Available today, theFitbit Charge 6is an unexpected upgrade that adds several smartwatch-like features, including on-wrist Google Maps, YouTube Music controls, and Google Wallet functionality. It also makes several improvements to the health and fitness-tracking technologies that we enjoyed in the Fitbit Charge 5. You can order the Fitbit Charge 6 today for $160 at the Fitbit website.
Previously, on-wrist Google Maps was exclusive to theFitbit Sense 2andVersa 4smartwatches. This is a fantastic addition to the Charge 6 — you may plan a route on your smartphone and view turn-by-turn directions from your fitness tracker. New Google Wallet integration may also give Charge 5 users a reason to upgrade, as the old Fitbit Pay method is starting to feel outdated. And on-wrist YouTube Music controls are useful for some people, though the continued lack of Spotify support is frustrating.
These new features only work when your Fitbit Charge 6 is connected to a smartphone. You’ll also find that on-wrist YouTube Music control requires a premium YouTube Music subscription, which costs $11 a month. Most people should just get YouTube Premium instead, which costs $14 per month but includes premium Music on top of ad-free YouTube.
Fitbit Charge 6 also has some health and fitness upgrades. Google claims that the Charge 6 has a more powerful heart rate sensor than any other Fitbit tracker (barring the brand’s smartwatches), and it promises 60% more accurate readings during intense workouts like rowing or HIIT (when compared to the previous model). Also, fitness machines that support the Bluetooth Heart Rate Profile standard can pull a live heart rate feed from the Charge 6—a handy feature if your gym has modern equipment.
Other goodies, like sleep tracking, ECG, SpO2 readings, and sleep tracking are also included. If you’re a Fitbit Premium member, you’ll gain access to additional features like yourDaily Readiness Score. Google says that the Fitbit Charge 6 has a 7-day battery life, and it’s water resistant to a depth of 50 meters (all Fitbit devices are swim-proof). The Fitbit Charge 6 doesn’t have any crazy new sensors, though.
You canorder the Fitbit Charge 6today for $160. It comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium trial. If you’ve enjoyed using previous Fitbit fitness trackers, this is a pretty solid upgrade. That said, those who want a more robust set of features (such as Spotify control) should buy theFitbit Sense 2orVersa 4smartwatch.
