Google Pixel Watch 3 size comparison
Google Pixel Watch 3 size comparison

Compare Fitbits: 2025 Guide to Choosing the Right Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch

Since Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021, the landscape of Fitbit devices has significantly evolved, making the decision between their smartwatches and fitness trackers more complex than ever. Choosing the right Fitbit now requires a deeper understanding of the current lineup, especially with Google’s influence shaping the brand’s direction. This guide will help you Compare Fitbits available in 2025, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to aid you in making the best choice for your needs.

While Fitbit’s classic tracker lines have arguably diminished since becoming part of Google, the Google Pixel Watch 3 emerges as the pinnacle of the Fitbit experience. However, for those seeking a traditional Fitbit fitness tracker, viable options still exist. We’ve rigorously reviewed and compared the current Fitbit range to provide you with a comprehensive overview. Below, you’ll find summaries of each model, detailed specifications comparisons, and insights into Google’s future plans for Fitbit in 2025.

Fitbit Comparison Chart

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

The past year marked a period of significant change for Fitbit. Following the departure of co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman from Google in January, the brand underwent a somewhat inconsistent rebranding, shifting from ‘Fitbit by Google’ to ‘Google Fitbit’.

However, the most impactful development was Google’s announcement in August 2025 that Fitbit smartwatches would no longer be produced. This strategic shift concentrates Google’s smartwatch efforts primarily on the Pixel Watch series, with the Fitbit Ace LTE being the sole product released under the Fitbit brand in 2024 and currently exclusive to the US market.

This decision came as little surprise after Google’s approach to the Versa 4 and Sense 2 smartwatches, which felt somewhat limited in their feature sets. This refocusing on the Pixel Watch line fundamentally alters expectations for Google Fitbit in 2025. Based on previous release patterns and the quiet launch year of 2024, we anticipate the following Fitbit releases in 2025:

  • Fitbit Charge 7
  • Fitbit Inspire 4
  • Fitbit Ace LTE (potential global release outside the US)
  • Google Pixel Watch 4

Google Pixel Watch 3

Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) versus Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) size comparison.

The Premier Fitbit Smartwatch Experience

The Google Pixel Watch 3 represents the most comprehensive Fitbit experience available. While branded under the Google Pixel name, its core fitness tracking functionalities are powered by Fitbit’s established algorithms and design philosophy.

A key differentiator between the Pixel Watch 3 and Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense 2 is its operating system. The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, granting access to a vast ecosystem of Google apps (including Maps, Gmail, Calendar, and Home) and a wide range of third-party applications from the Google Play Store. This contrasts with Fitbit OS, which offers a more limited app selection.

Available in 41mm and 45mm circular case sizes with a distinctive domed screen, the Pixel Watch 3 rivals the Apple Watch in its versatility and polished design. Improvements over its predecessors include a brighter display, now reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and a more edge-to-edge screen.

The strength of the Pixel Watch 3 lies in its Fitbit integration. The Fitbit app serves as the central hub for all health and fitness data, including continuous heart rate monitoring, detailed Health Metrics Dashboard insights, sleep tracking with sleep stage analysis, Daily Readiness Score, and the newly introduced Cardio Load/Target Load metrics.

However, the enhanced features and smartwatch capabilities come with a trade-off in battery life, particularly when compared to 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 substantial two-day battery life, but this is still considerably less than devices like the Fitbit Versa 4. Combined with a higher price point, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t an automatic choice for everyone. Nevertheless, it undeniably provides the most feature-rich and integrated Fitbit platform experience in 2025, with consistently accurate tracking performance in our tests.

Pros

  • Available in two case sizes for better fit.
  • Improved two-day battery life on the 45mm model with always-on display.
  • Maintains excellent heart rate tracking accuracy.

Cons

  • Minimal upgrade for users of the 41mm predecessor.
  • Lacks dual-frequency GNSS for enhanced GPS accuracy.
  • Stress tracking features remain somewhat unclear and unactionable.

Fitbit Charge 6

Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker on a wrist.

The Most Feature-Packed Fitbit Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 6, launched in 2023, remains Fitbit’s top-tier fitness tracker. However, it presents only incremental improvements over the Charge 5 released in 2021.

It retains the stainless steel case and vibrant AMOLED display, along with a comprehensive sensor suite that monitors 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 incorporates notable enhancements. One significant addition is the return of the physical side button, a feature last seen on the Charge 4. This button significantly improves device interaction and navigation.

Having extensively tested the Charge 6, we continue to recommend it, but with important caveats regarding its accuracy limitations, which appear inherent to the design and persist despite updates.

The Charge 6 remains a viable option for users seeking a more robust, traditionally masculine tracker form factor or features like ECG. It delivers the core Fitbit platform experience in a sleek, comfortable wristband, further enhanced by the reintroduced side button.

However, our testing revealed substantial issues with heart rate and GPS accuracy, significantly impacting core functionalities. These accuracy problems, reported by numerous Charge 6 users online over the past year and a half, seem design-related. Users may experience inconsistent GPS or heart rate tracking during outdoor workouts, a critical flaw for a fitness-focused device. Consider these limitations carefully if accurate workout tracking is a priority.

Pros

  • Continues to offer excellent sleep tracking analysis.
  • Integration of Google Maps and Google Wallet adds practical smart features.
  • The return of the physical side button enhances usability.

Cons

  • Built-in GPS accuracy remains problematic.
  • Strap durability concerns reported after short-term use.
  • Lacks an altimeter for elevation tracking.

Fitbit Inspire 3

Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker with a vibrant color display.

The Best Value Fitbit Fitness Tracker

The Fitbit Inspire 3 stands out as an exceptional value proposition. It represents a significant upgrade from the Inspire 2 and remains a top-tier budget-friendly fitness tracker, even as it approaches its next iteration.

The introduction of a color display dramatically enhances the user experience without compromising battery life, offering an impressive 10 days on a single charge. In our extensive testing, it consistently lasted over a week even with heavy usage.

SpO2 monitoring is now included in the Inspire 3, becoming a standard feature across the Fitbit range. It also incorporates a temperature sensor, enabling access to the full suite of Health Metrics dashboard features.

Coupled with continuous heart rhythm scanning for irregularities and Active Zone Minutes tracking, comprehensive sleep analysis (including new sleep profiles), and reliable workout tracking, the Inspire 3 is remarkably feature-rich for its price point.

Furthermore, the Inspire 3 is frequently available at discounted prices, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

  • Offers a powerful set of health and fitness tracking features.
  • Features an attractive and comfortable band design.
  • Provides brilliant battery life for extended use.

Cons

  • Priced higher than basic budget fitness tracker alternatives.
  • Small screen size may be limiting for some users.

Fitbit Versa 4

Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch displaying its user interface.

Solid Fitbit Smartwatch Option

The Versa 4 marks the final iteration in Fitbit’s smartwatch line, but it remains a viable option as long as Google maintains software support. With a strong six-day battery life and a mid-range price, it serves as a reasonable alternative to the Google Pixel Watch 3 for users prioritizing battery longevity and Fitbit-centric features.

The Versa 4 effectively delivers the core Fitbit experience in a smartwatch form factor. Users benefit from excellent sleep tracking, detailed heart rate data, and access to the Health Metrics dashboard. It also functions adequately as a workout companion.

While lacking ECG functionality, the Versa 4 still monitors for irregular heart rate events using its PPG sensor. Fitbit also reintroduced a physical button and lightened the case in this generation, improving usability.

However, the Versa 4 doesn’t offer significant advancements. While it handles basic notifications and supports Google Wallet and Google Maps, the watch face selection feels limited, and it lacks support for third-party apps or more advanced smartwatch functionalities.

In essence, the Versa 4 is a capable Fitbit device but a somewhat basic smartwatch. It’s recommended for users who prioritize Fitbit’s core strengths over advanced tech features. However, consider the potential for limited long-term software support given Google’s 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 or playback features.
  • No support for third-party applications.
  • Heart rate accuracy during exercise can be inconsistent.

Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit Sense 2 showcasing its health tracking metrics.

Best Fitbit for Stress Management

The Fitbit Sense 2 is Fitbit’s health-focused smartwatch, emphasizing stress tracking. Its EDA sensor measures stress responses through the palm and now operates continuously, branded as the Body Response sensor. This provides a more granular view of stress fluctuations and prompts users for feedback on their emotional state.

For individuals focused on stress management, the Sense 2 offers potentially valuable insights into stress patterns. However, we found the stress tracking data somewhat unactionable, lacking clear connections between stress triggers and lifestyle factors like nutrition and sleep.

This generation is also lighter and thinner than its predecessor while retaining the ECG sensor from the original Sense.

In our initial review, we recognized the Sense 2 as a capable health watch, though its smartwatch functionalities remained limited. As most Fitbits now incorporate heart rhythm monitoring via the HR sensor, and even the Inspire 3 includes SpO2 and temperature sensing, the Sense 2’s premium price becomes harder to justify.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 offers comparable health tracking capabilities alongside Google apps, services, and a more modern smartwatch experience. The Versa 4 also provides broadly similar features (excluding ECG/EDA) at a lower price point. Furthermore, Google’s discontinuation of the Sense line raises concerns about potential limitations in future software support for the Sense 2.

Pros

  • Includes ECG and comprehensive health monitoring features.
  • Improved design with the addition of a physical button.
  • Offers a week-long battery life for extended use.

Cons

  • Stress tracking features were not particularly impactful in our testing.
  • Limited Fitbit OS and lack of app ecosystem.
  • Relatively expensive compared to other Fitbit options.

Fitbit Luxe

Fitbit Luxe stylish and slim fitness tracker.

Best Fitbit for Style and Design

The Fitbit Luxe prioritizes aesthetics with its premium stainless steel case and vibrant color AMOLED display, representing a significant visual upgrade from the Inspire series.

The Luxe is designed to be a fashionable wearable, and despite its luxurious appearance, it maintains an accessible price point.

Available in white, black, and pink, with a special edition featuring a gold link bracelet, the Luxe is marketed towards women but its stylish design can appeal to a broader audience.

Feature-wise, the Luxe doesn’t introduce exclusive functionalities, but it incorporates many premium Fitbit features. While not as advanced as the Charge 6 (lacking GPS), it surpasses the Inspire range with the inclusion of an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring.

The Luxe also emphasizes mindfulness, tracking stress levels with a daily stress score, alongside standard Fitbit features like sleep, heart rate, and step tracking.

In summary, the Luxe combines the core Fitbit experience within a more refined, sleek, and stylish design, making it an appealing choice for fashion-conscious users.

Pros

  • Slim and comfortable design for all-day wear.
  • Nice and vibrant color display enhances visual appeal.
  • Features a Fitbit OS-inspired user interface for familiar navigation.

Cons

  • Heart rate tracking accuracy during exercise may be inconsistent.
  • Some in-depth insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription.
  • Lacks truly groundbreaking new features compared to other Fitbits.

Fitbit Ace LTE

Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch designed for kids.

The Best Fitbit Smartwatch for Children

The Fitbit Ace LTE, launched in summer 2024 and currently US-exclusive, is a kid-friendly smartwatch designed for children aged 7 and older. While we haven’t conducted full testing, initial impressions are positive.

It features six interactive games that encourage kids to achieve at least 60 minutes of daily activity to unlock more playtime.

The Ace LTE includes safety features like device location tracking and voice calls, accessible through a $9.99 monthly subscription. Parents can monitor their child’s activity levels via the dedicated Fitbit Ace app.

However, the Ace LTE is a premium-priced kids’ wearable. At $229.95, plus the additional $9.99 monthly subscription for location services, it represents a significant investment. Despite the cost, it is receiving positive online reviews as a feature-rich kids’ smartwatch from a reputable wearables brand.

Fitbit Ace 3

Fitbit Ace 3 fitness tracker for young children.

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 more robust modular design with a bumper to enhance display protection during active play.

The Ace 3 emphasizes movement reminders, encouraging kids to take 250 steps per hour towards their daily goal of 60 active minutes.

It utilizes a monochrome display, forgoing color visuals. Core features include step tracking, activity monitoring, and sleep analysis. It lacks a heart rate monitor but boasts 5ATM water resistance, making it swim-proof.

Bedtime reminders and silent alarms help parents establish consistent sleep schedules, with timers and stopwatch features also integrated into the device.

The larger tracker size also contributes to improved battery life, now lasting up to eight days between charges, an increase from six days in the previous generation.

This article was originally published in December 2015. We continuously update it to reflect the latest Fitbit devices and ensure our reviews encompass the most current models available.

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