Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5
Compare features and trade-offs. Catalog scores are editorial assessments, not customer review averages or proof of hands-on testing.
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Facts and prices checked
The short answer: built-in GPS and Google apps versus a simpler band in Garmin's subscription-free app
Buy the Fitbit Charge 6 if you want to map runs and rides without your phone, see a color AMOLED screen, and use Google Wallet, Google Maps directions and YouTube Music controls from your wrist. It lists at $159.95 on the Google Store. Buy the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if you already use Garmin Connect or want Body Battery and on-device sleep scores in a slim band, and you do not mind carrying your phone for GPS. It lists at $149.99. The deciding factor is GPS: the Charge 6 has it built in, while the Vivosmart 5 borrows your phone's location. Both are rated for up to 7 days of battery and both handle swimming.
Key differences
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Garmin Vivosmart 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.95 list on the Google Store. | $149.99 list, often less at retailers. |
| GPS | Built-in GPS and GLONASS, so the phone can stay home. | Connected GPS only; uses your phone's location for walks, runs and rides. |
| Display | Color AMOLED touchscreen with a side button. | Grayscale OLED touchscreen with a physical button. |
| Battery | Up to 7 days, manufacturer-rated. | Up to 7 days, manufacturer-rated; about 4 days with all-night Pulse Ox, according to the5krunner. |
| Smart features | Google Wallet payments, Google Maps directions and YouTube Music controls; broadcasts heart rate to compatible gym equipment. | Notifications and basic smartphone controls; no payments or music controls. |
| Water resistance | Water resistant to 50 meters. | 5 ATM, with a pool swim profile. |
| Subscription | Core tracking is free; Google Health Premium adds coaching for $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year. | Core tracking is free; Garmin Connect+ is optional at $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. |
| Software support | Google guarantees security updates until at least February 2028. | Launched in 2022; still sold by Garmin. |
Choose Fitbit Charge 6 if…
- you run or cycle outdoors without your phone and want accurate distance and pace.
- you want to pay with Google Wallet or control YouTube Music from your wrist.
- you train on gym equipment that can display your heart rate from a Bluetooth tracker.
Choose Garmin Vivosmart 5 if…
- you already own a Garmin watch or bike computer and want everything in Garmin Connect.
- you want Body Battery, stress and sleep scores without any paid plan.
- you prefer a slimmer, simpler band and always carry your phone on workouts.