Google’s acquisition has undeniably reshaped the Fitbit landscape since 2021, blurring the lines between its classic fitness trackers and the expanding smartwatch lineup. While this evolution presents exciting new options, navigating the current Fitbit family can feel complex. Traditional Fitbit product lines and trackers have arguably diminished in prominence under Google’s umbrella. In fact, the Google Pixel Watch 3 now delivers the most comprehensive and refined Fitbit experience available in 2025.
However, for those specifically seeking a dedicated Fitbit fitness tracker, compelling choices remain. This guide provides a detailed comparison of every Fitbit currently on the market. You’ll discover concise summaries of each model, side-by-side specifications, and insights into Google’s future direction for the Fitbit brand in 2025.
Fitbit Comparison Chart
| Device | GPS | HR | ECG | Swim Proof | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to 7 days |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to 6 days |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 7 days |
| Fitbit Luxe | No | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 5 days |
| Fitbit Versa 4 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 6 days |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 10 days |
| Fitbit Ace 3 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Up to 8 days |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to 2 days (45mm) |
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2025 Outlook: Google Fitbit’s Future Product Lineup
Last year marked a significant turning point for Fitbit. The departure of co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman from Google in January preceded a somewhat inconsistent rebrand from ‘Fitbit by Google’ to ‘Google Fitbit’ a few months later.
However, the most impactful shift was Google’s August 2025 announcement signaling the discontinuation of Fitbit smartwatches. This strategic move channels Google’s smartwatch ambitions almost entirely towards its Pixel Watch series, with the exception of the Fitbit Ace LTE (currently exclusive to the US and the sole product launched under the Fitbit brand in 2024).
This decision followed a period where the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 smartwatches seemed to be intentionally de-emphasized, a trend we anticipated over a year prior.
This strategic pivot significantly alters expectations for Google Fitbit in 2025. Below are anticipated Fitbit releases for 2025. Given limited leaks, these predictions are largely based on historical release patterns and the notably quiet launch schedule of the previous year.
- Fitbit Charge 7: Likely successor to the flagship fitness tracker line.
- Fitbit Inspire 4: Expected update to the popular and accessible fitness tracker.
- Fitbit Ace LTE (Potential Global Release): Possible expansion of the kids’ smartwatch beyond the US market.
- Google Pixel Watch 4: The next iteration of Google’s flagship smartwatch, further integrating Fitbit features.
Google Pixel Watch 3
The Premier Fitbit Smartwatch Experience
The Pixel Watch 3 fundamentally embodies the Fitbit experience within a smartwatch context. Its core tracking capabilities are powered by Fitbit’s established algorithms and design philosophies, now under Google’s ownership.
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 operates on Wear OS 5, granting access to Google’s comprehensive suite of applications (including Google Maps, Gmail, Calendar, and Home) and a vast library of third-party apps available through the Google Play Store. In contrast, Fitbit smartwatches utilize Fitbit OS, a more streamlined and feature-limited platform.
The Pixel Watch 3 is offered in both 41mm and a larger 45mm circular case sizes, both featuring a distinctive domed screen. It rivals the Apple Watch in overall versatility, presenting a visually appealing design enhanced by a brighter display (reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits) and a more expansive edge-to-edge screen compared to its predecessors.
A key advantage is the seamless integration of 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 tracking with sleep stage analysis, the Daily Readiness Score, and the newly introduced Cardio Load/Target Load metrics.
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However, this enhanced functionality and feature set comes with a trade-off in battery life, particularly when compared to traditional Fitbit trackers. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 typically achieves 24-30 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled. While the 45mm version extends this to a more robust two-day battery life, it still falls significantly short of the battery performance offered by devices like the Fitbit Versa 4.
Coupled with a considerably higher price point, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t a universally automatic recommendation. Nevertheless, it undeniably provides the most refined and feature-rich pathway to experience the Fitbit ecosystem in 2025. Our testing consistently demonstrates its highly accurate tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Now available in two case sizes (41mm and 45mm) catering to different wrist sizes and preferences.
- Improved two-day battery life on the 45mm model with always-on display, a significant upgrade for heavier users.
- Maintains Fitbit’s renowned accuracy in heart rate tracking and activity monitoring.
Cons
- The 41mm version doesn’t offer a substantial battery life improvement over its predecessor, potentially disappointing users of the smaller model.
- Lacks dual-frequency GNSS for even more precise GPS tracking in challenging environments, a feature increasingly common in competitor devices.
- Stress tracking features remain somewhat ambiguous and lack actionable insights for users seeking effective stress management tools.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Most Feature-Rich Fitbit Tracker Band
Launched in 2023, the Fitbit Charge 6 remains Fitbit’s most advanced fitness tracker wristband. However, its advancements over the 2021 Charge 5 are incremental rather than revolutionary.
It retains the stainless steel case and vibrant AMOLED display, along with a comprehensive sensor suite that includes skin temperature monitoring, an EDA sensor for daily stress insights, ECG for heart rhythm assessment, SpO2 monitoring for blood oxygen saturation, and integrated GPS for location tracking.
While the Charge 6 aesthetically and functionally resembles the Charge 5, key enhancements warrant consideration. Notably, the physical side button, absent in the Charge 5 but present in the Charge 4, makes a welcome return, significantly improving device interaction and navigation.
Extensive testing and re-evaluation of the Charge 6 have provided a nuanced perspective. While it remains a recommendable device, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations, particularly concerning heart rate and GPS accuracy, issues that appear inherent to the design and persist despite user feedback.
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The Charge 6 may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial, masculine form factor or prioritize features like ECG. It effectively delivers the Fitbit platform experience in a streamlined, comfortable wearable, further enhanced by the reintroduced side button.
However, significant issues with heart rate and GPS accuracy during workouts undermine a core aspect of its value proposition. These issues, widely reported by Charge 6 users in online forums over the past 18 months, seem linked to the device’s design. Users may experience inconsistent GPS or heart rate tracking during outdoor exercises, representing a substantial flaw. Prospective buyers prioritizing accurate workout tracking should be aware of this potential drawback.
Pros
- Continues to provide excellent sleep tracking with detailed sleep stage analysis and sleep score.
- Integration of Google Maps and Google Wallet adds practical smartwatch-lite functionalities.
- The reintroduction of a physical side button greatly improves usability and navigation.
Cons
- Built-in GPS exhibits problematic accuracy during outdoor activities, impacting workout tracking reliability.
- Reports of strap durability issues, with some users experiencing strap breakage after limited use.
- Lacks an altimeter for tracking elevation changes, a feature present in some competing fitness trackers and potentially relevant for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fitbit Inspire 3
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 elevates the user experience considerably without compromising battery life, offering up to 10 days on a single charge. Real-world testing consistently achieves over a week of battery life even with regular use.
SpO2 monitoring debuts on the Inspire 3, bringing blood oxygen saturation tracking to this more accessible price point, now a standard feature across the Fitbit range. It also incorporates a temperature sensor, enabling access to the full suite of Health Metrics dashboard features.
Combined with continuous heart rhythm irregularity scanning and Active Zone Minutes, comprehensive sleep tracking (including the new sleep profiles), and capable workout tracking, the Inspire 3 delivers an remarkably complete fitness tracking experience.
Furthermore, attractive deals and discounts frequently make the Inspire 3 even more appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
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Pros
- Offers a powerful set of health and fitness tracking features typically found in more expensive devices.
- Features an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable band design suitable for 24/7 wear.
- Boasts brilliant battery life, maximizing usage between charges and minimizing charging frequency.
Cons
- Priced higher than ultra-budget fitness tracker options, potentially exceeding the budget for some entry-level users.
- Small screen size may feel restrictive for users accustomed to larger displays, impacting readability for some.
Fitbit Versa 4
Best Mid-Range Fitbit Smartwatch
The Versa 4 represents the final iteration of Fitbit’s dedicated smartwatch line slated for release, but it remains a viable option as long as Google maintains software support. Offering a solid six-day battery life and a mid-range price, it presents a compelling alternative to the Pixel Watch 3 for users prioritizing battery longevity and affordability.
The Versa 4 unlocks the core Fitbit experience within a smartwatch form factor. Users benefit from Fitbit’s renowned sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and Health Metrics dashboard. It also functions as a competent workout companion.
While lacking ECG functionality, the Versa 4 still monitors for irregular heart rate events using its PPG sensor. Fitbit also reintroduced a tactile button and slimmed down the case in this generation, enhancing user-friendliness.
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However, the Versa 4 doesn’t represent a groundbreaking smartwatch experience. While it handles basic notifications and supports Google Wallet and Google Maps, features like watch faces feel somewhat rudimentary. Crucially, it lacks a robust app ecosystem or third-party app support.
In essence, the Versa 4 excels as a Fitbit device but falls short as a comprehensive smartwatch. It’s recommended for users who prioritize Fitbit’s strengths over extensive smartwatch functionalities and a rich app ecosystem. However, potential buyers should consider the uncertainty surrounding long-term software support given Google’s strategic shift away from Fitbit smartwatches.
Pros
- Welcome reintroduction of the physical side button for improved navigation and control.
- User-friendly and intuitive Fitbit operating system interface.
- Exceptional sleep tracking capabilities, providing detailed sleep data and insights.
Cons
- Lacks onboard music storage and playback controls, limiting standalone music listening during workouts.
- No support for third-party apps, restricting smartwatch functionality and customization options.
- Heart rate accuracy during exercise can be inconsistent, potentially affecting workout data reliability.
Fitbit Sense 2
Best Fitbit for Stress Management
The Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit’s dedicated health-focused smartwatch, places a strong emphasis on stress tracking. Its EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor measures stress responses via the palm and now operates continuously. Rebranded as the Body Response Sensor, it offers a more detailed analysis of stress patterns, prompting users for manual feedback on their emotional state.
For individuals concerned about stress levels, the Sense 2 can provide valuable insights into stress triggers and patterns, potentially aiding in stress management. However, our testing indicated that the stress tracking features, while informative, lacked actionable recommendations and didn’t effectively connect stress data with behavioral patterns like nutrition and sleep habits to provide holistic stress management guidance.
This generation is also lighter and thinner than its predecessor, while still incorporating the ECG sensor found in the original Sense.
Initial testing revealed the Sense 2 to be a capable health watch, although its shortcomings as a smartwatch persist. Most current Fitbits now incorporate heart rhythm irregularity scanning using the HR sensor, and even the Inspire 3 includes SpO2 and temperature sensing.
This feature overlap makes the Sense 2 harder to justify at its price point, particularly when the Google Pixel Watch 3 offers comparable health features alongside Google apps, services, and a more modern user experience. The Versa 4 also provides broadly similar features (excluding ECG/EDA) at a lower cost.
Furthermore, Google’s discontinuation of the Sense smartwatch line raises concerns about potentially limited and deprioritized software support for the Sense 2 in the future.
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Pros
- Includes ECG and comprehensive health tracking features, appealing to health-conscious users.
- Improved design with the reintroduction of a physical button enhances usability.
- Offers a week-long battery life, providing extended usage between charges.
Cons
- Stress tracking features, while present, didn’t deliver impactful, actionable insights in testing.
- The Fitbit OS remains limited with a lack of apps and a less polished user interface compared to Wear OS.
- Carries a relatively high price tag considering its limited smartwatch capabilities and feature overlap with other Fitbit devices.
Fitbit Luxe
Best Fitbit for Style and Fashion
The Fitbit Luxe prioritizes aesthetics, featuring a more refined stainless steel case and a vibrant color AMOLED display, representing a significant visual upgrade from the Inspire series.
Its stylish design makes it a more desirable wearable accessory. While the Luxe emphasizes visual appeal, its price point remains surprisingly accessible.
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Available in white, black, or pink, with a special edition featuring a gold link bracelet, the Luxe is marketed towards women, although its design can appeal to anyone seeking a stylish fitness tracker.
Feature-wise, the Luxe doesn’t offer exclusive functionalities but incorporates many premium features found across the Fitbit range. While not as feature-rich as the Charge 6 (lacking GPS, for example), it surpasses the Inspire series with the inclusion of an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring.
It also emphasizes mindfulness features and tracks stress using a daily stress score, in addition to standard Fitbit metrics like sleep, heart rate, and steps.
In summary, the Luxe encapsulates the core Fitbit experience within a more elegant, streamlined, and fashionable package, appealing to users who prioritize style alongside fitness tracking.
Pros
- Slim and comfortable design suitable for all-day and night wear, blending seamlessly with various outfits.
- Nice and vibrant color screen enhances visual appeal and information readability.
- Utilizes a Fitbit OS-inspired user interface, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience for existing Fitbit users.
Cons
- Heart rate accuracy during exercise may be less reliable compared to more fitness-focused trackers, potentially impacting workout data precision.
- Some detailed health insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription, adding to the overall cost of ownership for full feature access.
- Doesn’t introduce truly groundbreaking new features, primarily focusing on design and aesthetic enhancements.
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Fitbit Ace LTE
The Top Fitbit Smartwatch for Children
While not yet fully tested due to its US-exclusive launch in summer 2024, the Fitbit Ace LTE emerges as a compelling kid-friendly smartwatch designed for children aged 7 and older.
It incorporates six interactive games and motivates kids to achieve at least 60 minutes of daily activity to unlock additional playtime within the games.
The watch includes safety features such as device location tracking and voice calling, accessible via a $9.99 monthly subscription. Parents can monitor their child’s activity levels and usage through the dedicated 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 overwhelmingly positive, positioning it as a feature-rich and well-designed kids’ smartwatch from a reputable wearable brand.
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Fitbit Ace 3
The Best Fitbit Tracker for Young Children
The Fitbit Ace 3 is designed for younger children aged six and up. The latest generation features a modular design incorporating a bumper to enhance display protection during active play.
The Ace 3 emphasizes movement reminders, encouraging kids to achieve 250 steps per hour towards their daily goal of 60 active minutes.
It retains a monochrome display, omitting color visuals. Core features include step tracking, activity monitoring for various sports, and sleep insights. It lacks heart rate monitoring but boasts swim-proof 5ATM water resistance.
Bedtime reminders and silent alarms aid parents in establishing consistent sleep schedules, while timers and “race the stopwatch” features are integrated into the watch’s functionalities.
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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 Ace 2 generation.
This article was initially published in December 2015 and is regularly updated to reflect the latest Fitbit devices, ensuring reviews and comparisons are based on the most current products available.
