Fitbit Charge 6 Review

Fitness trackers are still a hot item, and they have been since their introduction in 2009. They’ve come a long way since then. These days, they can do so much more than just count your steps. We’re moving towards a time when fitness trackers and smart watches will be one and the same. The Fitbit Charge 6 is a big step in that direction, as it’s able to run a number of Google-based apps, while still keeping a slim profile. I’ve been wearing the Charge 6 for three weeks solid and in this hands on review I'll take a look at what this fitness tracker device can do, what it measures, what it’s like to wear, and how it might be beneficial to you. I'll wrap things up by going over the pros and the cons and letting you know if I think I can recommend this Fitness band to you.

What’s New With Fitbit Charge 6?

One of the biggest differences you’ll find from the Charge 5 is the introduction of Google apps to the Fitbit world. The ability to use Google Wallet, Google Maps, and YouTube music is brand new, and comes a few years after Google bought Fitbit. The Charge 6 also now adds the ability to connect to a variety of home fitness and gym equipment.

The Charge 6 also re-introduces a haptic multifunction button where the Charge 5 had none (which feels oddly placed on the left side of the tracker). The 6 also provides a wide range of colors, including coral. 

The other newish thing about Charge 6 is Fitbit users who have existing accounts must migrate (eventually) their accounts to Google. I went through this process when I reviewed the Pixel Watch 2 and found it to be a bit clunky (complicated by the fact I had set up a second Fitbit account with a Gmail address years ago and then never used it.) With the swap in the rearview mirror, it’s fine now and I got great customer service from Fitbit to help with it.

What does Fitbit Charge 6 track?

The Charge 6 works with both Apple and Android phones. It uses an app to monitor and collect data, with two levels of things it monitors; what I’ll call basic and expected stats, things like steps, sleep, activity, distance and floors climbed, as well as more advanced metrics like heart rate tracking (it will tell you if your heart rate seems too high or too low). It also tracks SP02 (blood oxygen), as well as blood glucose, skin temperature, and breathing rate, and also has a menstrual cycle tracker. 

It will even track your workout all on its own.

The app has been redesigned within the last year or so and is a little less cluttered, which I quite like. The Fitbit app had gotten extremely bulky and had way too much going on in it for a while. For the most part it seems like Fitbit has returned to its simpler routes and I like the less is more approach. Even so you can get the more is more approach by diving into some of the layers of menus and settings that do exist

Important to note is that a Fitbit device, unlike something similar like the Google Pixel Watch 2 will integrate with iPhones and send you notifications of incoming calls and texts. Though you can’t reply on the Fitbit Charge 6, you do get the alerts which can be a big help.

[vernorropsjeune]

Just one major blunder ... the Charge 6 does have a built-in GPS. Please add a note to rectify this. Other than that, very great review. Thanks!

[jshoe]

Totally agree with you about the not-really-needed nature of Fitbit Premium. I'm on my 3rd Fitbit, currently a Charge 5. The battery life is amazing and the single biggest thing that keeps me with their brand. I don't use the notification features. I've tested the step-count accuracy many times and always found to be excellent. On the other hand, even when properly fitted the heart rate is terrible during exercise. I don't know if you want to go to that depth with your reviews, but it might make a difference to some people. For example, for this reply I tested my Fitbit Charge 5 against a Polar FT4 wristwatch and H1 chest strap. I walked for 73 minutes. The Fitbit said I averaged 114 bpm whereas actual number, from the Polar, was 74 bpm. That means the Fitbit calorie estimate was way high too. But I still love the battery life, which is the biggest reason I've not seriously considered an Apple watch.

[lorettasanchez]

I loved your clear, confident presentation; I learned a lot.

[CDNFF]

Having the haptic button on the left side is the ONLY way to go. If on the right you could never wear cycling gloves, workout gloves and such, it always hits the button. As long as you wear it on your left arm the haptic button is in the perfect spot in my opinion.

[joaoecsg]

Thanks for the vídeo! I think the charge 6 has gps, it doesn't need a smartphone. However the gps has some problems like accuracy and gps signal...

[zrinkaxg]

I own a Charge 5 .. it was working fine up until few weeks ago when it started to drain the battery extremely and became useless.. I've joined the forum and I see other users have the same issue. What's worse, the users of Charge 6 have the same issue.. It was a great tracker until it died... if you don't want to throw your money, DON'T buy a FITBIT!

[Applemaybay]

I have a charge 5 as I got it recommended over the charge 6 to me which I got told is a modern charge 5

[saikatdass]

Fitbit charge 6 does have inbuild gps.

[JoWhKeJo]

I’ve just bought one and I’m liking it so far. Would like to know how to make some short cuts so it’s easier for me to select my most used exercises

[ColorJoyLynnH]

I have a small frame and the only reason I haven’t gone to this form factor is that it’s too big for my wrist. Right now I have an inspire 2.

[zachf]

Thanks for the great review Erin, this really helps solidify my reasons for going with the charge 6.

Having an iPhone, I am a bit disoriented when it comes to the cross ecosystem and will need to do some more research. Attributes such as using Apple Health for data and Strava for cycling are the two features I hope that can work; instead of specifically using their stand alone app.

[Harry-thwl]

great video but you should EQ your audio i hear a lot of popping and high harsh frequencies. pop filter on your mic would also help. rlly good vid editing though! super helpful video

[EricOnYouTube]

Yes, but can I strap it to my shoe and have it count steps?

[davidemuggetti]

Hi Erin! May I ask You how's the vibration power when receiving calls and notifications (also compared to other Fitbit smartwatches/bands)? Thank You so much, greetings from Milan! 😄

[oobenoob]

I worry about the future of fitbit. They have discontinued support for pc and mac syncing. They are entirely discontinued the sale of their products in countries including large sections of South America. It doesn’t inspire confidence in buying into their eco system which is a shame because they make good products. It’s all gone a bit sour since google took over.

[sticksnstones]

So if I have a degoogled phone is the fitbit useless ?

[BRField]

You say the Fitbit Charge 6 does have the floor function? It doesn't; big disappointment, especially in Colorado when you hike, IMO. My Charge 2 is better.