Since Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021, the landscape of fitness trackers and smartwatches has shifted significantly, particularly within the Fitbit ecosystem. Choosing between the latest Fitbit devices and the Google Pixel Watch line can be confusing. While Google’s influence brings advancements, some argue that the classic Fitbit identity has been somewhat diluted. To help you navigate this evolving market, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to Comparing Fitbits available in 2025.
For many, the pinnacle of the Fitbit experience now resides within the Google Pixel Watch 3. This smartwatch offers the most refined and feature-rich Fitbit tracking capabilities available. However, if you’re seeking a more traditional Fitbit fitness tracker, there are still compelling options in their dedicated lines.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of Fitbits, encompassing every model currently on the market. We offer summaries of each device, side-by-side specifications, and insights into Google’s future plans for the Fitbit brand in 2025 and beyond. Whether you are comparing Fitbits for fitness tracking, health monitoring, or smartwatch features, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Fitbit Comparison Chart
| Device | GPS | HR | ECG | Swim | Battery | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7 days | Most advanced fitness tracker features in a band format |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 days | Focus on stress management with continuous EDA sensor |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 7 days | Sleek design and comprehensive tracking at a mid-range price |
| Fitbit Luxe | No | Yes | No | Yes | 5 days | Stylish and discreet design, ideal for 24/7 wear |
| Fitbit Versa 4 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 6 days | Solid smartwatch features with a strong Fitbit foundation |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | 10 days | Excellent value fitness tracker with impressive battery life |
| Fitbit Ace 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | 8 days | Durable and engaging tracker designed for younger children |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 days (45mm) | Best overall Fitbit experience with full smartwatch capabilities |
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What to Expect from Google Fitbit in 2025
2024 marked a year of significant transition for Fitbit. The departure of co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman in early 2024, followed by the rebranding to ‘Google Fitbit’, signaled a deeper integration into the Google ecosystem. However, the most impactful news was the announcement in August 2025 that Google would discontinue the Fitbit smartwatch lines, effectively ending future Sense and Versa models. Google’s smartwatch ambitions are now heavily concentrated on the Pixel Watch series, with the Fitbit Ace LTE (currently US-exclusive) being the only new product under the Fitbit brand in 2024.
This shift wasn’t entirely unexpected. The features and updates for the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 had been limited, suggesting a strategic pivot towards the Pixel Watch. This change in direction reshapes expectations for Google Fitbit in 2025. Based on previous release patterns and the quiet 2024 launch calendar, here are the anticipated Fitbit releases for 2025:
- Fitbit Charge 7: Likely to be an iterative update to the flagship fitness tracker line, focusing on refinement and potentially improved sensor technology.
- Fitbit Inspire 4: A refresh of the popular entry-level tracker, possibly with design tweaks and enhanced health metrics.
- Fitbit Ace LTE (Potential Global Release): Expansion of the kids’ smartwatch to markets outside the US.
- Google Pixel Watch 4: The next generation of Google’s flagship smartwatch, expected to further integrate Fitbit’s health and fitness expertise.
Google Pixel Watch 3
The Premier Fitbit Smartwatch Experience
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is, in essence, a Fitbit smartwatch. At its core, the device leverages Fitbit’s renowned algorithms and design philosophy for its comprehensive tracking functionalities. When comparing Fitbits, the Pixel Watch 3 stands out by integrating the best of Fitbit’s health tracking with the power of a full-fledged smartwatch operating system.
The primary distinction between the Pixel Watch 3 and dedicated Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense 2 lies in its operating system. The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, granting access to Google’s extensive suite of apps (including Google Maps, Gmail, Calendar, and Google Home) and a wide array of third-party applications available through the Google Play Store. This expanded app ecosystem significantly enhances the smartwatch capabilities beyond pure fitness tracking.
Available in both 41mm and a larger 45mm circular case sizes, the Pixel Watch 3 features a stylish domed screen and is often compared to the Apple Watch in terms of its broad functionality. Improvements over its predecessors include a brighter display, now reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and a more edge-to-edge screen design, enhancing visual appeal and usability.
The Pixel Watch 3’s strength is rooted in its Fitbit DNA. The Fitbit app serves as the central hub for all your health data, presenting 24/7 heart rate monitoring, detailed Health Metrics Dashboard insights, comprehensive sleep tracking with sleep stage analysis, the personalized Daily Readiness Score, and the newly introduced Cardio Load/Target Load features. This deep integration ensures a robust and familiar Fitbit tracking experience within a powerful smartwatch.
However, the enhanced features and capabilities come with a trade-off in battery life, especially when comparing Fitbits. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 typically lasts 24-30 hours with the always-on display active. While the 45mm version extends battery life to a more respectable two days, it still falls short of the multi-day battery performance of traditional Fitbit models like the Versa 4. The Pixel Watch 3 also carries a significantly higher price tag, making it a premium option.
Despite the price and battery considerations, the Google Pixel Watch 3 represents the most complete and advanced way to experience the Fitbit platform in 2025. Our testing has consistently shown its tracking accuracy to be excellent, solidifying its position as a top contender when comparing Fitbits.
Pros:
- Available in two case sizes, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences.
- Improved battery life on the 45mm version now offers a usable two-day AOD battery.
- Maintains excellent heart rate tracking accuracy, a hallmark of Fitbit devices.
Cons:
- The 41mm version offers minimal upgrade over the previous generation, particularly in battery life.
- Lacks dual-frequency GNSS for enhanced GPS accuracy in challenging environments.
- Stress tracking features can still feel somewhat vague and lack actionable insights.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Most Feature-Rich Fitbit Tracker Band
The Fitbit Charge 6, launched in 2023, remains Fitbit’s most advanced fitness tracker wristband. However, when comparing Fitbits, it’s important to note that the Charge 6 is an evolution rather than a revolution compared to the Charge 5 released in 2021.
It retains the premium stainless steel case and vibrant AMOLED display of its predecessor, along with a comprehensive suite of sensors. These sensors provide detailed health insights, including skin temperature variation, daily stress levels (EDA sensor), heart rhythm assessments (ECG), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and precise location tracking via GPS.
While the Charge 6’s appearance and core functionality are largely similar to the Charge 5, there are notable improvements. The most significant is the reintroduction of a physical side button, a feature missed since the Charge 4. This button greatly enhances user interaction, making navigation and control of the device much more intuitive and convenient.
Having extensively tested the Charge 6, we continue to recommend it as a top-tier fitness tracker. However, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations, particularly in GPS and heart rate accuracy during workouts. These issues, unfortunately, appear to be inherent to the design and have been reported by numerous Charge 6 users.
The Charge 6 is a compelling option for users who prefer a more substantial, potentially more masculine, wristband form factor or require advanced health features like ECG. It delivers the comprehensive Fitbit platform experience in a sleek, comfortable, and user-friendly package, enhanced by the return of the physical button.
Despite these strengths, potential buyers should be cautious if accurate heart rate and GPS tracking during exercise are primary concerns. Our testing, and user feedback, reveals inconsistencies in these areas, with either heart rate or GPS accuracy sometimes faltering during outdoor workouts. This is a significant drawback for a device positioned as a premium fitness tracker.
Pros:
- Continues to offer excellent sleep tracking, providing detailed sleep stage analysis and insights.
- Integration of Google Maps and Google Wallet adds practical smartwatch-lite functionalities.
- The return of the physical side button significantly improves usability and navigation.
Cons:
- Built-in GPS can be unreliable and inaccurate during outdoor activities.
- Strap durability has been a concern, with some users experiencing strap breakage.
- Lacks an altimeter, limiting elevation tracking for activities like hiking or stair climbing.
Fitbit Inspire 3
The Best Value Fitbit Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a standout device, highly regarded for its exceptional value. It represents a significant upgrade from the Inspire 2 and remains a top recommendation for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, even as it approaches its next iteration. When comparing Fitbits on a value basis, the Inspire 3 is hard to beat.
The introduction of a color screen is a game-changer, dramatically enhancing the user experience without compromising battery life. The Inspire 3 boasts an impressive 10-day battery life on a single charge, and in our testing, it consistently delivered over a week of use even with heavy activity tracking.
SpO2 monitoring makes its debut on the Inspire 3, bringing blood oxygen saturation tracking to this more affordable model, a feature now common across the Fitbit range. It also includes a temperature sensor, providing access to Fitbit’s comprehensive Health Metrics dashboard, offering insights into various health trends.
Beyond these features, the Inspire 3 offers continuous heart rhythm monitoring for irregularities, Active Zone Minutes tracking for workout intensity, and Fitbit’s top-tier sleep tracking, including the advanced sleep profiles. Combined with capable workout tracking, the Inspire 3 is remarkably comprehensive for its price point.
Furthermore, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is often available at excellent discounts, making it an even more attractive option for those comparing Fitbits and seeking maximum value.
Pros:
- Packed with powerful health and fitness tracking features typically found in more expensive devices.
- Features an attractive and comfortable band design suitable for everyday wear.
- Boasts brilliant battery life, minimizing the need for frequent charging.
Cons:
- Priced higher than truly budget-level fitness trackers, though still excellent value within the Fitbit range.
- The screen size is relatively small, which might be less ideal for users who prefer larger displays for easier data viewing.
Fitbit Versa 4
A Solid Fitbit Smartwatch Option
The Fitbit Versa 4 represents the final iteration of the Versa smartwatch line, making it a noteworthy option for those seeking a Fitbit smartwatch experience while Google maintains its software support. Offering a commendable six-day battery life and a mid-range price, it stands as a viable alternative to the Google Pixel Watch 3 for users prioritizing battery life and a more traditional Fitbit interface. When comparing Fitbits, the Versa 4 provides a bridge between dedicated trackers and full smartwatches.
The Versa 4 effectively delivers the core Fitbit experience in a smartwatch form factor. Users benefit from Fitbit’s renowned sleep tracking, continuous heart rate monitoring, and the comprehensive Health Metrics dashboard. It also functions as a capable workout companion, tracking various activities and providing relevant metrics.
While it omits the ECG sensor found in higher-end models, the Versa 4 still monitors for irregular heart rate rhythms using its PPG sensor. Fitbit reintroduced a tactile button to this generation, integrated into a lighter case design, enhancing the watch’s ease of use and navigation.
However, the Versa 4 is not a groundbreaking smartwatch. While it handles basic notifications and supports Google Wallet and Google Maps, features like watch faces feel somewhat limited and less polished compared to Wear OS or other smartwatch platforms. Notably, it lacks support for third-party apps, restricting its smartwatch functionality.
In essence, the Versa 4 excels as a Fitbit device with smartwatch capabilities, rather than a fully featured smartwatch. It’s a recommended choice for users who prioritize Fitbit’s robust health and fitness tracking features over extensive smartwatch functionalities. However, potential buyers should consider the potential for limited long-term software support given Google’s shift away from Fitbit smartwatches.
Pros:
- The welcomed return of the physical side button enhances navigation and user interaction.
- Features a very user-friendly interface, typical of Fitbit devices, making it easy to learn and use.
- Provides excellent sleep tracking, a core strength of the Fitbit platform.
Cons:
- Lacks onboard music features, requiring phone connectivity for music playback during workouts.
- No support for third-party apps, limiting its smartwatch functionality compared to Wear OS devices.
- Heart rate accuracy during exercise can be inconsistent for some users.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Best Fitbit for Stress Management
The Fitbit Sense 2 is Fitbit’s health-centric smartwatch, placing a strong emphasis on stress tracking and management. Its enhanced EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor continuously monitors stress responses through the palm, now branded as the Body Response sensor. This provides a more detailed understanding of stress patterns, prompting users to log their emotional state and contributing factors. When comparing Fitbits for health features, the Sense 2 leads in stress tracking.
For individuals focused on managing stress, the Sense 2 offers valuable insights into their stress responses. However, while it provides detailed stress data, we found that it doesn’t offer sufficient actionable guidance to connect stress patterns with behaviors or habits related to nutrition and sleep.
This generation of the Sense is lighter and thinner than its predecessor while retaining the ECG sensor for heart health monitoring. Like other recent Fitbits, the Sense 2 also scans for irregular heart rhythms using its standard HR sensor and includes SpO2 and temperature sensing, features now common across the Fitbit range, even in more affordable models like the Inspire 3.
The Sense 2’s higher price point becomes harder to justify when comparing Fitbits. The Google Pixel Watch 3 offers similar health tracking capabilities alongside a richer smartwatch experience with Google apps and services. The Versa 4 offers broadly comparable features (excluding ECG and EDA) at a lower cost. Furthermore, with Google discontinuing the Sense line, future software support for the Sense 2 may be limited.
Pros:
- Includes ECG for heart health monitoring and comprehensive health features.
- Features an improved design that is thinner and lighter than the original Sense, with the addition of a physical button.
- Offers a week-long battery life, balancing smartwatch features with extended usability.
Cons:
- Stress tracking, while detailed, may not provide sufficiently actionable insights for users.
- The Fitbit OS remains limited in functionality and app selection compared to Wear OS.
- Considered expensive compared to other Fitbits and smartwatches offering similar or broader features.
Fitbit Luxe
The Most Stylish Fitbit
The Fitbit Luxe prioritizes style and aesthetics, featuring a premium stainless steel case and a vibrant color AMOLED display, representing a significant visual upgrade over the Inspire series. For users who value design and discretion, the Luxe is a compelling option when comparing Fitbits.
The Luxe is designed to be a wearable accessory you’d want to wear continuously. Despite its luxurious look and feel, the price point remains surprisingly accessible. It is available in white, black, and pink, with a special edition featuring a gold link bracelet, and is marketed towards women, though its elegant design appeals broadly.
Feature-wise, the Luxe doesn’t introduce exclusive functionalities, but it incorporates many of Fitbit’s key tracking features. It’s less feature-rich than the Charge 6 (lacking built-in GPS, for example) but surpasses the Inspire range by including an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring.
The Luxe also emphasizes mindfulness and stress management, providing a daily stress score. It tracks essential metrics like sleep, heart rate, and steps – all core Fitbit functionalities. In short, the Fitbit Luxe encapsulates the best aspects of the Fitbit experience within a more refined, sleek, and stylish package, making it an attractive choice for fashion-conscious users.
Pros:
- Features a slim and comfortable design, ideal for 24/7 wear and users with smaller wrists.
- Boasts a nice, vibrant color screen that enhances the visual experience and readability.
- Utilizes a Fitbit OS-inspired user interface, providing a familiar and intuitive user experience.
Cons:
- Heart rate accuracy during exercise may be less consistent compared to more fitness-focused trackers.
- Some in-depth health insights and features require a Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Doesn’t offer groundbreaking new features compared to other Fitbit models, focusing primarily on design.
Fitbit Ace LTE
The Best Fitbit Smartwatch for Children
The Fitbit Ace LTE is a smartwatch specifically designed for children aged 7 and older. Currently available only in the US since its 2024 launch, the Ace LTE is a feature-rich kids’ smartwatch from a reputable wearable brand. While we haven’t fully tested it, initial reviews are positive. When comparing Fitbits for kids, the Ace LTE stands out.
It incorporates six engaging games to encourage physical activity, motivating kids to move for at least 60 minutes daily to unlock more playtime. The watch includes safety features like device location tracking and voice call capabilities, accessible through a $9.99 monthly subscription. Parents can monitor their child’s activity and manage settings via the Fitbit Ace app.
However, the Ace LTE is a premium-priced kids’ smartwatch. At $229.95, plus the $9.99 monthly subscription for location services, it represents a significant investment. Despite the cost, online reviews are enthusiastic, highlighting it as a genuinely feature-rich and well-designed kids’ smartwatch from a trusted brand.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for kids with engaging games and activity challenges to promote movement.
- Includes safety features such as location tracking and voice calls for parental peace of mind.
- Offers a comprehensive activity tracking experience tailored to children’s needs.
Cons:
- High upfront cost at $229.95, making it one of the more expensive kids’ smartwatches.
- Requires a $9.99 monthly subscription to access key safety features like location tracking and voice calls.
- Currently only available in the US, limiting accessibility for international customers.
Fitbit Ace 3
The Best Fitbit Tracker for Younger Kids
The Fitbit Ace 3 is designed for younger children aged six and up. The latest generation features a modular design with a bumper to provide added protection to the display during active play. When comparing Fitbits for younger children, the Ace 3 is a solid choice.
The Ace 3 focuses on encouraging movement, with move reminders prompting kids to achieve 250 steps per hour towards their daily goal of 60 active minutes. It features a monochrome display and primarily tracks steps, activity, and sleep. While it lacks a heart rate monitor, it is swim-proof with 5ATM water resistance.
Bedtime reminders and silent alarms help establish consistent sleep schedules, and built-in timers and stopwatch features add to its functionality. The larger tracker size also contributes to improved battery life, now lasting up to eight days between charges, an increase from the previous generation’s six days.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for younger children with durable construction and easy-to-use features.
- Focuses on promoting activity with move reminders and activity tracking features.
- Offers an extended battery life of up to eight days, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Cons:
- Monochrome display lacks the visual appeal of color screens found in other trackers.
- No heart rate monitor, limiting the depth of fitness tracking data.
- Functionality is basic, primarily focused on step tracking and activity minutes, lacking advanced health metrics.
This article was originally published in December 2015 but is regularly updated to include the latest Fitbit devices and information, ensuring it reflects the most current market offerings.
