Fitbit is a pioneer of the fitness tracking industry. Since releasing its first fitness watch in 2007, Fitbit’s technology has been ahead of the curve.
Did you know, Fitbit was the first company to introduce automatic data syncing? They were also the first to offer continuous heart-rate monitoring on a wrist device (for a reasonable price). They also have an open API, so external developers can create new apps. This means Fitbit’s interface is constantly evolving!
Rumour has it, Fitbit is now developing a watch sensitive enough to detect sleep disorders (that will be another industry first!).
So, we don’t blame you for wanting a piece of the Fitbit pie…
Which Fitbit Should I Buy?
If you are new to Fitbit you might be wondering which device is best for you. Before we review the range, ask yourself: what features am I looking for?
All Fitbit devices (for sale in 2020) can automatically track your activities. They can also keep tabs on the number of calories you burn and are water-resistant to 50 meters. All Fitbits allow you to set fitness goals and will remind you to move if you’ve been sitting still for too long. Finally, call and text alerts are available on all (adult) Fitbit watches.
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is the cheapest device and it offers all the above functions (starting at $69). It is a great health tracker for beginners. But if you are looking for extra functions, you should consider another Fitbit device.
To help you decide, here’s the lowdown on the rest on the Fitbit family.
1. Fitbit Inspire 2
Released recently, the Inspire 2 is the next generation in the budget Inspire range. As such, it has all the basic features that the first Inspire does, but it can capture your fitness data with more precision. Plus, it has hardware, software and processor improvements. Because it has an inbuilt heart monitor, it can give you a more accurate cardio fitness score. It can also provide detailed sleep analysis.
The other benefit of the Inspire 2 is that it has Connected GPS. Meaning, it can track your routes as well as your cardio data providing you have it connected to your smartphone. Runners, cyclists, and hikers tend to find GPS very useful.
If you are a keen swimmer, you should opt for the Inspire HR over the Inspire, because the original Inspire cannot track swims.
Finally, the Inspire 2 offers guided breathing sessions you can use throughout the day to help you stay calm.
Who Should Buy the Inspire 2?
If you’re looking for a budget sports watch that can provide accurate fitness data, you won’t be disappointed with the Inspire HR. It is one of the nicest fitness trackers for women. However, if you want on-screen workouts to help you stay motivated, this isn’t the device for you.
2. Fitbit Charge 4
The Charge 4 is similar to the Inspire HR and Inspire 2, but it behaves more like a smartwatch. Not only does it receive calls and texts, but it also allows you to send quick replies. You can even make payments with the Charge 4.
In terms of fitness tracking technology, this device is marginally superior to the Inspire 2. For example, the Charge 4 can accurately track floors climbed (great for fitness enthusiasts who prefer to take the stairs) whereas the Inspire 2 can’t due to a lack of altimeter.
The Charge 4 has a slightly wider screen than the Inspire 2, but it still has a lightweight and discreet wristband. Considering the number of features this watch offers, it boasts a great battery life (7+ days).
The design is simple, yet stylish – making it an ideal smartwatch for women.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Charge 4?
If you are looking for an accurate fitness watch for under $100 that can also make payments, the Charge 4 is a good choice. However, if you are not too fussed about making payments or sending quick replies, the Fitbit Inspire HR offers better value for money.
3. Fitbit Ionic
When the Ionic first came out, it took the fitness tracking world by storm. It received great reviews and continues to be one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market. We’re still waiting for an official release date for the Ionic 2, however, since Fitbit has given us the new Luxe, we think we’re in for a wait.
In terms of fitness tracking, the Fitbit Ionic offers something quite superior: In-built GPS. This means you don’t need to take your phone with you on a hike or a run.
The Fitbit Ionic starts at around $193. For a long time, it was impossible to find a fitness tracker with in-built GPS for much less than $200. You can now find cheaper devices with in-built GPS (i.e. Huawei), but the Ionic is still superior in many ways.
Firstly, the device is very thin considering how many features are packed in. Also, it can store and play around 300 songs directly from your wrist. You can also make payments directly from your wrist. What’s more, you can watch motivating on-screen workouts via the Adidas App. There’s even a special Adidas edition.
All these great features can wear the battery down quite quickly. You should be willing to charge your device regularly if you opt for the Fitbit Ionic.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Ionic?
Choose the Ionic if you want a smartwatch/fitness tracker hybrid. Also, if you are someone that exercises outdoors, in-built GPS is worth investing in! Thanks to its stylish design, it’s also a great smartwatch for girls. However, the Ionic is not as discreet as other Fitbits. If you are looking for a thin wristband, try the Inspire HR instead.
4. Fitbit Versa 3
Put simply, the Versa is like the Ionic, but it has connected rather than in-built GPS, music control for Spotify Premium and compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant. If you workout outdoors, the in-built GPS might be a winning feature.
The Versa has 20+ exercise modes so it can track a variety of activities including yoga, swimming, and gym workouts. It also offers on-screen workouts to help you stay motivated! It also offers a 6+ day battery life and 12 minute fast-charging.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Versa?
Choose this watch if you want a fitness watch/smartwatch hybrid and you need in-built GPS. The only real difference between the Versa 3 and Charge 4 is that the Versa offers on-screen workouts. If you are not too fussed about this feature, you might consider the Charge 4 instead.
5. Fitbit Sense
The Versa Sense is the newest addition to the Fitbit family. It looks very similar to the Versa 3. It’s been hailed as a tough competitor for the new Apple SE.
It’s the most holistic offering from Fitbit so far, with a focus on stress management. There’s a new SpO2 clock face, the ability to check your temperature, Active Minutes, Compatibility with Alex and Google Assistant and Built-in speaker (which, after the update later in 2020, you’ll be able to use for calls).
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Versa LITE?
If you’ve got a little more to spend on a fitness, wellbeing and smartwatch in one, the Fitbit Sense is for you. You should also consider this device if you want a watch with a long battery life as it’ll offer up to 6 days. Far more than any Apple Watch can offer. However, if you want to experiment with on-screen workouts, opt for the Versa or Ionic instead!
6. Fitbit Charge 4
Track resting heart rate and calorie burn with a heart rate monitor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You will display your SpO2 average from each night as well as trends throughout the last week, in the Fitbit app. Note, SpO2 is not yet available globally. Also, this feature isn’t intended for medical use.
Monitor your skin’s temperature at night to see if it deviates from what is usual for you personally.
You can track workouts in real time for over 20 goal-based workout styles. It’s water resistant to 50m, enabling you to monitor your swims, wear in the pool, bathe and get caught in the rain without fear.
The multi-day battery can last up to 7 days and 5 hours while using the built-in GPS (naturally, this varies depending on your use). To see how well you slept, monitor your sleep phases and review your Sleep Score in-app.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Charge 4?
If more advanced health features are important to you then the newly-released Charge 4 is great. It deviates a little from the pure fitness focus or perhaps more smart feature focus of other Fitbit devices and offers a more comprehensive health overview.
7. Fitbit Luxe
Fitbit has released the Fitbit Luxe, a stylish tracker aimed at women. The Luxe features an AMOLED display as seen in the Sense and Versa 3. Plus, it also offers a 5 day battery life.
Stainless steel features in the build, which distinguishes it from the rest of the Fitbit lineup in terms of aesthetics and quality.
Many of the Fitbit Sense’s best features can be found in this “new” device.
Fitbit’s most modern band-style smartwatches have been built on delivering performance (Fitbit Inspire 2) or more innovations (Fitbit Charge 4) – but, the Luxe is unmistakably designed to provide a better-looking, more wearable device.
The Luxe features the same AMOLED display as the Versa 3 and Sense. It also has the same 5 days of battery life as the rest of the line.
It has a 0.76-inch touchscreen with a pixel resolution of 124×206. That’s perfect for reading.
You can enjoy advanced Fitbit Health Metrics including skin temperature, HRV, and SpO2.
It can track indoor and outdoor swims, as it’s water resistant to 50m. What’s great is that you can calibrate the Luxe to the pool size for accurate time tracking.
The Fitbit Sense’s stress detection and stress levels are also seen in the Luxe. The Fitbit Luxe, on the other hand, does not have an EDA tracker, which allows wearers to measure stress reaction using the electrical activity on the surface of the skin.
What’s more, it doesn’t offer GPS.
Who Should Buy the Fitbit Luxe?
If you’re a fan of the Fitbit Sense but wish it has a little more finesse, this is a great upgrade for you. Encompassing many of the same features but with an enhanced look, you can bring fashion and fitness together.
Choosing the Right Fitbit
Research suggests that activity monitoring encourages people to live healthier lives. Indeed, many Fitbit users say they feel fitter, calmer and happier since using their device. Fitbits can even help us feel more connected because the app allows us to share our achievements with others.
Fitness watches certainly have the potential to improve our health, but it’s important to choose the right one. Head over to our comparison of all the latest Fitbit models to make your choice easier.
So, which Fitbit device will you choose? Leave a question below if you need some advice!
Last Updated on July 13, 2021
A highly experienced writer, with expertise in health and technology.
Rachael had a masters degree in psychology (with distinction) and a bachelors degree in English literature (with first-class honours) from reputable UK universities. Rachael has worked for two years as a research associate and reporter for a high-profile UK media company.