Fitbit fitness trackers and smartwatches have been around since 2007, monitoring steps, calories burned and more. In 2015, there are many different companies, including Garmin, that are offering similar devices.

As technology keeps getting better, Fitbit continues to make improvements on their devices. The Fitbit Charge HR is a fitness tracker that has a built-in heart rate monitor, according to Tech Radar.

The Garmin Vivosmart is a competitor to the Fitbit Charge HR. Comparing the two devices, the big difference is that Garmin's fitness tracker requires an external heart rate chest strap in order to provide heart rate monitoring, while the Fitbit Charge HR has built-in heart rate monitoring.

The Fitbit Charge HR offers continuous heart rate monitoring. It will let users know when they are in three different "zones," Fat Burn (moderate intensity), Cardio (high intensity) and Peak (maximum intensity). The Garmin Vivosmart offers heart rate monitoring, but only with the additional purchase of the bundle which includes a chest strap. Garmin uses five zones to inform users how hard their heart is working when exercising.

Both fitness trackers offer sleep monitoring. The Fitbit Charge HR will automatically track sleeping and sync the data to the Fitbit app. The Garmin Vivosmart needs to be programmed in order for it to track sleep. Both devices offer a silent vibrating alarm to quietly awaken owners.

The Fitbit Charge HR should get about five days of battery life before it needs a charge. Garmin beats the Fitbit Charge HR with its Vivosmart fitness tracker lasting up to seven days before it needs a charge.

Both fitness trackers will be able to receive notifications. The Fitbit Charge HR will offer caller ID features when using a compatible smartphone. The Vivosmart will offer a caller ID, but also offer text and app notifications that come from a smartphone.

The Fitbit Charge HR is an especially social device that allows users to share their workouts with fellow Fitbit users and send out challenges to their friends.

Overall, the Fitbit Charge HR offers the most convenient way to track workouts. It has a built-in heart rate monitor and offers a great social experience that could help users stay more active. The Vivosmart offers more alerts coming from a smartphone and a longer-lasting battery, but without the built-in heart rate monitor, it is not as valuable as the Fitbit Charge HR.

The Fitbit Charge HR costs $149 with the built-in heart rate monitor. It can be purchased from Best Buy with free shipping.

The Garmin Vivosmart costs $179 for the bundle that includes the chest strap for heart rate monitoring. It can be purchased from Garmin's official website with free shipping.