Rumors of Fitbit's demise have been rife since Google acquired the brand in 2022 for $2.1 billion. While Google has continued to produce Fitbit-branded smartwatches like the Sense 2 and Versa 4 alongside its flagship Pixel Watch, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Fitbit lineup was integrated into other Pixel wearables, with several models almost certain to get lost in the shuffle.
Last week, Google launched the Pixel Watch 3, a smartwatch that inherits many of Fitbit's global features, including several that previously cost money. But there's also been much quieter news: the Pixel Watch will now be Google's primary smartwatch. This news comes from our colleagues at our sister site TechRadar, and it spells the end of the more affordable Fitbit Versa and Sense lines.
Fitbit's uncertain future under Google
What about Fitbit-branded activity trackers? While the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Charge 6 aren't technically affected by the above, reading between the lines, the future of these product families under Google also seems uncertain.
That's a shame, because the Fitbit Charge 6 is the best fitness tracker you can buy right now and the Inspire 3 is the best cheap fitness tracker. Meanwhile, the Versa 4 is one of our favorite budget smartwatches and the Sense 2 is our favorite fitness tracker.
Google Statement on Fitbit
Fortunately, this doesn't mean that Google will suddenly drop support for all Fitbit products, leaving owners behind.
Google representatives reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to existing Fitbit customers via email when asked to confirm the above news. Their statement also hinted at the possibility of future Fitbit projects, without being specific. Read it below:
“We are deeply committed to Fitbit, and more importantly to the customers who use and rely on these products and technology. It’s also worth noting that many of the health and fitness features we’ve introduced on the Pixel Watch 3 are a result of Fitbit’s groundbreaking innovation and advancements in fitness. Additionally, we just launched Fitbit Ace LTE, and you’ll continue to see new products and innovations from Fitbit.”
It's worth noting that Google recently launched the Fitbit Ace LTE while rolling out a fairly major firmware update to the Sense 2 and Versa 4 just a few weeks ago. Still, the uncertainty surrounding Fitbit remains.
5 alternatives to Fitbit
Nobody likes uncertainty. While I’m still a big fan of Fitbit products, I thought it might be helpful to provide some solid alternatives to the most popular Fitbit models, including fitness trackers and smartwatches.
Alternative to the Fitbit Inspire 3: Amazfit Band 7
The Fitbit Inspire 3 and Amazfit Band 7 both feature color AMOLED displays in tiny, lightweight cases. The Amazfit's display is slightly larger than the Inspire 3's, and the whole thing weighs just over 10g more than the Fitbit's.
Still, you'll find many of the same features and capabilities on both models, including 10 days or more of battery life, workout, sleep and stress tracking, heart rate monitoring and even blood oxygen saturation detection.
The Band 7 even has a few tricks up its sleeve that the Inspire 3 doesn't, including wrist-based access to Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant. Better yet, the Amazfit option costs $49, half the price of the Fitbit.
Alternative to Fitbit Charge 6: Garmin Vivosmart 5
The Fitbit Charge 6 is certainly a fitness tracker that's hard to match, in terms of features and technology, hence its high regard in our buying guides, but the closest model is the Garmin Vivosmart 5.
Garmin's latest fitness tracker features a similar low-profile design to the Charge 6 and keeps track of many of the same metrics, all for about the same price. You also get up to a full week of battery life with either model.
However, the Vivosmart has a monochrome display compared to the Charge's color screen. The Garmin also doesn't have built-in GPS, so you'll have to use your phone for location tracking, something Charge 6 owners won't have to worry about.
Those drawbacks aside, the Vivosmart 5 performed well in our tests, proving to be a competent sleep and fitness tracker and a comfortable device to wear 24/7. Oh, and unlike the Charge 6, it comes in two sizes.
Alternative to the Fitbit Luxe: Garmin Lily 2
The Fitbit Luxe may be a little old-school, but it's one of a handful of stylish, affordable fitness trackers that don't skimp on features. The Gamin Lily 2 is another.
These devices certainly have quite different designs: the Luxe looks more like a bracelet while the Lily looks like an elegant watch. Yet, both maintain their elegance by keeping their size and weight minimal and using premium metal materials in their designs.
Neither device has built-in GPS, but both are capable of tracking basic data, like fitness and sleep. The Lily 2 also offers fairly comprehensive female health tracking features, like menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking. You also get contactless payments via Garmin Pay, unlike the Luxe.
The only feature the Luxe has over the Lily is a color display. If you can get past that, the Garmin is a great alternative to the Fitbit.
Alternative to the Fitbit Versa 4: Amazfit Bip 5
The Fitbit Versa 4 shares the same impressive build quality and design as its more expensive smartwatch, the Sense 2, but offers it for just under $200.
However, the Versa 4 isn't the most feature-packed smartwatch on the market. Unlike Apple or Samsung's models, you don't get a huge selection of downloadable apps, but it does offer a bright, beautiful display, basic fitness and health tracking, and voice support for Alexa, Google Maps, and Google Wallet.
Those looking for a similarly affordable smartwatch with plenty of fitness and health tracking features and a few “smart” ones should consider the somewhat oddly named Amazfit Bip 5 . Like the Versa 4, it tracks heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep, stress, and activity. It also has built-in GPS and works well with Alexa and a handful of apps. Did I mention it beats a $600 Polar watch in tracking accuracy?
The build quality isn't as good as the Versa 4, but the Bip 5 is less than half the price. Plus, you get a slightly larger screen.
Alternative to Fitbit Sense 2: Apple Watch SE or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
One of the reasons the Fitbit Sense 2 is an easy smartwatch to recommend to people is the fact that it works with both Android and Apple smartphones. With its demise, things get even more complicated.
Apple fans considering a Sense 2 for its smartwatch and fitness tracking capabilities might be better off opting for an Apple Watch SE (2022).
Both devices are similarly priced and also share a similar design form factor. The Apple Watch SE is a competent tool for monitoring wellness and activity, just like the Sense 2, but offers a lot more features outside of the holistic functions. The only downside is that the battery life of the Apple Watch doesn't match that of the Fitbit Sense 2.
Android loyalists should consider the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch 6, assuming you can find one on sale, as an alternative to the Fitbit Sense 2. Like the Apple Watch, the fitness and wellness tracking tech is up to par, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7 have access to far more apps and features than the Fitbit, even if the battery life is considerably worse.