Since Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021, the landscape of fitness trackers and smartwatches from this brand has undergone a significant transformation. Navigating the current Fitbit lineup can be challenging, and while some changes are positive, certain aspects of the classic Fitbit experience have arguably diminished. Deciding which Fitbit is right for you in 2025 requires careful consideration, and this comprehensive comparison is designed to guide you through the options.
While the Google Pixel Watch 3 emerges as a top contender, offering a deep and feature-rich Fitbit experience, traditional Fitbit fitness trackers still hold appeal for many. This guide provides a detailed comparison of each current Fitbit model, including specifications, feature breakdowns, and insights into Google’s future direction for the Fitbit brand in 2025. We’ve put each device through rigorous testing and analysis to bring you clear, unbiased comparisons to help you make the best choice.
| Device | GPS | HR | ECG | Swim | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7 days |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 days |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 7 days |
| Fitbit Luxe | No | Yes | No | Yes | 5 days |
| Fitbit Versa 4 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 6 days |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | 10 days |
| Fitbit Ace 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | 8 days |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 days (45mm) |
Google Fitbit in 2025: What to Expect
2024 marked a year of significant shifts for Fitbit. The departure of co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman in early 2024, followed by a rebranding to ‘Google Fitbit,’ signaled a deeper integration with Google. However, the most impactful news was the announcement in August 2024 that Google would discontinue producing Fitbit smartwatches. This strategic pivot concentrates Google’s smartwatch efforts almost entirely on the Pixel Watch line, with the Fitbit Ace LTE being a notable exception as the sole new product released under the Fitbit brand in 2024 (initially US-only).
This decision followed a period where Fitbit’s Versa 4 and Sense 2 smartwatches seemed to be deliberately limited in features, a direction we predicted over a year prior. This shift fundamentally alters expectations for Google Fitbit in 2025. Based on previous release patterns and the subdued launch activity of the past year, here are the anticipated Fitbit releases for 2025:
- Fitbit Charge 7
- Fitbit Inspire 4
- Fitbit Ace LTE (potential global release beyond the US)
- Google Pixel Watch 4
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google Pixel Watch 3 size comparison between 41mm and 45mm models.
The Premier Fitbit Smartwatch Experience
The Pixel Watch 3, although branded under the Pixel name, is fundamentally a Fitbit at its core. It leverages Fitbit’s renowned tracking algorithms and design philosophy for its core functionality. A key differentiator between the Pixel Watch 3 and Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense 2 lies in their operating systems. The Pixel Watch 3 operates on Wear OS 5, granting access to a vast ecosystem of Google apps (including Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Calendar) and a wide array of third-party applications available through the Google Play Store. This positions it as a more versatile smartwatch compared to previous Fitbit offerings.
Available in 41mm and 45mm circular case sizes with a distinctive domed screen, the Pixel Watch 3 rivals the Apple Watch in overall capability. Its aesthetic appeal is enhanced by a brighter display, now reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and a more edge-to-edge screen design than its predecessors.
The strength of the Pixel Watch 3 truly lies in its Fitbit integration. The Fitbit app serves as the central hub for all your health and fitness data, encompassing 24/7 heart rate monitoring, comprehensive Health Metrics Dashboard insights, detailed sleep tracking with sleep stage analysis, Daily Readiness Score, and the newly introduced Cardio Load/Target Load features. For users deeply invested in the Fitbit ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 3 provides the richest and most integrated experience.
However, the enhanced features and smartwatch capabilities come with a trade-off in battery life, particularly when contrasted with traditional Fitbit trackers. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 offers approximately 24-30 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled. The 45mm version extends this to a more respectable two-day battery life, but it still falls short of the multi-day battery performance of devices like the Fitbit Versa 4. Coupled with a higher price point, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t a universally automatic recommendation. Nonetheless, for those seeking the most advanced and feature-complete Fitbit experience in 2025, the Pixel Watch 3 stands out as the best option, delivering highly accurate tracking in our tests.
Pros:
- Available in two case sizes for better fit and battery options.
- Improved two-day battery life on the 45mm model with always-on display.
- Maintains excellent heart rate tracking accuracy.
Cons:
- Limited upgrade for users of the 41mm version compared to previous models.
- Lacks dual-frequency GNSS for potentially more precise GPS tracking.
- Stress tracking features remain somewhat unclear and less actionable.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker with a vibrant AMOLED display.
Fitbit’s Most Feature-Rich Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Charge 6, launched in 2023, remains Fitbit’s flagship fitness tracker. However, its advancements over the Charge 5, released in 2021, are incremental rather than revolutionary. It retains the stainless steel case and vibrant AMOLED display of its predecessor, along with a comprehensive suite of sensors monitoring skin temperature, daily stress levels (EDA sensor), heart rhythm (ECG), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and location via GPS.
While visually and functionally similar to the Charge 5, the Charge 6 introduces a couple of notable improvements. The most significant is the reintroduction of a physical side button, absent since the Charge 4. This button significantly enhances user interaction and navigation, making the device more user-friendly.
Having extensively tested the Charge 6, we can confidently recommend it as a feature-packed fitness tracker. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations, particularly concerning heart rate and GPS accuracy, which appear to be inherent design constraints. While the Charge 6 offers a robust set of health tracking features in a sleek, wristband form factor, enhanced by the return of the physical button, potential buyers should be aware of reported accuracy issues.
Specifically, users have reported inconsistencies with GPS and heart rate tracking during outdoor activities. In some instances, only one of these features functions reliably, a significant drawback for a device designed for fitness tracking. These issues have been documented by Charge 6 users in online forums over the past year and a half. If precise GPS and heart rate data during workouts are paramount, consider these potential limitations.
Pros:
- Continues to offer excellent sleep tracking analysis.
- Integration of Google Maps and Google Wallet adds practical smartwatch-lite features.
- The return of the physical side button greatly improves usability.
Cons:
- Built-in GPS accuracy can be unreliable.
- Durability concerns with the wristband reported by some users.
- Lacks an altimeter for tracking elevation changes.
Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker featuring a color display.
The Best Value Fitbit Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Inspire 3 stands out as an exceptional value proposition in the Fitbit lineup. Representing a substantial upgrade from the Inspire 2, it remains a highly recommended fitness tracker, even as it approaches its next iteration. The most impactful improvement is the addition of a color screen, which significantly enhances the user experience without compromising battery life. The Inspire 3 boasts an impressive 10-day battery life, and in our testing, it consistently delivered over a week of use even with frequent activity tracking.
The Inspire 3 also incorporates SpO2 monitoring, a feature now standard across the Fitbit range. Furthermore, it includes a temperature sensor, enabling access to the full suite of Health Metrics dashboard features within the Fitbit app. Combined with continuous heart rhythm monitoring for irregularities, Active Zone Minutes tracking, and Fitbit’s top-tier sleep tracking (including Sleep Profiles), the Inspire 3 is remarkably comprehensive as a fitness tracking device.
Given its feature set and performance, the Fitbit Inspire 3 offers exceptional value, particularly as it is often available at discounted prices. For users seeking a capable and affordable fitness tracker with a long battery life and comprehensive health insights, the Inspire 3 is a compelling choice.
Pros:
- Powerful suite of health and fitness tracking features.
- Attractive and comfortable band design.
- Excellent battery life, lasting up to 10 days.
Cons:
- Priced higher than ultra-budget fitness trackers.
- Small screen size may be less ideal for some users.
Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch with a focus on fitness and health tracking.
The Definitive Fitbit Smartwatch (For Now)
The Versa 4 marks the final iteration in Fitbit’s dedicated smartwatch line, making it a significant device for those invested in the Fitbit smartwatch experience. While Google has shifted focus to the Pixel Watch, the Versa 4 remains a viable option, especially while software updates continue. Offering a solid six-day battery life and a mid-range price point, it presents itself as a more affordable alternative to the Pixel Watch 3 for users prioritizing Fitbit’s core strengths.
The Versa 4 delivers the quintessential Fitbit experience in a smartwatch form factor. It excels in sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and providing access to the Health Metrics dashboard. It’s also a capable workout companion, tracking various activities. While it omits ECG functionality, the Versa 4 still monitors for irregular heart rate events using its PPG sensor. Fitbit reintroduced a physical button on this generation and lightened the case, improving ease of use.
However, the Versa 4 is not a groundbreaking smartwatch in terms of broader smartwatch features. While it handles basic notifications and supports Google Wallet and Google Maps, aspects like watch face customization feel limited. Furthermore, it lacks third-party app support, restricting its functionality beyond Fitbit’s core features. In essence, the Versa 4 is a strong Fitbit device but an average smartwatch. It’s recommended for users who prioritize Fitbit’s health and fitness tracking capabilities over advanced smartwatch functionalities. However, potential buyers should consider the uncertain future of software support given Google’s strategic shift away from Fitbit smartwatches.
Pros:
- Welcome return of the physical side button for easier navigation.
- User-friendly and intuitive interface.
- Excellent sleep tracking capabilities.
Cons:
- Lacks onboard music storage and playback.
- No support for third-party apps, limiting smartwatch functionality.
- Heart rate accuracy during exercise can be inconsistent.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch designed for comprehensive health and stress tracking.
The Best Fitbit for Stress Management
The Fitbit Sense 2 is Fitbit’s dedicated health-focused smartwatch, with a particular emphasis on stress tracking. Its standout feature is the enhanced EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor, which measures stress responses through palm readings and now offers continuous stress monitoring. Dubbed the Body Response sensor, it provides a more detailed insight into stress patterns and prompts users for manual feedback on their emotional state.
For individuals actively managing stress, the Sense 2 offers a potentially valuable tool for gaining awareness of their stress levels. However, in our experience, the stress tracking features lacked actionable insights, failing to effectively connect stress patterns with related behaviors like nutrition and sleep. While the Sense 2 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, it retains the ECG sensor found in the original Sense, adding to its health feature set.
During our initial testing, we recognized the Sense 2 as a capable health watch, although its smartwatch capabilities remained limited. With most current Fitbits now offering heart rhythm monitoring and even the Inspire 3 including SpO2 and temperature sensing, the Sense 2’s premium price point becomes harder to justify, especially when compared to the Google Pixel Watch 3, which offers similar health features alongside a richer smartwatch experience with Google apps and services. The Versa 4 also presents a more affordable alternative with broadly comparable features (excluding ECG and EDA).
Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that Google will not be producing a Sense 3, raising concerns about long-term software support and feature prioritization for the Sense 2. This factor should be considered when evaluating its longevity and value.
Pros:
- Includes ECG and comprehensive health tracking features.
- Improved design, thinner and lighter with a physical button.
- Offers a week-long battery life.
Cons:
- Stress tracking features are not as impactful or actionable as anticipated.
- Limited operating system and lack of third-party apps.
- High price point relative to its feature set and the Pixel Watch 3.
Fitbit Luxe
The Fitbit Luxe fitness tracker emphasizing style and elegant design.
The Most Stylish Fitbit
The Fitbit Luxe prioritizes aesthetics, featuring a luxurious stainless steel case and a vibrant color AMOLED display, representing a significant visual upgrade from the Inspire series. Its design is intended to be fashionable and wearable in various settings, and despite its premium look and feel, the Luxe remains surprisingly affordable.
Available in white, black, and pink, with a special edition featuring a gold link bracelet, the Luxe is marketed towards women, though its stylish design appeals broadly. Feature-wise, the Luxe doesn’t offer exclusive functionalities but incorporates many of Fitbit’s core features. It’s less feature-rich than the Charge 6 (lacking GPS, for example) but surpasses the Inspire range by including an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring.
The Luxe also emphasizes mindfulness, incorporating stress tracking through a daily stress score, alongside standard Fitbit features like sleep, heart rate, and step tracking. In essence, the Fitbit Luxe encapsulates the best aspects of the Fitbit experience within a more refined, sleek, and stylish package, making it an appealing choice for fashion-conscious users.
Pros:
- Slim and comfortable design, ideal for 24/7 wear.
- Vibrant and attractive color screen.
- User interface inspired by Fitbit OS, offering a familiar experience.
Cons:
- Heart rate accuracy during exercise may be less reliable than more fitness-focused models.
- Some in-depth health insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Lacks genuinely groundbreaking new features compared to other Fitbits.
Fitbit Ace LTE
The Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch designed for kids with gamified activity tracking.
The Best Fitbit Smartwatch for Children
The Fitbit Ace LTE, launched in summer 2024 and initially available only in the US, is a smartwatch specifically designed for children aged 7 and older. While we haven’t conducted full testing, initial impressions are positive. It incorporates six engaging games that motivate kids to achieve at least 60 minutes of daily activity to unlock more playtime.
The Ace LTE prioritizes safety with features like device location tracking and voice calling, accessible through a $9.99 monthly subscription. Parents can monitor their child’s activity levels through the dedicated Fitbit Ace app. However, the Ace LTE comes at a premium price of $229.95, plus the additional monthly subscription for location services. Despite the cost, online reviews are largely positive, positioning it as a feature-rich and reputable kids’ smartwatch from a trusted wearable brand.
Fitbit Ace 3
The Fitbit Ace 3 fitness tracker for younger children, emphasizing activity and sleep tracking.
The Best Fitbit Tracker for Younger Kids
The Fitbit Ace 3 targets younger children aged six and up. This latest generation features a more robust, modular design with a bumper to enhance display protection during active play. The Ace 3 focuses on encouraging movement, prompting kids to achieve 250 steps per hour towards a daily goal of 60 active minutes.
The Ace 3 utilizes a monochrome display and primarily tracks steps, activity, and sleep. It doesn’t include a heart rate monitor but is swim-proof with 5ATM water resistance. Bedtime reminders and silent alarms assist parents in establishing consistent sleep schedules, and built-in timers and stopwatch features add to its kid-friendly functionality. The larger tracker size also contributes to improved battery life, now lasting up to eight days on a single charge, up from six days in the previous Ace 2.
This article was originally published in December 2015 and is regularly updated to include the latest Fitbit devices and information, ensuring our comparisons are current and reflect the most recent product offerings.
