Best Fitbit Models for Beginners, Athletes, and Kids (2026)

Five have passed years ago Google has officially acquired Fitbit for $2.1 billion, resulting in an acquisition of hardware and software teams that also absorbed assets from Pebble, which Fitbit itself acquired in 2016. So how have things changed? Well, for starters, Fitbit is now Google Fitbit. It’s not the most creative name change, and it hasn’t stuck with consumers, but the good news is that Fitbit devices remain some of the most user-friendly and welcoming fitness trackers available. This is especially true if you are just starting or reigniting your fitness journey.

Fitbit’s dominance has waned a bit in the face of a myriad of alternatives, but its affordable style, easy-to-use interface, and great design make it one of the best wearable fitness brands. If you’re looking for a reliable device for counting steps and tracking sleep, you’re in for a treat — and thanks to Google’s oversight, you can now find a smartwatch with features that rival the competition. Here are my picks for the best Fitbit trackers, whatever your wearable needs.

For more wearables recommendations, check out our wearables guides Best fitness trackers, Best smart ringsand The best Garmin watches.

Best Fitbit overall

Launched in 2023, Charge 6 It remains the best fitness tracker for most people. It’s the same slim design as its predecessor (the Charge 5), keeping the bright AMOLED touchscreen, with an optional always-on display, and thankfully bringing back the physical side button. It monitors heart rate, blood oxygen and skin temperature, and offers ECG and electrical activity scans to measure irregular heartbeats and stress level insights. The biggest upgrade in terms of functionality is the new ability to connect Fitbit’s heart rate sensor to specific exercise equipment like a NordicTrack treadmill or a Peloton bike. During testing, the heart rate sensors held up well against the Oura Ring. Battery life is also great, with up to a week per charge.

The built-in GPS support doesn’t rival dedicated sports watches in terms of accuracy, but it’s useful enough for outdoor activities. Additionally, unlike those wearables, Fitbit provides detailed sleep data that is useful and actionable. Google’s presence in Charge has increased with the useful additions of Google Maps and Google Wallet. You can get all this and more for less than the cost of Fitbit smartwatches.

The most affordable Fitbit

Besides the budget price, the Inspire 3 also offers the longest battery life in the Fitbit range. A full charge will last up to 10 days, depending on how much you use it. It’s very similar to the Charge 6, except it lacks built-in GPS, and only has 20 workout modes (as opposed to the Charge 6’s 40, which I found to be excessive anyway). You’ll also miss out on some other premium features, like Bluetooth compatibility with some gym equipment, the EDA Scan app for stress management, and NFC. If none of these qualities matter to you, I’d go with the Inspire 3, which has the same accuracy as the Charge 6.