Wondering what the newest Fitbit is all about? The brand releases new devices every year with updated hardware and innovative software to keep up with the latest trends and must-haves in wellness.
From those wanting to make small changes to their health to fitness fanatics, millions of people rely on Fitbit to register their fitness levels, sleep quality, stress scores, and overall wellness statistics. I’m one of them, having been a Fitbit fan for the last few years, testing and reviewing all the top picks and several of the latest devices to come out of the Fitbit world - including 2024's offerings.
If you’re in the market for an upgrade, a wellbeing gift, searching for the best Fitbits overall, or just looking to find out more about what a Fitbit is, you’re in the right place. Here, we outline everything you need to know about the newest Fitbit models and whether they are worth buying this time around.
What is the newest Fitbit?
The Fitbit Charge 6 is the newest type of Fitbit on the market, released in October 2023. It's a fitness tracker rather than a smartwatch unlike the two previous releases - the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 - and it has a rectangular face, metal casing, and classic Infinity band strap. Its features are compatible with a smartphone, either iOS or Android devices, still though with the ability to receive calls, texts, and other notifications.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 (£139.99) is the upgraded version of the Fitbit Charge 5. While it's similar in many ways to the previous model, there are some additional features that have been welcomed by users. The main one is the improved heart rate monitoring, which the brand reports to be 60% more accurate than the previous model, a huge improvement. The re-introduction of the side button next to the screen, which makes it easier to turn off and on, and the addition of all major Google apps (including Maps and Wallet) have also been a welcome addition to the design.
Purchase includes a 6-month free trial of Fitbit Premium, to help users explore the benefits of having a Readiness Score, a full Sleep Profile, more insights into their fitness levels, and access to recipes and workout videos.
It's available in three different colourways: Black (with a black Infinity band with a black aluminium casing), Porcelain (with a light cream-coloured Infinity band and silver casing to the screen), or Coral (with a bright coral-coloured Infinity band and Champagne gold casing).
The Charge 5 is ideal for those looking to improve their fitness in the coming year and those who regularly exercise indoors. While many fitness trackers struggle to accurately report data when in use on a stationary bike or treadmill, the Fitbit Charge 6 is able to connect to compatible exercise machines for a complete reading.
Is the newest Fitbit worth buying?
Yes, it’s always worth buying the newest Fitbit if your budget can stretch. The software be the most up-to-date and naturally more accurate, with various software updates already installed, and you’ll also have access to significantly more features than those offered by previous models.
At a basic level, the Fitbit Charge 6 will be better at reporting data on health and wellbeing generally as the heart rate reading is significantly more accurate. From your run around the park to stress monitoring, it makes a big difference and will be worth the extra money when compared to models like the Fitbit Inspire 3 or the Fitbit Luxe.
There are 40 different workout modes to choose from rather than the standard 20 and full-colour screens, with an easy user experience. Earlier models of the Fitbit Charge, such as the Fitbit Charge 4, don't offer such features.
The Fitbit app also works exactly the same on the latest device, so whether you want to learn how to change the time on a Fitbit or check your Daily Readiness Score, you'll need to download the app.
What are the other recent releases from Fitbit like?
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 (£269.99) is another upgrade from a previous model - the original Sense. Much like the previous version, this watch focuses on four key pillars of wellness: fitness, sleep, stress, and heart. This makes it an exciting buy for those looking to focus on their wellbeing through a holistic approach, rather than one that focuses primarily on fitness. This one's also available in three colourways: Shadow Grey (as above), Luna White, and Blue Mist.
It comes complete with an ECG app for heart rhythm assessment, a great way for anyone concerned about their heart health to monitor irregularities at home, a skin temperature sensor, and an EDA scan app that alerts you when your body is experiencing signs of stress.
The Sense 2 is also sleeker with the inclusion of a gyroscope, a feature that detects angular motion. This means that it's likely to offer slightly more accurate tracking for specific sports and it will pick up a flick of the wrist more easily to turn the device on automatically.
Read our full review of the Fitbit Sense 2.
Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 (£199.99) is the upgraded version of the Fitbit Versa 3. While it’s very similar in many ways to the previous model, welcome additions are the reintroduction of the side button to turn the device on and off and new software updates, like a full-colour LED screen and the user Sleep Profile feature through the 6-month free Premium version of the app, which comes with the watch. It's available in four different colourways: Graphite Black (as above), Waterfall Blue, Pink Sand, and Beet Juice.
The Versa 4 is ideal if you’re an all-rounder in the world of wellness and you’re not hugely invested in serious metrics. For example, you exercise a couple of times a week, you’re trying to change your sleep and stress habits for the better, and you’d like a wrist assistant for the smaller things in life - like checking the weather or setting a timer. All of these features are available on the Fitbit watch, with many more insights into your stress levels, breathing, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, and skin temperature also available on the app, which is also initially free to download. If this is something you value, it may also be worth weighing up Oura Ring vs Fitbit.
When it comes to the big difference between the Fitbit Versa 3 and 4, it’s all about ease. The latest model is much easier to use than the previous, in my experience, with your top workout modes and most useful statistics available in just two touches of the screen rather than four.
Read our full review of the Fitbit Versa 4
Fitbit Inspire 3
The Fitbit Inspire 3 was also released in the fall of 2022. It's a fitness tracker rather than a watch, which means it looks a little different, with a smaller, narrower face, and a different wrist strap. The focus of this one is primarily on basic fitness tracking rather than overall wellness, but it does include some stress and sleep statistics.
It’s the ideal model for anyone looking to incorporate one of the best fitness trackers into their life but not be too invested in the metrics that a Fitbit Sense 2 would offer, for instance. Much like the smartwatches, the Inspire 3 records heart rate, calorie burn, step count, hours and quality of sleep, and basic stress levels with the Stress Management Score feature.
One main advantage of a fitness tracker generally from Fitbit, and the Inspire 3 in comparison to the other releases of the same year, is the price point. While it might be missing some features - such as in-built GPS tracking - it’s the only one out of the three to come in at under $100/£90. However, many top models also appear in the list of best Fitbit deals, depending on the time of year, so it's always worth a look at this.
Read our full review of the Fitbit Inspire 3.
Google Pixel
All Fitbits are compatible with Apple’s iOS, meaning they work perfectly with all types of iPhones. The debate of Fitbits or Apple Watch is a common one because of this. Interestingly, however, another one of Fitbit’s latest releases - the Google Pixel - is only available for use with Android devices.
We haven’t had a chance to try one of these just yet, but it appears as though many of the features available on the two new Google Pixel x Fitbit watches are similar to the newest Fitbit models overall. For example, they boast Fitbit’s “most advanced” heart rate tracking features, built-in GPS, over 40 exercise modes, and all-day activity tracking, alongside standard metrics.
Android phone users will benefit most from the host of Google apps already available with the Fitbit watch though. These include on-wrist calls, Gmail and Calendar, Google Assistant, Music and Podcasts, and Smart Home Control, among others. Some of these programs, such as Google Maps and Google Wallet, are set to be released for Sense 2 and Versa 4 users but this hasn’t happened at the time of publishing.
Is a new Fitbit coming out in 2024?
There are expectations that the Fitbit Versa 5 will be released in September 2024, although Fitbit has yet to confirm this or even tease any such release. It could be the case though if the company sticks to their periodic two-year release gap.
After the launch of the Versa 4 in 2022, it's expected the new release will offer the same advanced fitness tracking software but with a host of improved and additional features. Of course, there's no confirmed information for the device just yet and more will be released closer to the date.
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