Choosing between the Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Inspire 2 comes down to whether you prefer the jewelry look, AMOLED color display, and a few additional features of the Fitbit Luxe or the longer battery life and lower price of the Fitbit Inspire 2. The look of the Fitbit Luxe reminds me of my stainless steel Apple Watch Series 6, though, of course, it's narrower. Both are some of the best Fitbit devices you buy. Let's take a closer look.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Many similarities

These two middle-range Fitbit devices share a similar size and shape and similar features, but the Inspire 2 is a bit cheaper and less, well, luxe. The Fitbit Luxe has the edge when it comes to upscale looks and a color display, whereas the Fitbit Inspire 2 has nearly double the battery life and a substantially cheaper price tag. Here's the breakdown.

The Fitbit Luxe and Fitbit Inspire 2 are both fully-featured health and fitness trackers with much to offer. Both of them offer steps and activity tracking, calorie tracking, sleep tracking, silent alarm, female health-tracking, and guided breathing.

They also have auto-exercise recognition, heart rate tracking, over 20 exercise modes, pace and distance (using your smartphone's GPS), call/text/smartphone notifications, and are water-resistant enough for swimming. Both are sleek and easy to wear. Neither has onboard GPS, NFC/Fitbit Pay, or the ability to download apps and music.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: The differences

The Fitbit Luxe is certainly a more fashion-forward device. It's even sleeker than the Inspire 2, plus it has a stainless steel case and buckle, which gives it a more premium, jewelry-like look. Perhaps even more importantly, it has a vibrant AMOLED color display with 206x124 pixels, making it very easy for the eyes. The Fitbit Luxe also has some additional health monitoring features that the Fitbit Inspire 2 lacks: skin temperature and blood oxygen saturation.

Of course, if you don't like the look of the Luxe, or you don't feel the looks and extra features are worth paying extra for, you will save money with the Fitbit Inspire 2. Plus, you'll get about twice the battery life with The Fitbit Inspire 2 over the Fitbit Luxe. The Fitbit Inspire 2 does have a monochrome OLED display, with a pixel count of 126x36.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Sizes and colors

The Fitbit Luxe comes in three stainless steel colors. While it comes with a band, you can certainly buy additional bands for different looks. The Soft Gold stainless steel comes with a Lunar White band. The Graphite stainless steel option comes with a Black band. If you pick the Platinum stainless steel, you get an Orchid (pink) band.

The Special Edition gorjana version of the Fitbit Luxe is a Soft Gold stainless steel with a matching Parker Link bracelet for an even more upscale look. The Fitbit Inspire 2 comes only in Black, with your choice of a Lunar White, Desert Rose, or Black band. The bands on both Fitbits can be replaced with other Fitbit or third-party bands if you want to change your look.

These two Fitbits are quite similar in size. The Fitbit Luxe measures 36.30-by-17.62-by-10.05 millimeters, while the Fitbit Inspire 2 measures 37.34-by-16.76-by-12.7 millimeters.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Which is the best?

I would recommend the Fitbit Inspire for most users since it's substantially cheaper with a feature set close to the Fitbit Luxe. Plus, the Inspire 2 has twice the battery life of the Luxe. However, the Luxe is certainly more beautiful, and it does sit on your wrist all day, every day. That AMOLED color display and additional health features are pretty compelling and may be worth the extra money and shorter battery life.

The Fitbit Versa 2 and the Fitbit Inspire 2 are two of the best Fitbit wearables. Deciding on which to buy boils down to budget, features, and usage. The Versa 2 is a smartwatch, so you're going to get additional features like Amazon Alexa, the ability to store, stream, and play music, and hundreds of customizable clock faces and apps that you won't get with the Inspire 2.

On the downside, it's more expensive, has a shorter battery life, and a larger, heavier design. The Fitbit Inspire 2 is great if you're looking for a basic sleep and activity tracker. It features a sleek, lightweight design for a minimalist look, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and an extra-long battery life of up to 10 days. So, which is best for you?

Fitbit Versa 2 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Assess your needs

When evaluating whether you need a feature-heavy smartwatch or basic activity tracker, first assess your needs. Let's break down the specs.

If you need a tracker that can download your favorite apps, access smart assistance, and give you the convenience of tap and pay, you may want to opt for the Versa 2. If you don't care for all those bells and whistles and just want a solid fitness tracker, Fitbit Inspire 2 is the wearable you want. But budget also comes into play here. Are all of those smart features really worth shelling out nearly double the price of the Inspire 2? Let's get granular about what both options offer.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Activity and sleep tracking

Fitbit Versa 2 and Fitbit Inspire 2 both offer excellent health and fitness tracking. Despite which one you choose, you get the same quality tracking. They feature all-day activity tracking and will keep close tabs on your daily steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity, and stationary time. They offer menstrual health tracking, food logging, and 20+ exercise modes to deliver real-time stats as you work out. Like all Fitbit wearables, they're swim-proof up to 50 meters, so you can wear them in the pool, shower, bath, and through your heaviest sweat sessions.

Both are efficient at tracking your ZZZ's. They feature automatic sleep tracking, silent on-wrist alarms, bedtime reminders, and quality sleep tips in the Fitbit app to help you achieve better rest. You can see the time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep stages and will receive insights to help you improve. You'll also get a sleep score based on your heart rate, time asleep, and restlessness. This personalized score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night and how it affects the way it makes you feel the next day.

Both of these wearables offer Active Zone Minutes that help ensure every second counts during workouts by buzzing your wrist when you enter your personalized target heart rate zone. You can view your workout intensity maps in the Fitbit app to see how your heart rate changes along your routes. Both of these products offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring so you can maximize your workouts, view workout intensity maps, track sleep stages, and register accurate calorie burn.

Neither the Fitbit Versa 2 nor the Fitbit Inspire 2 are outfitted with built-in GPS, which is a major letdown. If you want built-in GPS, we recommend upgrading to Fitbit Versa 3 or Fitbit Charge 4. However, you can see your real-time pace and distance by connecting to your phone's GPS and view your workout in the Fitbit app.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Smart tech sets them apart

What sets the Versa 2 apart from the Inspire 2 is smart technology. You can download and access your favorite apps for fitness, sports, news, travel, and more with a simple tap on Fitbit Versa 2. You get Amazon Alexa conveniently built-in, so you can do things like control your smart home devices, check the weather and news, and set timers.

The Versa 2 connects seamlessly with your wireless headphones, so you can store and play up to 300 songs directly from your watch. You can also download your favorite Pandora stations, Deezer playlists (monthly music subscriptions required), or control your Spotify account. Versa 2 makes it easy to use your credit and debit cards to make secure purchases anywhere that accepts tap-and-pay for smart payments.

Remember that smart features will drain the battery a lot faster, so the Versa 2 only offers up to six days of battery life, depending on use. Fitbit Inspire 2 delivers 10 days of battery life and doesn't host smart tech, so you should get close to the full 10 days on a single charge. Of course, the battery life depends on your usage.

Bottom line: if smart features are high on your priority list, Fitbit Versa 2 is the obvious choice as it offers smart features. The Inspire 2 simply doesn't offer them.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Colors and customization

You can personalize both Fitbit Versa 2 and Fitbit Inspire 2 with tons of clock face options. There is something for every style and every occasion. When it comes to color, Fitbit Versa 2 offers six color combinations: black and carbon, Bordeaux and copper rose (Amazon exclusive), navy and pink woven with copper rose (special edition), petal and copper rose, smoke woven with mist grey (special edition), and stone and misty grey.

Fitbit Inspire 2 comes in three colors: black and rose, black and black, and black and white. If you want to personalize these wearables beyond the Fitbit options, you can always purchase one of the best third-party bands for Fitbit Versa 2 or Fitbit Inspire 2. When it comes to colors and customization, Fitbit Versa 2 comes out on top. It comes in more colors, and although both have lots of customizable clock faces to choose from, you'll personalize Versa 2 further with customizable apps.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Which should you buy?

Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want or pass on smart features, as well as your budget. Both are great fitness wearables, so you really can't go wrong. Both the Versa 2 and Inspire 2 are excellent fitness trackers with nearly all the features Fitbit has developed, from Active Minutes to sleep tracking. So, it really does come down to those smart features and what you're willing to pay.

If it's within budget and you want smart tech that will allow you to access Amazon Alexa, apps, the ability to store and play music, and make smart payments directly from your wrist, Fitbit Versa 2 is the obvious choice. If you're on a budget and won't utilize the smart features, Fitbit Inspire 2 is a great way to go. Either way, you're getting a quality fitness tracker.

If you are an iPhone user like me, this is kind of a bummer (and if you're on iMore then chances are you use an iPhone). Fitbit has offered trackers and smartwatches for years that have been able to relay almost any kind of notification your iPhone can throw at you.

In fact, you can enable or disable notifications on a per-app basis in the settings of the Fitbit app. Plus, the Fitbit preferences don't have to match your iPhone's settings either. iPhone users can respond to Fitbit app notifications such as cheers and taunts. However, iPhone users cannot reply to notifications received from messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Slack.

This iPhone user sure wishes he could utilize the quick reply feature (sort of like Pebble used to allow) to respond to incoming texts. For now, I'll have to be content to check my messages on my wrist before deciding whether they merit pulling out my phone to reply. #thestruggleisreal

If you use an Android phone with your Fitbit Versa 2, you can respond to messages received on the watch via preset and customizable quick replies. Apps that support this feature can choose from five default quick replies, or you can customize your reply options in the Fitbit app.

Currently, SMS text messages, Twitter, Gmail, Facebook Messenger, and Line all allow for this quick reply functionality on Fitbit devices such as the Versa 2. What you cannot do is craft or type new responses from the watch on the fly, or do talk to text. Perhaps this will come in a future update, but for now, the quick replies are a workable solution.

The wearable space continues to get crowded as we head into the fall, with Fitbit (owned by Google) announcing three new devices to its lineup.

The newly announced Inspire 3, Versa 4, and Sense 2 enter the Fitbit family. The company is touting all the wearables' versatility citing that "whether you're focused on improving your mental health, gearing up to run a marathon, or starting a new health and wellness routine, you have a range of easy-to-use devices to choose from."

The Inspire 3 is the cheapest of the three and is billed as an entry-level Fitbit. It has 10 days of battery life and a color display to show you all your important metrics.

The Versa 4 focuses more on fitness as it has over 40 different exercise modes, plus premium features like built-in GPS and Daily Readiness Score. It has impressive battery life too, lasting six days on a single charge.

Lastly, the Sense 2 is Fitbit's most direct competition to the Apple Watch, as its most "smartwatch-y" device. With stress tracking capabilities and sensors that can help detect AFib, you'll see just how similar it is to the Apple Watch. However, with over six days of battery life and a skin temperature sensor, it has a slight leg up in some aspects over what Apple currently offers.

Apple Watch Series 8 is just around the corner

Fitbit may have a slight headstart by announcing its new products a couple of weeks before Apple launches the Apple Watch Series 8, but don't count Apple out just yet.

The rumors of a new Apple Watch SE, the Series 8, and the potential for an Apple Watch Pro mean Apple could come out swinging and blow these new Fitbits out of the water.

Of course, no one will know what Apple's best Apple Watch will do until September 7, 2022, when they take the stage. One thing is for certain; the competition for the Apple Watch has never been more fierce.

Trying to choose between a full-on smartwatch like the Apple Watch 7 and a fitness tracker focused only on your health and fitness is a tough decision. The Garmin Vivosmart 4 and Fitbit Inspire 2 have gone through a couple of iterations now, so previous bugs have been fixed, and features have been added, making both capable fitness trackers. Which is right for you? Let's dive a little deeper.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Comparing specs

Garmin's Vivosmart 4 was released in 2018 and is still one of the best fitness trackers out there. It gives you all-day activity tracking, Pulse Ox monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking, and even stress monitoring.

The Fitbit Inspire 2 came out in 2020 and remains one of the best Fitbit trackers available today. It records activity and sleep, is swim-proof, and counts calories burned through movement.

These two wearables have more in common than not, but there are a few things that set them apart that may have you leaning hard toward one or the other. Time to dig into the specs.

On paper, both wearables are smart-looking trackers that hit all the important things, have well-thought-out apps, mature software and hardware, and come with budget-friendly price tags. The only thing that really sets the fitness trackers apart is which metrics you value more and whether you're a social fitness enthusiast or prefer to go at it alone.

If you need the motivation to exercise and push yourself, the Fitbit Inspire 2 has a larger community you can connect with to compete in challenges and boost your willpower. The Vivosmart 4 also gives you that ability, but Garmin's social userbase is much smaller. The Garmin, however, gives you SpO2 tracking and your Vo2 Max, which are important metrics for overall cardio health.

Let's dive deeper into the similarities and differences.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Garmin is for athletes

Garmin has been a stronghold in the fitness community since 2003, and they have a good feel for their userbase. Those who jump on the Garmin bandwagon tend to be athletes and serious fitness fanatics who like to challenge themselves and have no trouble getting outside their comfort zone. Garmin users concentrate more on beating their personal best than tallying up more steps than their neighbor.

Garmin has always offered metric-heavy wearables, and the Vivosmart 4 is no different. Even though we'd classify it as a basic fitness tracker, it measures much more than just your daily steps. With the Vivosmart 4, you can count and time laps in the pool or on the track, gauge blood oxygen saturation levels, see your Vo2 Max, time workouts, see your sleep trends, track stress, and use something called "body battery" that's an indication of how much energy you've expended during the day and whether or not you're running on fumes.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Fitbit builds confidence

It was Yamasa Corporation that was first to claim that taking 10,000 steps a day is healthy. It will come as no surprise to anyone that the proclamation was part of a marketing campaign to sell pedometers. Fitbit jumped on that bandwagon right away, popularizing it all over again, and, by default, you'll find your Fitbit sets a 10,000 steps-a-day goal. You can change this by digging into the app's menu system.

Like Garmin, the Fitbit Inspire 2 focuses on health and fitness. It does not have an Sp02 sensor, and it can't measure your Vo2 Max, which is a shame, but it measures up to Garmin in all other ways. It'll log your workouts, how many hours you sleep per day, track menstrual health, count laps in the pool, keep track of your heart rate, and, yes, count your steps.

Fitbit caters a bit more to those who get inspiration from others. Both apps provide a way to connect to other users on the same platform and initiate challenges, but Fitbit really champions this category, partly because of its larger userbase. Fitbit challenges can be initiated by anyone and are a fun way to connect with friends and family.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Neither is a smartwatch

If you're looking for a smartwatch that also does fitness tracking, you'll want to do a U-turn and look elsewhere because neither the Fitbit Inspire 2 nor the Garmin Vivosmart 4 are smartwatches. They do smart things, yes, but you won't get a pretty color display, GPS, or access to music on your best iPhone with either tracker.

Both devices do pretty much the same thing in the smarts department. They notify you of texts, emails, phone calls, calendar events, and voicemail, but that's about it. You cannot initiate a text message or send an email from either device.

Not having a bright screen on 24/7 has benefits, though, and both Garmin and Fitbit rock in the battery department. You'll get up to seven days of battery life from Garmin and up to 10 days out of the Fitbit. So, no more worrying about how to charge your device on weekend hiking trips or vacations. Both wearables should hold out just fine.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: It's all about the apps

One area where the Garmin Vivosmart 4 and Fitbit Inspire 2 excel is with their apps. Available for iOS and Android, Garmin and Fitbit apps display an incredible amount of detail and help you stick to your fitness goals.

Both apps are free, and Fitbit also has a subscription model for Fitbit Premium that includes access to a library of workouts, mindfulness sessions, health challenges, and healthy recipes. Buying a new Fitbit Inspire 2 gives you a year of Fitbit Premium at no charge. After that, you'll have to shell out $10/month.

Fitbit and Garmin apps give you a place to store and watch your weight, view workout and fitness data, track your health metrics, and see how far you're moving each day. If you take your phone on walks or runs, you can also see the routes you traveled with something called connected GPS. Basically, your wearable uses your phone's built-in GPS to track and monitor your location, and the apps will display a customized map of your travels. It's a helpful tool if you run, hike, or bike, but it does not work unless your phone is on you.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 vs. Fitbit Inspire 2: Which should you buy?

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 and Fitbit Inspire 2 are both worth their asking price and can help you move toward your fitness goals a little faster. If you're an athlete, the addition of Sp02 and Vo2 Max metrics in the Garmin should pull you in that direction. Those numbers let you see your blood oxygen saturation level and how efficiently you're using oxygen during exercise, and both are vital for cardiac health.

If you want to save a few bucks and don't mind not seeing your SpO2 and Vo2 numbers, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is a worthy contender. It'll count pool laps, steps, track your sleep, and keep track of your workouts and weight.

Buying a fitness tracker is a personal decision and one that only you will have to live with. Both trackers are affordable and do all the basics really well.

Fitbit Premium is an upgraded version of the basic Fitbit OS app that you can purchase within the app. It gives more in-depth insight on your body so you can take advantage of Premium's health and fitness tools like Daily Readiness Scores, advanced sleep and stress insights, and a 90-day view of your Health Metrics dashboard. Certain features on different Fitbit wearables require a Premium membership for access. Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing, so you know what those features are in advance.

Some wearables like Fitbit Sense come with a six month trial of Fitbit Premium (for new members only), while others do not. Keep in mind that you don't need a Fitbit Premium membership to utilize your Fitbit; it's an additional service to provide deeper, more personalized insight to the health and fitness data collected by your wearable. The basic Fitbit OS app is free.

On top of Daily Readiness Scores, advanced stress and sleep insights, and a 90-day view of your Health Metrics Dashboard, Fitbit Premium grants subscribers access to even more pre-loaded workouts and mindfulness sessions (200+), as well as blood glucose trends, and advanced skin temperature details (Sense only). If you own the Sense and subscribe to Premium, you'll get a deeper look at your sleeping skin temperature variation with a minute-by-minute breakdown.

Additionally, members can access Premium challenges that make reaching fitness goals more fun, Stress Management Score breakdowns, and a Wellness Report. A Wellness Report is a downloadable PDF summary of your activity, sleep, heart rate, weight, and menstrual health stats fo the past month, plus your annual trends.

If you're someone who loves in-depth looks at your stats as well as personalized guidance, Fitbit Premium is for you. If you just want the basics when it comes to health and fitness tracking, the free Fitbit OS app should serve you just fine. It's not that expensive to upgrade to a month of Premium for $9.99. You can always test it out and cancel if it's not your thing.

Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 are two of the best Fitbits available on the market right now. You're going to get more with Fitbit Sense — it hosts all the advanced features Fitbit has to offer. However, it does cost a pretty penny. On the other hand, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a noteworthy smartwatch and a bit less expensive if you're on a budget. Which is for you?

Fitbit Sense vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Features and specs

Since these two options are some of the best Fitbit has to offer, your final choice really comes down to features and price. Fitbit Sense offers EDA, ECG, and heart rate variability for more advanced health and fitness tracking. However, those extra features come at an additional cost. You're not going to get all those bells and whistles with Versa 3, but if you're not going to use those features, why pay for them? Let's break down the specs to see how they are alike and where they differ.

These two wearables are very similar, both in aesthetics and their features. Bottom line: you'll get more advanced features with Fitbit Sense, but Fitbit Versa 3 is still a great smartwatch.

Fitbit Sense vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Makes the most sense

Fitbit Sense makes the most sense if you can expense the slightly higher price tag. It's outfitted with all the health and fitness tracking features we've come to know and love via Fitbit, with the addition of some new, exciting features for more comprehensive health and fitness monitoring.

ECG monitoring is an exciting feature the Sense has over Fitbit Versa 3. You can assess your heart for atrial fibrillation — a heart rhythm irregularity. If anything is offbeat (literally), you can share these results with your doctor.

Unlike Fitbit Versa 3, Fitbit Sense features heart rate variability monitoring. This variation of time between each heartbeat can show and alert you to potential signs of stress, illness, or fatigue. You can view your nightly average and trends in the Health Metrics dashboard.

EDA scans are another feature the Sense has that Versa 3 does not. On-wrist EDA scans detect electrodermal activity, which may indicate your body's response to stress. All of this is displayed on a graph in the Fitbit app so you can watch trends over time. You'll get a daily Stress Management Score to understand better how your body is handling stress.

This data comes into play with your Daily Readiness Score, but this is only available with a Fitbit Premium membership (sold separately). This score shows whether you're ready for a vigorous workout, need to take it easy, or need a day off for full-body recovery. You'll also receive insights from your exercise, sleep, and heart rate variability.

Fitbit Sense vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Valuable features at a lower price tag

Even though Fitbit Versa 3 doesn't have as many premium features as the Sense, it still has valuable attributes worth discussing. For instance, it offers Sp02 monitoring and built-in GPS. Like the Sense, it offers the smart tech we've come to expect via our smartwatches like a smart assistant, media play, stream, storage, and smart pay.

Let's talk Sp02 because you will get this feature in both wearables. Keep in mind that this feature is only accessible with an Sp02 watch face. Sp02 monitoring measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. This can be particularly helpful in flagging illnesses or important changes in your health you'll want to address immediately. For example, low blood oxygen numbers could indicate possible illnesses.

Built-in GPS is nothing new, but it is for the Versa family. Fitbit Versa 3 is the first member of the Versa lineup to offer it. You can see real pace and distance sans phone during outdoor runs, rides, hikes, and walks. Then, you can view maps of your workout routes in the Fitbit app.

These wearables have about 4GB of internal storage, so you can download and play your favorite Deezer and Pandora media. You can also control, play, and stream anything from your Spotify account right from your wrist.

Fitbit Sense vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Customization, battery life, and Premium

Both wearables offer essentially the same thing when it comes to customization and battery life. They both use the same interchangeable bands, and there are hundreds of clock face designs to choose from.

Fitbit Versa 3 does come in more factory colors. You have five to choose from versus three with Fitbit Sense. Both offer six-plus days of battery life depending on usage. Keep in mind that battery life significantly diminishes if you operate in GPS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi modes a lot.

Finally, it should be noted that all of your Fitbit's features are not readily available. Some features like Daily Readiness Scores and additional insights and guidance regarding your health and fitness data are only available with a Fitbit Premium monthly membership. Purchasing Fitbit Sense comes with six months of Fitbit Premium (for new members only), while Fitbit Versa 3 does not. You can add one year of Premium with your Versa 3 purchase, but it's $53, which makes it more expensive than the Sense at time of purchase if you opt for that.

Fitbit Sense vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Which should you buy?

Fitbit Sense is the obvious choice if you can expense it. It's not that much more than Fitbit Versa 3, and you get everything you'd get with Versa 3 and then some like EDA, ECG, and HRV. However, if you're on a tighter budget, or wouldn't necessarily use those additional features, Fitbit Versa 3 is still a great smartwatch.

Additionally, you might want to consider if you're going to add on Fitbit Premium. Users can access additional data and features using the service, but it does cost a pretty penny. Food for thought, but the Fitbit Sense is the way to go.

To get the most out of your Fitbit, you want to wear it as much as possible. This means all day, all night while you sleep, and through every workout. Every Fitbit purchase comes with both a small and large band. There are no XL bands for the most recent Fitbit models, so make sure your Fitbit will fit comfortably by measuring your wrist before buying.

Why do you need to measure your wrist before buying a Fitbit?

Fitbit bands come in two standard sizes, small and large. An extra-large band size used to be available for past models, but is no longer available for the current Fitbit lineup. It's a little strange that there's no medium or regular size. Does that mean your normal-sized wrist is actually a large? How small is small? How large is large?

Fortunately, Fitbit breaks down wrist sizes based on their circumferences (the distance around the outside of your wrist) and ties those with the different product sizes. This makes it easy to buy a Fitbit and know that it will fit your wrist properly, even if you can't try it on.

How do you measure your wrist?

It's easy to get an accurate wrist measurement so you can ensure the Fitbit you choose will fit properly.

If you have a printer, you can click on the Fitbit model below to download individual sizing tools customized for the device you're interested in. Simply print, cut it out, and use it to see which size fits your wrist best. The circumference of each band size for the individual model is also listed below.

If you do not have a printer, don't worry. Find a piece of string, wrap it around your wrist about two fingers below your wrist bone. Once you've done that, measure how long the piece of string is. Once you have that information, you're ready to match your wrist size with a Fitbit band size.

Which Fitbit size matches your wrist size?

All current Fitbit models come with both small and large band sizes. These band sizes accommodate most wrists, and each Fitbit band is fully adjustable. Make sure your band isn't too tight; wear the band loosely enough so that it can move back and forth on your wrist.

To get a better fit during exercise, try moving the band higher on your wrist (2-3 finger-widths above your wrist bone). You want it to be secure, but not too tight. Fitbit heart rate sensors work best when they maintain contact with your skin. Lower the band on your wrist and loosen it after workouts.

Try this on for size

Your Fitbit needs to be comfortable to wear. Otherwise, you won't enjoy using it. Using these tips will ensure you pick the right Fitbit size for your wrist. After your Fitbit has been fitted, you're ready to start working towards your health and fitness goals!

Our top equipment picks

As a team that works remotely, we understand the necessity behind getting to the gym, and we've tested all the fitness tech that we can find to figure out the best Fitbit for kids. Finding a fitness tracker that works for your little one is a great way to introduce a healthy, active lifestyle into your kids' lives. Our favorite kiddie Fitbit is the Fitbit Ace 3. It's tailor-made for kids aged six and up.

Best overall: Fitbit Ace 3

The latest kiddie fitness tracker from Fitbit is the Fitbit Ace 3. It improves upon its predecessor with longer battery life and more customization options. The Fitbit Ace 3 has motivating challenges to get your kiddo moving. There are virtual badges and tons of customizable clock faces. Made for swimming, the Fitbit Ace 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Not only does the Fitbit Ace 3 track fitness, but it also tracks sleep, an important component for overall health. It also provides sleep reminders and a silent alarm.

Kids can challenge friends and family members to step competitions in the Fitbit app and cheer them on as well. The app has parental controls and a kid view. If your child owns a smartphone, they will get notifications right on the Fitbit Ace 3.

Eight-day battery life means that you could theoretically go on a week-long vacation and not even have to charge your child's Fitbit Ace 3. It comes in three different color options: Cosmic Blue/Astro Green, Black/Sport Red, and Special Edition/Minions Yellow. The special Minions edition even has its own clock face. The silicone band is comfortable, durable, and secure, so your child can easily wear it around the clock. You can buy more than one band and swap them out for different looks.

Fitbit's Ace 3 is motivating for the younger set. Kids will love the look and the fun interactions.

Still great: Fitbit Ace 2

The Fitbit Ace 2 is a great Fitbit for kids because Fitbit has geared it toward them specifically. It has an excellent feature set, comes with a durable band, and is relatively inexpensive.

The Fitbit Ace 2 is for parents of children aged six and older who want to buy their child a fitness tracker. It may be overly complicated for anyone younger, and they may not appreciate its benefits.

The Fitbit Ace 2 may be for kids, but that doesn't mean it's a simple plaything. It boasts practical features that its Fitbit counterparts have, offering your child a meaningful foray into tracking their fitness progress. It tracks steps and active minutes during other exercises. Plus, it monitors sleep so that your kid can learn not only good exercise habits but also great sleep habits as well.

To add a spark of fun and some friendly competition, your child will earn badges for achieving milestones. Additionally, they'll receive daily celebration messages for reaching goals. Got a kid that likes to lay on the couch all weekend? Reminder to Move will encourage your child to stay active throughout the day with friendly reminders.

With its 5-day, rechargeable battery, your kid won't have to put down their Ace 2 very often. Also, since it's shower-proof, they can wear it all day and night. There are 10 clock faces to choose from and two band colors, so your child can add their own sense of style, and the band size is adjustable for little wrists. You can buy more Fitbit Ace 2 bands and swap them out for different looks.

If your child is under 13, you'll create a Family Fitbit account, which offers two views — one for you and one for your kid. You can view all of your child's progress, and your child can access their account through Fitbit's secure "Kid View," which shows them their progress, badges, and more. Kids can also go toe-to-toe with friendly step challenges to win virtual trophies with their friends.

Fitbit's Ace 2 tracker is made kid-friendly with the same iconic design as Fitbit Alta, but with animations and more, all geared toward children.

For older kids: Fitbit Inspire 2

The Fitbit Inspire 2 has a slightly higher price than the kid-friendly Fitbit Ace 2 and Fitbit Ace 3. Of course, it's not strictly for kids, so it doesn't have that "kiddie" look. It's simpler-looking and slimmer. This makes it great for older kids and teens. The Fitbit Inspire is fully water-resistant, so they can certainly take it to swimming lessons or swim team. It tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and much more, and it has up to a 10-day battery life. It even has female health tracking, which is helpful for tweens and teens who need to track periods.

For young people with a smartphone, the Inspire 2 has text, calendar, and smartphone app alerts. It even has guided breathing sessions for stressed-out kids. The Fitbit's sleep tracking can help your child form good sleep habits from a young age. Choose from three different colors: Black, Lunar White, and Desert Rose. The band is removable, so your child can personalize the look with different bands.

This is an adult Fitbit at a reasonable price point, perfect for tweens and teens who don't want a "kiddie" fitness tracker.

Bottom line

The Fitbit Ace 3 has the features your child needs, and the Fitbit lineup is easily the best around when it comes to fitness trackers. The price tag may be a big ask, but it's an investment in your child's fitness habits which will hopefully last a lifetime. Thanks to its hardy build, the tracker itself should last years.

All devices in the Fitbit family can track steps, but if you're a serious runner, you might be looking for a little bit of detail. With so many Fitbit models, each with slight variations on their available features, it can be tough to figure out the best Fitbit for runners. We've done the research, and the Fitbit Ionic is truly the best overall — and not just because of the higher price tag. See our rundown of the Ionic below, as well as Fitbit's other fitness trackers for the avid runner.

Best overall: Fitbit Ionic

There is a reason that the Fitbit Ionic costs a bit more than other Fitbit models. This smartwatch comes with a gang of features that will make any runner's life easier. First of all, built-in GPS is a huge bonus, so you can check your route and analyze where and when your performance was best during any run. Even better, it doesn't need a smartphone nearby to use the GPS or music features.

The Ionic can store music as well as apps, any of which will function independently of your smartphone. You can also use it to track heart rate, running pace, calories burned, elevation, and individual lap times. This is the most complete solution on the Fitbit lineup, but they offer other options as well.

With built-in GPS and in-depth analytics for runners, this smartwatch is the most complete solution in the Fitbit lineup.

Best value: Fitbit Inspire 2

If you just want a simple heart rate monitor and distance tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is an excellent affordable choice. This is a tracker, not a smartwatch, so it doesn't come with all the apps and functionality of a smartwatch, but it's a great tool to track fitness and running goals.

You can use the Inspire 2 during a run to watch your heart rate and aerobic fitness, as well as steps traveled. When used in conjunction with a smartphone, this tracker can also provide basic GPS and distance information. Also, it tracks sleep, women's health, and overall activity.

A simple solution, the Inspire 2 is great for tracking heart rate and distance during your runs. It's also very affordable!

Best-looking Fitbit: Fitbit Versa 2

If you love a sleek-looking smartwatch with fun color options, then you may prefer a Fitbit Versa 2 over the Ionic. The Versa comes in several fun colors (such as this lovely shade of pink!), and it packs in quite a few useful features as well. When used in conjunction with a smartphone, the Versa will give you reliable GPS guidance, distance and route info, as well as music streaming functionality.

The only downside here is that if you want to do a marathon without carrying your phone on you, a lot of these Fitbit Versa features will not be available without it. If you have no problem keeping both the watch and the phone on hand, however, this is a great all-around running solution.

This lovely smartwatch comes in several eye-catching colors and provides great running features when used with a smartphone.

Best tracker: Fitbit Charge 4

Here's a good in-between option if you'd like a fitness tracker with little more functionality, but you're not ready to shell out for a smartwatch. The Fitbit Charge 4 provides a heart rate monitor and distance tracking like the Inspire HR, but it also gives you more in-depth stats about pace and speed.

This tracker is great for monitoring other types of exercise too, like stair-climbing and swimming. It will provide you with insights into your sleep habits and activities, and you can pair it with your smartphone for GPS functionality as well.

For in-depth fitness tracking and analytics, there's no tracker as complete as the Charge 4. It's the best you'll get short of a smartwatch.

Bottom line

So you see, there's a lot of options for the best Fitbit for runners. Having a good idea of your running goals can help you decide which Fitbit features are most important. Without a doubt, the Fitbit Ionic is the most complete option available, with in-depth running analytics, built-in GPS and music, as well as full smartwatch functionality. Although it is the most expensive Fitbit, we think you get what you pay for, and this watch is worth the price.

Regardless of which Fitbit you choose, you'll be well on your way to improving your fitness and exceeding those running goals. Consider what your needs and goals are before making a decision. By choosing the right device, you can have more fun with your runs as you watch your fitness progress improve!

When fitness trackers first hit the market, they were honestly a little bland. Most of them came with black bands, and there weren't a whole lot of ways you could customise them or jazz them up. Thankfully, we live in a world where Amazon exists, which has quite literally opened up a plethora of options for customising your gear. The Fitbit Charge 3 is a great fitness tracker. If you were lucky enough to pick one up so far, you might be looking for a way to make it a little more your own. Don't sweat it, we've got you covered.

Cooler Charge 3 workouts

It never ceases to amaze me how many replacement band options there are for the Fitbit Charge 3. It's one of the reasons I love Fitbit products so much! Customising my gear is one of my favourite things to do because it makes it so much more personal. Instead of being simply a gadget, it becomes a part of my everyday life which is exactly how technology is supposed to work. I'm a huge fan of the Nike Apple Watch bands, so my favourite on this list is the Yayuu Silicon Sports Wristband .

If you've found a style you like, but you can't choose which colour, then I suggest you go for something like the Adepoy Classic Replacement Strap. They come in a pack of three, and there are over 15 combinations available. If personal flair is your thing, go for the Allbingo Silicone Bands. You can choose from puppy paws, floral patterns, or abstract designs. Whatever your preference, you can't go wrong with anything on this list!

The Fitbit Versa 2 is arguably the company's best-looking smartwatch to date. While the Versa and Versa Lite were indeed beautiful devices, the Versa 2 has been refined with a sturdier build, better screen, and impressive finishes. But it's not just the design that has improved. The Versa 2 has several functional enhancements that make it worthy of your upgrade consideration. It sports improved battery life (up to five days), an always-on display, better Spotify integration, and has Alexa built-in. The only decision now is not whether you'll get one, but which Versa 2 you'll get!

Which one should you choose?

Just like the first edition, the Fitbit Versa 2 comes in two styles: regular and special edition. Unlike last year, the differences don't lie in the case finishes or software, but they boil down to the bands. For $30 more, you can upgrade to the special edition to get two bands: a woven jacquard and a silicone sport. Which version you choose is up to you, but I'd recommend going with the regular edition to save some money. You can always use it later to collect cheaper third-party bands.

My favorite is the Bordeaux / Copper Rose Aluminum combination. With it, you get the smarts that this new Fitbit has to offer and the style of a special edition. A more pragmatic choice for many might be the neutral tones of the Black / Carbon Aluminum or Stone / Mist Grey Aluminum versions. Out of the box, they will go with pretty much any outfit you might choose. Their subtle casings will also pair well with any additional straps you might purchase later.

On the subject of additional bands, we do think it's worth pointing out that this is the first time that a second-generation Fitbit device can use bands from a previous generation. All of the bands that work on the first generation Versa and Versa Lite will also fit the Versa 2!

The Fitbit Versa Lite is a capable health and fitness smartwatch that tracks exercise, calories burned, sleep, menstrual and fertility cycles, heart rate, and more. It connects with your smartphone via Bluetooth and has notifications for texts, phone calls, and app alerts of all kinds. You can put apps on your Versa Lite, and you can customize the watch face style. The Fitbit Versa boasts a four-day battery life, and it comes in several colorways. The band colors matter less because they can be swapped out for other bands. But the aluminum around the smartwatch face can't be changed, so it's something to consider carefully before purchase.

Which one should you choose?

All of the Fitbit Versa Lite colorways work the same, so it's down to personal taste. Obviously, I can't tell you what color you should like best, I can only tell you what I'd recommend for most people: Charcoal/Silver Aluminum. The carbon case and black band will go with just about anything in most people's wardrobes. The carbon case is easy to match if you decided you wanted to buy an additional band or several to add to your collection.

Although I love that bright Blossom, it's hard to imagine either of those going with much in my wardrobe. But of course, you know your closet better than I do. I'd pick the Lilac/Silver Aluminum. It still has that lovely copper rose case, but the band is prettier and more fun than gray. I wear quite a lot of pink, white, and other colors in that palette, so it's a safe bet for me.

There are many third-party bands and price points, as well. So, you're not limited to the band that comes with your device or even Fitbit's band offerings.

Fitbit has been a leading giant in the fitness tracking industry for quite some time and offers a variety of products that track every part of your day. We believe that every step makes a big difference, and not every Fitbit is built the same. The Fitbit Versa 2 is the best overall because its Fitbit's latest and greatest second-generation smartwatch and features a lighter, sleeker design than the Fitbit Versa 1, a faster processor, longer battery life (5+ days), and a microphone and Amazon Alexa built-in for convenient voice commands and speedy text replies. Smart, feature-heavy, and versatile, the Fitbit Versa 2 is the best of the best when it comes to the Fitbit family.

Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is Fitbit's second-generation hybrid smartwatch and fitness tracker. It has versatility and style with its numerous features and the option to trick it out with designer accessories and a customizable watch face. While customisation is excellent, the Versa 2 wins best in show simply for everything that it does! This model showcases all of Fitbit's health and fitness features, a lighter, sleeker design than the previous generation, a faster processor, an AWOLED screen, longer battery life, and a microphone and Amazon Alexa built-in.

When it comes to working out, the Versa 2 has SmartTrack exercise recognition, movement reminders, swim tracking, 15+ exercise modes, heart rate monitoring, and on-screen workouts. It doesn't stop there. Additionally, it has smart-tech features such as call & text notifications, quick replies, apps, music storage, and Fitbit pay. If that's not enough, the Versa 2 is also swim-proof and has a five-day battery life.

When it comes to cutting edge Smart Tech, the Fitbit Versa 2 features a built-in microphone and Amazon Alexa. You can ask Alexa questions like "what's the temperature?" and "how far have I run?" Just press the button and speak to check for updates, set reminders, get on-screen answers to your questions, and even shop with Amazon Alexa. If you have an Android phone, you can also use the mic to reply to texts and notifications.

On the downside, the Versa does not have a built-in GPS tracking system, though you can track pace and distance through the GPS on your phone. But with all of the other outstanding features, the Versa 2 is a cut above the rest.

This Smartwatch features Amazon Alexa, a light, sleek design, fitness tracking, has a battery life of 5+ days, and more.

Best Value: Fitbit Inspire HR

If you're looking for a great value in a fitness tracker, you can't do much better than the Fitbit Inspire HR. This Fitbit comes in three different colours and has a sleek, lightweight design. You can also change the look with a customizable watch face and additional Fitbit accessories.

The Inspire HR showcases features such as steps and activity tracking, calories burned, sleep and female health-tracking, SmartTrack exercise recognition, hourly activity, 15+ exercise modes, heart rate monitoring, and it's swim-proof. Outside of fitness, it can call and receive text notifications. On the downside, there's no app or music storage, nor can you send quick replies. This model also does not count floors climbed. If you are looking for a good value fitness tracker, the Inspire HR is a good fit.

Track all-day activity and sleep, utilise 24/7 heart rate monitoring, calories burned, and workouts.

Best Features: Fitbit Ionic

This Fitbit has all the bells and whistles. It's a hybrid smartwatch and fitness tracker and pulls out all the stops when it comes to features and versatility. The design features customizable options, including accessories and different clock faces. Unlike the Versa, the Ionic has a built-in GPS tracker so you can track pace and distance without your phone.

It also showcases the best features Fitbit has to offer with its all-encompassing health features: steps & activity, calories, floors climbed, sleep and female health-tracking, and guided breathing sessions. Its exercise features include SmartTrack exercise recognition, movement reminders, swim tracking, 15+ exercise modes, heart rate monitoring, & on-screen workouts. On top of all that, it has smart features like call & text notifications, quick replies, apps, music storage, & Fitbit pay. Plus, it's swim-proof and has a five-day battery life.

On the downside, the Ionic does not come with designer accessories, so it's not the pick for you if you want to trick it out with style. Also, users have reported that the phone to watch synch can be time-consuming, so be sure to set some serious minutes aside for this process.

This Smartwatch, fitness tracker hybrid features a built-in GPS, expert fitness tracking, sleep tracking, a synching range of 30' and more.

Best Tracker: Fitbit Charge 3

The Fitbit Charge 3 takes the cake as Fitbit's best fitness tracker, sans all the Smartwatch apps and music storage. The Charge 3 is the ultimate when it comes to fitness. It tracks steps and activity, calories burned, floors climbed. Additionally, it has sleep and female health-tracking, guided breath sessions, SmartTrack auto-exercise recognition, 15+ exercise modes, and 24/7 heart rate monitoring. Plus, it's swim-proof!

As far as smart features, the Fitbit Charge 3 can call, text, & has quick replies. It utilises Fitbit pay, and you can customise it with Fitbit accessories and customizable clock faces. Unfortunately, it does not have a built-in GPS, though you can track pace and distance with your phone, and there is no app or music storage. Also, contrary to its Smartwatch cousins, it does not feature on-screen workouts.

The ultimate tracker with 15+ exercise modes, expert fitness tracking, 24/7 heart rate, and is swim-proof and water-resistant up to 50m.

Best Kids: Fitbit Ace 2

Fitbit's model specifically designed for children, the Ace 2 lets kids see stats, goal celebrations, parent-approved friends, and call notifications. It gives your kids reminders to move; plus, it records steps, active minutes, and comes with a handy timer and stopwatch. It's brightly coloured and cool to customise. Kids can make it their own by picking a clock face and choosing their avatar cover photos for the app.

On the downside, animated clock faces require more frequent charging, and this tracker only tracks steps, activity, and sleep, so the features are somewhat limited. There is also no GPS.

This Fitbit for kids is colourful, customizable, swim-proof, and will send kids call notifications.

Bottom line

It's easy to get lost in the sea of Fitbit products and accessories, and Fitbit is a brand name that is highly regarded and highly reputable. So, we understand that it's challenging to find the best one. After researching extensively, we feel that the Fitbit Versa 2 is the best Fitbit overall because it has all of the features Fitbit has to offer and Amazon Alexa built-in!

The Versa 2 tracks it all, including steps & activity, calories, floors climbed, swim, sleep, and female health. Plus, it showcases a 24/7 heart rate monitor. This tracker has smart features like Amazon Alexa and Apple Pay, plus the ability to download all of your favourite apps. It has a lighter sleeker design than the Versa 1, five-day battery life and an AWOLED screen that grants the wearer sharper blacks and more vibrant colours. Though it doesn't have a GPS built-in, you can still track your pace and distance when syncing it to your smartphone. This baby pulls out all the stops when it comes to features, versatility, and style.

When it comes to fitness trackers, Fitbit certainly knows what it's doing, and both the Fitbit Charge 4 and Fitbit Charge 5 are excellent showcases. If you're in the market for a tracker and trying to choose between the older model and the new hotness, or you're thinking about upgrading, we've got you covered. At a slightly higher price tag, does the Charge 5 offer enough to beat out the Charge 4?

Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Let's break it down

The Fitbit Charge 5 is the newest kid on the block, and it comes with fresh styling, a lighter case, and features not available in any other Fitbit tracker. The Charge 4 may be the little brother, but it's no slouch when it comes to tracking workouts, heart rate, and sleep habits. Both models shine when it comes to measuring fitness metrics, but they do have a few key differences. Before we go headlong with our thoughts, let's see how they compare.

The upgrades to the Fitbit Charge 5 make it one of our favorite Fitbit releases to date. Even so, both trackers are capable of monitoring your general health and keeping tabs on your workout. Let's deep dive into what sets these watches apart.

Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: A look at the latest Charge 5

Fitbit is a company that listens to its users. When we asked for a swim-proof watch, swim tracking, and GPS, Fitbit listened, delivering the Charge 4, a fitness tracker that bested its predecessor. Now, after years of hearing from users who wanted a full-color display, Fitbit introduced just that with the newly-released Charge 5.

Unlike every other Fitbit Charge to come to market, the new Charge 5 comes outfitted with an AMOLED color touchscreen, and it's beautiful. The whole package is a sight to behold. Gone are the hard angles and blocky design, all replaced by sleek lines, a stainless steel case, and a body that's 10 percent thinner than the Charge 4.

Under the hood, the Charge 5 comes packed with more fitness and health tools than ever before. There's an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor that detects stress and an ECG sensor onboard that checks for signs of atrial fibrillation.

Each morning, Fitbit Premium subscribers will also get a Readiness Score that tells you how much energy you have reserved for the day. It factors in your sleep, recovery time, and heart rate variability to suggest a workout based on your body's needs. So, for example, if you had a tough workout yesterday and didn't get much sleep last night, it may suggest recovery yoga as an exercise instead of a lung-busting HIIT session. Smart! Plus, purchasing a new Fitbit Charge 5 gives you a free six-month membership to Fitbit Premium.

The Charge 5 also comes with all the usuals, including a 24/7 heart rate monitor, smartphone notifications that work with Android and iPhones, a step tracker, GPS, NFC, and a battery that holds out for a week.

Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: We still love the Charge 4

Last year, we recommended buying the Fitbit Charge 4, boasting about its built-in GPS and swim tracker. Those features are still every bit as accurate and exciting today as they were back then. One big plus on Team Charge 4 is the hundreds of high-quality bands for the Fitbit Charge 4 on the market. The Charge 5, being the new guy in town, has only three.

As a fitness tracker, the Charge 4 is an impressive fitness watch that continues to wow us. It's a reliable step tracker, keeps time, has GPS, counts laps as you swim, and comes with sleep tracking and alarms, and it does smartphone notifications. In other words, it does the basics well.

I've had the Charge 4 since its release, and the battery still holds a strong charge, and everything works as it should. It seamlessly sends notifications from my iPhone 12 Pro to my wrist, and it's woken me up every morning since I slapped it on my wrist.

Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Which should you buy?

If I needed a new watch this year, I wouldn't hesitate to jump on the Charge 5 bandwagon. The color touchscreen, EDA and ECG sensors, and the stainless steel build make for a well-rounded fitness tracker that can mostly keep up with any smartwatch.

If price is your driving factor, you won't be disappointed in the Charge 4. The Charge 4 has been on our list of the best fitness trackers all year, and with good reason. It's accurate, has all the basics, and it won't put too much of a dent in your budget.

While we have a favorite in our Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Charge 4 competition, they're both capable fitness trackers. It ultimately comes down to what you want out of your tracker and what you're willing to pay. The Fitbit Versa 3 is a blend of smartwatch and fitness tracker, with plenty of great perks with a price tag to match. On the other hand, the Charge 4 is an excellent tracker, perfect for those who don't need all the extras of a smartwatch at a more affordable price. So, which one is right for you?

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Let's break it down

The third generation Versa arrived on the scene in 2020, and it has all the bells and whistles of most smartwatches. You'll get a large color touchscreen, app compatibility, fast charging, and the ability to play music, reply to texts, and make calls from your wrists. Our Fitbit Versa 2 review explored the many reasons why that model was a better fitness tracker than a smartwatch. Fitbit has improved everything we took issue with last year, turning out a well-rounded, affordable watch with the Versa 3.

The swimproof Versa is also an advanced fitness tracker with 24/7 heart rate tracking, oxygen saturation monitoring, onboard GPS, cardio fitness level monitoring, sleep stages and scores, and a workout intensity map. The always-on display is beautiful, albeit huge. If you have small wrists, this will feel oversized on your body. The Versa 3 isn't quite on par with the likes of the more mature Apple Watch 6, but it's a capable fitness tracker/smartwatch combo that will please those who favor a touchscreen and GPS. And some of the best accessories for the Fitbit Versa came out this year. Let's look at the specs.

The wallet-friendly Fitbit Charge 4 has many features users have requested for years, including GPS. With the Charge 4, you can head out for a run or a hike and leave your phone behind as satellite tracking keeps tabs on your location, distance, and pace. Battery life takes a hit with built-in GPS, but for those of us who don't want to carry a phone during outdoor exercising, it's a long-overdue feature we love.

The Charge 4 looks identical to its predecessor. The inside is where the magic happens here. In addition to GPS, you can track your fitness intensity with something Fitbit calls Active Zones. Basically, it registers various heart rate zones throughout the day to give you a better estimate of calorie burn, energy depleted, etc. The Charge 4 also comes with swim-tracking and now delivers info on swim lengths, distance, pace, and duration. As with all Fitbits, it's water-resistant down to 50 meters, and can be customized with your favorite color Fitbit band.

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Which should you buy?

The Fitbit Versa 3 and the Fitbit Charge 4 are both capable fitness trackers. You'll get a reliable heart rate monitor, calorie counter, sleep tracker, female health tracker, and stopwatch with both models. The deciding factor is whether you favor a smartwatch-style watch with a touchscreen or a basic tracker.

If you want a tracker that will compliment your phone, the Versa 3 is the better choice. You'll get Alexa and Google Assistant, GPS, notifications, apps, space for music, a microphone, and a big, beautiful touch screen. If you want a rugged, budget-friendly tracker that will stand up to anything, you'll love the Charge 4. It's built tough, has standalone GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, swim tracking, and a screen you won't have to worry about scratching.

So who wins our Fitbit Versa vs. Charge 4 challenge? If I were jumping on the Fitbit bandwagon today, I wouldn't hesitate to invest in the newer Versa 3. For me, the GPS, precise heart rate tracking, and color touchscreen make it the clear winner.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Fitbit Charge 3: Let's talk upgrades

Does the newer Fitbit Charge 4 have enough to warrant an upgrade from the previous model, the Charge 3? Our Fitbit Charge 4 vs. 3 pits two excellent wristwatch-style trackers against each other. Both models have their perks, from price tag to features, but it really comes down to what you're looking for in a tracker. Before we dive in, let's look at how they compare.

There are some pretty significant feature upgrades with the Charge 4, but both are still viable options depending on what you need out of your fitness tracker. Let's examine what each piece has to offer.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Fitbit Charge 3: Taking a closer look at the Charge 4

The most significant update to the Charge series comes in the Charge 4. We have begged Fitbit to add onboard GPS for years, so we don't have to carry our phones on every run, walk, or hike to measure pace and distance. Fitbit listened. The newly released Fitbit Charge 4 comes with GPS built-in, and it's reliable.

If you're a swimmer, the inclusion of swim-specific measurements gives the Charge 4 the upper hand over the older Charge 3. Active Zone Minutes is also new. It measures the amount of time you spend in elevated heart rate zones throughout your workout. The default setting on the Charge 4 is 150 minutes per week, which is the magic number thought to help prevent disease, improve sleep, lower anxiety, and maximize workouts.

Both models shine in the sleep tracking department in our Fitbit Charge 4 vs. 3 showdown, though the fresher 4 has ramped up the results. The newest software update, currently available only on the Charge 4 but coming to the 3, is Fitbit's "smart wake." It uses machine learning to track your sleep patterns and then find the optimal time to wake you each day. If this is a turn-off, you can go the old school route and enable alarms instead of maintaining personal sleep schedules.

New to the Charge 4 is the inclusion of Spotify music controls. You're able to control your phone's music playlist and podcast lineups from your wrist. With the purchase of a new Charge 4, you're treated to a free trial period of this service. After that, you're required to sign up for premium service to continue using Spotify.

NFC is an option on the Charge 3, but only if you invest in the Special Edition models. With the Charge 4, NFC is standard, allowing you to utilize services like Fitbit Pay to make purchases with your wrist in stores.

The externals are primarily the same. The Fitbit Charge 4 is ever so slightly bigger than its younger sister but still perfectly fits large and small wrists.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Fitbit Charge 3: The Charge 3 is still relevant

Fitbit's Charge 3 remains a capable health and fitness tracker with many of the same features found in the newer Charge 4. You'll get 15 exercise modes, 24/7 heart rate tracking, a sleep tracker, a calorie counter, and the same water resistance that lets you play in the water safely down to 50 meters. And since it's been around a little longer, it has the advantage of having more available accessories, like cool metal bands

While not built into the Charge 3, it does have some GPS capabilities through your smartphone. You won't be able to exercise sans phone, but if you carry your phone on a hike or run, you'll be able to view real-time pace and distance stats. Sure, there's a tradeoff, but there's also money savings to be had by going with the Charge 3.

The Charge 3, like its newer sibling, will alert you of incoming texts and phone calls. A handful of apps also keep you up to date with weather forecasts and other important news. Also, the sleep tracker measures the amount of time you spend in light, deep, and REM sleep stages, and keeps track of patterns so you can make changes to your schedule as needed.

As a fitness tracker, the Charge 3 doesn't feel outdated. It's every bit as capable of tracking activities, alerting you of incoming messages, and measuring sleep quality and calorie input and output.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Fitbit Charge 3: Which should you buy?

If I were buying a fitness tracker today, I wouldn't hesitate to invest in Fitbit's newest release, the Charge 4. The addition of swim tracking, advanced sleep-tracking and heart rate zones, Spotify controls, and built-in GPS combine to make it a device that you won't outgrow anytime soon.

If you want something a little simpler, the Charge 3 is still capable of doing all the basics well. Unless you need or want GPS and more feature-rich heart zone metrics, the Charge 3 is still a solid activity tracker.

Choosing between the Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Charge 4 comes down to whether you prefer the jewelry look and color display of the Fitbit Luxe or the more robust set of fitness and other features of the Fitbit Charge 4 such as built-in GPS and Fitbit Pay. Both are some of the best Fitbit devices you buy. Let's take a closer look.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Many similarities

These two mid-range Fitbit devices share a similar feature set and price point, with the Charge 4 being slightly cheaper. There are, however, some key differences to help you choose between them. The Fitbit Luxe has the edge when it comes to upscale looks and a color display, whereas the Fitbit Charge 4 has a few more features, most notably the built-in GPS. Let's look at the specs.

The Fitbit Luxe and Fitbit Charger are highly capable health and fitness trackers with a lot to offer. Both Fitbit devices offer steps and activity tracking, calorie tracking, sleep tracking, silent alarm, female health-tracking, guided breathing, auto-exercise recognition, heart rate tracking, SpO2 (oxygen saturation) monitoring, over 20 exercise modes, pace and distance, call/text/smartphone notifications, and are water-resistant enough for swimming.

While these trackers do a lot the same, the sticking point comes with what sets them apart.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Charge 4: The differences

I wouldn't discount looks as an important feature. Personally, I always buy the stainless steel version of the Apple Watch because it's something I wear every day whether I'm going to the beach or a cocktail party. It's my signature jewelry and a health and fitness device, and the aluminum case just doesn't look like enough like jewelry or suit my taste. The Fitbit Luxe strongly resembles a narrower stainless steel Apple Watch with its shiny stainless steel case. The other thing that makes the Fitbit Luxe easy on the eyes is the color display compared to the grayscale display on Charge 4.

On the other hand, if you don't like the look of the Luxe, or you don't particularly care, you will get more features for less money with the Fitbit Charge 4. While both Fitbit devices can piggyback off your smartphone's GPS, only the Charge 4 has built-in GPS, so you can leave your smartphone at home when you're running or biking.

The Charge 4 boasts a longer battery life, up to seven days compared to five for the Luxe. The Fitbit Charge 4 offers additional fitness and health measurements, such as workout intensity maps, floors climbed, altimeter, skin temperature sensor (for more detailed sleep tracking), and move reminders. You can use the Fitbit Charge 4 to control third-party apps such as Spotify, which you can't do with the Luxe. You can use Fitbit Pay with the Fitbit Charge 4, but not the Fitbit Luxe.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Sizes and colors

The Fitbit Luxe comes in three different shades of stainless steel. The Soft Gold stainless steel comes with a Lunar White band. Graphite stainless steel comes with a Black band. Platinum stainless steel comes with an Orchid band. The Special Edition gorjana version of the Fitbit Luxe is a Soft Gold stainless steel with a matching Parker Link bracelet for an even more upscale look. The Charge 4 comes in Black with a matching silicone band, Rosewood with a matching band, Black with a Storm Blue band. The Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition is black, but it also comes with a Granite Reflective Woven band.

Each Fitbit comes in just one size. The slimmer Fitbit Luxe measures 36.30-by-17.62-by-10.05 millimeters compared to the Fitbit Charge 4, which measures 35.8-by-22.7-by-12.5 millimeters. The bands on both Fitbits can be replaced with other Fitbit or third-party bands if you want to change up the look.

Fitbit Luxe vs. Fitbit Charge 4: Which should you buy?

Which Fitbit you should purchase depends on what you want in a fitness tracker. If pressed to pick a winner, I'd have to go with the Fitbit Charge 4 for its richer set of fitness features and lower price point. However, if you are satisfied with the Fitbit Luxe's feature set and you like its sleek, premium looks and AMOLED color display, that's the way to go.

The Fitbit Charge 4 is jam-packed with many of Fitbit's best features like built-in GPS, auto-workout recognition, Active Zone Minutes, health and fitness monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking. It's sleek and lightweight and has an easy-to-read display and easy-to-use touchscreen. It definitely comes out on top when considering design and usage.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 wins when it comes to connectivity and features. It enables you to connect to one of the best true wireless earbuds and store, stream, and play music phone-free. It gives several safety tracking options and allows you to really make it your own with apps and widgets on top of advanced health, fitness, and sleep tracking.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Breaking down the specs

So, which is for you? Let's break down the specs to determine exactly how these two are alike and where they differ.

After breaking down the specs, you can see that these two are actually quite similar despite one being a tracker and one being a smartwatch. There are important features to highlight and some key differences that should be considered when deciding which to buy.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Key differences

Both the Fitbit Charge 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, and both are very similar in what they offer when it comes to all-day health, fitness, and sleep tracking. Fitbit Charge 4 syncs and stores all of your data in the Fitbit app, and Garmin Vivoactive 4 does the same in the Garmin Connect app.

One key difference is that you can't connect your Fitbit Charge 4 to your wireless earbuds, and you don't have the ability to store, stream, or play music. You can connect and control your Spotify account with the Charge 4, but only if your phone is close by.

The Vivoactive 4 enables you to listen to your favorite tunes phone-free, which is a big plus in our book. Who likes to bring their phone along on workouts when they don't have to? You can store up to 500 songs, plus,playlists from your Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music accounts (subscriptions sold separately). If you want to store, stream, and play music with only your watch, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the product you want to buy.

Other key differences include the various safety tracking features the Garmin Vivoactive 4 offers. When your Vivoactive 4 and phone are paired, your live location can be sent to your contacts manually or during outdoor activities automatically with built-in incident detection. This is a valuable feature to have if you're an adventurer or find yourself in a sticky situation. Additionally, while both the Fitbit Charge 4 and Garmin Vivoactive 4 offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the only watch that will alert you if your heart rate is too high or too low.

A difference that puts the Fitbit Charge 4 ahead of the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is its SmartTrack Automatic Exercise Recognition feature. The Fitbit Charge 4 will automatically detect and record select exercises like running, biking, and more without you manually needing to do anything. And it features Active Zone Minutes, which gives you a buzz on the wrist when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercises.

With the Garmin Vivoactive 4, you must manually start and stop your workouts with a tap on the touchscreen. However, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the only product of the two that offers on-screen workouts. If you forget how to do certain exercises or movements, you can view workouts with animations right on your wrist.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Battery life and connectivity

Both the Fitbit Charge 4 are Garmin Vivoactive 4 are similar when it comes to battery life. The Vivoactive 4 gives you up to eight days of battery life in multi-mode and six hours of battery life in GPS and music mode. The Charge 4 gives you up to seven days of battery life in multi-mode and five hours of battery life in GPS mode. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 comes out on top here, but just barely.

Because the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a smartwatch, and the Fitbit Charge 4 is a tracker, the Vivoactive 4 will be able to do a lot more when it comes to apps. Some cool built-in apps it comes with are the Find My Phone and Find My Watch apps. If you're missing either, as long as they're paired, you can select one of these apps, and it will send an audible alert sound to your watch or smartphone. The bars increase as you move closer to whichever you're missing at the time.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Customization and design

Let's talk design. The Fitbit Charge 4 features a much lighter, sleeker design than the Vivoactive 4. The Charge 4 comes in four customizable color options: black, rosewood, blue, and granite (Special Edition), and you can make it your own even more with customizable watch faces. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 only comes in two basic colors: black and gray. However, you can customize the Vivoactive 4 further with different watch faces, apps, and widgets.

You can also opt for the Garmin Vivoactive 4S, which is the same as the Garmin Vivoactive 4 but features a slightly smaller watch face. Note that the Fitbit Charge 4 is still lighter and sleeker than the Vivoactive 4S. The 4S comes in four different colors: pink, white, gray, and black.

When considering display, the Fitbit Charge 4 delivers a reputably clearer image. It features a backlit OLED display that responds well to natural swiping and scrolling. Organic light-emitting diode technology or OLED is considered the pinnacle of picture quality. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 features a transflective memory-in-pixel or MIP display.

It's important to note that many reviewers wish the Vivoactive 4 MIP display delivered a sharper image. They find it somewhat blurry and, therefore, difficult to read. When it comes to display definition, the Fitbit Charge 4 comes out on top. Both the Charge 4 and Vivoactive 4 feature easy-to-use touchscreens.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Which should you buy?

When deciding whether to purchase the Fitbit Charge 4 or the Garmin Vivoactive 4, you'll want to consider budget, design, usage, and which features matter most. When it comes to budget, design, and activity tracking, the Fitbit Charge 4 is hard to beat. When it comes to music, apps, and features, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the way to go.

Both the Fitbit Charge 4 and Garmin Vivoactive 4 are fourth-generation products from their respective companies, and both host a variety of noteworthy characteristics and features. Choosing one over the other depends on your lifestyle and the features that matter most.

Amazon's Prime Day is almost here, and you should make sure to take advantage of those Prime Day Fitbit deals and discounts on the popular fitness wearable once they're available. Luckily, some of the best Fitbit models are already discounted on Amazon right now. Fitbit makes various models, from simple trackers to more sophisticated smartwatches to suit every budget and lifestyle.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is regarded as the top Fitbit model, offering a great blend of features and specs and stylish design at a reasonable price, especially if you can find a Prime Day Fitbit deal on one. The Fitbit Sense is the current flagship smartwatch and is great for those after a more premium offering.

Not everyone needs all of the features a smartwatch has to offer. Save money with a simple but sophisticated tracker like the Fitbit Charge. The newer Fitbit Charge 4 will help you take your fitness goals further. You can change up your look with Fitbit Charge 4 bands. You may still be able to find the Fitbit Inspire or Fitbit Inspire HR the predecessors of the Fitbit Inspire 2, but we don't recommend it unless it's a total steal. Go for the Fitbit Inspire 2 instead!

There's even a Fitbit for kids, the Fitbit Ace 2. The swimproof, rugged tracker lets kids earn virtual rewards and challenge their friends to competitions. Parental controls keep you in the loop. You can even buy different bands for the Fitbit Ace 2 in your child's favorite colors.

Best Prime Day Fitbit Deals

No matter your fitness needs, Fitbit makes a tracker or smartwatch that will work for you. These are the best Fitbit deals on Amazon right now, and we'll update you with new Prime Day Fitbit deals and promotions as we learn about them.

Which Prime Day Fitbit deal is right for me?

There are a bunch of Fitbit devices on the market, and choosing between them can be difficult. Those looking to bag a smartwatch should check out the Ftbit Sense or Fitbit Versa 3, as these are the most recent options, though the Fitbit Versa 2 is still a great pick if you can find one on sale. The Fitbit Luxe is the most recent option for pure fitness trackers, with the Charge 4 and Inspire 2 still in the lineup.

One key factor for many buyers, presumably including you reading this article about Prime Day Fitbit deals, is price. Fitbit's smartwatches and fitness trackers span a wide range of price points, and pretty much all of them can be found at a discount if you know where to look.

We're keeping this list updated with the best Prime Day Fitbit deals as they crop up so you can be the first to know about any potential savings.

Why should I buy a Prime Day Fitbit deal?

There's nothing more important than your health. Anything that helps you take care of yourself is a worthwhile investment. Though we here at iMore love our Apple Watches, Fitbit devices are often a less expensive option towards that goal.

We've highlighted some of the most popular Fitbit models here, but there are undoubtedly other Fitbit models for sale on Amazon. In fact, you might be able to get a steal on another model. We'll update this post with the best Prime Day Fitbit deals for you as we get them, so stay tuned.

The Fitbit Charge 4 is a brand new member of the Fitbit family, while Apple Watch Series 3 is a bit dated, considering we're currently on Apple Watch Series 6. Fitbit Charge 4 is a fitness tracker, Apple Watch Series 3 is a smartwatch. Both come from highly reputable companies and are equipped with noteworthy features. Which one is for you?

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Newer tracker or older smartwatch?

These wearables both have good things to offer. Let's break down the specs to see how these two are alike and where they differ.

Fitbit Charge 4's capabilities match and surpass Apple Watch Series 3's in many ways, aside from a few smart features. Fitbit Charge 4 features newer technology and can do more for comprehensive health and fitness tracking. Apple Watch Series 3 was a great product in its time. However, its limited storage capacity might inhibit you from updating the software and downloading all of the apps and music that you want. Let's look a little deeper at what both devices offer.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Health and fitness tracking

When it comes to tracking health and fitness, both of these wearables can get the job done — both track all-day activity and sleep. However, Fitbit Charge 4's capabilities exceed Apple Watch 3's in this arena. Fitbit Charge 4 features automatic sleep tracking and silent alarms on your wrist when it comes to sleep. Plus, you'll get bedtime reminders and tips on how you can get better rest in the Fitbit app.

Charge 4 tracks the time you spend in light, deep, and REM sleep stages to deliver helpful insight that can improve sleep over time. You can also see your Sp02 nightly averages and ranges and view trends over the past week in the app. Charge 4 will give a nightly sleep score based on your heart rate, time asleep, and restlessness, so you can better understand your sleep quality each night. Apple Watch Series 3 only offers sleep tracking through third-party apps, and it doesn't measure blood oxygen saturation (Sp02) at all.

Fitbit Charge 4 offers menstrual health tracking; it uses your tracker in tandem with the Fitbit app to follow your cycle, record symptoms, and more. Unfortunately, the Series 3 does not have this feature.

When it comes to fitness tracking, both the Charge 4 and Apple Watch 3 come with preloaded workout modes, but Fitbit Charge 4 features Active Zone Minutes and workout intensity maps. Active Zone Minutes will give your wrist a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercise and celebrate when you earn extra minutes outside workouts. After outdoor exercise, you can check out your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app to see your heart rate zones along your routes. The Apple Watch Series 3, on the other hand, displays activity rings, so you can see how much you're moving, exercising, and standing throughout your day.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Smart features

You will get all call, text, alerts, and email notifications with both Fitbit Charge 4 and Apple Watch Series 3. However, Apple Watch Series 3 is a smartwatch, not a fitness tracker, so it has a lot more to offer when it comes to smart features. For instance, you can make calls and send texts using only your watch; no phone is required. You can also access and command Siri, your friendly smart assistant, to check on the weather, set alarms, get news updates, and more.

Apple Watch 3 offers safety tracking; you can call emergency services directly from your wrist if needed. It also pairs seamlessly with Apple products to automatically sync with your iPhone and even unlock your MacBook Pro if it's in range. When it comes to media, Apple Watch Series 3 can store, stream, and play music, as well as download your favorite apps right on your wrist.

The Fitbit Charge 4 uses the Spotify app, but that's it for music. Keep in mind that the Charge 4's display is tiny, and the Spotify app doesn't offer a way to adjust your phone's volume while you're listening to tunes on the best wireless headphones. Plus, the display often cuts off song and album titles if they're too long.

An important thing to note about Apple Watch Series 3 is that it's tough to update to current software, as it's becoming obsolete. Apple Watch 3 has a minuscule 8GB of internal storage, most of which is taken up by the operating system and other critical software. Like the current watchOS 7.4, installing an update requires you to completely restore and reset your Apple Watch Series 3. Once you do this and update the current software, there is virtually no space for additional apps or music.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3: *Battery life and cost

When it comes to battery life, Fitbit Charge 4 comes out ahead by a landslide. It features up to seven days of battery life, while Apple Watch Series 3 offers up to 18 hours. Take note that both of these wearables are outfitted with built-in GPS and that Apple Watch Series 3 hosts media play, stream, and storage. If you're operating either in GPS mode or music mode, you're going to drain the battery a lot faster.

Finally, it's a good idea to look at what you're paying for. If you want less of a focus on fitness and more on smartwatch features, you can get the Apple Watch Series 3; but, keep in mind that it is beginning to show its age, and it won't be able to store as much as the Apple Watch Series 6. With newer and better options, it doesn't seem worth the price.

The Fitbit Charge 4 is almost half the price with more up-to-date features and hardware as far as fitness trackers go. So, depending on what you're looking for, the Charge can save you money in the long run.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Colors and customization

When it comes to colors and customization, both of these wearables have options. Fitbit Charge 4 comes in four colors: black, rosewood, storm blue and black, and special edition woven granite. You can make it your own even more with one of the best replacement bands.

It offers a customizable clock face. You can choose from a variety of faces designed for every occasion. Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two colors: black and white. It offers hundreds of customizable clock faces to choose from. You can personalize it further with one of the best bands for Apple Watch Series 3.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Which should you buy?

If you're looking for a great fitness tracker, we recommend purchasing Fitbit Charge 4 over Apple Watch Series 3. It's newer; it was released in March 2020, while Apple Watch Series 3 was released in September 2017. The Charge 4 is one of the best Fitbit, as well as one of the best overall fitness trackers available on the market today. At $100 less than Apple Watch Series 3, it's an excellent value.

Fitbit Charge 4 can do more than Apple Watch Series 3 when it comes to comprehensive health and fitness tracking, and it has much longer battery life. If you're adamant about having smart features, Apple Watch Series 3 is a great product. Keep in mind that it is a bit dated. If you continue to update the software, you're going to suck up a lot of its storage space and won't have much room for personal media storage.

Fitbit makes some of the best fitness wearables on the market, and Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Versa 2 are no exception to this rule. They both have a lot to offer when it comes to features, music, and style. Which one is for you? It may be a fight between extra features and a hefty price tag when it comes down to it. Let's take a look at what both bands have to offer.

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Breaking it down

Fitbit Versa 3 hosts some notable upgrades from its predecessor. It features a built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, an always-on display, and has fast charging. Though the upgraded Versa 3 is a lot more expensive than the Versa 2, you're getting more bang for your buck. If you're looking for the most features, Fitbit Versa 3 is the way to go.

If you want an affordable smartwatch that's great at all-day activity, sleep tracking, music, and smart tech, Fitbit Versa 2 is an excellent value. It all boils down to your budget and the features you want most. Let's break down the specs.

These two are a lot alike. They'll keep tabs on your daily activity, meaning they'll track your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity, and stationary time. They'll also keep a watchful eye over your sleep and track how much time you spend in light, deep, and REM sleep stages. Users will get personalized sleep scores to help better understand sleep quality each night, so you can ultimately get better rest.

Additionally, both track your skin temperature each night to see how it varies from your personal baseline. You can view your nightly averages and trends in the Health Metrics dashboard in the Fitbit app.

Both offer menstrual health tracking, guided breathing sessions, and cardio fitness scores, so you can get a better understanding of your fitness level. Plus, these Versas offer excellent Sp02 monitoring (with an Sp02 watch face), six-plus days of battery life, smartphone notifications, and are water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you can rock them in the shower, tub, or pool. Since these fitness devices are so alike, let's get more granular to see how these bands would fit your lifestyle.

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Advanced features and smart tech

When it comes to advanced features, these two devices are neck-and-neck. You can track the level of oxygen in your blood with both the Fitbit Versa 3 and 2. This can help you learn when there may be an indication of important changes in your overall wellbeing, but you must use an Sp02 watch face to access this feature.

If you need a wearable that you can play, stream, and store music with, both Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Versa 2 fit the bill. You can store and play up to 300+ songs on both of these smartwatches. Plus, you have the ability to download your favorite Pandora stations or Deezer playlists. Take note that paid subscriptions to these music services are required. Both feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect with the best wireless headphones.

Both have smart assistants built right in. One key difference is that Fitbit Versa 3 is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Fitbit Versa 2, on the other hand, is only compatible with Amazon Alexa. You can check the weather, set timers, control your smart home devices, check the news, and more with these handy, built-in smart assistants. You'll get all of your app, text, call, and email notifications with both, so you can always stay connected as well.

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Customization

Here's where the two devices really start to diverge. Fitbit Versa 3 comes in five different color combinations: black on black, midnight blue and soft gold, pink clay and soft gold, thistle and soft gold, and olive and soft gold. Fitbit Versa 2 comes in six different color combinations (including special edition): black and carbon, Bordeaux and copper rose, navy and pink woven with copper rose, petal and copper rose, smoke and mist grey, stone and mist grey.

Regardless of color scheme, both have hundreds of customizable clock faces to choose from. You can store up to five of your favorites right on your wrist, then easily switch your look from classic to modern and back.

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Fitbit Versa 3 offers more

What sets Fitbit Versa 3 apart from Fitbit Versa 2 are some notable upgrades. The most notable is the built-in GPS in Fitbit Versa 3, opposed to connected GPS in Fitbit Versa 2. Built-in GPS is where it's at. You can use it during outdoor runs, rides, hikes, and workouts to see your pace and distance without your phone. Then, you can access maps of your workout routes in the Fitbit app.

Fitbit Versa 3 features Active Zone Minutes. Active Zone Minutes help make every minute of your workout count by giving your wrist a buzz when entering your personalized target heart rate zone. This is an excellent feature for those that love heart-based training.

Another key difference is the always-on display on the Fitbit Versa 3. You can see real-time exercise stats and check the time with just a glance — even when your hands are full. If you don't want your display to always be on, simply turn it off — easy! Consider that an always-on display requires more frequent charging, which might be a deal-breaker for some.

Speaking of charging, Fitbit Versa 3 offers fast charging. If you're always on the move, fuel up with quick charging that gives your watch a full day's charge in just 12 minutes. That's right, an entire day in just 12 minutes. We consider this a huge plus and a major upgrade.

Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Which should you buy?

If it's within budget, we recommend upgrading to Fitbit Versa 3. It has all of the excellent features that Fitbit Versa 2 has to offer and more! It's outfitted with a built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, an always-on display, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and features fast charging.

However, if you're on a budget, Fitbit Versa 2 is an excellent value. It has Amazon Alexa, plus everything you need for comprehensive health and fitness tracking, music, and notifications.

For various reasons, you might not always have a smartphone handy to customize your Fitbit. Not to worry, if you have a Fitbit and you're using a Mac operating system, you can customize your Fitbit on one of your Mac devices. By installing the free Fitbit Connect app (for Mac), you can control all your settings via your Fitbit Dashboard from your laptop or Mac. Here's how to customize your Fitbit on Mac.

How to customize your Fitbit on Mac

1. To customize your Fitbit, you must download the Fitbit app on your device. Go to Fitbit's website and download Fitbit Connect for Mac.

2. Install Fitbit Connect Software on your Mac.

3. Set up or sync your Fitbit with the Fitbit app on your laptop or device by clicking the Set Up a New Fitbit Device or Sync Now option displayed on your screen. Make sure your Fitbit wearable is powered on and in range. If you're having trouble syncing your device, click the Check for device update/Troubleshooting link.

4. Once you've set up or synced your Fitbit with your Mac, open the Fitbit app to get to your Fitbit Dashboard.

5. From your Fitbit Dashboard, click the gear icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

6. After you click the gear icon, you'll see a drop down menu. Click settings.

7. Once you click Settings, it will open a new window where you can edit your profile and customize your settings.
8. Go to the settings menu on the left side of the page that displays: Personal Info, Notifications, Privacy, Data Export, Manage Data, Manage Account Access, Applications, and Help.
9. Click any category and fully customize all of your settings from there.

It's super easy to customize your Fitbit on your Mac. You just have to download the Fitbit app to your Mac, open the app, make sure your Fitbit wearable is synced, access your Fitbit dashboard, click the gear icon, select settings from the drop-down menu, and customize your settings from your profile/settings page.

Our top equipment picks

To customize a Fitbit on a Mac, you absolutely need two things: a Fitbit and a Mac. Any device running a Mac operating system will work. We love the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 because it's fast, efficient, offers unmatched battery life, has a scissor-switch keyboard, and touchscreen with touch ID. You can check out our Fitbit favorites on our Best Fitbit list as well. Bottom line: you can customize your Fitbit on any Mac device with the simple steps mentioned above.

As with anything that comes in contact with your skin, sometimes your skin will react badly to certain materials. It could be allergies, simple rubbing or chaffing, or sometimes even dirt and sweat can build up in certain places and cause your skin to react badly.

Fitbit skin irritation is usually some red, patchy, and maybe itchy skin that occurs on your skin underneath your Fitbit band of Fitbit case. While everybody's skin is different, there are some things you can try to prevent and resolve the issue if you find your Fitbit is causing your skin to react.

Not medical advice

First things first, I'm not a medical professional by any means, and none of the tips here should be considered actual medical advice. If you're experiencing severe symptoms or you are worried about the skin irritation you're experiencing is something more severe than just a minor rash, seek medical advice from a professional.

1. Stop wearing your Fitbit

The first thing you should do when you start experiencing Fitbit skin irritation is to stop wearing the Fitbit for a couple of days. I know that doesn't sound ideal, but by not giving your skin a break when it's reacting to something it could lead to a much worse reaction.

If your skin clears up in a couple of days, try wearing your Fitbit again. If the problem persists, you can try a few other things listed below.

2. Clean your Fitbit and band often

Like any watch or wristband, sometimes the part of the band that touches your skin can get dirty. Whether it's after an incredibly sweaty workout or just from grime building up over time, it's essential to clean your Fitbit.

Most Fitbit bands — including the silicone ones that ship with the device — are very easily cleaned with soap and water. You can take the band off of the device to allow for easy cleaning. Just remember to allow the band to completely dry before you put it back on your wrist.

Most Fitbits have some sort of IP rating, meaning a little bit of water won't damage the hardware at all, so be sure to also give the Fitbit itself a wipe with a clean damp cloth.

3. Try switching bands

Although a basic silicone band shouldn't cause a reaction in most people, it's possible that the brand you're using is causing your Fitbit skin irritation.

• Best Fitbit Versa 2 Watch Band
• Best Bands for Fitbit Charge 3 and 4

Luckily for everyone, there are a ton of bands available for pretty much every Fitbit model, including less popular models like the Fitbit Inspire and Fitbit Inspire HR.

4. Consult a medical professional

If nothing seems to be working to solve your Fitbit skin irritation, it's probably time to consult a medical professional. The rash or reaction your skin is having could be due to some sort of underlying medical issue, such as allergies to specific materials or maybe even a fungal infection like ringworm.

As with all matters of health, take it seriously, and seek medical attention if you can't remedy the situation.

Do you have any suggestions?

Do you have any suggestions for people experiencing Fitbit skin irritation? Let us know in the comment down below.

When it comes to a wearable device, you don't want something that's only going to do one thing. If you're going to invest in and wear a fitness band, then shouldn't it also tell you the time? The good news is that there are plenty of fitness trackers that do just that. From Fitbit, Garmin, and others, our savvy selection of the best fitness trackers out there with time displays makes it easy to keep up with both your fitness statistics and the time of day.

If you want our recommendation

All of these fitness trackers let you view the time as well as your fitness stats. Given that Fitbit has been on top of the fitness band game for forever and a day, the Fitbit Inspire HR has become a popular choice and is a good mid-range option. Though not quite as advanced as the Charge models, the Inspire HR features the sensors to do what it needs to do at a much lower price than Fitbit's more advanced trackers.

If you're looking something a little more advanced, the Fitbit Charge 4 comes top of our list as our overall Staff Pick. It does the same things that the Inspire HR does, monitoring your heart rate, tracking activity and sleep, and offering specialized activity tracking modes. Still, it has a bigger display, which better presents the time, as well as up to seven days of battery life, as opposed to the Inspire's five days.

If having to have a brand name on your wrist doesn't bother you, then you can save money with the excellent Xiaomi Mi Band 4. It's an affordable option that offers the same useful features as more expensive models, including heart rate monitoring functionality, and it gets a gorgeous AMOLED color display.

Fitbit's Charge 3 and Charge 4 both come with female health-tracking, which the company says is aimed at helping women to "learn more about your menstrual cycle — and your body — so you can better understand how it affects other aspects of your health and fitness." If you've just picked up a Charge 3 or the new Charge 4 and need a little help setting up the female health tracking feature, here's how.

• The OG: Fitbit Charge 3 ($100 at Fitbit)
• The Upgrade: Fitbit Charge 4 ($150 at Fitbit)

How to "opt-in" to the female health tracker

Before you can track your ovulation, you'll first have to opt-in to use the female health tracker. Fitbit users who identify as females on their profiles will receive an opt-in notification, and from there, they'll be able to use the feature. However, if you didn't receive the notification or you don't identify as female, but you'd still like to use the tracker, it's super simple.

1. Tap edit on your Fitbit dashboard or long press on one of your existing dashboard tiles until they all start shaking.
2. Add the female health tracker by tapping the "+" icon in the top left corner of the tile.

Now that you've gotten the female health tracker tile on your dashboard, it's time to get tracking.

How to input period data

During its initial launch, the female health tracker will ask a series of questions about your menstrual cycle, which will assist the tracker in making more accurate predictions about your upcoming periods, fertility windows, and ovulation days. For the tracker to accurately predict your ovulation day every month, you'll have to enter the start and end dates of your period, along with how long your period typically lasts each month.

1. Input the start and end dates for your period by tapping the date on the calendar.
2. Then tap the pencil icon to add/edit your period information. You can also tap and hold each date.

Once you've inputted the data, your period length for the month will be highlighted from start date to end date.

How to keep track of your ovulation on Fitbit Charge 3 or Charge 4

Based on the information provided, the tracker will show your estimated ovulation date. The tracker is color-coded, so you'll need to check the calendar key to make sure you're focused on the right thing.

1. While in the main calendar view shown above, tap the question mark icon in the upper right-hand corner.Source: Fitbit

2. Once you've familiarized yourself with Fitbit's calendar keys, you can then move on to checking on your ovulation trends. Tap trends at the top of your screen to switch from the calendar view.

The trends page will provide additional details about your ovulation days for as long as you've been using the tracker. It will take your ovulation day from past months and provide an average estimated ovulation date right at the top of the page along with an average period length and your average cycle length based on data previously added.

Accessorize your Fitbit Charge

Now that you've figured out how to get more out of your Fitbit Charge, it's time to improve your overall experience with some top-notch accessories.

Charge Charging Cable ($20 at Fitbit)

Keep your Charge fully juiced while on the go with this super-slim USB charging cable. Please note: The Charge 3's cable won't work with the Charge 4.

Horween Leather Band ($50 at Fitbit)

Trade-in those standard wristbands for something more sophisticated, like this Horween leather band. It's perfect for daily wear and will match most outfits.

Wireless Sync Dongle ($7 at Fitbit)

Get rid of your wired clutter with Fitbit's wireless sync dongle. It's never been easier to sync your health and fitness information to your computer.

So which Fitbit is right for you? Both of these wearables are awesome in their own way, and that question comes down to what features you're looking for and what kind of wearable you want. For instance, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a smartwatch, which means you're going to get smart tech like Amazon Alexa built-in, app and music storage, and an always-on retina display.

The Fitbit Charge 4 is a fitness tracker with a built-in GPS system and a new "Active Zone Minutes" feature. The built-in GPS is a massive plus for runners, bikers, hikers, and walkers looking to map their routes, see their pace, and know their distance traveled. Active Zone Minutes is a feature where you feel a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercise and celebrate when you earn extra minutes outside of your workouts.

What's the difference?

Both of these wearables offer great features that are uniquely their own in comparison. Let's break it down further to see exactly how they differ.

Basically, the decision between these two rockstar products comes down to whether you want a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. The Fitbit Versa 2 reigns supreme when it comes to smart features like Amazon Alexa built-in, and app and music storage. The Fitbit Charge 4 is the right choice if you're someone that would directly benefit from an integrated GPS system and Active Zone Minutes.

Let's talk GPS and Active Zone Minutes

The Fitbit Charge 4 is the only member of the Fitbit family other than the Fitbit Ionic that features a built-in GPS system. Having a built-in GPS would greatly benefit runners, bikers, hikers, and walkers that want to be able to map their routes, distance, time elapsed, and pace. The Fitbit Versa 2 does not have a built-in GPS system, but it does have the ability to connect to real-time GPS, pace, and distance tracking through your phone. In my opinion, the Fitbit Charge 4 wins here. I think a built-in GPS system is always preferable and more reliable than tracking through your phone.

Active Zone Minutes is a new feature that Fitbit is very proud of. Active Zone Minutes buzzes your wrist when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercise. It will also buzz you when you earn extra active minutes outside your workouts, giving you a little extra something to celebrate.

But which is smartest?

The Fitbit Vera 2 is definitely the smartest of these two because it is a genuine smartwatch rather than a fitness tracker. You're going to get the benefit of having Amazon Alexa built right in so you can get news and sports coverage, set timers and alarms, check the weather, order essentials from Amazon, and control smart appliances in your house via convenient voice commands.

With the Fitbit Versa 2, you have the ability to download all of your favorite apps so you can have all your go-tos conveniently on your wrist (no phone required). It's also the only one of these two that enables music storage and downloading. You can store 300+ songs, control your Spotify, and download your favorite playlists from Pandora and Deezer. You can also directly connect with your headphones so you can listen to your tunes wherever life takes you.

Features in common

Both of these wearables offer exceptional sleep, health, and fitness tracking. They provide automatic recognition of 20+ different workout modes. They both feature 24/7 heart rate monitoring, all-day activity tracking, and female health tracking. However, the Fitbit Versa 2 is the only one that offers on-screen workouts.

Both offer excellent sleep tracking. Precise heart rate sensors and sensitive motion detectors work behind the scenes while you snooze to track your sleep. All you have to do is wear your tracker or watch to bed, then see your stats and sleep insights in the morning. You can ease into your morning with a silent alarm and understand key notes on your sleep that will help you evaluate your sleep over time and ultimately get better rest. You can also set sleep goals and get bedtime reminders.

Which one is for you?

That all comes down to what features you value most. If you're a smart tech junkie and would benefit from features like Amazon Alexa built-in, on-screen workouts, and app and music storage, then the Fitbit Versa 2 is the perfect pick for you. If you're a runner, biker, hiker, or swimmer that would benefit directly from a built-in GPS system and being able to map your routes and track your distance, pace, and time, then the Fitbit Charge 4 is your new best friend. Both are exceptional products and offer different, attractive features. Ultimately, you can't go wrong either way, so evaluate what features are most important to you and choose from there.

So, you're trying to decide between the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Apple Watch 5. In a nutshell, the Apple Watch 5 is twice as expensive, but hosts more advanced tech and more features than the Fitbit Versa 2. The Fitbit Versa 2 is still an excellent piece of machinery. It includes excellent fitness tracking and will monitor your sleep patterns, which the Apple Watch 5 does not, so it's worth considering. When it comes down to it, your price point and your must-have features are the main factors when making your choice. Let's see what both have to offer.

Let's break it down

Both of these products are highly rated and host a variety of high-tech features. Let's break it down so you can see exactly how they differ.

To emphasize some essential differences that set these two apart, the Apple Watch 5 offers ECG monitoring, global safety and emergency SOS, built-in GPS and cellular, a compass, barometric altimeter, and harmful noise detection, but the Fitbit Versa 2 does not. The Fitbit Versa 2 offers sleep tracking and a superior 5+ day battery life to the Apple Watch 5's 1.5-day battery life. They both offer similar capabilities when it comes to smart notifications, menstrual health tracking, multi-sport tracking, and all-day activity tracking.

Fitness first

These two are both exceptional smartwatches, but the Apple Watch 5 is in a class of its own. When it comes to heart health, both devices offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring and notifications, but the Apple Watch 5 also features ECG monitoring. It's one of the few watches that can monitor your ECG anytime, anywhere. An ECG monitors your heart's electrical patterns as a moving line with peaks and dips. With an ECG, you can detect arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) to get the help you needed before it was too late. Some doctors might suggest wearing an ECG if you've had a heart attack in the past, to see if your pacemaker is working, if heart disease runs in your family, or if you have high blood pressure.

When it comes to fitness, both offer advanced workout metrics. However, the Apple Watch 5 features even more metrics that are worth mentioning. For example, the Apple Watch 5 has two wheelchair specific workouts, which is a great feature. Runners can get pace and cadence alerts, and the watch can count flights of stairs and provide elevation gain in an outdoor workout.

The Apple Watch 5 is compatible with most gym equipment so you can keep track of metrics like heart rate, speed, and calories and can connect to hundreds of different fitness apps to track your progress and reach your goals. Not to be left out, the Fitbit Versa 2 can track heart rate, steps, features 15+ exercise modes, and has daily reminders to move. Both allow you to connect with friends for fitness challenges and will inspire you to sit less, move more, and exercise every day.

Although both are swim-proof and water-resistant up to 50 meters, the Apple Watch 5 was designed with swimmers in mind. The Pool Swim workout automatically records splits and sets and can recognize your stroke. The Open Water Swim visualizes your route on a map and both track active calories, distance, and overall pace. Overall, with either option, you can stay on track towards your goals with personalized reminders that remind you to stay active, get hydrated, and more.

Keeping an eye on your health

For more health-focused features, both of these watches can help track menstrual cycles, making it easier to track monthly cycles, record symptoms, and more. Additionally, both offer guided breathing sessions through paired complications so you can find moments of calm and peace throughout your day. Another cool feature that the Apple Watch 5 has over the Versa 2 is that it will tell you when things are getting too loud. The Noise app alerts you when decibels rise to levels that can impact your hearing.

When it comes to sleep tracking, the Fitbit Versa 2 wins because the Apple Watch 5 offers none. The Fitbit Versa 2 will help you understand your rest with automatic sleep tracking and silent alarms on your wrist, plus bedtime reminders and tips in the app. It will also give you a sleep score based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, which can help you better understand your sleep quality each night and ultimately get better rest overall.

A smart look all day (or night) long

Let's talk about aesthetics. The Apple Watch 5 and the Fitbit Versa 2 offer fully customizable watch faces and have thousands of options to choose from. You can make each your own and further personalize them with a fun and funky compatible band. Buy a bunch of bands and choose your aesthetic for the day based on your mood.

When it comes to battery life, the Fitbit Versa 2 reigns supreme. It offers 5+ days of battery life on a single charge versus the Apple Watch 5, which only offers 1.5 days. If you're the kind of person that doesn't like charging your wearables every day (like me), this is a huge plus for the Versa 2.

Both of these watches are exceptionally smart, but the Apple Watch 5 is graduating with honors. It just offers more with the built-in GPS, compass, and cellular system, as well as the global emergency SOS technology. Paired with the Maps app, you can see your exact geographic location. Plus, this feature uses GPS technology to send your location to emergency personal close by with the click of a button. In that sense, it's kind of its own personal locator beacon, which is really cool!

When it comes to entertainment, you can download all of your favorite apps and download and stream your favorite music with both as well. As far as smart assistance, the Apple Watch 5 features Siri and the Fitbit Versa 2 features Amazon Alexa. Both offer smart pay and call, text, email notifications. When it comes to connectivity, both of these watches are compatible with iOS and Android.

So which should you buy?

The Versa 2 and Apple Watch 5 are both impressive and come from highly reputable companies, but in the end, if you have the money, the Apple Watch 5 is the way to go. You get a lot of bang for your buck and get additional features like the ECG monitoring, harmful noise monitoring, and international SOS capabilities. The number one selling point that sets these two apart is Apple's built-in cellular and GPS, which enables you to go anywhere, no phone required. You can check and send texts or emails without your phone while skiing or surfing, which is pretty awesome.

However, if sleep tracking is your number one priority, go with the Fitbit Versa 2. It's a fantastic product and will help you monitor your sleep cycles so you can get a better understanding of those unconscious hours and ultimately get better rest.

Is the data from your Fitbit not syncing back to your iPhone when it's supposed to? There are several different ways you can try to fix that, though some are better than others.

• Fitbit's latest tracker: Fitbit Charge 4 ($150 at Fitbit)
• Colorful and powerful: iPhone 11 (From $699)

How to fix syncing issues between your Fitbit and iPhone

Syncing is the term to describe the data transfer from your Fitbit tracker to your Fitbit app. It happens via Bluetooth connection, and it's what causes the Dashboard on your phone to stay updated with all your daily stats.

Syncing also transfers data back to your Fitbit tracker, like newly set alarms, for example, so your tracker and your Fitbit app are always on the same page.

Anytime you open the Fitbit app, it will initiate a sync. You can also turn on the All-Day sync option, which will allow your tracker to sync to the Fitbit app periodically throughout the day. Fair warning, the All-Day sync option can cause your phone and tracker battery to drain more quickly.

You sure can. Inside the Fitbit app, you can tap the Sync Now button to initiate sync anytime you want; here's how to do it!

1. Launch Fitbit app form your Home screen.
2. Tap on your tracker icon in the top left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Sync Now.

If you find that your tracker won't sync to your app, there are a few things you can try to try and get rolling again. The list below goes from the simplest fixes to the more drastic measures.

• Make sure your tracker's battery is charged. If your tracker is dead, it won't be able to sync with your phone.
• Close the Fitbit app and then open it again. Every time you open the app, it should initiate a sync.
• Turn off Bluetooth, then on again, and then open the Fitbit app. This will temporarily stop the Bluetooth connection, which will force it to reconnect and could help the problem.
• Try turning your iPhone off and on again. This old faithful trick can sometimes snap your phone back to reality and fix mysterious problems.
• Uninstall and re-install the Fitbit app. This could be especially crucial if you have recently updated the Fitbit app, and that's why you started having problems.
• Try resetting your tracker. This is an option for dire circumstances, but in some cases, it can certainly help re-establish any connection issues. Restarting your tracker is different for every model and takes several minutes to complete.

One or more of these steps should set you on the right path in getting your Fitbit and your phone syncing again.

Our top equipment picks

It tracks 15 types of workouts, can dive 50 meters into the water, gets seven days of battery life, and does notifications from your iPhone or Android device. It's a truly versatile product for a very reasonable price.

All you need to do is pair your iPhone with your Fitbit, and you're ready to go. The iPhone 11 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0, the latest version of the wireless protocol, allowing for higher data transfer rates and a better range on compatible devices.

So, you just got yourself a new Fitbit; now what? The next step involves pairing your new wearable to your iPhone or iPad so you can track, store, and utilize all of the information your Fitbit collects. 

Pairing your new wearable to your smart device is easy. Follow these simple steps so you can start monitoring your health and fitness stats to take full advantage of your new best Fitbit. Whether you've got the Fitbit Charge 5 tracker or the Sense smartwatch, here's how to pair your Fitbit with your iPhone and iPad. 

Download the Fitbit app for iPhone and iPad

All you need to do to get started is download the Fitbit app. It's free to download and if you've never had a subscription before, you can get a 90-day trial of Fitbit Premium when you download the app. With over 240 video workouts available as well as personalized guidance and custom health programs, there is a lot to explore in Fitbit. 

How to sign up for Fitbit in the Fitbit app

Before you do anything else, you need to join Fitbit. This will link all of your information to an account you can take with you if you decided to upgrade or change your device.

1. Open Fitbit on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Join Fitbit.
3. Scroll through the list and tap on the Fitbit device you have, or sign up for Just the app to track your steps with your iPhone.  

4. Tap Set Up.
5. Fill out your account details.
6. Click the check boxes to agree to the terms of service (mandatory) and to sign up for Fitbit's advertising and news emails (optional).

7. Tap Next.
8. Fitbit will send a verification email to your registered email address. Verify your email address. 
9. Go back to the app and tap next. 
10. Fitbit's Privacy Policy will pop up. Hit I agree.
11. You'll see an About you page. Enter your birthday, height, weight, and sex. 
12. Tap Create account. 
13. Read Fitbit's terms & policies. Hit I agree. 
14. Opt in or out of a free 90 day trial to Fitbit Premium. 
15. You're logged in and ready to start using the Fitbit app on your iPhone or iPad. 

Our top equipment picks

You'll want one of the best Fitbits — either a tracker or a smartwatch depending on your needs. Our favorite Fitbit tracker is the Charge 5. We like Fitbit Charge 5 even more than Fitbit Charge 4 because it's got an AMOLED color display, more advanced metrics to track your health and fitness stats, and can do almost everything a smartwatch can do at an incredible value. It delivers up to seven days of battery life and is by far Fitbit's most advanced tracker to date. 

If you're looking for a smartwatch, our favorite is Fitbit Sense. It's got all the bells and whistles that Fitbit has to offer as their most advanced smartwatch. On top of all-day activity and sleep tracking, it features EDA, ECG, and HRV for more comprehensive health and fitness tracking. Plus, it's fast charging, offers media, smart assistant, and six-plus days of battery life.

You don't just have to use your Fitbit on iPhone. If you have a Mac at home, work, or school, you can totally set up and manage your Fitbit fitness tracker on macOS as well. There's both a Fitbit Connect app and a web portal, that'll help you get set up and going, right from your Mac!

• Best Fitbit for most people: Fitbit Charge 4 ($150 at Fitbit)
• Smartwatch and fitness tracker hybrid: Fitbit Versa 2 ($170 at Fitbit)

How to download the Fitbit Connect app for Mac

Fitbit has an app known as Fitbit Connect, which allows you pair and sync your Fitbit tracker with your Mac using the handy wireless USB dongle.

1. First, download the free Fitbit Connect app.
   • Download now
2. Click Download for Mac.
3. Open a new Finder window.
4. Click Downloads in the menu.

5. Double click the Fitbit disk image file. Its name will start with "FibtitConnect_Mac..."
6. Double click the Fitbit installer file. It looks like a cardboard box and is called "Install Fitbit Connect.pkg."

7. Click Continue on the introduction page of the install wizard.
8. Click Continue on the software license agreement.

9. Click Agree to agree to the terms and conditions.
10. Click Continue when you have chosen the drive on which to save the Fitbit Connect app.

11. Click Install.
12. Enter your password and click Install Software.

Boom, you've got the Fitbit Connect app! You open it just as you would any other application – either from the Finder or from your dock. Now you'll be able to access your Dashboard, participate in challenges, and more, all from your Mac!

How to pair a new Fitbit tracker with your Mac

Now that you've got the Fitbit Connect app downloaded, you'll probably want to pair your Fitbit with your Mac. This is done using the wireless dongle that came in your Fitbit's box, so make sure you plug it into an available USB port before starting the setup process. It looks like a thumb drive, but just the tip.

This process continues straight from installing Fitbit Connect.

1. Click Set Up a New Fitbit Device.
2. Click New to Fitbit.

3. Enter your email address and create a password.
4. Click the box next to "I agree to the Fitbit Terms of Service and Privacy Policy."
5. Click Sign Up.

6. Enter your info on the "Tell us about yourself" page.
7. Click Sign Up.
8. Click the Fitbit tracker that you're setting up.

9. Click Next through the information screens.
10. Perform the action requested.
    • Enter the code that appears on your Fitbit's display.
    • Tap your Flex until you feel it vibrate.
11. Click Next or I felt it buzz, depending on your Fitbit model.

12. Click Next on the connection confirmation screen.
13. Click Go to Dashboard.

That's all there is to it; your Fitbit tracker is now paired with your Mac. Not only that, but you've now signed up for a Fitbit account as well. Two birds are dead, and you've only tossed one stone.

Keep in mind that you'll need that dongle plugged in all the time if you want your tracker to sync with your Mac continually.

So long as your Mac remains connected to the internet, your Fitbit tracker will wirelessly sync when you're within 20 feet of it. You'll be able to log in to your Fitbit Connect app and see your up-to-date progress without having to connect any cables or clicking the Sync button.

Our top equipment picks

It tracks 15 types of workouts, can dive 50 meters into the water, gets seven days of battery life, and does notifications from your iPhone or Android device. It's a truly versatile product for a very reasonable price.

The Versa looks and feels the most like a smartwatch out of Fitbit's lineup, and it offers a comprehensive suite of apps, watch faces, and fitness-related features to satisfy even the most hardcore of users. While it's fully waterproof, it lacks GPS for standalone runs, and its 5-day battery life isn't quite as long as the Charge 4's.

The Fitbit Charge 4 is a fantastic fitness tracker that can monitor your heart rate, track your steps, and show you how many calories you've burned. If you don't like the standard band that comes with the Fitbit Charge 4, there are a ton of options out there to get different bands, and swapping them out doesn't take to long. Here's how you can swap out the Fitbit Charge 4 band.

• Best Fitbit for most people: Fitbit Charge 4 ($150 at Fitbit)
• Smooth leather style: YOOSIDE Leather Band (From $15 at Amazon)
• Cold hard steel: Shangpule Stainless Steel Metal Strap (From $15 at Amazon)

How to replace the Fitbit Charge 4 band

It's important to remember that a Fitbit Charge 4 band is in two parts, that both need to be disconnected and reattached to the tracker itself.

1. Turn over your Fitbit Charge 4.
2. Press down on the latch button next to the tracker. Look at the picture above for reference.
3. Pull the band away from the tracker.
4. Press down on the latch button next to the tracker on the opposite side.
5. Pull the band away from the tracker.

6. Take the new band and slide the latch onto the tracker. You should hear a snap when it's locked in place.
7. Repeat Step 6 for the other side of the band.

Now you know how to switch the band on your Fitbit Charge 3, and you can do it as often as you want. When you're working out, you may want to keep the silicone band in place, but if you're out of the town, a nice leather band may be a better choice — just follow these steps every time you want to make the swap!

Our top equipment picks

If you're looking for a replacement band, there are a ton of options, but the Dsytom Fitbit Charge 3 leather band is a personal favorite of mine.

YOOSIDE Leather Band (From $15 at Amazon)

Made from genuine leather, this band from YOOSIDE gives you a comfortable and classic look for your Charge 4. Since the band is actual leather, as you wear it, the fit and color will change to be as unique as you.

Shangpule Stainless Steel Metal Strap (From $15 at Amazon)

You can have your Fitbit and the feel of steel on your wrist again with the Shangpule Stainless Steel Metal Strap. The strong material and secure clasp will ensure you get the style you miss and durability you expect.

You can dive up to 50 meters with your Fitbit Charge 3. Anything deeper than that and you might ruin your Fitbit, but 50 meters is pretty deep, so unless you're planning on scuba diving, you're probably going to be fine.

Working out and sweating regularly, or taking a bath or shower with your Charge 3 shouldn't damage your device in the slightest. If you're diving to retrieve salvage from the Titanic, that might be a different story...

The Fitbit Charge 3 is a robust fitness tracker, but if it's not quite what you're looking for today, there are other Fitbit devices on the market. The newer Fitbit Charge 4, the Fitbit Inspire, and the Fitbit Versa 2 are all water-resistant, and offer a unique set of features.

These days we are all about trying to avoid putting something that still has plenty of good use into the trash. Finding ways to repurpose and reuse items is not only a great way to save some money, but also it's better for the environment. This can apply to your Fitbit as well.

If you plan to upgrade your Fitbit Charge 3 to the new 4, you'll be able to keep any extra bands you purchased for the 3 for your new tracker. Fitbit designed its newest activity tracker to use the same bands as the prior generation. This applies to the first party bands from Fitbit, as well as third-party replacements.

Fitbit makes the Charge trackers with two band size options: small and large. The electronics are the same between the two size choices, and only the bands differ in circumference. The small option fits wrists ranging from 5.5-7.1 inches, whereas large covers 7.1-8.7 inches.

If you're wondering if you should upgrade from your Fitbit Charge 3 to the 4 or start with the new model, here are a few key differences. The most notable change is that Fitbit made the move to include built-in GPS. Adding standalone GPS tracking directly to your wrist means that you won't need to bring your phone the next time you head out for a jog or ride to track your workout.

Fitbit also added new tracking systems and software changes that bring Spotify control to your wrist. If you're interested in finding out all of the changes and a deeper dive on the new tracker from Fitbit, check out our post.

So if you want to you can grab your favorite Charge 3 band to put onto you your new Fitbit Charge 4, go for it. Just be sure that if your previous generation tracker still works, it gets a new home instead of heading to the trash.

The Fitbit Charge 4 and the Fitbit Versa Lite have a similar price point and similar feature set, so they are bound to attract similar customers. However, there are some essential differences between them, and which one you choose will be determined which features mean the most to you.

The main thing to consider is if a richer health and fitness feature set or the smartwatch experience is more important to you. The Fitbit Charge 4 is not a smartwatch, but it does have more fitness tracking features than the Versa Lite. However, the Fitbit Versa Lite is a smartwatch. You can download apps such as news, weather, sports, travel, and transit on the larger-screened Versa Lite. Fitbit also sells more upscale designer bands for the Versa Lite.

Breaking down the similarities and differences

Let's start with how similar these two similarly-priced health and fitness trackers really are, even though they don't look alike. Both will track your steps, activity, and calories burned. You can wear either of them around the clock, and it will track your sleep and even your sleep stages. Track your menstrual cycles with either one. Wear either one in the shower, ocean, or pool: they're both swim-proof, meaning they are water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Get notifications from your smartphone's apps, texts, and phone calls right on your wrist with either of these devices. Use the Quick Reply feature to respond to texts on either of these Fitbits, if you have an Android phone. Customize the clock face to your taste and mood on either the Charge 4 or the Versa Lite. Swap out the bands for different looks as well.

So how are they different? The Fitbit Charge 4 is a relatively slim fitness band, while the Fitbit Versa Lite is a smartwatch with a larger face and lots of apps that you can download. There are just a few simple apps available for the Fitbit Charge 4. The Charge 4 does offer Fitbit Pay while the Versa Light does not.

If you want to be able to download apps onto your wrist and not have to pull out your phone to access apps for news, weather, sports, travel, transit, and more, then you need a smartwatch such as the Fitbit Versa Lite. However, the Fitbit Charge 4 offers a few features that the Versa Lite does not. The Charge 4 will track how many stairs you climb and will track your swims in a more specific way than the Versa Lite. And most importantly, the Charge 4 has built-in GPS, which works independently from your phone, while the Versa Lite ties into your phone's GPS.

Get the look

You have fewer color options with the Fitbit Charge 4. Choose from four colorways: Black, Rosewood, Black with a Storm Blue band, or the Special Edition (slightly more expensive), which is the Black color with a second Granite Reflective Woven band. The Fitbit Versa Lite comes in five color options (band color listed first): White/Silver Aluminum, Lilac/Silver Aluminum, Marina Blue/Marina Blue Aluminum, Mulberry/Mulberry Aluminum, and Charcoal/Silver Aluminum.

Fitbit makes additional bands for both the Versa Lite and the Charge 4, so you can have different looks. However, the selection of bands for the Versa Lite is larger, and it includes designer bands. Of course, there are always third-party options for both the Charge 4 and the Versa Lite.

Bottom line

For most people, the slightly less expensive Fitbit Charge 4 will be the better pick. It has enough features for most people, with built-in GPS and a focus on health and fitness tracking. And you can use contactless Fitbit Pay. However, if the smartwatch experience is what you're looking for, go for the Fitbit Versa Lite. There are plenty of apps you can download to manage a variety of tasks right from your wrist.

Both the Garmin Vivosmart 4 and the Fitbit Charge 4 are feature-rich, capable health and fitness trackers. Though neither is a smartwatch, they both offer several smart features, such as notifications from your phone. So, how do they differ? There are many features provided by the less-expensive Garmin that the Fitbit doesn't have, but the Fitbit has the larger screen and swappable bands.

With a lower price point, slimmer profile, and a more significant number of features, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 will be the top pick for many. However, if you want GPS and a larger screen for easier reading and changeable bands for different looks, then the Fitbit Charge 4 is the way to go.

Similarities and differences

There are quite a few features shared by both the Garmin Vivosmart 4 and the Fitbit Charge 4. Connect either device to your iPhone or Android smartphone for detailed readings on everything the device is tracking. Both will track your sleep, steps, activity, calorie burn, floors climbed, a variety of exercises, and heart rate.

Either one will guide you through breathing exercises to help you relax. You can get notifications from your smartphone so you won't miss calls, texts, or app alerts on either device. Quick Reply to texts is a feature on both devices, but only if you're using an Android phone. The battery life on both is usually about a week.

Both trackers will monitor your heart rate around the clock, but Garmin takes it further with a pulse ox sensor that gauges blood oxygen saturation levels. Note that if you're using the pulse ox sensor, battery life will be shorter. It also has an altimeter and an accelerometer. Additionally, the Garmin offers all-day stress tracking and a "Body Battery" monitor to optimize your daily activities based on your energy levels. Say "cheese!" The Garmin Vivosmart 4 also acts as a camera remote for your smartphone. Control your music from the Garmin as well.

The Fitbit Charge 4 uses the built-in GPS to track pace and distance on screen during outdoor runs and bike rides. The Charge 4 automatically senses you're starting a workout and will start monitoring it. You can track your menstrual cycles with the Charge 4, which you can't do with the Vivosmart 4. The Fitbit Charge 4 has a convenient contactless payment feature called Fitbit Pay.

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 comes in four different colors: Gray with Rose Gold Hardware, Black with Midnight Hardware, Berry with Light Gold Hardware, and Azure Blue with Silver Hardware. However, these options are only available in the Small/Medium size. If you need a Large, your only option is Black with Midnight Hardware. Choose your color carefully, because it's what you'll be wearing every day. The band cannot be changed.

The Fitbit Charge 4 comes in two colors: Black (with various color bands) or Rosewood. However, it has a removable, changeable band. So, while the aluminum hardware color is what it is, you have an unlimited number of band options. Not only does Fitbit sell some, but there are third-party options as well.

Bottom Line

For many people, the less-expensive Garmin Vivosmart 4 will be the better pick. It has a host of health and fitness tracking features in an unobtrusively small package. Also, it has several smart features so you can interact with your smartphone from your wrist, some of which the Fitbit does not have.

On the other hand, the built-in GPS on the Fitbit's latest Charge model will be a game-changer for many. If GPS is an important feature for you, you'll definitely prefer the Fitbit Charge 4. Additionally, the Garmin's screen is tiny, so if you need a larger screen, then the Fitbit Charge 4 is the one for you. The Fitbit also has a removable band, so you like to change up your look, go for the Fitbit.

The feature set of the Fitbit Inspire HR and the Charger 4 is fairly close. They are both full-featured health and fitness trackers. So, how do you tell the difference to figure out which one is best for you?

What's the difference?

The two Fitbits are actually somewhat similar. Both the Fitbit Inspire HR and the Fitbit Charger 4 track steps, calories, sleep, and menstrual cycles. They both offer guided breathing and will automatically detect and track a wide variety of exercises. They both pair with your smartphone and let you stay in the loop with notifications and alerts.

Which Fitbit style you choose comes down to a few differences, which may or may not be significant depending on your use case. The Fitbit Charge 4 has a built-in GPS while the Inspire HR doesn't. The Fitbit Charge 4 tracks how many flights of stairs you climb, whereas the Fitbit Inspire HR does not. The Charge 4 offers Quick Replies, which allow you to respond to texts, but only if your Fitbit is paired to an Android phone. You can use Fitbit Pay on the Charge 4, but not on the Inspire HR. You can control your Spotify music on the Charge 4, but not the Inspire HR.

The Charge 4 is also a larger tracker, which could certainly be appealing to some people. To match its larger size, it also has a longer battery life of up to seven days, as opposed to five for the Inspire HR. Note that if you're using the Fitbit Charge 4's built-in GPS, the battery life will be about five hours.

Since I use an iPhone, the Quick Replies wouldn't work for me. And since I use Apple Pay, I don't see a need to use FitBit Pay. I don't need GPS on a wearable; having it on my phone is enough. I'm not a Spotify user. So for me, the price difference between the Fitbit Inspire HR and the Fitbit Charge 4 comes down to counting my flights of stairs and color options. I prefer a smaller device, so the Inspire HR is more appealing in that regard. For my money, I'd choose the less expensive of the two.

The bands can be changed regardless of which model you get. There is a difference in battery life, but the Inspire HR's five-day battery life is sufficient for me; I wouldn't pay more just to get seven days from the Charge 4.

The Fitbit Inspire HR comes only in Black, but you get your choice of three different color bands: Black, Lilac, and White. The Charge 4 comes in Black with a matching silicone band, Rosewood, with a matching band, Black with a Storm Blue band. The Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition is the Black color, but it also comes with a Granite Reflective Woven band. Both Fitbits come in just one size; the small and large bands are included.

Overall, it's worth it to save some money and skip on some features with the Inspire HR. You'll still get plenty of extras with it and will be able to do most, if not all, of your fitness tracking. However, if the extra features will be useful to you, definitely go for the Fitbit Charge 4. Many will find the built-in tracking, Fitbit Pay, quick replies, Spotify control, and stair-tracking worth the extra money.

If you're interested in some of the other Fitbits on the market, check out some of our other favorite Fitbits.

Fitbit has released its fourth-generation Charge 4 advanced fitness tracker. Arriving one year after the Fitbit Charge 3, the new-generation model isn't much different than its predecessor. Despite this, there's some vital information you should know about the $150 wearable devices.

Can I use the Charge 4 with my iPhone?

Fitbit's latest wearable device supports iPhone and Android-based devices. It syncs automatically and wirelessly to computers and over 200 leading iOS, Android, and Windows devices using Bluetooth LE wireless technology. For syncing, your mobile device needs to be an iPhone 5S and later, iPad 5 gen. and later, or Android 7.0 and later. With the free Fitbit app, you can see a running history of your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, and your sleeping information.

• Using the Fitbit Charge 4 with iPhone

Does it have Fitbit Pay

The Fitbit Charge 4 offers Fitbit Pay, which allows you to make purchases without your phone or wallet nearby. The number of banks and transit systems that support Fitbit Pay continues to grow. To date, it's backed by more than 500 banks and 10 transit systems in 44 countries.

Does it include a warranty?

Fitbit offers a limited warranty on all of its products, including the Charge 4. The warranty varies depending on where the device is purchased. In the European Economic Area, for example, Fitbit products have a two-year warranty period. In the United States, the products are free "free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase."

What workouts does it support?

The Charge 4 supports over 20 goal-based exercise modes like run, bike, swim, yoga, and more. Each allows you to set a goal and get real-time stats during your workouts.

Does it have a heart rate monitor?

The latest Fitbit product offers 24/7 heart rate tracking. It also provides a Cardio Fitness Score that gives you a better understanding of your fitness level and how it has developed over time. You can use this information to change your daily routine for better health. You can also find your personalized fat burn, cardio, and peak heart rate zones to optimize your efforts.

Does it have a blood oxygen monitor?

With the built-in SpO2 sensor, the Charge 4 provides information that powers Fitbit's Estimated Oxygen Variation Graph in the Fitbit app. In turn, you can see an estimate of your oxygen level variability in your bloodstream, which may indicate variations in your breathing during sleep.

Is it waterproof? Can I wear it while swimming?

Like previous Charge devices, the Fitbit Charge 4 is swim-proof with water resistance up to 50 meters. Because of this, you can wear the tracker in the shower and pool.

Can I play music on it?

The Charge 4 can control Spotify music from your nearby phone. With the functionality, you can navigate between playlists, songs, and albums. A Spotify Premium account is required.

Does it have GPS?

Yes, the Charge 4 includes GPS. This makes it possible for the device to keep track of your real-time pace and distance when you're out and about without your phone. When you get home, you can see a map of your route through the Fitbit app.

Can I make phone calls or text with it?

You cannot make phone calls from the Charge 4, but you will get call and calendar alerts on the device. Receiving text notifications from your phone is also possible. Only Android device owners, however, can send quick replies from the wearable device.

How long does the battery last?

The battery on the Charge 4 can last up to seven days before it needs to be charged. The actual time varies depending on usage.

How much does it cost?

The Charge 4 is $150 for three of the four launch models. A special edition Granite Reflective Woven version is $170.

When will it be available?

You can pre-order the Charge 4 now with the first orders going out in mid-April 2020.

The Fitbit Charge 4 syncs automatically and wirelessly to computers and over 200 leading iOS, Android, and Windows devices using Bluetooth LE wireless technology. For syncing, your mobile device needs to be an iPhone 5S and later, iPad 5 gen. and later, or Android 7.0 and later. With the free Fitbit app, you can see a running history of your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, and your sleeping information.

Thanks to the integration between the Fitbit Charge 4 and your smartphone, you can also receive notifications that allow you to stay connected when you're on the move. Included here are call and calendar alerts, text notifications, and more.

The Fitbit Charge 4 is the company's most feature-rich fitness tracker to date. Among the tools available are continuous heart rate tracking, automatic exercise recognition, real-time pace and distance, goal-based exercises, all-day calories burn, sleep tracking, and much more. It also ships with over 20 exercise modes, including run, bike, swim, yoga, and circuit training. There's also personalized guided breathing sessions based on your heart rate, and a female health and wellness tracker.

The fitness tracker will last for up to seven days between charges. And because it's water-resistant to 50 meters, you can wear the Fitbit Charge 4 virtually anywhere.

The Charge 4 is Fitbit's latest and most powerful fitness band. It has all of the health features you've come to expect while also adding some smartwatch-like features and built-in GPS. If you don't care about those and want to save some cash, the Inspire HR is still an excellent product.

How do these two fitness bands compare?

If you're in the market for a wearable that'll track your daily activity and help you lead a healthier life, the Charge 4 and Inspire HR are both well-equipped in these regards. Both fitness bands count your steps, calories burned, stairs climbed, distance, and more. Each tracks a variety of different workouts and comes outfitted with a heart-rate monitor that'll keep tabs on your ticker all-day long.

The Charge 4 and Inspire HR also share the same outstanding battery life that's rated for up to seven days on a single charge and can track your sleep if you wear either one throughout the night.

Where the Charge 4 gets the upper-hand is with more minute health features. With this tracker, you can receive real-time GPS and pace-tracking without a smartphone on you, while it also supports a broader range of activities and workouts.

The Charge 4 also gets an edge when it comes to non-fitness features. Although the Inspire HR can show basic call, text, and calendar appointment notifications from your phone, that's about it. The Charge 4, on the other hand, retrieves any notification your phone gets and even allows you to send off quick replies to texts, WhatsApp messages, etc.

Also, while the app selection for the Charge 4 isn't anywhere close to what you'll find on something like the Apple Watch, it does have basic apps for checking the weather, your calendar, set an alarm or timer, and more. Lastly, the combined power of built-in GPS and Fitbit Pay make this a really complete fitness tracker.

Fitbit calls the Versa Lite "swim-proof," which means it's water-resistant up to 50 meters. This is more or less waterproof, as there aren't many situations where you'd find yourself deeper than 50 meters underwater. Perhaps scuba divers may exceed this depth, but it's pushing safety guidelines.

So yes, go ahead and wear your Fitbit Versa Lite in the shower. If you sweat hard during any workout, your sweat won't damage the Versa Lite. Wear it to the pool, the river, the lake, your local water hole, or the water park — your Versa Lite will be fine. Wear it to the beach, and even the salty water is no problem. Note that Fitbit does recommend that when you do get your Fitbit wet, rinse it, and allow it to dry before wearing it the rest of the day. This is for your own skin's health, not for the device itself.

So, the Fitbit Versa Lite is a great device for tracking lap swimming, right? Well, sort of. The Versa Lite will track your lap swimming as a workout, as it tracks just about any kind of exercise. Still, for specific information about your swim workout, you'd have to upgrade to a different wearable like the Fitbit Versa.

Since the Fitbit Versa Lite will only track your swim workouts as general exercise, you might consider the Fitbit Versa if you're a serious swimmer, and you want specific information about your pool workout. The Fitbit Versa tracks laps, duration, and calories burned during your swim workouts.

The Fitbit Versa Lite is a capable health and fitness smartwatch. It can track your exercise, calorie burn, sleep, female cycles, heart rate, and more. It connects with your smartphone via Bluetooth and allows you to get notifications for texts, phone calls, and app alerts of all kinds. You can put apps on your Versa Lite, and you can customize the watch face to your taste.

The Fitbit Versa has all the features of the Versa Lite, along with some added features such as swim tracking, stair tracking, on-screen workouts, and music storage and playback.

Whether you're trying to get pregnant, trying not to get pregnant, or just want to know when to expect your next period, the Fitbit Versa Lite can help. You can use it to track your cycle, log your periods, record details, and analyze trends.

Tracking every moment

The Fitbit Versa Lite is a smartwatch that tracks exercise, steps, calories burned, sleep, heart rate, and more — like menstrual and fertility cycle tracking. It lets you get notifications from your connected smartphone for calls, texts, and app alerts.

It's water-resistant to 50 meters so you can wear it in the pool, ocean, or shower. You can deck it out with apps and watch faces for a more personalized experience. Since it's intended to be work around the clock, you don't need to charge it daily. The battery can last over four days.

When you purchase a Versa Fitbit Lite, you'll need to download the Fitbit app. This is what allows you to track your cycles.

How to set up female health tracking

1. Download the Fitbit app.
2. Add the female health tile to your dashboard in the Fitbit app.
3. From the dashboard in the Fitbit app, tap the female health tile.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up female health tracking.
5. Figure out the approximate date your last period started.
6. If you need to edit your average period and cycle lengths, tap the + or - icon to add or subtract days.
7. If you'd like a notification to let you know when your period is expected to start, be sure to turn on notifications.

Once you're set-up, you can make any adjustments you need to from the female health tile. As always, talk to your doctor about anything related to birth control, fertility, or any issues you may be experiencing.

Track your cycles from your wrist

You don't have to be stuck with the band your Fitbit comes with. There are plenty of third-party bands out there so you can customize its look, style, and functionality.

Fitlink Metal Band (From $13 at Amazon)

If you're wearing your Fitbit Versa Lite all of the time, there will be occasions where you'll want to dress it up. This Milanese-style loop comes in a bunch of colors, and it looks good everywhere with everything.

TOYOUTHS Leather Strap ($11 at Amazon)

This leather band tapers away from the large face of the Fitbit Versa Lite and gives it an overall slimmer and more delicate appearance. This band comes in lots of colors, both sparkly and not, and dresses up your Versa Lite beautifully.

If you are looking to purchase a new Fitbit and are deciding between the Inspire HR and the Alta HR, the choice is easy. The Fitbit Inspire HR is newer, less expensive, and more feature-rich. If you already own an Alta HR and are wondering if it's worth upgrading to the Inspire HR now, the answer isn't so cut and dry.

Both Fitbits will track your steps, calorie burn, exercise, heart rate, and sleep stages. Both will send you move reminders as well as notifications from your smartphone, though you can get more types of notifications on the Inspire HR. Both have nearly a week-long battery life (though the Alta HR may be slightly longer) and bands that can be swapped out for different looks.

However, while the Alta HR is splash-resistant, the Inspire HR is waterproof and offers swim tracking. You can connect to your smartphone's GPS for tracking runs and bike rides with the Inspire HR but not the Alta HR. You'll get a more detailed cardiovascular health analysis on the Inspire HR.

The Inspire HR has female health tracking and guided breathing exercises, whereas the Alta HR does not. There's a button on the Inspire HR so you can start and stop exercises manually if you wish, while you must rely on auto-tracking on the buttonless Alta HR. There is a slightly larger screen on the Inspire HR, which may make it easier to read.

The Fitbit Zip is a nifty little gadget from one of the biggest names in fitness wearables. It actually came out several years ago but it's so good at what it does that it's stuck around for more than a few years (which really is saying something in the tech world where the average life span of a gadget is about two years). It's quite small and inconspicuous — measuring in at less than half an inch thick.

Even though it's small, Fitbit was able to cram some solid features into it. The Zip will accurately track all your steps during the day, as well as the distance traveled and the amount of calories you burned. The best part is that you can effortlessly sync all of your data back to your smartphone and keep track of your goals in the Fitbit app. You won't even have to worry about battery life as it uses a standard CR2032 watch battery that will give it up to six months of juice.

The small size also allows you to wear it virtually anywhere. You can either throw it in your pocket or you can slide it into the included clip holder which will allow you to clip it almost anywhere you want on your clothes during the day. It's so small too that you'll hardly even know it's there so it won't get in your way. If you want, there's even some wrist bands you can get for it so you can wear it like a watch.

Unfortunately, there are still some things the Zip can't do. It's not waterproof so you won't be able to take it into the pool or shower and there's no GPS or anything so you can really track where you've been, just that you moved. There is a display on it but all you can do is just tap on it to scroll through the different screens.

All-in-all, the Fitbit Zip is a great entry into the world of fitness tracking that will track your movement, stay out of your way, and not break the bank in the process. It does the absolute basics that a fitness tracker can do, and for some, that might be enough.

Like Fitbit's other trackers and smartwatches, the Versa 2 comes with a one-year limited warranty from Fitbit. This warranty covers manufacturer defects but does not cover accidents such as scratches, drops, or other damages caused by the wearer. In other words, if the device is busted out of the box or has a production defect, then you're covered.

If you drop the Versa 2 on concrete or somehow damage it through circumstances outside of your control, then you're out of luck. However, if you are a clumsy consumer like me, fear not! There are other good options to protect your new smartwatch from whatever life may throw at it.

On its website, Fitbit offers consumers the option to purchase additional coverage through its third-party protection plan provider, SquareTrade. In the case of the Versa 2, you can buy a two-year extended warranty for around $40 that will cover accidents such as drops, spills, and cracked screens.

The extended warranty will also cover issues like mechanical or electrical problems that occur after the one-year manufacturer warranty has expired. Each claim incurs a $25 deductible and comes with 24/7 phone and online support and free shipping. Purchasers can cancel the plan at any time and are eligible for a full refund within the first 45 days.

If you choose to purchase your Versa 2 from another site, such as Amazon, you can also purchase an extended warranty through their protection partners. Right now on Amazon, you have the option of buying a two-year protection plan for $16 or a three-year protection plan for $22 from Asurion. Unlike the SquareTrade plan that Fitbit offers, the Asurion plans have no deductibles while offering similar coverage and service options. So if you want to get the most protection for the money for your Versa 2, the best option might be from Amazon.

If you decide after purchasing a Versa 2 that you want to get an extended warranty, companies like SquareTrade do sell them separately. You should be aware though that the cost of these a-la-carte plans is often more than it would have cost to just add a warranty to your original purchase in the first place. Also, note that none of these manufacturer warranties or additional protection plans protect against accidental theft or "reckless" intentional damage.

A Fitbit is an excellent low-cost option to track fitness, sleep, and activity. It also doubles as a nifty watch. The higher-end Fitbit smartwatches, however, can be pretty pricey — upwards of $200. If you'd like to enjoy the benefits of a Fitbit fitness tracker without spending all that dough, try one of their more affordable tracker options or the lite version of their smartwatch. The best deal is the Fitbit Inspire. It costs less than any smartwatch, but with a lot of the same fitness and sleep tracking features. It also displays the time! Keep scrolling to see the cheapest options available from Fitbit.

Best Overall: Fitbit Inspire

If you're looking for the most affordable Fitbit, this is it. The Fitbit Inspire is a reliable fitness tracker that records your steps, activity, exercise, and sleep. It also displays the time, reminds you to keep moving, and tracks women's cycles. The Inspire is waterproof, so you can use it to track your laps or just a rainy day jog. The only downside of this model is that it doesn't track your heart rate. For that, you'll need to buy the upgraded Fitbit HR.

Fitbit's most affordable option is great for basic fitness tracking, such as steps, activity, and sleep. It also tracks women's cycles!

Best for Kids: Fitbit Ace 2

Want to get your kid moving? Try out the Fitbit Ace! This kid-friendly fitness tracker makes fitness fun by setting challenges and family-friendly activities, so everyone can connect and join in. Parents can use the Ace to track kids' activity, exercise, and sleep habits, and its durable band keeps the tracker safe even during rough playground play. Some users did complain that the band stretches out over time, so it may need to be replaced from time to time to prevent the loss of the tracker.

Help kids prioritize fitness and healthy habits with this family-friendly fitness tracker. The Ace provides parental controls as well!

Best Upgraded Value: Fitbit Inspire HR

For those who need a fitness tracker with a little more oomph, the Fitbit Inspire HR has all the same features as the Fitbit Inspire with the bonus of a heart rate tracker. That means you can measure the effectiveness of your cardio and aerobic workouts by watching their effect on your heart rate. The Inspire HR also displays the time, tracks activity and sleep, and send you reminders throughout the day, just like other trackers. This model will cost you a bit more than its simpler counterpart.

If you'd like an upgrade from the Fitbit Inspire without investing in an actual smartwatch, take a look at the Fitbit Inspire HR

Cheapest Fitbit Smartwatch: Fitbit Versa Lite

While the Fitbit Versa Lite is certainly not the cheapest Fitbit available, it is the most affordable smartwatch in the Fitbit lineup. If you're looking for more functionality that lines up with your smartphone applications, you'll need a smartwatch, and this one comes at a pretty good price. Like other smartwatches, the Versa Lite supports lots of apps and smartphone syncing benefits, such as notifications and music. Of course, it also provides all of the fitness benefits of a Fitbit tracker.

Enjoy all your favorite smartwatch features for less using the Fitbit Versa Lite: smartphone syncing, apps, and fitness tracking!

Bottom line

Fitbit is the leader in fitness trackers and devices, but some of their products are more affordable than others. The products above are the best Fitbits you'll find for the money. The best option for you will depend on what you expect of a fitness tracker.

Our favorite is the Fitbit Inspire because of its nice low price point and well-rounded features offering. This tracker offers all of the basic health features you need, from steps counting and activity tracking to sleep monitoring. It also provides handy reminders when you've been sedentary too long and gives guided breathing practices when you "need a moment." Overall, it's an excellent fitness device for the price.

While GPS is not built into the Fitbit Versa Lite itself, it does utilize your smartphone's GPS to see real-time pace and distance during runs and bike rides. Your Versa Lite must be connected to your iPhone or other smartphone. The phone must be nearby for the Versa Lite to capture GPS information, as the Versa Lite is working with the sensors on your phone. So, you'll need to carry your smartphone with you on your run or ride. Fitbit calls this feature "connected GPS" to differentiate it from built-in GPS. You can use the connected GPS to gather the same information you'd get from a smartwatch with a built-in GPS.

To use connected GPS, you do have to make sure your phone's cellular services are on so it can still track your location when it's out of WiFi range. You'll also need to make sure your GPS can work when your phone is locked by keeping Background App Refresh in the Fitbit app. Also, be sure that Location Services for the Fitbit app remain on.

Once you complete your outdoor workout and sync your Fitbit Versa Lite, your workout will be saved to your exercise history in the Fitbit app. There, in the dashboard, you can see more details about your activity, such as elevation during your run. Click Log > Activities and tap on the specific workout to see details about it.

The Fitbit Versa Lite is a health and fitness smartwatch that tracks activity, calorie burn, steps, sleep stages, female cycles, and heart rate. It lets you receive notifications, so you don't miss calls, texts, or app alerts.

The Versa Lite has a 4+ day battery life, so you only need to charge it a couple of times per week. It tracks more than different 15 types of exercise, and it's water-resistant up to 50 meters. Download over 100 apps and customize your watch face. It comes in five colorways: White/Silver Aluminum, Lilac Silver Aluminum, Marina Blue/Marina Blue Aluminum, Mulberry/Mulberry Aluminum, and Charcoal/Silver Aluminum.

Both Fitbits will track your steps, distance, calorie burn, exercise, and sleep. You'll get move reminders as well as notifications from your smartphone on both, though you can get more types of notifications on the Inspire. Battery life extends to about five days on both. Bands can be swapped out for different looks on the Fitbit Inspire. You can swim with both devices, as they are both waterproof.

The most apparent difference between them is that the Flex 2 does not have a screen, and the Inspire does. Not only can the Inspire's screen tell you the time, but having your current stats in a dashboard on your wrist can inspire you to make healthier choices.

You can also see your exercise stats as your work out with the Inspire. There's a button on the Inspire so you can start and stop exercises manually if you wish, while you must rely on auto-tracking on the buttonless Flex 2. The Inspire has female health tracking and food logging, whereas the Flex 2 does not.

Fitbit doesn't even make the Flex 2 anymore; it's been replaced by the Inspire line. You can still find it, with the price greatly inflated, but I'd strongly recommend buying the Inspire instead.

It comes down to bonus features versus price and color choices. If the added features are more meaningful to you, go for the Fitbit Versa. If a lower price point and more color options are more appealing, then the Fitbit Versa Lite is the way to go.

Features or price and colors?

The Fitbit Versa and the Fitbit Versa Lite are certainly more alike than different. Both of them will track how many steps you take and how many calories you burn. Both track your heart rate around the clock, allowing you to see your heart rate zones, resting heart rate trends, and more. Both are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them swimproof and shower-proof. Both have over 15 different exercise modes, allowing you to record your workouts and get real-time stats. Both devices will connect to your smartphone's GPS so you can see stats on your wrist for runs and bike rides.

Since the battery on both can last over four days, you'll only need to charge the Versa or Versa Lite a couple of times per week. Because you're not charging it every night, you can wear it while you sleep. Both devices will track your sleep, both the duration and the time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. Both offer female health-tracking, allowing you to log your periods and gauge ovulation.

Both the Versa and the Versa Lite let you get call, text, and smartphone app notifications. If you have an Android phone, you can send quick replies on both devices. Both Fitbits offer hundreds of apps you can use for workouts, sports, weather, and more. You also have a variety of watch faces from which to choose.

So what makes them different, exactly? The Fitbit Versa has some extra features that most people will find quite useful. The Versa tracks your elevation — whether you're climbing stairs or mountains. The Versa will also track your number of laps, duration, and calories when you swim laps in a pool.

Best of all, the Versa can store and play over 300 songs. You can also download your favorite stations from Pandora and playlists from Deezer. You can download personalized on-screen workouts onto the Versa, which will coach you through each move and even adapt to you based on your feedback.

While the less-expensive Versa Lite doesn't offer these extra features, it still has plenty of features to offer. Plus, it comes in more colors. The Fitbit Versa comes in only two color options: Black Aluminum/Black band and Rose Gold Aluminum/Peach band. The Versa Lite comes in five colorways: Silver Aluminum/White band, Silver Aluminum/Lilac band, Marina Blue Aluminum/Marina Blue band, Mulberry Aluminum/Mulberry band, and Silver Aluminum/Charcoal band. You can indeed buy additional bands for different looks, but you can't change the color of the aluminum.

Overall we still recommend getting the main Versa because of all those extra features. However, if you want to save some money, you'll still get a solid device with the Versa Lite.

Keep in mind that the Versa has been discontinued by Fitbit, though it is still a perfectly good device and is available on Amazon. If you want the latest and greatest Versa, you'll want to check out the Fitbit Versa 2.

While I personally would go for the Fitbit Inspire HR, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. If you don't need the extra feature set, why pay extra for them? Both options offer a lot for their price tag.

Bigger price, bigger feature set

The Fitbit Inspire HR, and the Fitbit Inspire have a lot in common. They are both excellent fitness and health trackers that count your steps and calories burned. Both monitor your activity and automatically register your exercise. They additionally track fertility and menstrual cycles and sleep (offering a silent vibration alarm to awaken you without disturbing your partner).

Outside of tracking, both will send you move reminders to keep you on track to meet hourly 250-step goals. They'll also both connect to your smartphone so you can receive text, calendar, app alerts, and call notifications.

The main difference between the Fitbit Inspire and the Inspire HR is in the names: the Inspire HR monitors heart rate while the Inspire does not. However, this one feature has implications that go far beyond just measuring heart rate.

For example, the Inspire HR can use your heart rate to create a much deeper picture of your sleep cycles. While the Inspire does indeed monitor your sleep, the Inspire HR takes it a step further by automatically tracking your time in light, deep, and REM sleep. Guided breathing is another feature you'll only find on the Inspire HR, since it reads your heart rate to help you lower it.

The Inspire HR's heart rate tracking also allows it to create a much deeper picture of your exercise habits with more than a dozen different exercise modes and real-time stats. The Inspire HR offers swim tracking, whereas the Inspire does not. You can also monitor your cardio fitness level. The Inspire HR can utilize your smartphone's GPS to see real-time pace and distance during runs and bike rides.

While the Fitbit Inspire HR does come with three choices of band color (Black, Lilac, White), the Fitbit Inspire HR itself comes in only one color: Black. Oddly enough, the lower-priced Fitbit Inspire comes in two different colors: Black or Sangria, each with a matching band. Band color is less critical because you can always buy more bands. But if you want the Sangria color option, and you don't need the added features the Inspire HR has to offer, then you might prefer the Fitbit Inspire.

Another style thing of note: the Inspire can be worn as a clip, while the Inspire HR cannot. That's because the Inspire HR needs to be worn on your wrist to detect your heart rate.

Yes, the Fitbit Inspire and the Inspire HR are almost the same minus the heart rate tracking, but that's going to be the dealbreaker. If none of the added features that the Fitbit Inspire HR has to offer appeal to you, why pay more money for it? The Fitbit Inspire is a solid choice if you want a health and fitness tracker and don't need the heart rate-related features. The fact it comes in more colors than the Inspire HR is a nice bonus, too.