The Best Fitbits for Your Fitness and Health

15/09/2024

The Best Fitbits for Your Fitness and Health. In the ever-evolving world of wearable technology, few brands have established themselves as firmly as Fitbit. Known for their innovative designs and focus on health and fitness tracking, Fitbits have become a staple in many people's lives, from casual users to fitness enthusiasts.

Whether you're looking for a basic fitness tracker or a full-fledged smartwatch, Fitbit offers a range of options suited to different needs. However, with the rise of competitors like Garmin and Amazfit, and with Fitbit’s acquisition by Google, many people are wondering if Fitbit is still the best choice in 2024.

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Is Fitbit still relevant in 2024? It’s a valid question considering the challenges the company has faced in recent years. Despite being acquired by Google, Fitbit continues to be one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracker industry. However, 2023 brought a few bumps along the road, including multiple server outages, a shift to Google accounts by 2025, and the sunsetting of popular community features like challenges.

That said, Fitbit still shines when it comes to tracking overall fitness and monitoring essential health metrics such as EKGs (electrocardiograms) and SpO2 (blood oxygen levels). With an ever-growing lineup of fitness trackers and smartwatches, Fitbit offers something for everyone.

But what sets Fitbit apart? Let’s dive into the best Fitbit models and see how they stack up in 2024.

2. The Best Fitbit Smartwatch: Google Pixel Watch 2

Price: $349.99
Battery Life: 24 hours with always-on display
Best For: Users who want a premium smartwatch with fitness tracking features

Technically, the best Fitbit smartwatch isn’t even a Fitbit—it’s the Google Pixel Watch 2. With Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, the Pixel Watch lineup now integrates many of the health features that Fitbit is known for, making it a formidable competitor in the smartwatch market.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a new processor, multipath health sensors, and Wear OS 4. The design is sleek and modern, featuring a domed display that looks more elegant than the square-like designs of the Versa or Sense models. The Pixel Watch 2 also includes advanced health metrics, such as:

Nightly SpO2 levels
Automatic workout tracking
Abnormal heart rate notifications
Multipath sensor for more accurate heart rate tracking

It also brings features Fitbit users have been asking for, such as Google Maps integration and YouTube Music support (though it requires a subscription). Battery life has been extended to 24 hours even with the always-on display enabled, and it charges faster than the original Pixel Watch.

Despite its strengths, the Pixel Watch 2’s display is somewhat fragile, so opting for the Preferred Care extended warranty might be wise if you choose this model.

3. Best Budget Fitbit: Fitbit Inspire 3

Price: $99.95
Battery Life: 10 days
Best For: Casual users looking for a no-frills fitness tracker

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is an excellent option. Though it lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive models, such as GPS and EKG capabilities, it makes up for it with simplicity and ease of use.

The Inspire 3 tracks all the essentials—steps, calories, heart rate, and sleep—and even includes advanced features like stress management and irregular heart rate notifications. Its bright OLED display is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Inspire 2, and you can expect a battery life of up to 10 days. If you enable the always-on display, this drops to about two to three days, but it’s still quite impressive for a budget tracker.

Additionally, the Inspire 3 offers various accessory options, from clip attachments for discreet tracking to mesh straps that let you dress it up for different occasions.

4. Best Fitbit for Fitness Tracking: Fitbit Charge 6

Price: $159.95
Battery Life: 7 days (2 days with always-on display)
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who want comprehensive health metrics

The Fitbit Charge 6 continues the Charge series' legacy of being Fitbit’s top choice for serious fitness tracking. With a sleek design and a bright OLED screen, the Charge 6 packs a punch when it comes to features, including:

Built-in GPS
EKG sensor
SpO2 sensor
EDA sensor for stress management
Google Maps integration

One of the standout features of the Charge 6 is its ability to broadcast your heart rate to Bluetooth-enabled gym equipment, making it easier to track your workout intensity in real-time. Additionally, the haptic button on the side improves reliability compared to the inductive groove used in the Charge 5.

The only downside is that the always-on display significantly reduces battery life from 7 days to around 2 days. But given the wealth of features, the Charge 6 is still a great value for its price.

5. Best Fitbit for Kids: Fitbit Ace 3

Price: $79.95
Battery Life: 8 days
Best For: Kids who want to stay active

Fitbit’s offering for kids, the Fitbit Ace 3, is designed to encourage young users to stay active in a fun and engaging way. It’s a simple tracker that monitors steps, “active minutes,” and sleep. The Ace 3 features a rugged design with a bumper case, making it durable enough for kids to wear throughout their day.

While it doesn’t have GPS or advanced heart rate tracking (heart rate is used to estimate active minutes rather than being displayed), it’s an excellent entry-level tracker for younger users. Parents can set up goals and monitor progress through the Fitbit app.

6. The Evolution of Fitbit: Transition to Google

With the 2021 acquisition of Fitbit by Google, the integration of Fitbit features into Google’s broader ecosystem is well underway. By 2025, all Fitbit accounts will be required to log in via Google. The migration started in 2023 and is expected to continue through the next few years, affecting all new Fitbit devices.

For longtime Fitbit users, this transition has been a bit rocky. Some of the beloved community features, like challenges and social groups, have been sunsetted, while others like step streaks have been brought back after outcry from users. Google has also overhauled the Fitbit app, making it look and feel more like other Google services.

With the Google Pixel Watch 2 now at the forefront of Google’s wearable lineup, many people wonder whether the Fitbit brand will survive the next few years, or if it will be fully absorbed into Google’s hardware division. However, despite these changes, Fitbit devices remain reliable and affordable options for health and fitness tracking.

7. Should You Buy a Fitbit in 2024?

With increasing competition from Garmin, Apple, and Amazfit, some users may hesitate before purchasing a Fitbit. If you're a current Fitbit user, the transition to Google accounts by 2025 is something to be aware of. While Google has promised not to use health data for advertising, some users might still be wary of the changes.

Despite these concerns, Fitbit devices are still solid choices for those looking for affordability, ease of use, and access to advanced health metrics. The Pixel Watch 2 has effectively replaced higher-end Fitbit smartwatches, but trackers like the Inspire 3, Charge 6, and Ace 3 continue to deliver excellent value.

If you're in the market for a fitness tracker or smartwatch, and value features like EKG readings, SpO2 tracking, and stress management, Fitbit still offers excellent options.

Freddy Farel