band
This is based on various information, such as your previous workout, sleep quality, and stress levels. Taking everything into account, it will give you an idea of whether your body is ready for another workout or if you should focus on recovery.
Has smart alarm
✖Microsoft Band
It determines when you are in a light state of sleep and wakes you up within a set period of time before your alarm. This can allow you to wake up feeling fresher and more alert.
Has silent alarm
✔Microsoft Band
The device can wake you using vibration, so as not to disturb anyone else sleeping in the room.
Has call control
✖Microsoft Band
The device alerts you to incoming calls on your smartphone, and allows you extra control such as muting or rejecting the call.
Locates your phone
✖Microsoft Band
The device has a feature that allows you to find your smartphone if you have misplaced it.
App & Software
Counts how many calories you've burned
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
This is useful if you are on a strict training diet or if you are trying to lose weight. It can also help to boost your motivation.
Provides activity reports
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
Your activity data is analysed to give you reports, available to view through the app or website. This allows you to see how active you have been and to help you make improvements.
Has inactivity alerts
✖Microsoft Band
The device detects when you have been idle for too long, and alerts you to encourage you to stay active.
Has goal setting
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
Allows you to set your own goals, such as reaching 15,000 steps in a single day.
Has achievements
✔Microsoft Band (Microsoft Health)
You are awarded achievements for reaching goals, helping to encourage you and keep you motivated.
Supports routes
✖Microsoft Band
You can create or find existing routes to sync to the app.
number of exercises
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The total number of fitness exercises the app supports. Fitness apps that offer more exercises enable you to increase the complexity of your workouts.
Has barcode scanner on app
✖Microsoft Band
The app supports scanning food barcodes using the camera. It checks a food database and adds the item based on its barcode, allowing you to quickly and easily track your calorie intake.
Can be personalised
✖Microsoft Band
You can personalize the appearance of the app - for example, choosing a different theme or colors.
Miscellaneous
has a battery level indicator
✔Microsoft Band
An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.
Price comparison
Share
Which are the best fitness trackers?
This page is currently only available in English.
No reviews yet
Be the first. Use your experience to help others in the community make a decision.
Write a review