Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Fitbit Charge 5 – What has changed with the new Fitbit Charge?

To talk about Fitbit is to talk about one of the pioneering brands when it comes to activity bracelets. Since the Fitbit Charge 6 has just been launched, we are going to make a comparison with its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 5.

Both devices share many similarities, but there are also key differences that could influence your purchasing decision. In this comparison, we are going to carefully analyze the specifications and features of both models to help you decide which one is best for you.

If you want to know the differences between the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Fitbit Charge 5… Keep reading!

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Fitbit Charge 5 – Comparison Table

First of all, we are going to leave you a comparison table where you can see the main characteristics of both activity bracelets.

An almost identical design

Starting with the physical appearance, the Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Charge 5 present a practically identical design. However, one crucial difference is the increase in weight on the Fitbit Charge 6. With a 34% increase in weight over its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 6 weighs 37.64 grams without a strap, while the Fitbit Charge 5 weighs 28 grams in the same configuration.

Please note that if you are used to your Fitbit Charge 5 and purchase the new model, this difference could influence your comfort during daily use and especially during intense physical activities.

Which one offers better battery?

In terms of autonomy, both devices promise a battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge. However, it is important to point out that according to the experience of many users, the Fitbit Charge 5 battery lasts less due to its lower energy efficiency. Although the Fitbit Charge 6 promises the same battery life, its improved energy efficiency may translate into longer battery life.

Is there a difference in the sensors?

The two fitness trackers are equipped with a variety of sensors, including an optical heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, atrial fibrillation monitoring, 3-axis accelerometer, built-in GPS + GLONASS, SpO2 monitoring, EDA and ECG sensors, and an ambient light sensor. As you can see, they provide everything you need for detailed health and fitness tracking.

Now, the Fitbit Charge 5 has received a lot of criticism for its heart monitoring errors and that is something that the new Fitbit Charge 6 has fixed.

How many sports modes are they able to support?

The Fitbit Charge 6 surpasses the Fitbit Charge 5 with more than 40 sports modes compared to the latter’s 20, including popular exercises such as running and cycling, as well as specialized activities such as surfing, CrossFit and HIIT. This wide range of sports modes gives users the flexibility to customize their training experience.

The big news… the services provided by Google!

This is where we see the most significant differences. The Fitbit Charge 6, influenced by Google, features controls for YouTube Music, and the Maps and Wallet apps, adding additional smart functionality to the device. Meanwhile, the Fitbit Charge 5 lacks these features, making the Fitbit Charge 6 more attractive to those looking for a more complete experience.

Although this aspect is something you can do without, if you are an Android user, being able to automate all these services saves a lot of time.

Conclusion – Which of the two bracelets do we recommend?

Although these two activity bracelets share many similarities, the Fitbit Charge 6 becomes our recommendation thanks to some improvements. With the addition of YouTube Music controls, Maps and Wallet apps, and a wide range of sports modes, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers a more complete and versatile experience for users. Although it may be a little more expensive, the additional features make the Fitbit Charge 6 worth it, especially for those looking for a more advanced and well-rounded fitness tracker.

Likewise, it has improved some of the weak points of the Fitbit Charge 5 such as battery management or accuracy in heart rate monitoring.

Ultimately, choosing between the Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Charge 5 will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Both devices are a good option, but if you value extra features and certain performance improvements, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the option we recommend.