Best Fitbit Reviews: Comparison and Buying Guide
Other fitness trackers may look like a Fitbit, but they don’t compare when it comes to style, fit, and function. Fitbit currently manufactures an inclusive range of smartwatches and fitness trackers. Most Fitbit models boast the latest and greatest features from the wearables market such as Tap to Pay, GPS tracking (whether built in or via a phone connection), and detailed activity tracking all packed into a sleek design. Fitbit goes above and beyond; their models don’t just tell you when and how much you’re moving, they also tell you when you’re not moving enough, so you’re always kept on your toes. Depending on the model, other highlights include music streaming, email and text capabilities, detailed sleep data, and female health tracking. Dig deeper into the details of our favorite models and compare the range below.
Our Top Five Best Recommended Fitbits
Model
Rating
GPS
Heart Rate
Music
Battery Life
Water Resistant
Swimproof (up to 50 meters)
Pricing
Reviews
Fitbit History
As a pioneer of wearable activity trackers, Fitbit is synonymous with excellence. They introduced their first device back in 2009, and they’ve been revolutionizing the industry ever since. Fitbit has released several newer versions, each one better than the next. They may all have different features, but each has the same purpose: to make you more aware of your health and to help keep you fit.
Why Fitbit?
As well as being ideal for keeping on top of your own health and wellness, Fitbits are fantastic gifts. As our society becomes more health-conscious, fitness trackers are becoming more popular each year, and Fitbit is easily the standout brand of the wearables market. Here are some of the key benefits of Fitbit models.
- Sleek Design: Every model is modern, and made to look sharp. Thanks to the top-of-the-line materials, you probably won’t even notice you’re wearing one because they are so lightweight.
- Outstanding Performance: These devices go well beyond the usual calorie/step-counters that are on the market. There are prompts when you’ve been physically inactive for too long, GPS tracking to plan and monitor your runs, and heart-rate sensors to help you train more efficiently. As a bonus, you won’t need to charge your Fitbit everyday (some models offer up to an impressive 7 days of battery life).
- Innovative Technology: With a variety of built-in sensors, heart-rate monitoring, wireless syncing, and split-screen comparisons, Fitbits have the latest, cutting-edge technology built in to make monitoring your health easier than ever before.
- Different Price Points: There’s a Fitbit at every price point. You’ll be able to find one in your budget, whether you want to spend a little or a lot.
Fitbit Benefits
No matter which fitness tracker or smartwatch you choose, you will get your money’s worth. These trackers are all different when it comes to the bells and whistles but they all offer you an accurate picture of your daily activities. It all comes down to who you are buying for. All Fitbit devices have a few things in common.
- They make you aware of how physically active you are (or aren’t), so you can improve your overall health.
- They motivate you to exercise and shape up with their fun apps and enhancements that get you excited about fitness.
- Their tracking ability helps you to customize your workout so you do it the right way and to make it more efficient.
Fitbits: How Do They Compare?
To get a clear picture of which device best suits your needs, you need to see how they stack up in each category.
Design
When it comes to appearance, it’s important to consider comfort and versatility as well as aesthetics. Most models will give you some kind of choice regarding the band design from the get-go, so when it comes to comfort, it’s really up to you whether you prefer a more sporty, rubber band or chunkier, mesh material. You can also purchase additional, interchangeable bands if you want to mix things up further down the line. There’s now an inclusive selection of designs (depending on the model), from sporty bands to sleek woven leather and stainless steel mesh.
Features
All the devices track distance, calories, steps and sleep, but they differ in some individual features. A major difference between models is that some have a built-in GPS for real-time pace and distance tracking—such as the Charge 4—and others need a phone connection to track this information. Most models have 24/7 heart-rate tracking so you can keep on top of your stats throughout the day. Most also have the ability to track other essential data such as detailed sleep monitoring and reports as well as female health tracking tracking. Many offer music connectivity whether that’s via music storage or streaming via Spotify or another streaming service. You can also use most of their models with Fitbit Premium, their subscription app which offers workout programs and plans for every goal and ability level. It costs after the free trial, but advanced and personalized health and sleep insights are a welcome addition.
Water Resistance
All Fitbit trackers and smartwatches are water-resistant, which means they are rain-proof, splash-proof and sweat-proof. You can swim or shower with most Fitbit devices (expect Ace) including the Inspire, Ionic, and Versa series models. These models are swim-proof in a lake, pool, or ocean up to 50 meters.
Battery Life
Battery life can be very important, depending on how much you travel and plan to use the device. Of all the models the Charge 4 wins in this regard, with 7 days of battery life. Most other models fall between 4-6 days of battery life.
Price
While all of Fitbit’s devices are affordable, they do vary in price. The Ionic smartwatch is the priciest model on their books, but it does offer the widest variety of features. For those on a budget, the Inspire HR offers an impressive amount of features for the value price.
Verdict
For most people that buy a Fitbit, they report that it changes their outlook on physical activity for the better. Overall, all these devices provide an all-around positive experience when it comes to healthy living. They make exercise easy and fun- which is the key to consistency and success. Everyone who as ever used a Fitbit says the same thing: there is no better workout tracker on the market. Fitbit can’t be beat in price, functionality and design. Whether you’re new to the gym scene or a seasoned pro you will love Fitbit and all it has to offer.
Other Fitbits To Consider
1. Fitbit Versa 3
The Fitbit Versa 3 represents a smart upgrade from its predecessor, the Fitbit Versa 2, by answering the public’s demands. Now with the ability to answer calls and texts, this unit has built-in GPS. Clean and light to wear, the display is simply beautiful.
Another big plus is Detailed Sleep Monitoring and SpO2 monitoring. The wearable also brings the familiar voice of Amazon’s Alexa to the wrist for music, information, news, and other items. High marks for sure in the department of fitness tracker, the Fitbit Versa 3 brings a great combination of app support for a relatively low price.
Read the Full Fitbit Versa 3 Review
Overview
Pros
Cons
2. Fitbit Inspire 2
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is the best bang-for-your-buck model in the basic fitness tracker space. Alongside heart-rate monitoring, the Inspire 2 is loaded with useful functionality—sleep tracking, notifications, automatic exercise recognition, swim tracking, female health tracking, and plenty more. With the slimmest profile and lightweight, it’s great for users with thin wrists. It’s a perfect gateway tracker for someone wanting to keep closer tabs on their health and wellness on a budget.
Significantly less expensive than its peers, the downsides are no built-in GPS and it lacks a colorful display. But if accurate data tracking is the goal, it does come through.
Read the Full Fitbit Inspire 2 Review
Overview
Pros
Cons
3. Fitbit Sense
Simply packed with features, the Fitbit Sense is the brand’s priciest and highest-end smartwatch. This unit offers stress monitoring through electrodermal (EDA) scans as well as electrocardiogram (ECG) heart rate monitoring. This model also sports an easy-to-read display and offers detailed sleep tracking. Reviewers also note it’s among the easier pieces to use and swaps out bands quickly.
A full cadre of tracking options include heart rate, water intake, and a full list of exercise categories. Meanwhile, the widgets are customizable and music can be controlled from the wrist.
Read the Full Fitbit Sense Review
Overview
Pros
Cons
4. Fitbit Charge 5
A solid Fitbit that just lacks some music options of its peers, the Charge 5 does bring a great color touch screen with an always-on option. It’s attractive for sure and does track overnight heart rate variance, breathing rates, SP02, and skin temperature. Another great point of note is that it does accept mobile payments. While less customizable, it does offer built-in GPS and brings a more diverse set of health diagnostics including EKG and EDA.
Read the Full Fitbit Charge 5 Review
Overview
Pros
Cons
5. Fitbit Charge 4
The Charge 4 is Fitbit’s most advanced tracker. A major highlight is the built-in GPS for pace and distance, which allows you to leave your phone at home when you go for a run or hit the gym. It also features up to a week of battery life, the most featured in the range. A key point to consider is this battery life is that lifespan drops to about 5 hours when the built-in GPS is on. The screen is also a monochrome and difficult to control.
Read the Full Fitbit Charge 4 Review
