Buying guide for Best Fitbits
Ready to buy now? Shop the best: If you've ever looked at buying a fitness tracker, you've almost certainly heard of Fitbit. Fitbit, quite honestly, paved the way for fitness trackers and smartwatches as we know them today. Pair that with the fact that Google bought Fitbit, and you're getting the same trusted health tracking with the added horsepower of one of the world's biggest tech companies behind it.
Choosing a Fitbit just comes down to your needs and preferences. If you want a larger screen with smartwatch capabilites, go with the Versa 4. If you want a health-conscious tracker that gives you a snapshot of your entire body, the Sense 2 is great. In summary, though, we found that the Fitbit Charge 6 was the most well-rounded and packs a ton of features into a slim, easy-to-use tracker.
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
Editors' picks
Fitbit Charge 6
Editors' 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.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Advanced TechBattery life: 36 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is one of the best smartwatches for anybody who wants something high-quality, lightweight and versatile. Its round face makes it suitable for daily wear, and the 41-millimeter screen is both brighter and larger than its predecessor.
Athletes will appreciate its selection of activity-tracking modes, which range from resistance training and swimming to basketball and yoga. Integrated Google AI tracks your fitness and provides detailed insights to help you reach your goals and improve your recovery time. The battery life lasts 24 hours with regular usage, but you can get up to 36 hours in low-power mode.
It’s a sophisticated smartwatch that’s perfect for those with an active lifestyle or anyone who wants to stay connected without wearing a bulky smartwatch. Its sleek design makes it versatile, and it offers access to Google’s top apps, including Wallet and Maps. Plus, it’s available in three case colors: champagne gold, matte black or polished silver.
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 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.
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm)
Stay Connected
Battery life: 36 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is available in two case sizes: 41 and 45 millimeters. The 41-millimeter case size is best for casual users with a smaller wrist, but if you prefer something slightly more robust, consider sizing up to the 45-millimeter case. In addition to standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can set up your Google Pixel 3 (45 mm) with an LTE plan to stay connected even when your phone is out of reach.
With over 40 activity-tracking modes and detailed recovery reports, you can stay on top of your fitness and resume your training at the optimal time. IPX7 water resistance makes it suitable for swimming, and the 24-hour battery life is perfect for most users, even with moderately heavy daily use. The Actua display is easy to read even in bright environments, and the built-in Google AI helps you get the most out of the smartwatch's features.
Those who want a quality smartwatch with a large, bright screen and a super-responsive user interface will love the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm). It’s also one of the best choices for staying connected at all times, thanks to its LTE compatibility, and one of the best for casual everyday wear, gym training or outdoor jogging.
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.
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 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.
Battery life
All Fitbit trackers have a rechargeable battery that you can charge with the included cable. 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. However, it’s worth noting that some more advanced smartwatches typically only offer 24 to 36 hours of battery life on a full charge.
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.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: You’ll get phone notifications as well as sensors that efficiently track various health and fitness metrics.
- 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 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 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: You can stream music via connected Bluetooth earbuds or headphones and control music playback from your phone.
- Google Pixel Watch 2: This watch syncs with various apps, including Spotify and YouTube, allowing you to control playback from your wrist.
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: 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.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: It features a silent alarm and an accurate sleep tracking sensor, providing detailed insights into the time spent in each sleep stage.
- 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, and the Google Pixel Watch 2 integrates with Google service such as Google Assistant.
Our top picks: Smart features
- Fitbit Charge 6 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.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: It offers phone functionality, and it can connect to various Google services, including Maps, Calendar, Gmail and Google Assistant.
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
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.
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
Jordan Hutchinson has been at BestReviews since 2021, and he now manages people and products for the testing lab. While he specializes in testing, Jordan also writes about trending tech topics. He has extensive knowledge of computers, TVs, speakers and other handheld electronics.
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.
Jaime Vázquez is a writer, content strategist and gadget nerd based in Portland, Oregon. He began his career in the early 2000s, writing and managing web content for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and elsewhere. Jaime is also a lifelong tech enthusiast — whether it’s smart-home devices, computers or wearables, he loves testing out the latest electronics.
