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In 2025, you may marvel if Fitbit continues to be related. Regardless of getting acquired by Google, Fitbit stays some of the recognizable names within the business. Fitbit trackers aren’t meant for probably the most hardcore of athletes, however they’re nonetheless glorious units for monitoring total exercise in addition to monitoring sure well being and wellness metrics like EKGs and blood oxygen ranges.
That mentioned, it is a transitional interval from the Fitbit of outdated to no matter Fitbit might be sooner or later. 2023, particularly, was a messy yr. There have been a number of Fitbit server outages, and I wasn’t impressed with the choice to sundown legacy neighborhood options like challenges or the truth that all Fitbit accounts will quickly require you to log in through Google. Talking of which, the Fitbit-to-Google account migration began in 2023 and is required in case you purchase newer merchandise just like the Fitbit Cost 6 or Google Pixel Watch 3. The Fitbit app additionally bought a brand new, extra Google-like makeover, which didn’t go over properly with many customers. (Google has since made changes based mostly on suggestions.) And in 2024, a lot of Fitbit’s management, together with co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, left the corporate as roughly a thousand Google staff have been laid off.
What I’m searching for
How we take a look at
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Health trackers assist you to observe your well being and exercise. We conduct a mixture of real-life testing, together with napping and sleeping with them, taking them out on runs, walks, and hikes, and understanding on the health club. We additionally consider how simple health trackers pair with iPhones and Android units, their sturdiness, accuracy, battery life, and efficiency. In circumstances the place we take a look at fashions designed for kids, we take a look at them on our personal youngsters and incorporate their suggestions.
Battery life
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Fitbits are inclined to have longer battery life than extra superior smartwatches. Most are estimated to final round 5 days, however we’ve discovered that some options like an always-on show can drastically influence the time between expenses. So I’m seeking to see what you may realistically anticipate with “common” use.
Function set
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Most Fitbits share the identical fundamental characteristic set like steps, timers, and notifications. Nevertheless, not each mannequin is able to EKG or real-time stress monitoring. The identical goes for built-in GPS. Does the characteristic set make sense given the value? Is it lacking one thing that it shouldn’t be?
Value
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Fitbit has typically been a extra inexpensive various to smartwatches, however this area has modified fairly a bit in the previous few years. There are extra choices than ever, so does this system provide good worth?
Who’s it for?
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This encompasses rather a lot, however particularly when it comes to the general type issue. If it’s for an off-the-cuff person, is the design versatile sufficient for a wide range of events? If it’s geared toward children or athletes, are the straps sturdy sufficient?
You possibly can have a look at how Google has dealt with the Nest acquisition as a street map to how issues are going. The Googlefication of Fitbit will proceed, however there are causes to stay with its trackers within the meantime. Fitbit trackers are comparatively inexpensive, particularly since they typically go on sale. All of the units additionally include a free trial to Fitbit Premium, the corporate’s subscription service that provides guided exercises, meditations, and entry to extra in-depth metrics. To this point, it seems Google takes its Pixel Watch lineup critically, too. With the Pixel Watch 2, the corporate expanded prolonged guarantee entry and improved alternative choices. You simply must go in with eyes huge open.
Should you’re not useless set on a Fitbit particularly, try our information to the very best health trackers and watches.
$350
The Good
- We lastly get an even bigger measurement!
- Average battery enhancements
- A number of neat Google integrations
- Good operating updates
- Readiness and Cardio Load scores not locked behind paywall
The Dangerous
- It’s greatest with a Pixel cellphone
- Lack of Pulse detection is Europe-only for now
The existence of the Pixel Watch, now in its third era, has thrown a wrench into Fitbit’s smartwatch lineup. Technically, it’s a Google product, however Google owns Fitbit, in order that they’re all Google merchandise now. Fitbit powers the entire Pixel Watch’s well being and health options. However actually, that is the smartwatch that Fitbit by no means may handle to construct by itself.
The Pixel Watch 3 is a big replace over its predecessors. It lastly looks like Google’s now not enjoying catch-up to its rivals. This yr, the screens are brighter, the bezels are smaller, and there’s now a 45mm measurement for bigger wrists. The bigger measurement doesn’t look chunky, both. Internally, the processor and well being sensors are the identical as final yr, although the third-gen system has an extremely wideband chip that permits you to unlock Pixel telephones and a few BMW automobile fashions.
The 45mm watch (prime) doesn’t seem that a lot bigger than the 41mm (backside) when worn on the wrist. Photograph by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
It’s bought the identical lovely design with a round domed show that appears far more elegant than the squircle Versa or Sense smartwatches ever did. In your wrist, it appears to be like like a watch, not a tracker dressed up as one. The show is a bit fragile for our style, however as 2023, you may get a Most popular Care prolonged guarantee within the US and Canada. That is one cause we suggest the Pixel Watch 3 over the unique since a minimum of you could have a extra inexpensive fallback ought to one thing occur to your show. Google additionally introduced an possibility the place you may skip buyer help and mail in damaged, out-of-warranty Pixel Watch units for discounted replacements.
As for health options, the Pixel Watch 3 is significantly better for runners than it was. It features a new operating dashboard, superior type analytics, customized operating exercises, and even AI-generated exercise solutions. It’s additionally launched a brand new metric referred to as Cardio Load, which measures the depth of your exercises and suggests a goal based mostly in your health objectives. It’s conceptually much like Garmin’s Coaching Load. The Day by day Readiness Rating has additionally been revamped and is now not locked behind the Fitbit Premium paywall. On the well being entrance, European customers now have Lack of Pulse. If the watch detects you’ve misplaced your pulse, it’ll name emergency companies in your behalf. The characteristic isn’t accessible but within the US, although, as FDA clearance continues to be pending.
Moreover, Google has strengthened the watch’s integrations with its personal companies in addition to different Pixel units. As an example, you could have offline Google Maps and a Google Dwelling Tile. You possibly can view your Nest Doorbell digicam feed or management your Google TV out of your wrist, and there’s additionally the choice to file audio with the Recorder app and switch it to your cellphone. With Name Help, you should use your watch to inform anybody calling you want an additional second to select up the cellphone.
If all you need is a health tracker that appears to be like like a smartwatch, you may contemplate the $229 Versa 4 because it’s the extra budget-friendly possibility. However there’s no actual level within the Sense 2 because the Pixel Watch 3 can do all the identical issues — and extra.
Learn my full Pixel Watch 3 evaluate.
$80
The Good
- Good entry-level health & sleep tracker
- Vivid OLED show
- Light-weight
The Dangerous
- Big bezels
- Restricted options in comparison with cheaper Amazfit Band 7
The Encourage line hasn’t all the time felt, properly, impressed. However the $99.95 Encourage 3 is totally different. With a colour OLED show, it’s harking back to the Fitbit Luxe of 2021, solely with a matte black plastic case as an alternative of a steel one. It’s an excellent throwback to basic Fitbits for individuals who solely need the fundamentals.
The Encourage 3 doesn’t overcomplicate issues. It’s a health band. You received’t get built-in GPS, contactless funds, or digital assistants. Nonetheless, what it lacks in smarts it makes up for with Fitbit’s superior sleep monitoring, stress administration options, and irregular coronary heart charge notifications. The OLED show can also be a step up from the Encourage 2’s monochrome display, and you continue to get 10 days of battery life. (Although it’s extra like two to a few in case you allow the always-on show.)
The Encourage 3 is a good fundamental health band, and it has an OLED show that’s extra vibrant than the Encourage 2’s monochrome display. Photograph by Victoria Music / The Verge
The Encourage 3 has a wide range of equipment, together with a clip attachment if you wish to observe steps discreetly. There’s even a gold or silver mesh strap if you wish to gown it up a bit.
To be sincere, the Encourage 3 and Luxe are fairly related, they usually’re typically across the similar worth. It’ll boil down as to whether you suppose the Luxe’s nicer case is price buying and selling half the battery life for — the Luxe will get an estimated 5 days as an alternative of 10.
Learn our protection of the Fitbit Encourage 3 right here.
Greatest Fitbit health tracker
$110
The Good
- Strong health and well being monitoring characteristic set
- It’s $20 cheaper!
- Provides extra apps
- Can broadcast HR to health gear
- The haptic button is best than the groove
The Dangerous
- YouTube Music is the one possibility and that’s $11 month-to-month
- The Fitbit-Google transition is a lil bumpy
- It’s not a bodily aspect button
The Cost sequence has all the time been standard, and the $159.95 Cost 6 isn’t any exception. It’s Fitbit’s higher-end health band however simply competes with the costlier Versa 4 on options. It includes a colour OLED display plus an EKG and EDA sensor. You additionally get built-in GPS, NFC funds, and SpO2 sensors — the one factor you’re actually lacking is a digital assistant.
The one qualm we now have with the Cost 6 is the always-on show. Whereas it’s lovely, it’s a serious battery drain. The Cost 6 has an estimated seven days of battery life, however that dwindles right down to about two when you’ve got the always-on show enabled. This is identical situation that we had with the Cost 5, but it surely’s pretty typical for Fitbit trackers today.
Altogether, although, you’re getting a hell of rather a lot for the value. It’s the one FDA-cleared EKG wearable you could find for underneath $200, and the one different Fitbits able to EKG and EDA readings are the Sense, Sense 2, and the Pixel Watch 2. So until you’re useless set on the smartwatch type issue, the Cost 6 is the higher total deal.
Visually, the Fitbit Cost 6 is sort of equivalent to its predecessor. The primary distinction is that this has a haptic aspect button as an alternative of an inductive groove. Photograph by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
In comparison with its predecessor, the Cost 6 additionally provides an improved coronary heart charge algorithm, Bluetooth compatibility with some health club gear, and some apps — particularly Google Maps, Google Pockets, and YouTube Music. Whereas YouTube Music works properly, I’m not stoked that it requires a further $11 month-to-month subscription. That mentioned, it’s higher than nothing, as Fitbit discontinued onboard music some time again.
When it comes to {hardware}, the Cost 6 additionally includes a haptic button as an alternative of an inductive groove. It’s not a bodily button, which is slightly disappointing, but it surely’s extra dependable to date than the inductive groove, so I’d depend this as a web constructive.
You can technically get the Cost 5 at a reduction. Nevertheless, I’d solely try this if it’s considerably cheaper and worth is your essential consideration. The haptic button, whereas not what I needed, is much better than the inductive groove and you’ve got extra app choices. Flip-by-turn navigation can also be helpful for walks, and it a minimum of presents some type of music playback.
Learn our Fitbit Cost 6 evaluate.
$140
The Good
- Nice construct high quality for a children’ watch
- Cross platform
- Enjoyable video games that require bodily exercise to unlock
- Voice calls and textual content messaging with preselected contacts
- Household group chat
The Dangerous
- You’ll must cost it each night time
- Solely two colour choices (however a number of band choices)
The $179.99 Fitbit Ace LTE isn’t actually a standard health tracker, although it does observe lively minutes. As an alternative, it’s a smartwatch with a mixture of kid-friendly video games and actions and considerate, family-oriented communication options. It’s a walled backyard, however an lovely one.
As an alternative of rigorously monitoring well being stats, the Ace LTE tracks “lively minutes,” which fill a cute progress meter referred to as a Noodle that runs across the face of the watch. Lively minutes earn time with the Ace LTE’s built-in video games that, mixed with actions, unlock customizations in your child’s avatar (referred to as an Eejie) that lives within the watch, in addition to its little home. You too can unlock totally different video games and digital gadgets by connecting totally different watch straps.
With a $10/month subscription, you get real-time location monitoring and each voice and textual content messaging to preselected contacts via the Fitbit Ace app (quite than the usual messaging and cellphone apps). As of November 2024, that features different members of the family with Ace LTE watches, in addition to a household group chat between dad and mom and children.
The Fitbit Ace LTE appears to be like very very similar to a Versa 4 on the wrist. Photograph by Victoria Music / The Verge
I like that the Ace LTE is constructed extra like a cross-platform smartwatch for adults than different child watches we’ve used, just like the plasticky Garmin Bounce. It makes use of the identical charger because the Pixel Watch 3, and will get a few day’s price of battery on a cost. My children get pleasure from it however aren’t obsessive about it — although they’ve been identified to run laps up and down the hallway to earn extra recreation time.
Google says the Ace LTE is greatest suited to children aged 7 to 11, and that sounds proper. My oldest is 10 now, and she or he’s been utilizing an Ace LTE for a few yr. As soon as she hits center college, I believe she’ll be pissed off that she will be able to’t use it to speak to her associates. However for now it’s nice. We just lately bought one for our 8-year-old, and it’s wild that they will textual content one another from their watches. It additionally means my 8-year-old can spam the group chat with emoji, however that’s nice too.
— Nathan Edwards, senior critiques editor
Learn our hands-on with the Fitbit Ace LTE.
Do you have to even purchase a Fitbit proper now?
Fitbit formally grew to become a part of Google in 2021. Nothing modified in a single day, however technically, it’s Fitbit by Google now. The Fitbit-to-Google migration began in earnest in the summertime of 2023, and new customers might be requested to log into Fitbit utilizing their Google accounts. In 2025, this might be obligatory for everybody. In February 2023, Google angered longtime Fitbit customers by shuttering longtime social options like Challenges and eradicating step streaks. (Step streaks have since been added again and expanded to Android.) In the meantime, the Versa 4 and Sense 2 weren’t as feature-rich at launch in comparison with their predecessors, main some to really feel that Google purposefully did this to place the highlight on its Pixel Watch. There have been additionally a number of main server outages in 2023.
There’s some rigidity right here and the way forward for Fitbit {hardware} is murky. Particularly given the truth that Google laid off a few thousand staff from its {hardware} departments spanning Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. Should you’re shopping for a tracker for the primary time and need it to final you some time, it’d make extra sense to go for a Garmin or Amazfit tracker. Equally, in case you’re seeking to improve to an older Versa or Sense smartwatch, you may need to see the place the mud settles. Nevertheless, if you understand you need a Fitbit, then go forward. Should you’re not in a rush or are undecided, now isn’t a foul time to sit down again and observe.
Replace, July seventh: Added Fitbit Ace LTE as greatest Fitbit for youths, changing Fitbit Ace 3. Adjusted pricing and availability.
