Which One Should You Buy
Here are the main differences between the two watches
So you’re thinking of upgrading your fitness tracker and can’t decide between the new Fitbit Charge 6 and the older (and probably cheaper) Fitbit Charge 5? That’s where our Fitbit Charge 6 vs Fitbit Charge 5 comparison comes in.
Fitbit’s Charge series has revolutionized fitness tracking, and the Charge 6 is its latest entry. The latest models, the Charge 5 and Charge 6, offer a wide range of features and affordable pricing, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
But which Fitbit Charge model is right for you?
If you need more advanced features, choose the Fitbit Charge 6.The biggest difference is that the Charge 6 has extra Google functions and measures your heart rate and workouts more accurately. In addition, you can control the Charge 6 with a physical button.
Pros and Cons:- Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5
Fitbit Charge 6
Pros | Cons |
✅ Full-colour, bright AMOLED display ✅ A physical side button ✅ Google Wallet support ✅ YouTube Music Controls ✅ Excellent tracking accuracy ✅ Google Maps integration | ❌ Identical to the previous model ❌ Advanced features require a subscription ❌ No Spotify controls |
Fitbit Charge 5
Pros | Cons |
✅ EDA and ECG sensors ✅ Vibrant display ✅ Lightweight and comfortable design ✅ Comprehensive fitness and health tracking | ❌No physical side button for navigation ❌ No altimeter |
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5 Specification
The Fitbit charge 6 and Charge 5 are both popular fitness trackers, but there are some key differences between the two devices. Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two trackers in terms of their specifications
Specifications | Fitbit Charge 6 | Fitbit Charge 5 |
Display | Always-on colour 1.04-inch AMOLED touchscreen | Always-on colour 1.04-inch AMOLED touchscreen |
Dimensions and Weight | 36.7 x 23.1 x 11.2mm, 37.64g(without band) | 36.7 x 22.7 x 11.2mm, 28g (without band) |
Materials | Aluminum, Glass, and Resin | Aluminum, Glass, and Resin |
Battery Life | Up to 7 days | Up to 7 days |
Charge Time | 0 to 100% in Two hours (advertised) | 0 to 100% in Two hours (advertised) |
Services | Google Wallet/Pay, Google Maps (connected notifications only), YouTube Music (connected controls only), Notifications (read-only), Heart-rate Transmission to Supported Gym Equipment, Fitbit Pay | Notifications (read-only), Fitbit Pay |
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5 -Price, Availability, and Specs:
The Fitbit Charge 6 is the newer of the two fitness trackers, launched in October 2023, but there isn’t much of a price difference between this, and the older Fitbit Charge 5. The Charge 6 costs $159.95/£139, whereas the Charge 5 cost $179.95 when it was released, although you’re likely to find it for around the same price as the Charge 6 now.
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5 -Design:
The Fitbit 6 and Charge 5 have similar designs, with rectangular cases and silicone straps. However, there are a few subtle differences.
Design-wise, these two trackers look very similar — you get a nice, bright color display and a device that has gentle curves and blends seamlessly into its strap. However, there is one key Fitbit Charge 6 vs Charge 5 design difference, and that’s the re-introduction of the haptic side button on the Fitbit Charge 6.
While the majority of your interactions with the Charge 6 will still involve swiping and tapping, you can now press the side button to get back to the main watch face. If you’ve started an activity, pressing the button lets you change the screen to show different metrics for that activity.
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5:- Software
When it comes to software, you’re still looking at a Fitbit device, however, there are some notable differences you’ll probably see between the two. For one, Fitbit is taking a much more smartwatch approach to the Charge 6 than with previous Charge devices. This means that you’ll have access to Google Maps on your device and a slew of other little features, including an improved workout tracking system, which offers 40 exercise modes compared to the more limited 20 of the Charge 5.
At the end of the day, though, both the Charge 5 and Charge 6 are still making use of Fitbit’s simple software, and that means you won’t be getting the crisp and flashy performance you’d see from smartwatches running the latest version of WearOS. The home screen on the Charge 6 still works like the Charge 5’s, and the rest of the device is likely to follow suit. If you were hoping to see the Charge 6 take more of a smartwatch approach to software, you’re going to be disappointed. This is still a fitness tracker first and foremost.
Health & Fitness:
of course, health and fitness are two areas that you definitely expect to see some improvement, and the Charge 6 looks to build off the Charge 5 in every way it can.
It still offers the features you’d expect — like exercise tracking, as well as heart rate tracking, skin temperature readouts, and more. However, Fitbit has improved the accuracy of these modes, and it says that the new heart rate monitor in the Charge 6 is up to 60 percent more accurate than that offered on the Charge 5.
The inclusion of GPS on the device also means more dedicated support for runners, which is really handy if you want to try out new routes and take on new locations with your workouts. You can also connect the Charge 6 to compatible exercise equipment, allowing you to track your heart rate in real-time.
Battery Life: Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Charge 5
If you’re looking for a long-lasting fitness tracker, then you won’t find much better than the Charge 6 or Charge 5 – or much difference between the two.
Both offer up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge, which means you can ditch your charger on long trips without having to worry about missing out on tracking your activity.
Conclusion: Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 is similar to the Charge 5, but has useful extras like Google Maps and Google Wallet. The heart rate reading is also more accurate. In addition, it has more sports profiles and a physical button. Don’t think these things are important? You get an excellent activity tracker with the Fitbit Charge 5.