The best Fitbits in 2024 to reach your health goals, tried and tested by our health editor

A pick of the best Fitbits can help anyone improve their health and wellbeing in 2024. Whether your goal is more steps, better sleep, less stress, or you have a particular aim in mind, these simple devices can track your progress and improve your motivation tenfold.

Fitbits were some of the first advanced fitness trackers when they first came onto the market, offering a level up from the classic pedometer. Since then, the brand has innovated time and time again. With a buy-out by Google putting extra weight behind the brand and bringing technological advancements and new features, it's a more exciting time to buy than ever before.

Whether you're looking to understand more about the brand before you buy or want to compare the best Fitbits to the best fitness trackers generally on the market, you're in the right place. As digital health editor at woman&home, I've tested every Fitbit on sale today in the UK, reviewing them all for at least a month and up to two years, while running, walking, swimming, sleeping, and so much more. Here, I round up my pick of the bunch to help you find the perfect one - and the Fitbit deals to go with them - no matter your goal or starting point.

Our top 3 picks

The best Fitbits as tested by w&h's digital health editor

Best Fitbit overall

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the newest Fitbit to be released and it's quickly caught the attention of fitness enthusiasts, thanks to one key feature: heart rate monitoring. Fitbit themselves have said that this model offers heart rate monitoring 60% more accurately than the previous model, the Fitbit Charge 5. This is an essential metric to get right when it comes to monitoring your fitness as it feeds into everything from calorie burn to fatigue predictions.

Alongside this, the Fitbit Charge 6 covers the other essentials you can expect from this top-tier brand - everything from step count and in-built GPS to stress and sleep monitoring, with further insights in the Fitbit (Premium) app, so you can make the most of your movement.

Unlike any other Fitbit on the market right now as well, the Charge 6 has almost complete Google connectivity. From the watch, you can access Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music - although it still uses Alexa, rather than Google Assistant. If you're looking for more lifestyle interconnectivity, weigh up the Fitbit Versa 4 vs Charge 6 before buying as they are similar.

Are fitness trackers worth it in 2024? When it comes to the Fitbit Charge 6, that's an easy answer. If you tend to do more indoor cycling or running than outdoor like me, this could be the best Fitbit for you. The Charge 6 allows for heart rate connectivity to many different pieces of fitness kit - including Peloton, Tonal, and NordicTrack machines, with more partners to come in the future. I found this particularly useful as many of the other best Fitbits aren't able to pick up on accurate heart rate monitoring, pace, and distance covered when used independently on a machine. Having this feature, I discovered, makes indoor workouts so much easier to track - provided you're on a compatible machine.

Read our full review of the Fitbit Charge 6 here.

Best Fitbit smartwatch

When it comes to buying the best Fitbit, it's often best to go for the newest (or a newer) model as it will have the latest and greatest in the company's tracking technology - especially now it's owned and operated by Google. The Fitbit Versa 4 certainly proves this point in my view, taking elements of the Fitbit Versa 3 and levelling up with a full-colour AMOLED display, over 40 sports modes to choose from, and an improved design. If the rectangular Fitbit shape isn't for you, it's worth taking a look at this one.

For me, the most useful of the updates are the 20 additional workout modes (making 40 in total), on-wrist sleep analysis, and weather notifications for the day on the homepage. The side button has also been reintroduced as well, solving a grip I've had for a few models now and making it easier to bring the device to life and turn it off.

Much like the Versa 3, it includes everything you need to monitor your workouts and track your health, including heart rate monitoring, built-in GPS, and sleep tracking provided you wear the watch at night, along with more advanced features in the Fitbit Premium app.

I found the Versa 4 also helps you take advantage of the Active Zone Minutes more than other models - a feature that records how much time you spend in moderate to intense exercise, to make sure you're doing enough through the week to stay healthy. As well as being one of the main features on the round-up slide, it's present on the clockface underneath your heart rate.

Unlike the Versa 3 though, it does take a full two hours to charge the Versa 4 so the previous model wins out with its quick-charging feature. However, the newer model also lasts for over 6 days even when using it at full capacity, so no real complaints here, and it's often on sale for the same amount as the previous model. So, if you're weighing up the Versa 3 vs Versa 4, it's a no-brainer which one to go for.

For a complete overview, read my full review of the Fitbit Versa 4.

Best budget Fitbit

The Fitbit Inspire 3 isn't the most advanced of the fitness trackers (see the Fitbit Charge 6 for that title) but if you're after one that just does the basics at a good price point, the Inspire 3 should be first on your list.

It covers all the essentials, including step count, heart rate, calorie burn, distance, and Activity Zone Minutes, with stats always available to view on the device homepage - along with the time and date - and it has 20 exercise modes to choose from within the Fitbit app. Of these, it's possible to store 6 options on the device, but I found this was more than enough. Other highlights include the 'Relax' function, which takes users through an easy guided meditation or mindfulness moment at the tap of a button, alarms, timers, and the ability to receive text and call notifications.

While it does offer SpO2 (blood oxygen) level sensors, rivalling even the newest Apple Watch, that's about as advanced as it gets. Unlike the Charge 6, the Inspire 3 doesn't have built-in GPS so you'll need to make sure your phone is connected on the move. This device specialises in being an easy-to-use, simple tracker with fitness as its focus. If you're looking for something more orientated towards maintaining your general health, the Fitbit Sense 2 would be a better option.

Size is the only downside of the model. Compared to others, even earlier versions of the Inspire, the actual screen is tiny at just under half an inch. While the capsule-shaped body of the tracker is much bigger than this, the screen takes up a small part in the middle, leaving a black border around the outside.

To read more about this model, take a look at my full Fitbit Inspire 3 review.

Best Fitbit for sleep tracking

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the most advanced Fitbit you can buy in 2024. It covers all the essentials and more, with all the fitness tracking prowess of the Charge 6 and lifestyle interconnectivity of the Versa 4. Along with the Versa 4 though, it is one of only two Fitbits that offers sleep insights on-wrist, making it easier to track sleep quality and quantity.

Unlike other Fitbits, you can scroll across the touchscreen to view your sleep insights on the Sense 2, making it the best Fitbit for those prioritising learning how to sleep better this year. You can see your overall sleep duration and your sleep score for the night, and with the 6 months of free Fitbit Premium that comes with the device, you can view your Sleep Profile on the device too. Provided you wear the Sense 2 for at least 14 days a month, you'll see your main sleep characteristics on your wrist whenever you like.

Generally, I've found that the Sense 2 smartwatch prioritises complete wellbeing over fitness-specific achievements. Along with improved sleep analysis, there are advanced sensors: blood glucose tracking, an EDA scan app for advanced stress management, and Sp02 blood oxygen level tracking. These are useful for overall health monitoring and great for anyone looking to improve their fitness through better recovery rates, on the lookout for irregular heart rhythms or monitoring their breathing rate. These are not included in many older versions of the Fitbit but they do feature on the Fitbit Versa 3 and 4, so it's worth weighing up the Fitbit Sense 2 vs Versa 4 before making a final decision.

Despite all these advancements, it's still easy to use with a simple navigation system and stats screen. The addition of a side button was a welcome return and there is a dedicated page for the element of fitness tracking most important to you, whether that's steps done, calories burned, distance covered, and so on, so you can prioritise what's important to you.

This makes it the top choice for those looking to go advanced, who want a watch with all the bells and whistles and don't mind paying for it.

Read our full review of the Fitbit Sense 2 here.

Best discreet Fitbit

Fitness and fashion go hand-in-hand with the Fitbit Luxe. It's our pick for those who prefer to not have everyone know they're wearing a fitness tracker, thanks to the seamlessly chic design and colourway variations.

This device still offers all the must-have fitness tracking features, including step count, heart rate, calorie burn, and workout modes. It also has real-time pace and distance tracking for walks, jogs, and bike rides. As well as regular sleep insightsi the Fitbit app, the Fitbit Luxe offers stress management tools, guided breathing exercises, call and text notifications, and even more insights available with Fitbit Premium - but these are not unique to the Luxe.

Like the Fitbit Inspire 3, the Luxe doesn't offer in-built GPS, which may be a real deal breaker for some. This means that you can't take the Luxe out on its own without your phone and expect to record accurate distance, pace, and so on, which may be a deal breaker for those looking to record activities like running or hiking. For me, I didn't find it to be too much of an issue as I always carry my phone (which records GPS for the device) for music when I work out. If it is an issue for you, consider weighing up the Fitbit Luxe vs Charge 5, as they are similar in many ways.

The Fitbit Luxe does come with an expensive price tag but it's worth the investment if you want a stylish tracker. While I liked the small and sleek design, I initially missed the lack of a button on the side of the tracker. Instead of turning the tracker on, or pausing workouts, with the slim side button, you need to double-tap the touchscreen. It's a small factor that takes a little getting used to if you've used other trackers before.

The main benefit of the Luxe is its design. Available in only cream and black colourways, it also has a smaller face than many other models and offers a discreet design that makes it easily missed on the wrist. Perfect for those who want a watch they can keep out of sight.

For a complete overview of this model, see my full Fitbit Luxe review.

The best alternative Fitbit smartwatch

Since Google's Fitbit takeover a couple of years ago, fitness trackers from the two brands have combined, offering each other the best of both worlds. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is the latest model and one that truly impressed me as much - if not more so - than any Fitbit around.

It's clear the watch has been designed to help runners be their best, bringing it in line with watches like the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Coros Pace 3, there are actually over 40 workout modes to choose from with a swipe on the bright AMOLED screen. The quick-start workout profile customises itself based on the workout profiles you use most often. For example, my current main activities are strength training, walking, and cycling so I saw this switch very quickly. I love how intuitive this watch is - nothing feels difficult to do. Everything is available with just a swipe or touch. Much like the Charge 6, you can also connect it to various workout machines like a Peloton bike or Nordic Track treadmill.

But along with the health and fitness tracking, which includes sleep and stress insights, you'll find more than the basic set of smartwatch features here. There is complete Google integration on the Google Pixel Watch 3, most beneficial for those who already use programmes in the Google family - such as Google Calendar, Wallet, Mail, Maps, etc. As one of those people, I was very impressed. By pressing the haptic crown on the side of the device, you can navigate to all these apps - view your emails, check your schedule for the day, pay for coffee, follow a route, and even control smart home devices. Google Calendar, Google Assistant, and Google Maps are available from the home screen with just a few swipes to the right.

Read our full Google Pixel Watch 3 review here

The best Fitbit under £60

The Fitbit Inspire 2 may be an older model but it's still an excellent fitness tracker and at under £60 via third-party retailers, it's a great deal. That being said, if you have your eye on the sales, you'll likely find the Inspire 3 on sale for a similar price - and I'd suggest you opt for the newer model where possible.

If you're set on the Inspire 2 though, here's what you need to know. It certainly covers the basics. I first tested this device when it launched and quite a few years later, it's still going strong.

Complete with all the key elements of a fitness tracker, including heart rate, step count, and calorie-burn tracking, along with GPS (not in-built though, so you'll need to have your phone with you when in use), it covers the essentials. It also offers sleep tracking metrics provided you wear the watch a night, a relatively standard feature on the newer models.

Most impressive though is the battery life. The brand suggests this one can go for 10+ days and I agree - if not longer, if you're not using it in GPS mode or asking the device to log multiple activities a day. Even the latest models of Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watches don't offer this length of battery life. If this is a priority for you, it's worth weighing up Fitbit or Apple Watch and Fitbit versus Garmin.

If you're new to Fitbits, or fitness trackers more generally, and you're looking to see if they fit into your routine and lifestyle with ease, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is a great one to start with without breaking the bank.

Best for beginners

A couple of models down from the Charge 6, with the Charge 5 between them, is the Fitbit Charge 4. While similar in many ways, this tracker is missing some elements of the newer version. But as one of the best Fitbits, it's still an excellent fitness tracker.

If you're new to trackers, smartwatches and the like, and not quite ready to invest in the latest tech, I suggest picking up the Fitbit Charge 4. It has all the essential features and more, tracking sleep and steps, calories burnt and heart rate. It has exercise modes and a built-in GPS so can track everything, whether you're running or taking up Pilates. If you wear the tracker overnight, you'll receive an in-depth sleep analysis and a sleep score. Much like the Versa 2, it's also got a vibration-only alarm for a gentle wake-up each morning.

All in all, this is the best Fitbit for women who want all the benefits of a fitness tracker without any complicated extras. However, it's worth noting that as one of the older Fitbits, the Charge 4 isn't available to buy directly from the Fitbit website and newer models containing similar features are available at cheaper prices - including the Fitbit Inspire 3. The screen is also a little small which might put some shoppers off this model.

For an overview of this wearable, see my full Fitbit Charge 4 review.

How I tested the best Fitbits

After consulting the experts on important factors to consider, I tested each Fitbit over a number of weeks, through various workouts from strength training to spin classes, hiking, running and more daily activities, assessing each model on a range of factors that impact day-to-day use.

Kate Rowe-Ham, a level 3 qualified personal trainer, specialist women's health coach, and founder of Owning Your Menopause, was one of the professionals I spoke to. She is also a fan of the brand. "What is a Fitbit? These devices allow you to track important benchmarks in your fitness, like your daily step count. Once you're able to see how you're doing in various areas each day, such as your sleep and activity, you have a clear benchmark to improve on moving forward," she says. "As the saying goes, what gets measured gets managed and over time, you'll be able to spot any trends that may be affecting your wellbeing."

Our collection of Fitbits were all tried and tested originally earlier this year by me. However, following a further review in January 2024, I can confirm that these are still the best Fitbits to buy this year. When testing the best Fitbits, I considered the following:

• How easy it was to use: A tracker that charges quickly, has a long-lasting battery life, and is easy to navigate during sweaty workouts is key. It's where screen size and responsivity play a huge role, so I tested to see how easy each of the best Fitbits was to use.
• How comfortable it was to wear: I noted how comfortable each of the smartwatches and trackers was to wear - no one wants a wristband that rubs uncomfortably against the skin or catches on clothing after all.
• The features it offered: There are so many Fitbit models out there now - some people will want a Fitbit that offers features such as contactless payment, on-screen text messages, and music streaming. Others might just want a Fitbit that tracks daily activity and sleep patterns, which is why we've tested a range of the best Fitbits with different features.
• Accuracy of heart-rate monitoring: "More advanced models will be able to track in more detail, comparing where your current heart rate sits against your usual maximal heart rate (MHR) to assess how hard you’re working at any given point", says Opper.
• Waterproofing: Most Fitbit models are swimproof and waterproof to 50m but this is important to consider. "If swimming forms a part of your exercise routine, or even if it's just a recreational activity you enjoy," he says.
• Built-in or smartphone GPS: "Some models include GPS built-in, which is more accurate for tracking distance than devices that use an accelerometer, such as many smartphones."

Kate Rowe-Ham

Kate Rowe-Ham is a level 3 qualified personal trainer specialising in helping women reach their fitness potential. As the founder of Owning Your Menopause, she prides herself on helping clients find a love for exercise, giving them the tools they need to adopt a sustainable approach to exercise with long-lasting results.

Why are Fitbits good fitness trackers?

It's widely acknowledged that very few (if any) fitness trackers offer 100% reliable step-count and calorie-burning statistics, however, Fitbits are one of the best fitness trackers because they hold users accountable and can be a great source of workout motivation.

"Using a fitness track can be beneficial if you struggle with motivation and accountability," says Rowe-Ham. "They are also particularly beneficial for those living with any conditions where exercise will play an integral role in managing any symptoms."

When it comes to improving your motivation, you can track your progress with a pick of the best Fitbits. "For many seeing this will help keep you on track to maximizing your wellbeing," she says. "Often trackers will have challenges alongside which will hold you accountable and slowly begin to create habits you want to keep."

Are Fitbits waterproof?

All of the best Fitbits are water resistant up to 50 meters. "They're designed to be swim-proof and stand up to even the sweatiest of workouts," the brand says, making them perfect for exploring all the benefits of swimming. However, no Fitbit will be suitable for diving or deeper submersion than this and the brand warns against wearing the device in any warm environment, like a hot tub or sauna.

Some Fitbits, such as the Versa 3, have a swim lock so you can go swimming or take the device in the shower without an issue. Having the swim lock enabled isn't essential, it will prevent the water from acting on the touchscreen and navigating around the watch accidentally. Most of the device's settings and metrics are controlled via the app, like changing the time on a Fitbit, so you don't have to worry about these being impacted by the water.

The Ace is the only Fitbit that's not water-resistant. This older model, which largely isn't available for sale nowadays, is designed to withstand splashes, spills, and sweat rather than a dip in the pool. Some straps are also not water-resistant but can withstand sweat. These include:

• Woven straps (Sense and Versa 3)
• Hook and Loop bands (Charge 5)
• Knit bands (Sense and Versa 3)

If you want a completely water-resistant band, opt for the Infinity band that comes included when you buy one of the best Fitbits, or the Sports band, which is more breathable.

Fitbit is also keen to emphasize that mishandling the device in particular ways, like dropping it, exposing it to perfumes including soap and sunscreen, and high-velocity water pressure will also reduce the waterproof capacity of the device.

What's the difference between a Fitbit smartwatch and tracker?

The difference between a Fitbit fitness tracker and a smartwatch these days is basically in the design. Fitness trackers, like the Fitbit Charge 6, have a slimline design that stays out of the way while you're on the move and it focuses on fitness essentials on screen, such as heart rate, steps, pace, GPS data, and so on.

A smartwatch, like the Fitbit Versa 4 or Sense 2, has a notably more square-shaped, larger screen and also offers lifestyle features, such as a weather report. Many of them connect to the best fitness apps too - although with the introduction of the Fitbit Charge 6, that's really no longer a big difference.

Are fitness trackers worth it if smartwatches do almost the same thing? Absolutely. Many self-labelled Fitbit fitness trackers will focus more on exercise comparatively to lifestyle assistance features, so if your goal is a fitness-related one, it's probably better to opt for a fitness tracker over a smartwatch.

Are Fitbits being phased out?

You may have noticed some changes afoot at Fitbit recently. The sale of Fitbit to Google means Google now owns and operates the line-up of fitness trackers. Fitbit is certainly not being phased out - if anything, with the tech giant behind the brand, we can expect bigger and better things in the future.

Since Google took over Fitbit, the Sense 2 and Charge 6 have been released. Included in our round-up of the best Fitbits as the top choice for fitness tracking, the advanced features on these devices suggest there's a lot more on the horizon for the brand.

The only change users may have to make with the buyout is on sign up. Some new Fitbit devices (such as the Charge 6 and Inspire 3) require users to have a Gmail account to register and complete the connection process between their device and app.