Fitbit Charge 5
$179.95
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a comprehensive fitness tracker with built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and stress management tools. It provides detailed insights into your sleep patterns and physical activity.
Our take
A top-notch tracker for fitness enthusiasts.
Alright, so the Fitbit Charge 5 looks pretty slick right out of the box. The design is a nice upgrade from the previous models—it’s got that super sharp AMOLED display which makes it feel more like a smartwatch than just a fitness tracker. Seeing your stats in full color is oddly satisfying, and it’s way easier on the eyes compared to the older grayscale screens. But, let’s be real, it’s still not as fancy as an Apple Watch or anything. If you’re looking for something simple that doesn’t scream “I’m trying too hard,” this is your guy.
Diving into the features, the Charge 5 packs quite a punch with its built-in GPS and heart rate monitor. It tracks all the usual suspects: steps, heart rate, sleep, and even stress levels. The stress management tool is a bit of a head-scratcher, though. It uses an EDA sensor to measure electrodermal activity, which sounds cool, but it’s not exactly life-changing. If you’re someone who finds stress tracking useful, maybe you’ll love it. But if you’re more like me, you might just shrug and move on.
The battery life is another solid point in the Charge 5's favor. It’ll last you about 7 days on a charge, which is pretty sweet considering all it does. But, and here’s the kicker, turn on that always-on display, and you’re looking at a much shorter battery life. It’s a classic trade-off that you see with most devices these days. So, if you’re someone who forgets to charge their gadgets, you might want to keep that feature turned off.
Now, syncing with your phone is usually pretty smooth, and the Fitbit app is decent for keeping track of your progress. The app itself is pretty straightforward, but the subscription model for advanced features feels a bit like a money grab. If you’re not keen on paying extra for in-depth insights and guided programs, you might feel a bit short-changed. The basics are covered without the extra fee, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking to get the most out of your device.
Overall, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a solid choice if you’re looking to up your fitness game without going all-in on a smartwatch. It’s got a decent set of features, a nice design, and a reasonable price point. Just know what you’re getting—and what you’re not. If you’re fine with the trade-offs and don’t mind paying extra for certain features, it might just be the perfect fit for you.
