Key Takeaways
Fitbit Charge 6 features a lightweight, comfortable design and powerful fitness tracking capabilities. A wealth of health and non-health related features make Fitbit Charge 6 incredibly versatile. Google integration, 7-day battery life, and user-friendly setup add up to a great overall user experience.
Combining a lightweight, comfortable build with powerful fitness tracking capabilities, the Fitbit Charge 6 is one of the best fitness trackers on the market. With features like heart rate monitoring and Google integration that gives you access to YouTube and Google Maps, this fitness tracker is hard to beat.
Fitbit Charge 6
At a fraction of the cost of the latest smartwatches, Fitbit Charge 6 gives you advanced fitness and sleep insights that help you make daily sleep as much a part of your daily routine as daily exercise.
Pros: Google integration, incredibly lightweight, low price for the value Cons: not waterproof, slow charging time
Price and availability
The Charge 6 is available to purchase from the Fitbit website and many popular retailers, including Amazon, priced at $159.95.
specification
Brand: Fitbit
Heart Rate Monitor Yes
Color Screen Yes
Notification Support Yes
Battery life: 7 days
Integrated Google
Health Sensor Optical Heart Rate Monitor
IP rating: waterproof up to 50m
Dimensions: 1.45″ W x 0.91″ H x 0.44″
Small band circumference 5.1″ – 6.7″
Large band circumference 6.7″ – 8.3″
Colors: Orange, black, champagne
Price $159.99
Mobile payments Google Wallet
Workout Detection: Yes
Exercise Mode 40+
Weight 1.3 oz.
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What’s in the box
Jerome Thomas / MakeUseOf
Fitbit Charge 6 is available in three color combinations: Obsidian/Black Aluminum, Porcelain/Silver Aluminum, and Coral/Champagne Gold Aluminum. These color options ship with the same accessories, so when you buy a Fitbit Charge 6, you get the following right away:
Fitbit Charge 6 Medium Wristband Large Wristband Charging Cord User Manual
Hardware and wristband colors within each box vary depending on selection.
Notable Features
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Overall, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers all the basic features you need in a fitness tracker, with some health-focused features such as:
All-day activity tracking
Training Intensity Evaluation
Movement Recognition
Timer/Stopwatch
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Score with ECG app for heart rhythm assessment and arrhythmia alerts
High/Low Heart Rate Alerts
Blood oxygen tracking
Menstrual health tracking
Health and Wellness Alerts
GPS
Active Minute Counter
Heart rate tracking, including resting heart rate
Skin temperature tracking
Respiration tracking
Connect to gym equipment to view your heart rate in real time
Provides a daily readiness score
Over 40 exercise modes
Sleep Score and Profile with sleep stage tracking
Stress Management Score
Smart Wake Alarm
In addition to the extensive fitness tracking features listed above, the Fitbit Charge 6 also comes with a host of non-health-related features that make this device incredibly useful. These features include:
Sleep and silent settings YouTube music controls Google Wallet and Google Maps Phone notifications for calls, text messages, and more Find my phone Jerome Thomas / MakeUseOf
Fitbit Charge 6 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. While past versions of Fitbit were also able to connect to smart devices, this version is relatively easy and quick to set up and get started. This is especially true for Android users, as Google’s Fast Pair allows you to seamlessly pair and set up your new fitness device in record time.
User Experience
The Fitbit Charge 6 stands out above the competition on the market. As a device primarily intended for fitness tracking, it offers the essentials with a few extra perks without being bulky or heavy. By limiting the device to what’s actually useful for exercisers and cutting out the extra frills, Fitbit has made it stylish, lightweight, and comfortable to wear all day.
With an average of 7 days of use on a single charge, you no longer have to remove the device every day to charge it, making it easier to track your fitness and achieve your goals. Coupled with its incredibly lightweight build at just 1.3 ounces, it was also easy to forget about the device and go about your day.
Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021 has allowed new integrations with the device. Fitbit Charge 6 supports the use of Google Pay and Google Maps. This feature has a huge impact on the usefulness of the device. Not only can you wear your Fitbit to go for a bike ride and track your fitness goals, heart rate, and more, but you can also access Google Maps to plan your route and take advantage of Google Pay to avoid carrying your wallet on your trip. You can also connect to YouTube and enjoy music. All controlled directly on your Fitbit.
The color touch screen and editable watch faces give you a vivid experience while using it. It also supports interchangeable watch bands, allowing you to customize it with different combinations. The ability to quickly and easily change watch bands to match different outfits adds an extra bonus to an already great experience.
Drawbacks to consider
Fitbit Charge 6 is water resistant to 50 meters, but not waterproof, so you should take extra steps to protect its functionality during activities like swimming. Fitbit does not recommend using Charge 6 in water unless it’s properly maintained, especially if you abuse your device or drop it frequently.
For optimal performance, consider following best practices to extend the life of your Fitbit. For best results, use the water lock feature to turn off normal screen functions while swimming. Also, avoid wearing your Fitbit in hot tubs, saunas, or showers, as exposure to substances like soap can have an adverse effect on the device.
Battery life lasted about 7 days, but when I drained the battery completely, it took over 2 hours to recharge. I would have expected it to take about half that time. If you remember to charge it overnight, it’s not a problem, but the battery lasts so long that I didn’t notice it until it was completely drained during the day. This meant that activity tracking didn’t work during my more active hours, which was disappointing.
Finally, when choosing the best fitness tracker for you, consider the size of your wrist. The medium and large bands included in the package will suit most people, but they might not be a perfect fit for everyone. Also, the face of the device itself is not the slimmest of the options that Fitbit has made. For those who prefer a more minimalist design, this version of the fitness tracker might not be the best fit. On the plus side, however, it is very lightweight despite the face size.
Should I buy the Fitbit Charge 6?
Jerome Thomas / MakeUseOf
Overall, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great fitness tracker, as you’d expect from Fitbit. It’s a well-rounded device that meets all of my needs. I enjoyed using it, was able to see my progress, and found it comfortable to wear all day. Plus, if you’re an Android user, the Google integration means I can confidently recommend this product as a purchase.
Fitbit Charge 6
At a fraction of the cost of the latest smartwatches, Fitbit Charge 6 gives you advanced fitness and sleep insights that help you make daily sleep as much a part of your daily routine as daily exercise.
