Buying guide for best Fitbits
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Fitbit innovated the modern-day fitness tracker and paved the way for many smartwatches. Still as popular as ever, Fitbits offer a terrific way for you to not only track your health and fitness goals but also to stay connected to your phone. There are many Fitbits to choose from, and there is a notable distinction between the Fitbit Versa and Sense models, which offer smartwatch functionality, and the Fitbit Charge and Inspire models, which are ultra-lightweight wristband-style fitness trackers.
Each Fitbit provides plenty of features and high performance, but how do you know which one is right for you? We’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you by testing several Fitbits in the BestReviews Testing Lab. We took the steps to unbox each device, pair it with a phone and test its functionality over 48 hours. By the end, the Fitbit Charge 6 was the clear winner. It offers loads of handy features and provides accurate data on your heart rate, sleep and fitness, so you can stay on top of your health and exercise goals.
Expert tip
Since Google now owns the Fitbit corporation, expect new product updates and better integration with Android-based products going forward.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Which Fitbit is best?
Fitbit Charge 6
Customer Favorite
Battery life: 7 days | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
Feature-packed and highly accurate, the lightweight Fitbit Charge 6 was easily our favorite during testing. The touch screen’s responsiveness is superb, and it’s easy to read under direct sunlight no matter what the brightness setting. ECG heart rate readings were accurate compared to the Apple Watch 6, as well as blood oxygen and stress level readings. Sleep tracking is fantastic as it accurately detects restlessness, time spent in each sleep stage and heart rate consistency.
The fitness tracking is impeccable. We found that it was highly accurate compared to the Apple Watch 6 when tested across activities such as cycling, jogging and walking. Pairing the Fitbit Charge 6 with an iOS or Android device is simple, and there are 39 clock faces to choose from. And it’s one of the most unassuming trackers, so you can wear it all day and barely notice it.
The only real downside is that you only get notifications for calls and text messages rather than for all apps on your phone. However, if you want a stylish and subtle device for tracking health and fitness, the Fitbit Charge 6 is an excellent choice.
Fitbit Inspire 3
Budget-Friendly
Battery life: 10 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 20+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a terrific entry-level fitness tracker, and although it’s not as stylish or feature-packed as the Fitbit Charge 6, there’s plenty to like about it. We ran the Fitbit Inspire 3 through a series of tests and were impressed with its overall performance and functionality despite a few shortcomings. However, that’s to be expected of a budget fitness tracker.
As with most Fitbits, the display is easy to see even in bright environments, and colors and vibrancy are fantastic. Outdoor exercise tracking works well and is comparable to the Apple Watch 6, as well as blood oxygen and heart rate readings. We wore it for two days, and the battery life only depleted to just over 60%. It syncs data with the connected smartphone almost instantly and we didn’t notice any glitches or inconsistencies.
There are three primary reasons to get the Fitbit Inspire 3: its long-lasting battery life, accurate fitness and health tracking and relatively low price point. It might be a tad overpriced, given its small screen and mediocre responsiveness. However, it’s a tracker by a reputable brand with outstanding tracking and connectivity, which makes it a worthy consideration for those who want something lightweight to track their health.
Fitbit Versa 4
Feature-packed
Battery life: 6 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Versa 4 is a premium fitness tracker that abandons the wristband style of the Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Inspire models and adopts a traditional smartwatch design. That alone makes it more functional with more features.
During testing, we were impressed with how comfortable and lightweight it feels. Some smartwatches feel clunky because of the robust build, but the Fitbit Versa 4 is so minimalist that you can barely feel it on your wrist. The physical button is responsive, and swiping through it for menu navigation is easy. Heart rate and activity tracking are consistent and comparable to the Apple Watch 6, and sleep tracking provides a detailed report in the Fitbit app. Alexa is responsive and works great, and wearing it for two days on a full charge only depletes the battery to 50%.
The Fitbit Versa 4 offers a fantastic combination of smartwatch and fitness features. It’s excellent for anyone who wants a device for not only health tracking but also receiving app notifications and having a voice assistant available at all times. It can be slightly glitchy at times, but overall, its performance is top-notch, and few fitness trackers offer the same functionality and features in a tight little package.
Fitbit Charge 4
Excellent Value
Battery life: 7 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 20+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Charge 4 is an older model, but it’s an excellent value pick for those who want something affordable to keep track of their health and fitness goals. It boasts the same lightweight design as the newer generation Fitbit Charge devices and the essential features you want from a fitness tracker.
It has a built-in GPS so you can monitor your pace and distance on the screen, and the heart rate tracker accurately tracks resting heart rate and calories burned. It offers more than 20 goal-based exercise modes and automatic activity tracking, and you can wear it while swimming without worrying about water damage. It also provides a sleep score that can help you develop better sleeping habits, and on-wrist app controls let you play your Spotify playlists.
At a price point of just over $120, the Fitbit Charge is a fantastic pick for those who don’t mind an older model. It has a more refined and sleek design than the Fitbit Inspire, and you’ll get the essential features you’d expect from a high-quality fitness tracker in addition to a few neat smartwatch functions.
Fitbit Sense 2
Simple Yet Solid
Battery life: 6 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Sense 2 and the Versa 4 look identical, so you’re probably wondering what makes them different. As we did with the Versa 4, we ran the Fitbit Sense 2 through a battery of tests, and besides the aluminum case and AMOLED display both models have, we were able to distinguish what makes each model unique.
When comparing specs, the Fitbit Sense 2 is equipped with virtually every feature the Versa 4 has. However, it also boasts an ECG, EDA and skin-temperature sensor. Functionality and performance across all other metrics and features are essentially the same as the Versa 4. The display is responsive, it syncs data with the connected smartphone quickly, and fitness tracking is highly accurate. The battery life is slightly better, as we noted it dropped to 65% after wearing it for two days.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the most complete fitness smartwatches. It’s the perfect device for exercise enthusiasts or anybody who wants accurate tracking across various health metrics. It’s more expensive than the Versa 4, which offers comparable performance, but the additional sensors might make the Sense 2 the better buy for some.
Fitbit Charge 5
Sleek & Stylish
Battery life: 7 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 20+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Charge 5 is just slightly more expensive than the Fitbit Charge 4, so it’s still worth a look for those who want something on the more budget-friendly side. The sleek and lightweight design is all but identical to the one you’ll see with the Fitbit Charge 6, but at a lower price point, the Fitbit Charge 5 might be the better deal for some.
You’ll get call and text alerts as soon as your phone receives them, and the built-in GPS is excellent for those who enjoy working out outdoors, as it allows you to track jogging and cycling routes. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you can wear it during intense swimming sessions, and the auto-vibrate function lets you know when you’re in a high-energy activity zone.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent fitness tracker and is much cheaper than the Charge 6. The only real difference between the two is that the Charge 6 is loaded with Google apps, such as Google Maps and YouTube playback controls. If these aren't functions you'll use, we recommend going with the Charge 5 if you want something lightweight and affordable.
Fitbit Inspire 2
Bargain Pick
Battery life: 10 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 20+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is one of the cheapest Fitbits and an acceptable option for those who want a barebones device for tracking health and fitness. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who prefers lightweight wristwear over bulkier smartwatches, making it ideal for high-impact activities or contact sports such as soccer and basketball.
As with most other Fitbits, its water-resistance rating means you can submerge it in water up to 50 meters deep. Sleep tracking accurately provides data on how much time you spend in each stage. The battery life is superb, lasting up to 10 days on a full charge, and it has a 24/7 sensor that tracks your resting and active heart rate.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better fitness tracker for under $100. Although it lacks a lot of smartwatch functionality and the screen isn’t very responsive, it’s worth buying if all you want is something lightweight to track your steps and calories burned and receive text and call notifications.
Fitbit Sense (1st Gen)
Classic Smartwatch
Battery life: 6 days | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 20+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Sense (1st Generation) has been somewhat forgotten, but you can still find it being sold at many retailers. You may be wondering why we would recommend this model when the newer Fitbit Sense 2 is available. Other than a cheaper cost, the Fitbit Sense (1st Generation) has plenty to offer.
Although it’s slightly heavier than the Fitbit Sense 2, it has a more durable build and has arguably better smart features. For example, you can download plenty of third-party apps on the Fitbit Sense (1st Generation) but not on the Fitbit Sense 2. It also performs just as well in terms of monitoring heart rate and other fitness metrics, providing superb accuracy.
The fact that you can use Spotify with this Fitbit makes it a worthy consideration over the Fitbit Sense 2 if you can get it for a significantly lower price. The Fitbit Sense (1st Generation) also has integrated Google Assistant and support for Wi-Fi connectivity, both of which are lost on the Fitbit Sense 2.
Expert Tip
Treat your Fitbit’s screen like any other: Keep it clean using non-abrasive cleaners and a microfiber cloth. Using commercial glass cleaner can permanently mar your Fitbit, so don’t use it.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
How we tested the best Fitbits
We unboxed and synced each Fitbit with a smartphone to set it up and get it ready for testing. We analyzed performance over two days and tested various metrics, including sensor accuracy, smartphone functionality and battery life. We also tested responsiveness and analyzed each Fitbit’s design and build quality.
How does a Fitbit work?
To track your activity, Fitbits use a three-axis accelerometer to follow your movements. An accelerometer converts motion, or acceleration, into digital measurements when you’re wearing the tracker. By compiling this data, the tracker can give you a detailed account of the frequency, duration and intensity of your activity. Because it uses a three-axis accelerometer, a Fitbit is much more accurate than an old-fashioned, single-axis pedometer.
Though extra functionality varies depending on the device, most Fitbits track the following:
- Calories burned
- Steps taken
- Distance traveled
- Sleep quality
Fitbit also has a version for kids: the Ace 3. Of course, there are different considerations when making a fitness tracker for little ones, and this one is focused on fun and movement rather than calorie burning and workouts. Through animated faces, badges and challenges, it encourages kids to move more for the fun of it. We love that it's swimproof and also includes sleep tracking.
Expert TIp
If your Fitbit supports smartphone notifications, you can moderate which apps are able to communicate. So if you want to make sure to get text messages, but don’t need wrist notifications from Candy Crush, you can set it based on your preferences.
BestReviews Electronic Expert
Benefits of a Fitbit
A Fitbit tracker makes you keenly aware of how much you’re moving and how many calories you’re burning each day. It also allows you to set goals, such as 10,000 steps a day, and because you can easily see your progress, it provides extra motivation to make sure that you reach that goal number.
You also don’t have to remember to log your workouts. The Fitbit does it automatically, so you always know exactly how long and how hard you’ve exercised.
The Fitbit app also allows you to track your water and food intake, as well as your weight, so it’s easy to get a complete picture of your fitness journey. If you have a tracker with a heart rate monitor, you can also get more out of your workouts by seeing how hard you’re working and pushing yourself a little harder if necessary.
Key considerations
Display size
Fitbit trackers have screens that display the fitness data that’s been recorded. You simply press a button to scroll through the information while you’re wearing the device.
Some screens are larger than others, though, so they’re easier to read and can display more data. If you need a Fitbit with a larger screen, the Sense 2 and Versa 4 both have large screens, while the Charge 6 and Luxe have more compact screens.
Some Fitbits also have touch screen capabilities to make them even more user-friendly.
Battery life
All Fitbit trackers have a rechargeable battery that you can charge with the included cable. However, the battery life varies depending on the model, so some will require you to charge them more often. It can be inconvenient to charge your Fitbit frequently but the good news is that battery life usually lasts between five and 10 days.
Expert Tip
If you’re planning on using a Fitbit for sleep tracking, make sure the wristband is comfortable enough to sleep with. If it’s not, consider a Fitbit that works with standard watch band sizes so you can find a more comfortable band.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Standard features
It's important to know what to expect from a Fitbit. Below, we go over some of the standard features you can expect to find on most Fitbits, as well as some less common features that you'll find on some but not all models.
Fitness vs. lifestyle needs
All Fitbit trackers record steps taken, distance covered and calories burned. Many also track how many flights of stairs you climb and the active minutes you have each day. They can also track specific workout types, such as hiking, running and bicycling, rather than just basic steps. All can detect at least 20 exercise modes, but some have more than 40.
The Fitbit trackers that also have smartwatch features can provide workout summaries and pace for your workouts. If you’re focused primarily on fitness, a wristband-style Fitbit might be enough, but if you want something more lifestyle-focused, the smartwatch devices are better, as they provide improved functionality and other neat features such as stress tracking and an ECG sensor.
Our top picks: Fitness vs. lifestyle needs
- Fitbit Charge 6: It offers a solid combination of fitness and lifestyle functionality thanks to a larger display than the Inspire 3. However, it’s not as robust as the Versa 4 or Sense 2.
- Fitbit Inspire 3: It’s a solid device for those who are more fitness-conscious, as the screen isn’t equipped to handle lifestyle apps and functionality very well.
- Fitbit Versa 4: This is essentially a smartwatch that lets you send text messages and receive phone calls, as well as manage music playback.
- Fitbit Charge 4: It’s the same as the Fitbit Charge 6, but it doesn’t come preloaded with Google apps.
- Fitbit Sense 2: It offers the same functionality as the Versa 4, with additional sensors.
Music controls
For anyone who enjoys listening to music while working out, Fitbit with music controls can be convenient for managing your playlist. Instead of dragging your smartphone or iPod out of your pocket to adjust the volume or change the song, you can do it through your Fitbit’s display screen without missing a step. Some, such as the Versa 4, even let you play music directly from the Fitbit.
Our top picks: Music controls
- Fitbit Charge 6, Fitbit Versa 4 and Fitbit Sense 2: You can control YouTube and other media playing.
- Fitbit Inspire 3: This basic, budget-friendly smartwatch doesn’t offer music controls.
- Fitbit Charge 4: It only offers Spotify controls.
Reminders to move
Staying committed to being active means avoiding prolonged periods where you’re just sitting or lying down. Some Fitbit trackers provide reminders to move each hour, so you can make a point to take a walk around your office or to the corner store. In most cases, the tracker vibrates to let you know that you haven’t met the activity goal for the hour yet. Almost all modern Fitbit devices have the reminder-to-move feature.
Sleep tracking and silent alarm
Part of a healthy lifestyle is getting enough sleep, so many Fitbit models offer sleep tracking, including the Luxe and the Sense 2. These trackers let you know how many hours of sleep you’re getting each night. You can also set a silent alarm to wake you in the morning; your tracker will vibrate to let you know that it’s time to wake up. It’s a great option for getting yourself out of bed without disturbing anyone else.
Some trackers provide more detailed sleep-monitoring information, such as how many minutes you were awake or restless during the night, which can help you determine how good your night’s sleep was.
Our top picks: Sleep tracking and silent alarm
- Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Charge 4: The Charge 6 offers sleep tracking with detailed reports and a silent-alarm feature.
- Fitbit Inspire 3: It offers sleep tracking, but the report isn’t as detailed as on some other devices. It also has a silent-alarm feature.
- Fitbit Versa 4 and Fitbit Sense 2: The sleep-tracking sensor is accurate and reports in detail how much time you spent in each sleep stage. It also offers the silent-alarm function.
Heart rate monitor
For serious fitness tracking, choose a Fitbit with a heart rate monitor. Most Fitbits currently available have a built-in heart rate monitor, including the Sense 2 and Charge 6. These trackers use LED lights to detect blood-volume changes, which are then run through algorithms to measure your heart rate automatically.
The monitors indicate several different heart rate zones, such as resting, fat burning, cardio and peak. Using these zones, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your workout by pushing yourself into the peak zone for high-intensity training.
Water resistance
Fitbits are water-resistant up to 50 meters. That means you can splash or sweat on the monitor without worrying about damaging the tracker. All modern Fitbit fitness trackers are suitable for swimming, and some can even track metrics such as the number of calories burned and heart rate while you swim.
Smart features
If you want a fitness-oriented smartwatch, Fitbit offers a couple of options that will meet your needs. Unlike the traditional Fitbits, these models have special smart features that integrate more thoroughly with your smartphone and provide functionality beyond fitness tracking. For instance, the Versa 4 and Sense 2 both have Alexa built in.
Our top picks: Smart features
- Fitbit Charge 6, Fitbit Charge 4 and Fitbit Inspire 3: These models provide call and text notifications only.
- Fitbit Versa 4 and Fitbit Sense 2: The Versa 4 and Sense 2 offer hands-free access to Alexa and provide updates from multiple apps.
GPS
If you’re an avid runner or biker, your Fitbit’s GPS capabilities allow you to track the route that you take during a workout. As a result, you’re able to get an extremely accurate measurement of the distance you’ve covered, as well as the pace. After your run, you can even see a map of your route, overlaid with your speed and heart rate during different segments. Most new Fitbit models have GPS built-in, including the Inspire 3, Sense 2 and Charge 6.
Call, text and calendar notifications
If you sync your phone with your Fitbit smartwatch, you’ll receive call and text notifications on your tracker. In most cases, the wristband will vibrate to alert you of an incoming message and then flash the call or text information across the display. The Versa 4 and Sense 2 are two of the Fitbits that offer call, text and app notifications.
This can be an especially helpful feature if you need to stay in touch with your family or office during a workout because you won’t have to pull your phone out of your pocket to know who’s trying to reach you. A smartwatch Fitbit model can also alert you to appointments on your calendar so you don’t miss any important meetings.
On-screen workouts and guided breathing sessions
When you need help coming up with an effective workout routine, a Fitbit smartwatch tracker can come in handy. Most new Fitbits offer on-screen workouts that require little or no equipment and can be done in a small space so you can do them almost anywhere. The bad news is you generally need to pay for a Fitbit premium subscription to access these workouts.
Some Fitbit models, such as the Luxe, also offer guided breathing sessions to help you relax. You can choose from two- and five-minute sessions that help slow your heart rate and lower your stress level.
Expert Tip
Your Fitbit will provide you with a lot of health data that you can bring to doctor’s appointments like your yearly physical. The information can help your physician better understand your health and eating habits.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
FAQ
Q. Can I wear my Fitbit all the time?
A. Yes, you can, but it can cause skin irritation in some users. To avoid having the strap irritate your skin, make sure to keep it clean and dry, and don't secure it too tightly. You should also give your wrist a break by removing your Fitbit for an hour after extended periods of use
Q. Do Fitbits detect health problems?
A. It might be possible for Fitbits to detect certain health problems. For instance, Fitbit users have access to the Cardiogram app. This paired with a heart rate monitor, means that they can potentially detect conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, hypertension and sleep apnea. However, they aren't foolproof, so if you have reason to be concerned about your health but your Fitbit hasn't detected anything, it doesn't mean there's definitely nothing wrong. If you have any worries about your health, be sure to see a healthcare provider.
Q. Are Fitbits accurate?
A. Yes and no. While they're quite accurate, they can undercount or overcount steps, and miscalculate energy expenditure. One study published in the National Library of Medicine found Fitbit step counts to be "acceptably accurate" around half the time.
Our expertise
Kevin Luna has covered the tech category at BestReviews for over three years and is familiar with smartwatches and fitness trackers. He currently owns an Apple Watch SE, but he wore a Fitbit Sense (1st Generation) for over a year, so he’s knowledgeable about how they perform, especially when compared to the more expensive Apple Watch. He’s also reviewed several Fitbit devices for BestReviews.
