How to Develop a Fitness App Like Fitbit?- Cost & Features

With rising health-related issues and medical costs, most people are taking every possible step to maintain their overall well-being. From counting daily steps to tracking sleep or heart rate, people have become more conscious of their health.

Thus, the demand for a reliable mobile app solution is on the rise!

The fitness app market was about $5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach up to $ 10.6 billion by 2030. (Source: Statista)

Sounds surprising. That’s why businesses are focusing on building a fitness app that may help enthusiasts achieve their goals.

However, building an app isn’t a cakewalk. Incorporating the latest features, a modern tech stack, and a custom UI/UX is crucial to making your fitness app development project stand out.

Ask yourself!

Why should a customer choose your fitness app over other options? What makes your fitness mobile app better than others?

Don’t worry! At The NineHertz, we’re here to make your fitness app development journey from scratch.

To develop an app like Fitbit needs more than good intentions and a catchy name. It requires a very strategic approach aimed at user-centric design, great functionality, and seamless integration with wearable technology. So if you consider entering into the world of fitness app development, you can consult with a healthcare mobile app development company that can provide custom mobile app development services to really make all the difference. Together, you will penetrate this booming market and deliver new innovations that answer the needs of diverse users to get fit.

Well, are you ready to bring your fitness app dreams to life? Let’s break it down for you!

What is the Fitbit App?

Fitbit was born to be a part of that fleet of innovations in wearable technology and health monitoring. Fitbit was founded in 2009 as a step counter, but it has now evolved into a comprehensive health and wellness ecosystem that empowers users to take control of their fitness journey.

On a simple level, Fitbit app features gather and digest information from numerous activities on behalf of the user. Assuming you are the kind of person who enjoys strolling casually or someone who runs marathons, or someone who prefers yoga over weights, the application propels its features based on your fitness level and therefore goals. But what sets the Fitbit app apart, though? You might also interested to learn how to build an app like MyFitnessPal?

1. Intuitive Interface

One of the strongest pillars of this app is its intuitive design. Navigation of the application feels like a stroll in the park; users can very easily track their stats and set goals and then monitor the improvement without feeling bogged down. It’s like having your personal coach talking your language!

2. Comprehensive Health Tracking

The Fitbit app isn’t just about steps. It tracks heart rate, sleep patterns, calorie intake, and even menstrual cycles! Talk about being thorough. With this data, users can make informed decisions about their health and fitness, leading to more effective routines.

3. Community Engagement

Discipline and motivation are the most significant drivers of an individual’s decision to go to the gym. With a dedicated Fitbit app, friends can connect, share their achievements, and even challenge each other. Furthermore, when they are a group of friends being challenged each day, they will likely push past their limits, ultimately improving their fitness. At the top of the line, a user can seamlessly integrate the Fitbit app into their smartwatch or activity band for a real-time experience. In a nutshell, your customers don’t need to check their mobiles to monitor their activity. Instead, they can access their smartwatches to get real-time metrics.

4. Personalized Insights and Coaching

Monitoring fitness levels is crucial for any individual to keep them motivated towards their goals. These fitness apps analyze the data they collect and provide in-depth insights to help users improve their overall well-being. The app offers these tips based on an individual’s current physical activity, fitness levels, and goals.

5. Challenges and Rewards

When building a fitness app, you have to make it interesting to keep your users engaged. Fitbit’s gamification elements make the app a fun experience. Furthermore, it allows a group of friends to compete against each other in a challenge, making fitness more engaging and entertaining.

6. Health and Wellness Integration

Integrating third-party apps may help users better manage their overall health. From tracking your calorie count to connecting with nutritionists and healthcare professionals, Fitbit has got it all. Furthermore, the app is designed to stimulate fitness enthusiasts towards their goals and promote health. If you want to know how to develop an app like Fitbit, always consider the tech, features, and integrations that underpin its success.

How to Make an App like Fitbit? 6 Steps to Get Started

To make an app like Fitbit is not that easy- planning and technical expertise, along with a deep understanding of user needs. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to start your fitness app.

Step 1: Market and Competitor Analysis

Even before trying to sketch the design of your app or coming up with the list of features, understand the market you are entering. The space of health and fitness apps is booming these days, but it’s also really competitive. The whole process begins with serious research on your target audience, your competitors, and the existing trends. First question yourself:

• Who is your user? Casual users, professional athletes or people with specific health conditions?
• What are your competitors doing right—and what are they missing?
• What are those rising fitness trends? Wearable integration, AI-driven personal training, or gamification

Answers to these questions will lay the foundation on what is unique to your app. For example, in that very same market wherein Fitbit focuses on tracking everything about a person’s general fitness, there is space for applications focusing on niche categories like mental wellness or personalized coaching. Competitor research will be one of the ways to get that insight to create something unique.

Step 2: Outline Major Features and Functions

With the market vision in mind, it is high time to define the core features of your app. A fitness app can consist of a whole range of functionalities, but the very crucial thing is to identify which ones make the difference for the users. The key features often include:

1. Activity Tracking

Just like Fitbit, the app should track some primary metrics such as steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.

2. Heart Rate Monitoring

The majority of the users check their heart rates through fitness apps, particularly during workouts. That is where wearable integration comes in.

3. Sleep Tracking

Monitoring sleep cycles is a popular feature that users expect, providing insights into their overall well-being.

4. Nutrition Logging

Some fitness apps also track food intake and offer personalized diet suggestions.

5: Goal Setting and Monitoring

It will allow users to set fitness goals, track their progress, and be given in-app rewards when they achieve certain milestones.

Therefore, the goal is to build an app like Fitbit that meets its users’ needs and delivers meaningful, engaging features.

Step 3. Working with a Professional Development Team

Now that you have understood the concept and features to incorporate, the next step is to partner with a trusted fitness app development company. From conceptualization to deployment and post-maintenance support, their team of dedicated developers should help you at every step of your app development journey. Furthermore, their app development experts should know how to incorporate the latest features, leverage modern technologies and tools, integrate UI/UX design, third-party tools, data security, and more.

Whether you are planning to build an iOS, Android, or both, hire a trusted app development company like The NineHertz to reach a broader user base. Get in touch for custom Android app development or iOS app development services and build a solid fitness app that drives engagement.

Step 4: Develop an intuitive user interface and user experience

The UI/UX of your fitness app can make or break your dream project. Thus, ask your fitness app development company to create an engaging UI/UX design that attracts your audience at first glance. Furthermore, include designs that entice users to use and explore the app and even recommend it to their friends or family. Remember that the app’s design should be clean, eye-catching, user-friendly, and engaging.

1. Prioritise Simplicity

Don’t clutter your app with complex details. Keep your app design simple, minimalist, and engaging so users can effortlessly track their fitness journey.

2. Personalization

Optimize the dashboard with options where users can personalize their choice of metrics according to the best interest of their usage. Personalization tends to improve user engagement.

3. Visuals and Animations

Engage the user through visuals such as the progress bar, badges, or even virtual trainers, which can remind the user to exercise.

The app is to be made user-friendly and enjoyable in the UI/UX design phase; it’s something the user will consider a personal assistant for fitness.

Step 5: Data Integration and Security Emphasis

One of the significant reasons people engage with fitness apps is the tracking and analysis of health data. Your app, therefore, should integrate nicely with wearable devices, APIs for health tracking- like Google Fit or Apple Health, and third-party apps. This makes it easier for users to sync their data across platforms.

The app’s security is crucial to prevent users’ data from being leaked. Since your app stores all a user’s information, security is paramount for complete privacy and protection. International regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) must be followed to ensure the complete privacy of the users. Ensure secure transfer processes, only use secure servers, and inform users about data storage and usage.

Step 6: Test, Launch, and Iterate

While no application will ever be perfect at launch, proper testing is still important. Run multiple rounds of testing, including beta testing, to ensure that your app runs smoothly on a variety of devices, platforms, and even user conditions. Detect bugs, simplify the user experience, and gather reviews from early users.

Once the app is polished, it’s time to launch! That’s not enough, however. A healthy workflow of non-stop improvement is the most critical factor in any long-term success. Collect user feedback regularly, address issues as they arise, and churn out updates with new features or enhancements. This way, your app stays active, and the users stay in the game. The NineHertz provides top notch mobile app testing services.

How Does the Fitbit App Work?

Many businesses ask: What’s behind the app’s user-friendly design? Well, the answer lies in Fitbit’s seamless integration of software and hardware, offering real-time insights into a user’s overall health. If you’re curious to know: What happens when you open the Fitbit app?

Without further ado, let’s have a quick look at the working of the Fitbit app.

Here is a breakdown of how the magic happens:

1. Suitable for Wearable Devices

The ability of the Fitbit app to sync with Fitbit wearables, which include both fitness trackers and smartwatches, is key to its functionality. Wearable devices are typically equipped with a number of sensors, including accelerometers, heart rate monitors, and, in some cases, GPS.

Once the user has connected his Fitbit gadget to the app via Bluetooth, the device will continuously record data throughout the day: steps, calories burnt, heart rate, distance traveled, and much more.

The app periodically or in real-time syncs with the wearable, updating the app with the latest stats. Basically, the Fitbit device is the data collector, and the app acts like the central processing station which organizes everything in an easy-to-read format.

2. Data Tracking and Analysis

The value of the Fitbit app is to turn unmeaningful data into meaningful insight. Here’s how this works:

• Activity Monitoring

The app always tracks the user’s physical activities, including walking, running, swimming, or doing yoga, among others. Such counted data is considered by the app to analyze daily activity metrics, such as steps, active minutes, and calories burned. Wearable collected data are categorized and analyzed for a total picture of the fitness journey of a user.

• Heart Rate Monitoring

Wearing the Fitbit device allows users to measure their heart rate throughout the day efficiently. The device analyzes the user’s movements to guide them to exercises that may significantly improve their cardiovascular health. Furthermore, it provides information on resting heart rate and average heart rate during exercise.

• Sleep Monitoring

Another popular feature of Fitbit is its ability to track a user’s sleep patterns effectively. Furthermore, it indicates the type of sleep a user had that day, such as light or deep. If a user is not getting proper sleep, the app will notify them and even offer suggestions to improve sleep quality.

• Nutrition and Water Logging

Fitbit has food and water logging features. The user can log their food and water intake manually or via an integrated app. Then, the information is used to generate daily calorie goals and hydration reminders.

Some models of Fitbits contain EDA sensors that help users manage stress. The app gives a user a stress score based on their data input and guidance with mind-affecting exercise to properly manage the level of their stress.

3. Personal Health Information

The power of Fitbit essentially involves the ability to analyze several significant volumes of data, turning them into actionable health insights for its user, using algorithms and artificial intelligence to provide recommendations. Let’s say a user’s activity levels decline on a given day, or they don’t get proper quality sleep; then Fitbit suggests ways to increase the number of steps or improve sleep quality. Thus, it motivates a user to keep track of their health and achieve their fitness goals.

• Daily Readiness Score

Fitbit Premium Subscription shall have a feature where the score shall give an overview of the day in readiness for any kind of physical activity, based on aspects like sleep, heart rate variability, and activity. This would always inform a user when to “push during a workout” and when it is time to take it easy.

4. Challenges, Goals, and Social Features

To keep all of its users motivated, the Fitbit app includes a variety of social and gamification aspects. For example, you can set personal targets, such as 10,000 steps per day, and measure your progress in real-time. When the app detects prolonged inactivity, it sends gentle reminders to get active.

The effectiveness of the Fitbit products stems from the social components embedded into them, which allow users to engage with their friends, participate in fitness challenges, and even compete with other users across the world. Accountability and friendly rivalry can be quite motivating in helping people stick to their regular routines.

5. Integration with Other Platforms

The Fitbit app also works nicely with other health apps like Google Fit, Apple Health, and MyFitnessPal. This allows users to easily sync information across many platforms, making it easier to follow health holistically. Further, Fitbit’s open API opens the door for application developers to enhance the user experience through third-party applications.

6. Real-Time Notifications and Feedback

Data collection isn’t the only thing the app is there for; it is quite literally about real-time interaction. Users get notified by the app automatically when a particular goal has been met, for example, whether the daily steps have been completed or a target heart rate has been reached. It gently nudges one to become active, hydrate, or even breathe and de-stress throughout the day. For premium users, it offers real-time coaching as well.

Fitbit collects data on a user’s daily physical activities and then provides doctor-recommended tips for faster recovery. The app collects multiple data points from wearables, performs data analysis, and delivers tailored suggestions to motivate people to monitor their daily health and fitness. Furthermore, the app has custom insights, real-time syncing, and social features to keep your users engaged and motivated.

Tech Stacks to Develop an App Like Fitbit

Summary of the tech Stack needed to build a fitness app like Fitbit:

You can develop an app like Fitbit by focusing on the attractive user interface and a few tracking features. This calls for a proper robust and scalable tech stack which involves real-time data synchronization, analytics for users, cloud integration, and smooth interaction between the wearable device and the mobile application. Now let’s see the major technologies involved in the process of Fitbit like app development.

1. Front-end Development

Your app’s user interface is the front-end or the section with which users interact directly. A fitness app, such as Fitbit, must be intuitive, responsive, and visually engaging. Its usefulness should be in supplying a fluid experience that allows a user to easily view their data regarding their fitness, set goals, and analyze progress.

Programming Languages

Most popular frameworks for developing cross-platform mobile applications that are easy to create on both iOS and Android are React Native and Flutter which let you write your code once, then deploy it across both platforms, cutting down development time and cost.

If you prefer native development, this is what you’d use: For iOS: Swift For Android: Kotlin or Java

UI/UX Design Tools

If you want to develop an app like Fitbit, leverage modern tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch to design wireframes and prototypes. Furthermore, these tools may help create high-quality, engaging app user interfaces, making the app more user-friendly.

2. Back-End Development

The back-end is the backbone of your app where it will manage all of your logic, data storage, and also manage the server. If the kind of application were handling some real-time data, as in the case of the number of steps, heart rate, sleep, etc, then the back-end architecture should be very efficient and scalable.

Programming Languages

Popular back-end programming languages to use within a fitness application include Node.js, Python, Ruby on Rails, and Java, which have been selected for their scalability, efficiency, and mature libraries and frameworks.

Database Management

The database is where user data is held-including activity logs, health metrics, and so on. You will definitely need a robust yet scalable database, such as MongoDB, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, in order to handle this data most efficiently. These can be asked complex queries and large volumes of data, which fitness apps handling thousands to millions of users require.

In case you need real-time synchronization of data, Firebase should be used as a real-time database.

Cloud Storage

Essential fitness apps, such as Fitbit, require cloud infrastructure to store massive amounts of user data and ensure that the syncing process runs smoothly across all linked devices. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP are among the most popular platforms today. These cloud platforms provide large-scale data storage, processing power, and security control.

3. APIs for Wearable Device Integration

A fitness app like Fitbit requires wearables to receive data. This means wearable device integration is a must in the development process. It is primarily done through the APIs issued by wearable manufacturers.

Fitbit API

When you develop a fitness app like Fitbit and integrate it with a Fitbit-specific wearable, you’ll have to use the Fitbit Web API. The Fitbit Web API provides access to a wide range of data kinds, including activities, heart rate, sleep patterns, and even nutrition. The API will allow the app to retrieve data from a Fitbit gadget and obtain the necessary health information.

Google Fit API / Apple HealthKit

Also, you can integrate your fitness app with Google Fit on Android and Apple HealthKit for iOS for more interoperability. These platforms allow third-party apps to pull health information from other fitness wearables, thereby making it possible to have your app compatible with a broad range of devices and sensors.

4. Data Analytics and AI Algorithms

Fitbit’s success begins with how its raw data would be transformed into meaningful insights for the user. Toward this end, you will need pretty strong analytics and ML tools.

Data Analytics

Analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics would track the behavior of a user, the trend of activities, and the total engagement that someone will have in the application. This gives users real-time feedback and personal health insights.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The AI algorithm will advance your fitness app. A machine learning model will predict the degree of fitness that a user possesses, suggest personalized workout routines, and most importantly, detect abnormal health patterns. You can build your AI algorithm using libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Here we listed to AI app development companies which provide best AI development services.

Big Data Processing

Big data tools such as Apache Hadoop or Apache Spark are necessary to process and analyze millions of data points generated from fitness apps daily-for instance, from users’ steps to heart rate variability.

5. Real-Time Data Synchronization

If you want your fitness app, like Fitbit, to perform seamlessly and provide real-time insights, data synchronization is essential. It helps users see their activity levels and current health stats. Ask your fitness app development company to leverage Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to enable asynchronous, real-time communication.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

The BLE is extensively used in fitness wearables as it consumes power relatively less. The benefit of low power consumption is the device should run for a longer period without the exhaustion of the battery. The gadget can continuously send information back to the application without the connectivity dropping.

6. Security Mechanisms

The development of a fitness application involves key sensitive health-related personal data. The user must feel secure that their personal information will not fall into the wrong hands.

Encryption

Implement end-to-end encryption on all health data so it is protected while in transmission as well as when it resides on the server. SSL encryption should be used over any communication through the wearable, app, and server.

Compliance

HIPAA in the U.S. or GDPR in the EU could be adhered to ensure the data privacy of the user.

Features to Build an App Like Fitbit

Key Features for a Fitbit-like App development:

Features that you choose while developing an app like Fitbit will either make or break the experience for the user. The diversity of features will not only attract users but also keep them engaged, encouraging them to return and track their health progress. Fitness tracking apps competing with Fitbit should contain the following essential features:

1. User Registrations and Profiles

Every app starts with a user account. The process of registering the user should be smooth, whether it’s via email, phone number, or social media integration such as Facebook or Google. Profiles help users personalize their experience, set fitness goals, and track health metrics.

2. Dashboard / Activity Feed

The core of the app would be the dashboard or activity feed, showing users their daily, weekly, or monthly fitness data all in one place. Parameters here include step count, calorie burn, heart rate, and sleep quality. Users can track their progress through visual representations presented as charts, graphs, and statistics.

3. Fitness and Activity Tracking

The app must be able to track various fitness activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. The addition of GPS route tracking adds a more vivid experience to the workouts.

4. Sleep Monitoring

Users should be able to track their sleep like on Fitbit. This includes tracking the time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. Quality sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, so providing insights into users’ sleep habits adds value to the app.

5. Goal-Setting

The app must allow users to input their personal fitness goals, such as walking 10,000 steps per day, burning 500 calories, or completing a set number of activities per week. The app should also provide reminders and notifications to help users stay on track.

6. Compatibility with Wearable Devices

For a fitness app such as Fitbit, it is very important to integrate with wearable devices. This includes Fitbits and other known fitness trackers and smartwatches, including Garmin, Apple, and Samsung.

7. Push Notifications

Push notifications are vital for keeping users engaged. Notifications can remind users to complete their workouts, stay hydrated, or take breaks from sitting. They can also offer encouragement when a user reaches their objectives.

8. Community Features

Social aspects can be incorporated through features such as friends, performance comparisons, and fitness challenges. A leaderboard can also be added to show how users’ fitness achievements compare to others.

9. Workout Plan and Recommendations

The app should provide a library of workout programs tailored to fit users’ fitness levels and goals. AI-driven workout recommendations based on users’ health data can significantly enhance the user experience.

10. Nutrition Tracking

Tracking users’ daily nutrition, including macronutrients and water intake, can be helpful. The app should provide nutritional advice tailored to users’ goals, such as losing weight or building muscle.

11. Data Syncing and Cloud Integration

The app should store user data in the cloud to ensure it remains safe and can be accessed across multiple devices. Cloud storage also enables users to sync data when switching between smartphones and tablets.

12. Data Privacy and Security

Fitness apps collect a lot of sensitive personal health information, so security is essential. Use secure data storage, encryption, and adhere to regulations like HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in Europe.

Cost to Create an App Like Fitbit

The cost associated with making a fitness app varies depending on a number of criteria, including features, design complexity, platform selection, and the development team’s geographical location. Understanding these cost-driving elements allows you to properly prepare the budget and ensure a successful app development process. Let’s take a look at the crucial factors that go into the healthcare app development cost:

Fitbit Like App Development Cost Optimization Tips

Below are some tips to help you in cost optimization:

1. Build Minimum Viable Product

Your first MVP, implementing only the most essential features, will get you up and running with a minimal budget much quicker. The advanced features can be added in further updates.

2. Cross-Platform Development

Selecting cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native cuts costs, as you need to build one code base for operating systems – iOS and Android.

Read more about Flutter app development company and react native app development company.

3. Outsource Development

You can readily partner with development teams from regions with lower hourly rates like Eastern Europe and Asia. This can reduce your development costs while still assuring quality.

How to Monetize a Fitbit-like Application?

While you make an app like Fitbit, you must also plan on monetizing your fitness app to ensure its long-term sustainability and profitability. A successful fitness app like Fitbit can generate revenue through various sources, depending on the business model you choose. Let’s explore the most effective monetization strategies for your app:

1. Freemium Model

Give free basic features and charge for premium features like customized workout plans and advanced analytics.

2. Subscription Model

Collect recurring revenue, on a monthly/yearly basis, to have special content access, tailored coaching, and other sophisticated features from the user.

3. In-app Purchases

Sale of Optional Add-ons, that is customized workout plans, diet consultancy services, or even entry to fitness programs.

4. Advertising and Partnerships

You earn money in the app by showing ads sent by a fitness brand or by linking with companies that sell wellness-related products.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Promote any third-party product, such as fitness equipment or supplements. When sales occur, you earn a percentage.

6. Corporate Wellness Programs

Team up with companies that are offering wellness programs for their employees, bringing in money on a regular basis.

7. White-Label Solutions

License your app to a gym or a fitness brand and allow them to use it themselves under their branding.

By leveraging a combination of these strategies, you can create multiple revenue streams and ensure long-term profitability without compromising user experience.

Also Read:
How to Build an App Like Strava?
How to Develop an app like 1MG
How to Create an app Like Pharmeasy

Conclusion

A fitness app like Fitbit allows developing an opportunity to tap into the ever-growing demand for health and fitness tracking solutions. Beyond the desirable features, you have to understand user needs and provide a seamless user experience to stay ahead of the emerging trends in the market to be successful.

Whether you’re releasing a freemium version of your app or launching a subscription-based service, truly providing value to your users is essential to the long-term success of your application. The app development landscape is evolving rapidly. Thus, building a fitness app with the latest features, a modern tech stack, and an engaging UI/UX interface has become the need of the hour. If you’re planning to build a dedicated fitness app like Fitbit, look no further than The NineHertz.

We are a trusted mobile app development company that specializes in building engaging, user-friendly, and scalable fitness apps across 100+ industry verticals. Our dedicated pool of 575+ developers has successfully delivered 1300+ projects, showcasing their unmatched expertise and experience in mobile app development. Since our inception in 2008, we have been helping startups, SMEs, and established businesses to build modern, engaging, feature-rich, and scalable apps.

Connect with us to help you turn your vision into a successful fitness app that drives both impact and profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us discuss some of the frequently asked questions related to how to develop a fitness app like Fitbit:

A) How to Build a Fitness Tracker App Like Fitbit?

If you want to build a fitness app like Fitbit, conduct extensive market research to understand what your customers really want. Whether they want a step counter, a calorie tracker, or a heart rate monitor, incorporating the most sought-after feature is a win-win. Furthermore, leverage the latest technologies, such as Kotlin and Swift, and integrate third-party tools and APIs, such as Google Fit and Apple HealthKit.

B) How Much Does It Cost to Create an App Like Fitbit?

The cost to create an app like Fitbit can range between $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity of the features, wearable integrations, and development time.

C) What Are the Top Features of Making an App Like Fitbit?

The top features include real-time activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, GPS-based workout tracking, personalized fitness goals, social fitness challenges, and custom workout plans.