Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker vs Garmin Vivosmart 5
Both made our Best Fitness Trackers for Running shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker if you want guided setup walks through pairing step by step with clear prompts. Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if you'd rather have text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance. Overall we rank the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Fitness Trackers for Running list.
Winner overall: Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker vs Garmin Vivosmart 5 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Fitness Trackers for Running | #2 of 4 in Best Fitness Trackers for Running |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Fitbit | Garmin |
| Key features | Irregular heart rhythm notifications; Fall-aware activity and stress detection; Simple guided app setup | Large, readable touchscreen with adjustable text size; Irregular heart rhythm notifications; Body Battery energy tracking |
| Biggest strength | Guided setup walks through pairing step by step with clear prompts | Text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance |
| Main trade-off | Most detailed heart health trend data sits behind a Fitbit Premium subscription | Small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch |
| Best for | seniors | seniors |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker if…
- Guided setup walks through pairing step by step with clear prompts
- Family members can view shared activity summaries, useful for keeping an eye on a parent from afar
- Bright AMOLED display makes step count and heart rate easy to read without reading glasses in most lighting
Best for: seniors
Prefer the alternative? See the Garmin Vivosmart 5 section.
#2 pick
Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if…
- Text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance
- Irregular heart rhythm alerts run passively in the background with no extra steps
- No subscription fee keeps ongoing cost at zero after purchase
Best for: seniors
Prefer the alternative? See the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker section.
Pros and cons of each
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Pros
- Guided setup walks through pairing step by step with clear prompts
- Family members can view shared activity summaries, useful for keeping an eye on a parent from afar
- Bright AMOLED display makes step count and heart rate easy to read without reading glasses in most lighting
- Automatic exercise recognition means no manual button presses needed to log a walk
Cons
- Most detailed heart health trend data sits behind a Fitbit Premium subscription
- 7-day battery still requires a recurring reminder to charge for those prone to forgetting
- Touchscreen and side button combination takes a session or two to learn
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Pros
- Text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance
- Irregular heart rhythm alerts run passively in the background with no extra steps
- No subscription fee keeps ongoing cost at zero after purchase
- Soft silicone band stays comfortable through all-day wear, including for sensitive skin
Cons
- Small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch
- Initial pairing requires a smartphone app, which can be a barrier without help
- Fewer big, colorful visual cues than some simpler senior-focused devices
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker vs Garmin Vivosmart 5: common questions
Which is better, the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker or the Garmin Vivosmart 5?
Choose the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker if you want guided setup walks through pairing step by step with clear prompts. Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if you'd rather have text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance. Overall we rank the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Fitness Trackers for Running list.
What is the difference between the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker and the Garmin Vivosmart 5?
The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker stands out because guided setup walks through pairing step by step with clear prompts, while the Garmin Vivosmart 5 stands out because text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance. The trade-offs differ too: the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker's main caveat is that most detailed heart health trend data sits behind a Fitbit Premium subscription, and the Garmin Vivosmart 5's is that small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch.
Is the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker worth it over the Garmin Vivosmart 5?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Garmin Vivosmart 5 instead if most detailed heart health trend data sits behind a Fitbit Premium subscription is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Garmin Vivosmart 5 instead of the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 suits seniors, while the Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is best for seniors.