Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5: Which Fitness Tracker?
Tired of generic fitness trackers that promise the world but deliver mediocrity? You’re in the right place! We’re diving deep into a head-to-head showdown, pitting the Fitbit Charge 6 against the Garmin Vivosmart 5 to help you choose the perfect wrist companion for your active lifestyle.
Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Garmin Vivosmart 5 are popular choices, each boasting impressive features and a loyal following. But which one reigns supreme? We’ll dissect their strengths and weaknesses, from fitness tracking accuracy to battery life and smart features.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this comparison will provide the insights you need. Get ready to explore the key differences in design, health monitoring capabilities, and overall user experience to determine which tracker aligns best with your individual needs and preferences.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 6 | Garmin Vivosmart 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in | Connected |
| Display | Color AMOLED | OLED |
| Activity Tracking | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced | Advanced |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Music Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Modes | 40+ | 25+ |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | No |
| Water Resistance | Swim-proof | Swim-proof |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Display
- Fitbit Charge 6: Features a sleek, minimalist design with a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display. The screen is bright and easy to read in various lighting conditions. However, some users may find the screen size slightly small for detailed data viewing.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Boasts a compact design with a bright OLED display. The screen is easy to read, but it may appear smaller than the Charge 6. The design is comfortable for all-day wear, but the band may not be as stylish as some competitors.
- Winner: Charge 6
Fitness Tracking
- Fitbit Charge 6: Offers comprehensive fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and built-in GPS. It automatically tracks various exercises and provides detailed insights into your workouts. The accuracy is generally good, but GPS lock can sometimes be slow.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Focuses on essential fitness tracking with heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and connected GPS. It provides accurate data for activities, but it requires a smartphone for GPS functionality.
- Winner: Charge 6
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Fitbit Charge 6: Equipped with Fitbit’s PurePulse 2.0 heart rate technology for continuous heart rate tracking. The heart rate sensor is generally accurate and offers detailed heart rate zone analysis during workouts. Some users may experience occasional inaccuracies.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Utilizes Garmin’s Elevate heart rate sensor for continuous heart rate monitoring. The heart rate tracking is generally accurate, but it may be less precise than dedicated chest straps during high-intensity activities.
- Winner: Charge 6
GPS Performance
- Fitbit Charge 6: Features built-in GPS for standalone activity tracking and accurate pace and distance data. It offers reliable GPS performance in most environments. GPS lock can sometimes take a few seconds to acquire.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Relies on connected GPS, meaning it uses your smartphone’s GPS for activity tracking. This can be less convenient but saves battery life. Accuracy depends on your phone’s GPS performance.
- Winner: Charge 6
Smartwatch Features
- Fitbit Charge 6: Offers a range of smartwatch features, including notifications, music controls, and contactless payments. It provides a good user experience for basic smartwatch functions. The app ecosystem is somewhat limited compared to full-fledged smartwatches.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Provides basic smartwatch features, such as notifications and music controls. It focuses on fitness and health tracking rather than extensive smartwatch functionality.
- Winner: Charge 6
Battery Life
- Fitbit Charge 6: Offers up to 7 days of battery life, depending on usage. This is a good battery life for a fitness tracker with its features. Using GPS frequently will significantly reduce battery life.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Provides up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Battery life is a strong point for this device. Using GPS will reduce battery life.
- Winner: Tie
Health Tracking Features
- Fitbit Charge 6: Includes features like sleep tracking, stress management tools, and SpO2 monitoring. It provides a comprehensive suite of health metrics. The accuracy of some metrics, like sleep stage detection, can vary.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Offers sleep tracking, stress tracking, and Body Battery energy monitoring. It provides a good selection of health tracking features. Accuracy is generally good.
- Winner: Charge 6
Price and Value
- Fitbit Charge 6: Typically priced higher than the Vivosmart 5, reflecting its more advanced feature set. Offers good value for its comprehensive fitness tracking and smartwatch features.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. Provides good value for its core fitness tracking capabilities.
- Winner: Vivosmart 5
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| GPS Accuracy | Fitbit Charge 6 |
| Display | Fitbit Charge 6 |
| Voice Assistant | Fitbit Charge 6 |
| Workout Modes | Fitbit Charge 6 |
| Design | Garmin Vivosmart 5 |
| Battery Life | Garmin Vivosmart 5 |
What They Have in Common
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 continuously monitor your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts, providing valuable insights into your activity levels and overall health.
- Sleep Tracking: Both fitness trackers offer detailed sleep tracking, monitoring your sleep stages and providing sleep scores to help you understand your sleep quality.
- Activity Tracking: Both devices track essential activities such as steps, distance, and calories burned, helping you stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.
- Smartphone Notifications: Receive notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist, keeping you connected without having to reach for your phone.
- Water Resistance: Both are designed to be water-resistant, allowing you to wear them while swimming and showering without worry.
- Stress Tracking: Both devices offer stress tracking features to help you monitor your stress levels throughout the day and identify potential stressors.
Fitbit Charge 6 Vs Garmin Vivosmart 5 Buying Guide
Design and Display
The Fitbit Charge 6 boasts a more modern design with a vibrant AMOLED display, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Its sleek, curved design feels comfortable on the wrist and features a physical button for easy navigation. The Garmin Vivosmart 5, on the other hand, utilizes a more basic design with a monochrome OLED display. This display is still functional but not as visually appealing. The Vivosmart 5’s design is slightly more discreet, making it suitable for those who prefer a less noticeable fitness tracker. Consider your preference for aesthetics and display quality when choosing.
Fitness Tracking Features
Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 excel in fitness tracking. The Charge 6 offers built-in GPS, enabling precise distance and pace tracking without your phone. It also includes advanced features like Active Zone Minutes and a comprehensive suite of workout modes. The Vivosmart 5 provides essential fitness tracking metrics such as steps, distance, and heart rate, but relies on a connected GPS for outdoor activities. Both devices track sleep, but the Charge 6’s sleep tracking might be more comprehensive. Evaluate the importance of GPS and workout modes.
Health Monitoring Capabilities
The Fitbit Charge 6 takes the lead with enhanced health monitoring features. It includes an ECG sensor for assessing heart rhythm irregularities and an EDA sensor for stress management. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 focuses on core health metrics, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) tracking, and stress tracking. Both devices provide insights into your overall health, but the Charge 6 offers more advanced features for proactive health management. Assess your health monitoring needs to determine the best fit.
Smartwatch Functionality
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers a more robust smartwatch experience. It provides access to a wider array of apps, including Google Maps and Google Wallet, for convenient navigation and contactless payments. It also features voice assistant integration. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 offers basic smart notifications, such as call, text, and app notifications, but lacks the advanced smartwatch features. If you prioritize smart features like apps and payments, the Charge 6 is the better option. For basic notifications, the Vivosmart 5 is sufficient.
Battery Life
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 often provides superior battery life. It can last up to seven days on a single charge, depending on usage. The Fitbit Charge 6, with its more power-hungry display and features, typically offers around six days of battery life. The exact battery life will vary based on how frequently you use GPS and other features. Consider your charging habits and how important long battery life is to you. Assess how often you are willing to charge your device.
Price and Value
Both devices offer competitive pricing. The Fitbit Charge 6 generally is priced slightly higher because of its advanced features and enhanced health monitoring capabilities. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is often positioned as the more budget-friendly option, providing excellent value for its core fitness tracking and health monitoring capabilities. Consider your budget and the features you need. Evaluate which device offers the best balance of features and price to meet your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Fitbit Charge 6 If…
- You want a fitness tracker with built-in GPS for more accurate workout tracking.
- You prefer a more advanced and vibrant color AMOLED display.
- You value the convenience of Google Assistant for voice control and other features.
- You are looking for a fitness tracker that provides more workout modes.
Buy Garmin Vivosmart 5 If…
- You prefer a slimmer, more discreet design.
- You are already invested in the Garmin ecosystem.
- You prioritize longer battery life.
- You want a fitness tracker with a focus on ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5?
The Fitbit Charge 6 features a brighter AMOLED display, built-in GPS, an ECG sensor, and access to more apps. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 has a monochrome OLED display, relies on connected GPS, and offers more basic smart features. The Charge 6 leans towards a more comprehensive experience, while the Vivosmart 5 focuses on essential fitness tracking and health monitoring.
Which device offers better GPS functionality?
The Fitbit Charge 6 has built-in GPS, allowing for standalone tracking of outdoor activities without your phone. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 uses connected GPS, meaning it relies on your smartphone for GPS tracking. The Charge 6 offers a more convenient and accurate GPS experience, especially for those who want to leave their phone at home.
How accurate are the heart rate monitors on each device?
Both devices feature heart rate monitoring. However, accuracy can vary depending on fit and activity. Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 generally provide accurate heart rate data for everyday activities. For the most precise readings during intense workouts, chest strap monitors are often more accurate.
Does either device track sleep stages accurately?
Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 track sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep. The Charge 6’s sleep tracking is often considered slightly more comprehensive due to potential access to more sleep metrics. Both devices provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns, helping you understand your sleep quality.
Which device has better smartwatch features?
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers more robust smartwatch features, including access to apps like Google Maps and Google Wallet, and voice assistant integration. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 provides basic smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts. If you want more functionality, the Charge 6 is a better choice.
How long does the battery last on each device?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 typically offers longer battery life, lasting up to seven days. The Fitbit Charge 6 typically offers around six days of battery life. Battery life may vary depending on usage. Consider your charging habits and how important long battery life is to you.
Which device is better for someone new to fitness tracking?
Both devices are suitable for beginners. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 might be a better starting point due to its simpler interface and focus on core fitness metrics. The Fitbit Charge 6, with its advanced features, also works well for beginners. The choice depends on the specific features and the user’s budget.
Final Verdict
The Fitbit Charge 6 emerges as the more feature-rich and advanced fitness tracker, offering a superior display, built-in GPS, and enhanced health monitoring capabilities. However, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 provides excellent value with its core fitness tracking, long battery life, and more discreet design. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize advanced features and a vibrant display, the Charge 6 is the way to go.
Winner: Fitbit Charge 6