The best Fitbits for your fitness and health

In 2024, you would possibly surprise if Fitbit continues to be related. Regardless of getting acquired by Google, Fitbit stays one of the vital recognizable names within the trade. Fitbit trackers aren’t meant for probably the most hardcore of athletes, however they’re nonetheless wonderful gadgets for monitoring total exercise in addition to monitoring sure well being and wellness metrics like EKGs and blood oxygen ranges. 

That stated, it is a transitional interval from the Fitbit of outdated to no matter Fitbit will probably be sooner or later. 2023, specifically, was a messy yr. There have been a number of Fitbit server outages. I wasn’t impressed with the choice to sundown legacy neighborhood options like challenges or the truth that all Fitbit accounts would require you to log in through Google by 2025. Talking of which, the Fitbit-to-Google account migration began final summer time and is required in case you purchase new merchandise just like the Fitbit Cost 6 or Google Pixel Watch 3. The Fitbit app additionally received a brand new, extra Google-like makeover, which didn’t go over nicely with many customers. (Google has since made changes based mostly on suggestions.) And in January, a lot of Fitbit’s management, together with co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, left the corporate as roughly a thousand Google workers have been laid off.

You may have a look at how Google has dealt with the Nest acquisition as a highway 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 usually go on sale. All of the gadgets 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 severely, too. With the Pixel Watch 2, the corporate has expanded prolonged guarantee entry and improved alternative choices. You simply must go in with eyes huge open.

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, so 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 might handle to construct by itself.

The Pixel Watch 3 is a major replace over its predecessors. It lastly looks like Google’s not enjoying catch-up to its rivals. This yr, the screens are brighter, the bezels are smaller, and there’s now a 45mm dimension for bigger wrists. The bigger dimension doesn’t look chunky, both. Internally, the processor and well being sensors are the identical as final yr, although the third-gen machine has an extremely wideband chip that lets you unlock Pixel telephones and a few BMW automotive fashions.

It’s received 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 seems like a watch, not a tracker dressed up as one. The show is a bit fragile for our style, however as of final yr, you will get a Most well-liked Care prolonged guarantee within the US and Canada. That is one purpose we advocate the Pixel Watch 3 over the unique since not less than you’ve a extra inexpensive fallback ought to one thing occur to your show. Google additionally introduced an possibility the place you’ll be able to skip buyer help and mail in damaged, out-of-warranty Pixel Watch gadgets for discounted replacements.

As for health options, the Pixel Watch 3 is significantly better for runners than it was once. 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 just like Garmin’s Coaching Load. The Each day Readiness Rating has additionally been revamped and is 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 providers in your behalf. The function isn’t out there but within the US, although, as FDA clearance continues to be pending.

Moreover, Google has strengthened the watch’s integrations with its personal providers in addition to different Pixel gadgets. For example, you’ve offline Google Maps and a Google Residence Tile. You may view your Nest Doorbell digital camera feed or management your Google TV out of your wrist, and there’s additionally the choice to document 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 choose up the cellphone.

If all you need is a health tracker that seems like a smartwatch, you’ll be able to take into account 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 our Pixel Watch 3 evaluation.

The Encourage line hasn’t at all times felt, nicely, impressed. However the $99.95 Encourage 3 is completely different. With a colour OLED show, it’s harking back to the Fitbit Luxe (previously $149.95, now usually round $99.99), simply with a matte black plastic case as a substitute of a steel one. It’s an excellent throwback to traditional Fitbits for individuals who solely need the fundamentals.

The Encourage 3 doesn’t overcomplicate issues. It’s a health band. You gained’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 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 3 in case you allow the always-on show.) 

The Encourage 3 has quite a lot of equipment, together with a clip attachment if you wish to discreetly observe steps. There’s even a gold or silver mesh strap if you wish to costume it up a bit. 

To be trustworthy, the Encourage 3 and Luxe are fairly related, they usually’re usually across the similar value. It’ll boil down as to whether you suppose the Luxe’s nicer case is value buying and selling half the battery life for — the Luxe will get an estimated 5 days as a substitute of 10.

Learn our protection of the Fitbit Encourage 3 right here.

The Cost collection has at all times been widespread, and the $159.95 Cost 6 is not any exception. It’s Fitbit’s higher-end health band however simply competes with the dearer Versa 4 on options. It contains 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’ve got 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 you probably have the always-on show enabled. This is identical subject that we had with the Cost 5, however it’s pretty typical from Fitbit trackers lately.

Altogether, although, you’re getting a hell of so much for the worth. It’s the one FDA-cleared EKG wearable yow will discover for beneath $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 lifeless set on the smartwatch type issue, the Cost 6 is the higher total deal. 

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 — specifically Google Maps, Google Pockets, and YouTube Music. Whereas YouTube Music works nicely, I’m not stoked that it requires a further $11 month-to-month subscription. That stated, it’s higher than nothing, as Fitbit discontinued onboard music some time again.

When it comes to {hardware}, the Cost 6 additionally contains a haptic button as a substitute of an inductive groove. It’s not a bodily button, which is just a little disappointing, however it’s extra dependable up to now than the inductive groove, so I might rely this as a internet constructive.

You may technically get the Cost 5 at a reduction. Nevertheless, I’d solely try this if it’s considerably cheaper and value is your important 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 be useful for walks, and it not less than gives some type of music playback.

Learn our evaluation of the Fitbit Cost 6 right here.

That just about covers the present Fitbit lineup. The one one we haven’t touched up to now — and the one one which I haven’t examined myself — is the $79.95 Ace 3. That’s Fitbit’s tracker for teenagers. It’s a fundamental tracker with a rugged bumper and comes with parental controls. It’s received higher battery life than its predecessor however doesn’t include GPS. Additionally, whereas it does have coronary heart charge sensors, it’s not a metric that’s actively tracked for kids. As an alternative, it determines what number of “energetic minutes” they’re getting. Total, it’s a good alternative for folks whose important precedence is ensuring their children get sufficient each day train.

Nevertheless, Fitbit just lately introduced the $229.95 Ace LTE. It’s considerably dearer, however that’s comprehensible given it’s a major improve by way of {hardware} and software program. For starters, it has the identical guts because the Pixel Watch 2. (The chargers are additionally suitable!) It additionally provides built-in LTE for a $9.99 month-to-month subscription through the Ace Move, which permits calling, messaging, and real-time GPS monitoring for folks. Youngsters gained’t have to have their very own smartphone to set it up, and there are not any third-party apps or adverts on the machine. Every part can be managed through the separate Fitbit Ace app, which works on each iOS and Android.

To encourage extra exercise, the Ace LTE makes use of a collection of 3D video games. After enjoying a bit, they’re inspired to get some bodily exercise to unlock extra enjoying time. There’s additionally a Tamagotchi-like ingredient, however other than $35 collectible bands, there are not any microtransactions inside the video games involving actual cash. (Youngsters can “purchase” extra gadgets by finishing each day quests and partaking in actions.) As for privateness, Google says that solely dad and mom will be capable of view location and exercise information for kids. Location information is deleted after 24 hours, whereas exercise information is deleted after 35 days. We haven’t had an opportunity to totally check the Ace LTE but, however keep tuned for our forthcoming evaluation.

Learn our hands-on with the Fitbit Ace LTE.

Fitbit formally turned 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 summer time 2023 and new customers will probably be requested to log into Fitbit utilizing their Google accounts. In 2025, this will probably be necessary for everybody. Final yr, 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 stress right here and the way forward for Fitbit {hardware} is murky. Particularly given the truth that Google laid off a few thousand workers from its {hardware} departments spanning Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. Should you’re shopping for a tracker for the primary time and wish it to final you some time, it’d make extra sense to go for a Garmin or Amazfit tracker. Equally, in case you’re trying to improve to an older Versa or Sense smartwatch, you would possibly wish to see the place the mud settles. Nevertheless, if you already know you need a Fitbit, then go forward. Should you’re not in a rush or are undecided, now shouldn’t be a foul time to take a seat again and observe.

Replace, October twenty second: Adjusted pricing and availability.