Best Fitbit Models for Beginners, Athletes, and Kids (2026) | WIRED
CommentLoader-
Save StorySave this story
CommentLoader-
Save StorySave this story
It’s been five years since Google officially acquired Fitbit for a reported $2.1 billion, grabbing 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 imaginative of name changes, and it hasn't stuck in consumers’ minds, 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're just starting, or reigniting, your fitness journey.
Fitbit’s dominance has waned slightly in the face of countless alternatives, but its affordable approach, user-friendly interface, and great styling make it one of the best wearable fitness brands. If you’re looking for a reliable step-counting, sleep-tracking monitor, you’re in for a treat—and thanks to Google’s stewardship, you can now even find a smartwatch with features to rival the competition. Here are my picks of the best Fitbit trackers, whatever your wearable needs are.
For more wearable recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Fitness Trackers, Best Smart Rings, and Best Garmin Watches.
Featured In This Guide
Best Fitbit OverallFitbit Charge 6
Jump to review
$160 Google Store
Most Affordable FitbitFitbit Inspire 3
Jump to review
$100 Google Store
Best Fitbit for KidsFitbit Ace LTE
Jump to review
$180 $100 (44% off) Google Store
Best Fitbit SmartwatchFitbit Versa 4
Jump to review
$200 Google Store
Jump to
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Compare Top 5 Fitbits
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Fitbit Overall
Courtesy of Fitbit
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Fitbit
Charge 6
$160 Google Store
$160 $130 (19% off) Amazon
$160 Best Buy
Launched in 2023, the Charge 6 remains the best fitness tracker for most people. It's the same slim build as its predecessor (the Charge 5), maintaining the bright AMOLED touchscreen, with an optional always-on display, and fortunately bringing back the physical side button. It monitors your heart rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, and it offers ECG and electrodermal activity scans to measure irregular heart rhythms and stress level insights. The largest upgrade on the functionality front is the new ability to connect Fitbit's heart rate sensor to particular gym equipment like the NordicTrack treadmill or Peloton bike. In testing, its heart rate sensors held up well against the Oura ring. Battery life is also fantastic, with up to a week per charge.
The built-in GPS support doesn't rival dedicated sports watches for accuracy, but it's useful enough for outdoor activities. Plus, unlike those wearables, Fitbit dishes out detailed sleep data that is both insightful and actionable. Google’s presence has increased on the Charge with the useful additions of Google Maps and Google Wallet. You get all of this and more for less than the cost of Fitbit's smartwatches.
SpecsCase Size36.73 x 23.09 x 11.20 mmCase MaterialAluminumBattery LifeUp to 7 daysColorsCoral/Champagne Gold Aluminum, Porcelain/Silver Aluminum, Obsidian/Black Aluminum
Most Affordable Fitbit
Courtesy of Fitbit
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Fitbit
Inspire 3
$100 Google Store
$100 $93 (7% off) Amazon
$100 $90 (10% off) Best Buy
Along with its budget price, the Inspire 3 also offers the longest battery life of the Fitbit lineup. A full charge will last you up to 10 days, depending on how much you use it. It is pretty similar to the Charge 6, except that it lacks a built-in GPS, and it only features 20 exercise modes (as opposed to Charge 6's 40 modes, which I found to be excessive anyway). You also miss out on some of the other premium features, such as Bluetooth compatibility with certain gym equipment, the EDA Scan app for stress management, and NFC technology. If none of those qualities matter to you, I would opt for the Inspire 3, which is just as accurate as the Charge 6.
SpecsCase Size39.32 x 18.6 x 11.75 mmCase MaterialPlasticBattery LifeUp to 10 daysColorsMidnight Zen/Black, Lilac Bliss/Black, Morning Glow/Black (yellow)
Best Fitbit for Kids
Photograph: Adrienne So
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Fitbit
Ace LTE
$180 $100 (44% off) Google Store
$180 $124 (31% off) Amazon
$180 $100 (44% off) Best Buy
The first Fitbit Ace landed in 2018, offering kids ages 8 and above the ability to track their steps and sleep and to be in constant pursuit of virtual badges. The Fitbit Ace LTE ditches the fitness band form for a smartwatch one, instantly giving it more grown-up kids appeal. The Ace LTE is built for ages 7 to 14 and comes with a design perhaps best described as a more child-friendly Versa. There’s a sizable OLED screen with Gorilla Glass 3 to fend off scratches, and unlike the first Ace, it can be submerged in water up to 50 meters deep.
There a