Fitbit Charge 6 : Long-term Scientific Review (2024)

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Reference devices:
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Timestamps:
00:00 Quick Intro
00:53 Heart Rate Test 1 : Indoor Cycling
05:41 Heart Rate Test 2 : Running
08:25 Heart Rate Test 3 : Outdoor Cycling
11:25 Heart Rate Test 4 : Weight Lifting
14:21 Sleep Test
18:27 Sleep Test : Independent Second Test
20:06 Sleep Test : Comparison w/ Other Watches
22:31 GPS Test
25:27 Recommendations & Conclusions
The Fitbit Charge 6 has improved a lot over the Charge 5, at least in some regards, and this mostly seems to have been achieved using software and not hardware improvements. In this video we will be systematically testing the health and sports tracking of the Fitbit Charge 6 to see what its strengths and weaknesses are, to help you decide if the Charge 6 is the right watch for you. Specifically, we will be testing the heart rate tracking performance, comparing the sleep stage tracking to an EEG reference and looking at the consistency of the GPS tracking. Let’s dive in!
The Fitbit Charge 6 looks more-or-less identical to the Charge 5, however, it does seem to have substantially improved. And, as far as I can tell, this is not because of any major change of the internals of this watch, but it seems to be because of better software. By the way, for those of you that are new to the channel, my name is Rob, and I am a postdoctoral scientist specializing in biological data analysis. So let’s get right to those results, and I want to start off by testing the heart rate tracking performance of the Charge 6 during exercise.
OK, what are my conclusions? Well, if you want pretty good heart rate and sleep stage tracking at a reasonable price, the Fitbit Charge 6 is actually a really good choice. I am impressed with what the folks at Google were able to do, with what I think were mostly software improvements. Only the GPS tracking was really disappointing. Not taking into account the GPS tracking, I would give the Charge 6, 4 out of 5 stars. However, given the poor GPS tracking we would have to deduct at least half a star. However, if you do not care about GPS tracking, it is a very solid choice, and given that you can get it on Amazon for around 140 dollars, that’s not bad at all. The main downside of Fitbit Devices in my experience is that they tend to break quite often. Back in the day, a friend of mine went through about 3 to 4 broken Fitbit Ionics, before Fitbit would no longer send replacements. But at the moment both my Charge 6’s are still working, so maybe Fitbit solved that issue.

[@TheQuantifiedScientist]

🔴 Best place to get a Fitbit Charge 6* ;-) : geni.us/Charge6 🔴 General Amazon link*: geni.us/thequantifiedscientist 🟢 Instagram: instagram.com/quantified_scientist/ 🟠 Shorts: studio.kzbin.info/door/cpARGzXNaC62UQWns2dh2Q 🔵 Newsletter: www.robterhorst.com 🟡 Twitter: @QuantifiedRob * Affiliate (paid) links support the channel by earning me a commission on any sale, and it doesn't cost you any more! My opinions are completely my own, and this content is not sponsored. 🟢Check out Max’s Blog: blog.kto.to/accuracy-fitbit-charge-6-vs-home-psg-eeg-sleep-lab ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 👇 $30 off any new WHOOP membership, affiliate* (paid) link, supports the channel!👇 join.whoop.com/QuantifiedScientist ($30 off any new WHOOP membership) ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 👇Amazon Affiliate* (paid) links. Supports the channel, doesn't cost you any more!👇 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬BEST DEVICES▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🔴 Oura Link: I recommend you search for a discount on reddit with the "Refer-A-Friend" program! If you can’t find one: ouraring.sjv.io/rQ4L33 (affiliate link that supports the channel, but doesn't have a discount) 🔴 Whoop Strap 4.0: join.whoop.com/QuantifiedScientist ($30 off any new WHOOP membership) 🔴 Eight sleep 200$/150$ discount*: eight-sleep.ioym.net/TheQuantifiedScientist + add code “TQS” for 200$/150$ total discount 🔴 General Amazon link*: geni.us/thequantifiedscientist

[@Aditya-cd2lv]

Please review Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 newly launched.

[@NostalgicMem0ries]

cant wait for this too, wonder if squared form will help hr sensor like it helps apple devices

[@aaronmoravek]

He's going to need to go onto the deep dark web to find it. Like eBay.

[@aaakmm1785]

@@aaronmoravekWhy? He lives in Europe so he can buy it in every electronics store.

[@30mattdavies]

Pointless! It’s a shatsung. All wearables from Samsung are crap! Great phones, crap watches

[@aaakmm1785]

@@30mattdaviesMaybe but if confirmed people will no longer wonder.

[@milzar]

Great video Rob! When are you planning to review the Ultrahuman Air?

[@RohitSurw]

Please review Samsung Galaxy Fit 3.

[@miket3652]

Great review Rob. How do you pull the HR values from the wearables to plot on your graphs? Just wondering how to get the data from the Fitbit devices. Thanks!!

[@user-spartium]

Thanks for the video! These quantified reviews should be the most important aspect for choosing wearables, but these are hard to see anywhere else.

[@jeremylehner8652]

Purchssed in Feb this year. Charge 6 is now dead as a door nail. If you are in Australia google doesnt provide warranty as they dont recognise this product and fitbit doesnt do a warranty as they say its a google product. Ive given up never trust google.

[@katherineslattery2]

Great video! Thanks for making this :)

[@pauljones9150]

Love your quality of the work

[@TheQuantifiedScientist]

Thanks so much!😊

[@BazFilmz]

Many thanks You've convinced me to get one Appreciate your work 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@danieljrgensen133]

Rob, the Dreem headband device is still being sold(and even upgraded to Dreem 3), so you should probably look into this. They only stopped selling it for private users(but still offers customer support for owners of the Dreem 2). Since you use it in a professional setting(KZbin business), you might even be able to purchase their latest and greatest headband! 😉 BTW. Your original Fitbit Charge 5 review reports much better percentage accuracy numbers for the sleepstage tracking....perhaps you should address this? 🤔😉

[@TheQuantifiedScientist]

Hi! I retested some things or add more nights of data, so percentages might change to be up to date or more complete. Unfortunately that is the best I can do at this stage. I was in contact with Dreem/Beacon, and they would charge me tens of thousands of euros per year, which I cannot afford😅

[@TheQuantifiedScientist]

I have 3 Dreem 2 bands, but there is no support and no replies from the team at Dreem/Beacon any more

[@danieljrgensen133]

@@TheQuantifiedScientist hello again Rob. Try and do a search on Google on the following article title "Has Dreem invented the ultimate sleep wearable".

[@MrMorton]

I'm glad you refreshed your Charge 6 testing. I have the PW1 now but I decided I really love good health metrics but don't care about a "smart watch." Think I'll just get a good Fitbit band next time (if they keep making them.)

[@emmanuelmayr5895]

Could you please also review the new Galaxy Fit3 and OnePlus Watch2

[@Predi1105]

[@TheQuantifiedScientist]

Thanks for the suggestions! Just ordered a Fit3😊

[@bblackbadgerr]

What about the OnePlus Watch 2?@@TheQuantifiedScientist

[@SoloCristian]

Hi Rob, I've been following your channel for a short while and I really like your content. Really compliments. Can I ask you for advice? In your opinion, what is the most reliable and accurate smartwatch for health and fitness other than Apple?

[@ronan1536]

Nice video like always, I got a charge 6 for Christmas. About the GPS accuracy the few times I used it it was okay (worse than a phone but not all over the place like in the video) but I was using it in an open environment. I think the signals are not powerful so in a city with many buildings it really struggle.

[@Predi1105]

Galaxy Fit3 please! We are very courius whats new about sensors quality.

[@felipemachado6918]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for the review. I’m curious as to why HRV hasn’t been reviewed, given that it’s one of the simplest and *most important* biometrics to measure.

[@jacobstaff549]

Great content very enjoyable...i give one idea...what about do compare PNOE device and watches how accurate they burn calories...❤

[@abhishekthorat1280]

Great video!!! Could you please please review the galaxy fit 3, checking your channel daily for it😭

[@XofWandsMusic]

Lots of great data, thank you. Was basic step tracking accuracy addressed in your tests? I’ve heard fitbits often overcount

[@BigBampot]

Hi Rob. I have hand issues so stopped wearing my Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. As the Charge 6 is smaller, I want to try it. Im only walking, outdoor cycling and interested in Sleep Tracking. Is the Charge 6 generally the same or better for this?

[@Lxncee0]

Hello can you please review the galaxy fit 3? i've gotten one yesterday and i wanna see if its accurate and worth it

[@sharminatiq]

I really enjoy your video. Waiting to see reviews of- 1. One Plus watch 2 2. Xiaomi watch 2 pro

[@dnserror89]

Bedankt voor de review

[@dirtibertfirst]

What an amazing review. Rarely have I had such confidence in a buying choice, backed up by hard data. Thank you. 😃

[@TheContrariann]

*Sir, When is the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 deep evaluation and comparison coming ?*

[@mrigangagrawal5821]

Appreciate your efforts 🎉 Ps- please we need a video on one plus watch 🙏🙏

[@jamescampolo7824]

I always use my phone's GPS along side my Charge 5 mainly to save battery on the Charge but the accuracy of the Samsung S23 is excellent. I have a Charge 6 on the way and I'll keep it paired with my phone for GPS.

[@mboiko]

Great video Rob. Android users in the US can throw out Apple and Huawei products. Once you do that, your quality smartwatch/fitness band choices are much more limited. In light of that, the Fitbit Charge 6 definitely offers a great "bang for the buck"...not to mention the possibility of a 1-week battery life.

[@mari.be.86]

I can confirm the battery life of 1 week. That's something no one else has. Yes, 7 days on 1 charge, Apple watch lasts a maximum of 36 hours.

[@TheQuantifiedScientist]

Thanks for sharing!😊

[@yngvenordahl262]

​​@@mari.be.86Garmin has watches that last for weeks, and some times even months. They have good sleep stage tracking as well, with the exception of the REM stage.

[@MasterChief-119]

Please make a video for samsung fit 3. I have learned a lot from your videos and I am glad that I have found your channel. I really wanna know more about Fit 3 because i am thinking of buying it and I wanna know if it is better than huawei band 8 in heart rate monitoring and sleep cycles.

[@Ataraxia_Atom]

Glad the new one came out, i just picked up my first health tracker fitbit charge 5 for $40

[@jk8559]

As always, a great review. I think that the GPS issue is not that dramatic, you can set it to dynamic mode and use the GPS from a smartphone. That's what I always do, and I have no problems at all with the tracking. I understand that some people do not want to take their phones with them, but i carry mine always with me

[@ernestoponce9894]

how do you get all the RAW data from the device ? I tried exporting the data from Google Takeout but it doesnt have all the info to do some of the graphs you show in your videos.

[@SOz.61]

What do you think about fitness trackers without displays? I'm thinking about a device without a screen and accurate heart rate measuring etc and long battery life. Is there any product like this available which is even cheaper than fitness bands? Or is the Huawei band 8 the best option in this market?

[@zhengyang6693]

Any chance you could do a review on the oneplus watch 2 that was released recently?

[@VishalSingh-jl7oy]

Please review OnePlus watch 2.. need to buy but will take decisions as per your analysis & recommendations. Please do that video

[@macmu1]

I love the scientific approach!!!

[@roykfrost1579]

Great review, would be great to test VO2 MAX on this and another similar devices. In Charge 6 is named cardio fitness score.

[@raphaelpommier4304]

Awesome Rob!

[@ozzicarman]

what is the correlation for the spinning without the outlier session that had a lot of noise?

[@carldunne3866]

Would love to see a review of the ultra human ring v Oura ring gen 3 as the ultra human has NO monthly subscription

[@ricoagustinus1576]

Rob could you review the new software update from Galaxy Watch 6 series? Some people said it more accurate. Thanks in advance

[@BigBampot]

Have you tried the Amazfit Zen Buds?

[@CashMoneyMoore]

Thanks for the review! Watches I'd love to see reviewed: redmi watch 4 & oneplus watch 2 - cheers!

[@HM-hu4hu]

Does it overcount steps by up to 30-40% like some other Fitbits?

[@kunalsharma2098]

Please do a review for the new OnePlus watch 2 and the latest nothing watch.

[@LVArturs]

Is there a way to export the sleep cycle data to a file or 3rd party app without paying for the subscription?

[@cadlefamily]

Can we have a review of the scan watch nova pls

[@Martin_Ptacek]

Is charge 6 good for pool swimming?

[@stargazer3609]

Could you please test Honor Choice Watch as well

[@RajputSaahil]

i already have garmin instinct , apple watch SE, galaxy watch 4,... i want a new one now which will be good in HR dept. as i do weight training and run occasionally ... what would you suggest in under 500dollars

[@mikeLewisville]

I would like to see a test of the OnePlus Watch 2. I almost always use polar h10 during training but want a device that is good for sleep and activity tracking overall

[@Animelove333]

If you don't mind could you add you know brisk walking / power walking or could you at least tell me what would that be equivalent to cuz I bought the watch for that and I also do HIIT training like jumping jacks so these are the situations I use it for so I would love it if you add these or at least give a equivalent like can I use cycling data as like walking data or like at least something. And as for the watch I bought it's not this it's the Huawei band 8 you recommended it for being quite accurate and I really didn't want to spend a lot of money on a watch which I would use for maybe one to two hours I don't track my sleep I don't even wear it all day long I just wear it when I'm exercising

[@lucasinacio1484]

Please, review the redmi watch 4 and the oneplus watch 2.

[@TheAalord]

Please, review xiaomi s3 the new one.

[@berserkkw]

Has the step counter improved on this?

[@dwikisanjaya9737]

Please review coospo h808s, its under 50$, and people says the accuracy simmiliar with polar h10

[@Aman...Gr8.]

Please do a detailed review of Galaxy Fit 3

[@TheContrariann]

*Sir, When is the Samsung GALAXY FIT 3 deep evaluation and comparison with **_GALAXY WATCH 6_** CLASSIC coming ?*

[@yatindrasingh6359]

One Plus Watch 2 review please!!

[@hasandizili2100]

Could you make review for galaxy fit 3

[@vc9105]

I own a charge 6. I found that wearing the band higher up my arm while doing exercises where my arms are swinging gives me better readings. Unfortunately after 6 months mine just became a brick. I should be getting a replacement under warranty soon hopefully.

[@GlitterGuru]

I wonder if there’s a way to flash charge 6 software to a charge 5 🤔

[@MuslimZrAbdellatif]

Please review for oneplus watch 2

[@rohitdhilon]

@TheQuantifiedScientist kindly review oneplus watch 2. As per your reviews pixel watch 2 is best yet. Want to know if oneplus holds up

[@iceman4691]

Please review gshock G-Squad 5600 smartwatch

[@yildiraykomurcu]

We wish to see Ultrahuman ring review.

[@theoimmikhuizen350]

I am curios how accurate the fitbit charge 6 is when you wear it for only tracking heart and sleep and walking .. so not for excercise

[@jakubstepien5645]

Phew, it's relieving to hear a positive review a week after I bought it 😉

[@shmvon]

The Fitbit Charge watches are really good and the battery lasts long (if you don't do long GPS tracking), but Google has messed up the data export functionality, so you can't take your data with you when eventually it breaks.

[@FOREST-9351]

Please please make video on accuracy test of oneplus watch 2

[@dimaspanjiandalantama]

please review garmin forerunner 165 series

[@zerteruz]

This was a real and 5 stars review!

[@akorejepade1261]

Hope you get to test the new Galaxy Fit 3! I compared the SP02 on it with my always low Galaxy Watch 5 and it looks like they fixed the SP02 on Fit3!

[@t49i]

review redmi watch 4 please

[@ali8qureshi]

Please review Huawei band 9 just received

[@shoop9274]

consistenty all devices tend to have better result when comparted to a more sufisticated sleep tracker especially the apple watch... dont you think that the zemax EEG device is not not a good enough baseline to do these tests?

[@PersonManManManMan]

Please review Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4

[@Oceangirl1234]

Great review the u

[@alwinsebastian7499]

waiting for Galaxy Fit 3 review. please compare it with CMF watch.

[@ricardoneves5555]

Please, review the Withings ScanWatch 2.

[@lxMaDnEsSxl]

Sleep most important function, to track, for me, charge 6 looked good in all the graphs [heart rate] except it didn't out-perform and under-performed the inspire 3 and inspire 2, for sleep tracking. Also, if inspire 4 has better HR tracking across sports (like charge6), with it's 1+ week battery, may be good upgrade from inspire 2. Odd inspire 2 still has best sleep tracking on the x-axis from Google/Fitbit. With Inspire3 just marginally behind on xaxis but more consistent on it's worst sleep stage tracking on y-Axis....

[@trex6142]

On outside runs the band has to be rather tight or sunlight ruins the pulse measurement. My last run was spot on. The gps on the six tends to drop signal and isn't as accurate as the versa 3

[@Jaburu]

what about the Luxe?

[@sudhandhanasekaran9891]

Hi.. Your reviews are extremely awesome. Especially, I was amazed by your in depth scientific analysis. CAN PLEASE CHECK/REVIEW/ANALYSE THE ULTRAHUMAN RING AIR?? I am eagerly waiting for you to review that for very long time.

[@jayasuriyas2604]

Please review galaxy fit 3

[@StivenAgoubi]

You should make a video comparing software on the smartphones, which has the best health tracking metrics? Same with their respective mobile apps. What about price? Which gives best bang for your buck?

[@AMARFPV]

Hoi Rob, geweldige content. Zou je de Ultrahuman Ring Air eens kunnen testen? Hoe verhoudt deze zich tot de Oura Ring 3 ? De Ultrahuman vereist geen subscriptie, wat een groot voordeel is in mijn ogen.

[@JulianAndresKlode]

How do you get good data out of a Polar H10 for outdoor cycling? I need to soak it in hot water, rub water all over the chest, as otherwise it will be dead and report stupid shit like 70 bpm or 90 bpm when doing 130 bpm. Maybe I need to replace my strap but it works like 80% of the time. Luckily I have power meter pedals so I don't really need HR much for training stress tracking.

[@JulianAndresKlode]

I also have ECG contact gel but I don't find it more constructive, it works short term but will dissipate over time as the body dries everything back out again.

[@warunniwat]

Please review mi watch 2 and 3

[@Hitesh_Dahiya]

Love your deep scientific analysis.❤ Which one would you recommend Galaxy Watch 4 or Amazfit GTS 4?? For health monitoring accuracy. Specially during strength training.

[@simdencard]

Samsung Watch for better heart rate tracking

[@Hitesh_Dahiya]

@@simdencard all Samsung watches from 4-6 have same sensors in them right? Apart from processor changes.. the one responsible for heart rate tracking spo2 etc are similar right?

[@simdencard]

@@Hitesh_Dahiya They can all do what you have mentioned. Correct.

[@faiqal-samarraieraoufal-sa2475]

can you review the Haylou RS5 next please

[@QuantumBits0]

Please review redmi watch 4

[@felixt1470]

I have several Fitbit charge devices over the years and yes, after 2-3 years the screen went blank. Fitbit always give you 25-35% off another device but that’s no excuse for not making their products durable.

[@jillest]

Redmi Watch 4 please ❤

[@mq6tz4pl2d]

I have found the Charge 6 to be accurate for walks but quite poor for indoor rowing compared to my Polar H10.

[@aaakmm1785]

In this video on youtube "Samsung Galaxy Fit 3: Warum du dir das Geld sparen kannst" there are accuracy measurements of HR. They are really bad. So don't hope for good results on this channel.

[@ritikmusafir7578]

New Galaxy Fit 3 Mr. scientist

[@Andre-yg3qu]

So sad🥲 i was waiting for the new Oneplus watch 2... btw goodjob as always

[@Kuk0san]

I am awaiting with bated breath as my old watch has almost kicked the bucket and so far I like what I've seen from the Oneplus watch 2 but I'd rather get something that will at least somewhat correctly measure my HR when running or cycling 😅 was disappointed to see TicWatch 5 underperform.

[@Andre-yg3qu]

@@Kuk0san yeah me too i ll choose one between Oneplus 2 and Pixel 2, i would the Op coz he s bigger and with better batterylife, i hope it has correct measurements too

[@yoegood]

Huawei Watch Fit SE please

[@g00nther]

I haven't upgraded to the Charge 6 because they took out the altimeter. What's the best tracker with an altimeter?

[@george6252]

Not surprising, Google is watering down Fitbit. Sense 2 and Versa 4 for example have less software than their predecessors. I suspect Fitbit is doomed. This time next year I may be trashing my Fitbits. 😪

[@Pohmetolog]

Whats the point in altimeter? Barometric pressure changes make you gain stairs without having to actually being on stairs