Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5
The Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 represent two different philosophies in fitness tracking: Google's subscription-powered ecosystem versus Garmin's buy-once approach. Both deliver solid fitness fundamentals, but the Charge 6's built-in GPS and ECG sensor give it a slight edge in our DriftScore rankings (82 vs 80).
Fitbit Charge 6
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Specifications compared
| Spec | Fitbit Charge 6 | Garmin Vivosmart 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.95 | $149.99 |
| DriftScore | 82/100 | 82/100 |
| Display | 26mm AMOLED | 0.84" OLED |
| Battery | 7 days | 7 days |
| GPS | Built-in | Connected (via phone) |
| Sensors | ECG, SpO2, heart rate | Pulse Ox, heart rate, stress |
| Water Resistance | 50m | Swim-proof |
| Weight | 15g | — |
| Features | — | Body Battery energy monitoring |
Score breakdown
Our verdict
Choose the Fitbit Charge 6 if you want built-in GPS for phone-free runs and don't mind paying for Fitbit Premium after 6 months. Its DriftScore of 82/100 reflects superior hardware features like ECG monitoring and 40+ exercise modes. However, if you prefer avoiding subscriptions entirely, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 at $149.99 delivers excellent value with its free Garmin Connect ecosystem and genuinely useful Body Battery feature. The $10 price difference isn't significant—your stance on subscriptions should drive this decision.
Frequently asked questions
Does Garmin Vivosmart 5 have GPS?
No, the Vivosmart 5 lacks built-in GPS and relies on your phone's GPS for location tracking during workouts. The Fitbit Charge 6 includes built-in GPS for phone-free runs and walks.
Which fitness tracker doesn't require subscription?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 requires no subscription—all features are free with the Garmin Connect app. The Fitbit Charge 6 includes 6 months of Fitbit Premium, then requires a paid subscription for advanced features like detailed health insights.
Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5 battery life
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers up to 7 days of battery life with typical use. Garmin doesn't specify exact battery life for the Vivosmart 5, but typical usage yields 5-7 days depending on features used.