Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Garmin Vivosmart 5 – Which activity tracker is better?

Activity bracelets are a type of device that emerged as an alternative to smartwatches, designed for users who do not need such advanced functionalities, but who would like to keep track of their physical activity. Therefore, it is easy to confuse activity bracelets with smart watches, when they are not the same. In this article, we compare the most important features of two of the most advanced activity bracelets of the moment: Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5.

Aesthetically, they are two bracelets that are very similar to each other, with the difference that they can be purchased in different colors. The Fitbit Charge 6 is a little larger, something that is noticeable in the size of its screen. This, in addition to being larger, has AMOLED technology, while the Garmin Vivosmart 5 screen is OLED. Another of the most relevant differences between the two models is sports performance. While the Fitbit bracelet has 40 integrated sports modes, the Garmin one has about 15. In addition, one of the two has integrated GPS, while another needs to connect to the smartphone to use GPS.

When it comes to health metrics, the Fitbit Charge 6 gains a bit of an advantage because it is the only one of the two bracelets that includes an ECG sensor. However, there are also similarities between them. For example, the two activity bracelets can last up to approximately 7 days on a single charge. And, if you want to use them with iOS or Android smartphones, you can do it in both cases.

To have a clearer idea about which activity bracelet is most suitable for you, we encourage you to read this review carefully.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5 – Comparison Table

If you want to know how these two activity bracelets differ, take a look at the following table. In it, you can check which one has the specifications that best suit what you are looking for:

Screen size is the main aesthetic difference

At first glance, the truth is that the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 look like the same activity bracelet. The main difference lies in the size of the screen, which appears larger on the Fitbit bracelet. First, because it occupies the entire width of the bracelet, unlike the screen of the Garmin model. This makes the screen of the Fitbit Charge 6 measure 1.04 inches, while that of its rival does not measure 0.9 inches.

And, in addition, it should be noted that the screen of the Fitbit bracelet has AMOLED technology, which gives it a higher resolution than the OLED technology of the Garmin screen. Beyond this issue, it should be noted that the two bracelets can be purchased in different colors, and they have two strap sizes available depending on the diameter of your wrist.

Same autonomy and charging time

When it comes to battery life, our two protagonists are practically the same. In fact , both can run for approximately a week on a single charge. However, you already know that autonomy depends on how we optimize the use of the bracelet. On the other hand, both charge in a time that ranges between 1.5 and 2 hours, so the difference is not much in that sense either.

Health measurement: slight advantage for Fitbit

We come to one of the aspects in which users usually show the most interest: health monitoring. The first thing we highlight is that the two bracelets measure basic parameters, such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation or stress level. They also record sleep time and can track menstruation. However, the Fitbit bracelet has a small advantage in the health field.

Specifically, the built-in ECG sensor. This sensor (electrocardiogram) allows you to detect if you suffer from any abnormalities regarding your heart rate. That is, it takes the analysis of this parameter one step further and, if it detects atrial fibrillations, it notifies you. In addition, it is also equipped with a body temperature sensor that the Garmin Vivosmart 5 does not have.

How is your sports performance?

Another of the most common uses of activity bracelets is monitoring physical and sports activity, and here Fitbit also stands out over Garmin. In reality, the difference is that the Fitbit Charge 6 can register up to 40 different sports modes. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 has 15 built-in modes. Of course, both bracelets have a water resistance that allows them to be submerged up to 50 meters, so they have the same performance if you swim.

Connectivity and compatibility with other devices

Let’s see what the most important differences are when it comes to connectivity and synchronization with other devices. In fact, both the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Garmin Vivosmart 5 can connect with both iOS and Android smartphones. One of the most significant differences is that the Fitbit bracelet has integrated GPS, which allows it to work without having to synchronize with the mobile phone in case you want to use this function. For its part, the Garmin bracelet can be used with GPS, but as long as it is connected to the smartphone, not by itself.

On the other hand, only the Fitbit Charge 6 is compatible with NFC technology, so you can only make contactless payments with that bracelet. And, if we look at the connectivity options, it is worth noting that both models have Bluetooth, which Garmin complements with ANT+ technology.

What is the best activity bracelet?

After having analyzed in detail the features of the two activity bracelets, our conclusion is quite clear. Above all, after verifying that the two bracelets have practically the same price. The Fitbit Charge 6 is a more complete activity bracelet, which we think is worth it for a few more euros. Overall, it is a bracelet designed to offer a more precise measurement of both health options and sports performance, while the Garmin bracelet reports simpler data.

If the price difference were smaller, perhaps we would think more about the extent to which we would use the more detailed reports that the Fitbit Charge 6 offers. But, for almost the same price, we have a much more complete bracelet, regardless of whether we take advantage of its advantages more or less . In fact, when there is an economic offer on the Garmin Vivosmart 5 that widens that difference, it is advisable to reflect on whether you are really going to take advantage of the features of the Fitbit, because in that case you might be interested in keeping the Garmin bracelet.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on the sales price you find at any given time and what your main needs are that have led you to purchase a rune activity bracelet.