Since Google acquired Fitbit in 2021, the Fitbit lineup has undergone a significant transformation, making it increasingly challenging to differentiate between their smartwatches and fitness trackers. For many, the changes haven’t necessarily been positive, particularly for those who loved the classic Fitbit experience.
While the traditional Fitbit branded products and tracker lines have arguably declined in prominence since being integrated into Google, the best way to experience Fitbit in 2025 is actually through the Google Pixel Watch 3. This latest generation smartwatch offers the most comprehensive and refined Fitbit experience available today.
However, for those specifically seeking a traditional Fitbit fitness tracker, there are still several viable options. This buyer’s guide will delve into each of them, providing a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
We have rigorously reviewed and compared every Fitbit model currently on the market. Below, you’ll find summaries of each device, detailed specifications comparisons, and insights into Google’s future plans for the Fitbit brand in 2025.
Fitbit Model Comparison Chart
| Device | GPS | HR | ECG | Swim-proof | Battery Life | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to 7 days | Advanced tracking, Google integration |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to 6 days | Stress management, health insights |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 7 days | Comprehensive fitness tracking |
| Fitbit Luxe | No | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 5 days | Stylish design, basic tracking |
| Fitbit Versa 4 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 6 days | Smartwatch features, fitness focus |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 10 days | Simple, long battery life, essential tracking |
| Fitbit Ace 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 8 days | Kids fitness tracker, durable |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to 2 days (45mm) | Premium smartwatch, full Fitbit integration |
Google Fitbit in 2025: What to Expect
The past year marked a period of significant change for Fitbit. The departure of co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman from Google in January, followed by a somewhat inconsistent rebranding from ‘Fitbit by Google’ to ‘Google Fitbit’ a few months later, signaled a shift in direction.
However, the most impactful announcement was Google’s confirmation in August 2025 that Fitbit smartwatches would be discontinued. This decision concentrates Google’s smartwatch efforts almost entirely on the Pixel Watch line, with the exception of the Fitbit Ace LTE, which remains a US-exclusive product and the only new device released under the Fitbit brand in 2024.
This move came as little surprise after several years of strategically limiting the capabilities of the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 smartwatches. It solidified the notion that the Fitbit smartwatch as we once knew it is effectively over.
This shift significantly reshapes expectations for Google Fitbit in 2025. Based on previous release cycles and the subdued launch activity of the past year, here are the Fitbit releases anticipated in 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 (41mm) vs. Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) – Size comparison showcasing the two available sizes.
The Premier Fitbit Smartwatch Experience
The Pixel Watch 3 stands as the pinnacle of the Fitbit experience, integrating Fitbit’s renowned tracking capabilities and design philosophy within a full-fledged smartwatch.
The primary distinction between the Pixel Watch 3 and Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense 2 lies in its operating system. The Pixel Watch 3 operates on Wear OS 5, granting access to the extensive Google app ecosystem, including Maps, Gmail, Calendar, and Home, as well as a wide array of third-party applications from the Google Play Store.
Available in 41mm and a larger 45mm circular case sizes, both featuring a sophisticated domed screen, the Pixel Watch 3 rivals the Apple Watch in overall functionality and polish. Its enhanced display, now boasting a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a more edge-to-edge design compared to its predecessors, significantly elevates its visual appeal.
The true strength of the Pixel Watch 3 lies in its deep integration with the Fitbit platform. The Fitbit app serves as the central hub for all health and fitness data, encompassing 24/7 heart rate monitoring, comprehensive Health Metrics Dashboard insights, detailed sleep stage tracking, the Daily Readiness Score, and the new Cardio Load/Target Load features.
However, this enhanced power and feature set comes at the cost of 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 active. While the 45mm version extends this to a more respectable two days, it still falls short of the battery endurance offered by devices like the Fitbit Versa 4.
Coupled with a significantly higher price point, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t a universally recommended choice. Nevertheless, it unequivocally provides the best and most refined Fitbit experience in 2025, with our tests confirming highly accurate fitness and health tracking.
Pros:
- Available in two case sizes for better fit
- Improved two-day battery life on the 45mm model with AOD
- Consistently excellent heart rate tracking
Cons:
- Limited upgrade for users of the 41mm version
- Lacks dual-frequency GNSS for enhanced GPS accuracy
- Stress tracking features remain somewhat unclear
Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker displayed on a wrist, highlighting its sleek design and display.
The Most Feature-Rich Fitbit Tracker
Launched in 2023, the Charge 6 remains Fitbit’s flagship fitness tracker wristband. However, it represents an incremental upgrade over the Charge 5 released in 2021.
It retains the stainless steel case and vibrant AMOLED display, along with a comprehensive suite of sensors that monitor skin temperature, stress levels (EDA sensor), heart rhythm (ECG), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and location (GPS).
While visually and functionally similar to the Charge 5, the Charge 6 introduces notable enhancements, most significantly the reintroduction of a 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 it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations, particularly concerning heart rate and GPS accuracy during workouts. These issues, seemingly inherent to the design, have been consistently reported by Charge 6 users.
The Charge 6 is a solid option for users seeking a more substantial, potentially more masculine form factor or specific features like ECG. It delivers the core Fitbit platform experience in a sleek, comfortable design, enhanced by the return of the physical button.
However, persistent issues with heart rate and GPS accuracy during outdoor activities are a major drawback, potentially undermining its core fitness tracking capabilities. If precision in these areas is paramount, proceed with caution.
Pros:
- Excellent sleep tracking capabilities
- Integration of Google Maps and Google Wallet adds convenience
- The return of a physical side button enhances usability
Cons:
- Built-in GPS can be unreliable
- Strap durability concerns reported
- Lacks an altimeter for elevation tracking
Fitbit Inspire 3
Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker in a vibrant color display, showcasing its compact and user-friendly design.
The Best Value Fitbit Fitness Tracker
The Inspire 3 is highly regarded as a standout fitness tracker. Representing a substantial upgrade from the Inspire 2, it remains an excellent value proposition despite being due for a refresh.
The introduction of a color display significantly enhances the user experience without compromising battery life, delivering an impressive 10 days on a single charge. In our tests, it consistently exceeded a week even with heavy usage.
SpO2 monitoring is now standard across the Fitbit range, including the Inspire 3. It also incorporates a temperature sensor, granting access to the full suite of Health Metrics dashboard features.
Combined with continuous heart rhythm monitoring, Active Zone Minutes, and comprehensive sleep tracking (including Sleep Profiles), the Inspire 3 is remarkably feature-rich for a fitness tracker in its category.
Furthermore, the Inspire 3 is often available at attractive prices, making it an exceptional value choice.
Pros:
- Robust health and fitness tracking features
- Attractive and comfortable band design
- Exceptional battery life
Cons:
- Priced higher than budget-level trackers
- Small screen size may be limiting for some users
Fitbit Versa 4
Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch face displaying fitness metrics, highlighting its smartwatch capabilities.
A Solid Fitbit Smartwatch Option
The Versa 4 represents the final iteration of Fitbit’s dedicated smartwatch line, and while its future software support is uncertain, it remains a viable option, especially while Google maintains software updates. Offering a strong six-day battery life and a mid-range price, it presents a compelling alternative to the Pixel Watch 3 for users prioritizing battery longevity.
The Versa 4 delivers the core Fitbit experience in a smartwatch format. It excels in sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and provides 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 patterns using its PPG sensor. Fitbit reintroduced a tactile button on a lighter case for this generation, improving usability.
However, the Versa 4 is not a groundbreaking smartwatch. While it handles basic notifications and supports Google Wallet and Google Maps, the user interface, particularly watch faces, feels somewhat dated. Critically, it lacks support for third-party apps.
In essence, the Versa 4 is a competent Fitbit device with smartwatch form factor but limited smartwatch capabilities. It’s recommended for users who prioritize Fitbit’s health and fitness strengths over advanced smartwatch features. However, consider the potential limitations in long-term software support.
Pros:
- Welcome return of the physical side button for easier navigation
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent sleep tracking performance
Cons:
- Lacks onboard music features
- No support for third-party applications
- Heart rate accuracy can be inconsistent during workouts
Fitbit Sense 2
Fitbit Sense 2 showcasing health metrics on its display, emphasizing its focus on health and wellness tracking.
The Best Fitbit for Stress Management
Fitbit’s Sense 2 is positioned as its premier health-focused smartwatch, emphasizing stress tracking. Its EDA sensor continuously monitors stress responses through palm readings, now branded as the Body Response Sensor, offering a more detailed view of stress fluctuations and prompting for user feedback on emotional states.
For individuals particularly concerned with stress management, the Sense 2 provides valuable insights for understanding and potentially controlling stress levels. However, our testing revealed that the stress tracking features, while detailed, lacked actionable guidance for connecting stress patterns to behaviors and habits like nutrition and sleep.
This iteration is lighter and thinner than its predecessor while still incorporating the ECG sensor found in the original Sense.
During our initial review, we found it to be a capable health watch, although its smartwatch functionality remained limited. With most Fitbits now offering heart rhythm monitoring and even the Inspire 3 including SpO2 and temperature sensing, the Sense 2’s value proposition at its price point becomes less compelling.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 offers similar health features alongside Google apps, services, and a more modern user experience. The Versa 4 provides broadly comparable features (excluding ECG/EDA) at a lower cost.
Furthermore, with Google discontinuing the Sense smartwatch line, the Sense 2 may face increasingly restricted software support in the future.
Pros:
- ECG and comprehensive health monitoring features
- Improved design with the addition of a physical button
- Impressive battery life lasting up to a week
Cons:
- Stress tracking features not as actionable as expected
- Limited operating system and lack of app support
- Relatively expensive compared to other Fitbits
Fitbit Luxe
Fitbit Luxe showcasing its elegant and slim design, emphasizing its appeal as a stylish fitness tracker.
The Most Stylish Fitbit Option
The Fitbit Luxe prioritizes style, featuring a premium stainless steel case and a vibrant color AMOLED display, representing a significant visual upgrade from the Inspire series.
The Luxe is designed to be a fashionable wearable, and while it offers a luxurious aesthetic, it remains surprisingly affordable.
Available in white, black, or pink, with a special edition featuring a gold link bracelet, the Luxe, while not exclusively for women, is clearly marketed towards a female audience.
Feature-wise, the Luxe doesn’t introduce exclusive functionalities, but it incorporates many premium features found across the Fitbit range. While not as advanced as the Charge 6 (lacking GPS), it surpasses the Inspire series with the inclusion of an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring.
The Luxe also emphasizes mindfulness, tracking stress through a daily score, in addition to standard sleep, heart rate, and step tracking.
In essence, the Luxe encapsulates the best aspects of the Fitbit experience within a more refined, slimmer, and stylish package. Its blend of fashion and function makes it a desirable choice for style-conscious users.
Pros:
- Slim and comfortable design ideal for all-day wear
- Vibrant and visually appealing color screen
- User interface inspired by Fitbit OS for ease of use
Cons:
- Heart rate tracking accuracy during exercise can be inconsistent
- Some detailed insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription
- Lacks truly groundbreaking new features
Fitbit Ace LTE
Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch designed for kids, highlighting its playful design and interactive features.
The Best Fitbit Smartwatch for Children
The Fitbit Ace LTE, launched in summer 2024 and currently US-exclusive, is a feature-rich smartwatch tailored for children aged 7 and older. While we haven’t conducted full testing, its feature set is noteworthy.
It incorporates six interactive games that encourage children to achieve at least 60 minutes of daily activity to unlock additional playtime.
The Ace LTE includes safety features such as device location tracking and voice calling, accessible through a $9.99 monthly subscription. Parents can monitor their child’s activity through the dedicated Fitbit Ace app.
However, the Ace LTE is a premium-priced kids’ smartwatch. At $229.95, plus the additional $9.99 monthly subscription for location services, it represents a significant investment. Despite the cost, it has received positive online reviews and stands out as a comprehensive kids’ smartwatch from a reputable wearables brand.
Fitbit Ace 3
Fitbit Ace 3 kids fitness tracker, showcasing its robust and kid-friendly design.
The Best Fitbit Tracker for Younger Kids
The Fitbit Ace 3 is designed for younger children aged six and up. This latest generation features a modular design incorporating a bumper to enhance display protection during children’s active play.
The Ace 3 prioritizes movement reminders, encouraging kids to achieve 250 steps per hour towards their daily goal of 60 active minutes.
It utilizes a monochrome display, omitting color. Core features remain step tracking, activity monitoring, and sleep insights. It lacks a heart rate monitor but offers 5ATM water resistance, making it swim-proof.
Bedtime reminders and silent alarms assist parents in establishing consistent sleep schedules, while timers and stopwatch features are 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 the previous generation’s six days.
This article was originally published in December 2015 and is regularly updated to include the latest Fitbit devices, ensuring our reviews reflect the most current products available.
