Consensus
The second-generation fitness band is improved with even more sensors and tracking capabilities, but most reviewers found it uncomfortable and awkward for everyday use. Most of the reviews were negative, and only Yahoo! Tech loved it.
Average Overall Rating
★★★★★★★★★★
3.45 out of 5 stars (6 reviews)
Critics Reviews (Around the Web)
So I hereby declare it to be the best band in the world for people who are serious about their exercise: anyone who regularly runs, bikes, lifts weights, golfs, works out, and so on. Read full review →
– Yahoo! · Nov 5, 2015
The Band 2 aims to fix the flaws of the first model, and it does so admirably. The design is greatly improved, and the slew of sensors are the cat’s meow. Yet hardware flaws dog this product. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
2.5 out of 5 stars
– Digital Trends · Nov 4, 2015
Like the original, the Microsoft Band 2 fitness tracker is full of useful features and valuable stat-tracking, but it's simply uncomfortable to wear. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
3.5 out of 5 stars
– PC Magazine · Oct 29, 2015
The challenge, then, is convincing people to spend $249 on the thing, and beyond that, convincing them to wear it every day despite its unforgiving fit and aesthetics. Personally, I would pass on the hardware and gladly use the software with some other device. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
3.5 out of 5 stars
– The Verge · Oct 29, 2015
Microsoft's slowly improving fitness band remains seriously ambitious, but it still lacks the better battery life and helpful daily coaching needed to justify its price. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
3.45 out of 5 stars
– CNET · Oct 29, 2015
It's still not a looker nor is it the comfiest. But, the Band 2 is all-around far better than the first iteration -- which was already a pretty decent fitness tracker to begin with. Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
– TechRadar · Oct 29, 2015
The new Microsoft Band is still far from perfect, but it's a much better device than the original. Its design is infinitely more comfortable, added sensors mean you can track more activities and new environmental factors, and more guided workouts give you more training options. Read full review →
– Ars Technica · Oct 29, 2015
Microsoft's first fitness tracker was a clunker, but the Band 2 is more refined, with a comfortable design and a thoughtful software platform that has gotten better over time. Even so, there are still some kinks... Read full review →★★★★★★★★★★
3.75 out of 5 stars
– Engadget · Oct 29, 2015
Three things hold the Band 2 back, however: along with the lack of apps, there’s a slightly awkward form factor, and a user interface that lacks the graphical appeal of its competition. Read full review →
– PC World · Oct 29, 2015
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Nice AMOLED display
- Tracks calories burned, heart rate, runs, sleep, steps, workouts, and more
- Delivers smartphone notifications
- Works with Windows, Android, iOS
- Granular breakdown of activity data
- Large curved touchscreen
- Barometer sensor added
- 10 sensors in total
- Longer battery life
- Guided workouts
- Build your own workouts
- Microsoft Health is useful, thoughtful
- Guided workouts are still great
- Third-party app selection is getting better
Cons
- Clasp is easy to scratch
- Data sync issues
- Doesn't work with Bluetooth accessories
- Not waterproof
- Fewer features for Android and iOS
- More noticeable pixelation
- Frustrating clasp
- GPS can be slow
- Limited social media notifications
- Only supports one guided workout at a time
- Interface can be a little obtuse
- GPS can take ages to find you
- 1-2 day batter life
Our Final Conclusion
The Band 2 straddles between trying to be a fitness band and a smartwatch. Depending on how you like the look and fit, potential buyers may be better off choosing a competitor that does what they'll need most.
Product Overview
October 6, 2015 - Microsoft today announced the second-generation Band 2, the latest fitness wearable designed to help you live healthier and achieve more. The new Microsoft Band 2 features a new curved display, making it even more comfortable to wear, and Cortana enables you to reply to texts or set reminders with the touch of a button. Alongside a continuous optical heart rate monitor and onboard GPS, the smart band still tracks calories burned, deep exercise and sleep quality... Read product announcement →
- Type:
- Health Trackers
- Released:
- Oct 30, 2015
