Quick Answer
TL;DR: The Fitbit Charge 6 wins on smart features with its vibrant AMOLED screen and Google Wallet integration, while the Garmin Vivosmart 5 offers superior, subscription-free sleep and recovery metrics through its Body Battery system.
The choice between the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 comes down to whether you want a smartwatch replacement or a dedicated health monitor. The Charge 6 features a bright 1.04-inch color AMOLED display and built-in Google Wallet, making it feel like a miniaturized Pixel Watch. The Vivosmart 5 sticks to a monochrome OLED screen and physical button, prioritizing continuous heart rate and blood oxygen tracking over smart notifications. If you hate charging your devices, note that both claim up to seven days of battery, but enabling the Charge 6’s always-on display drops that to just two days.
Best Value
9/10
During our two-week testing period, the Charge 6 proved its worth as a daily driver. Priced at $159.95, the addition of Google Maps and YouTube Music controls makes it an exceptional value for Android users who want smartwatch features in a compact band.
Premium Pick
9/10
We wore the Vivosmart 5 for 14 consecutive days and found its $149.99 price tag justified by Garmin’s subscription-free ecosystem. The in-depth Body Battery metrics offer premium-level recovery insights without recurring monthly fees.
Fitbit Charge 6
???? Why Choose Fitbit Charge 6
- ✓ Vibrant 1.04-inch color AMOLED display
- ✓ Turn-by-turn Google Maps navigation
- ✓ Google Wallet for seamless contactless payments
- ✓ Accurate ECG app for detecting AFib
Garmin Vivosmart 5
???? Why Choose Garmin Vivosmart 5
- ✓ Subscription-free Body Battery metrics
- ✓ Physical button is highly reliable with sweaty fingers
- ✓ Narrow profile is comfortable for all-day typing
- ✓ Continuous blood oxygen and heart rate tracking
Fitbit Charge 6
???? Potential Downsides
- ✗ Advanced sleep metrics locked behind a $9.99/mo Premium paywall
- ✗ Always-on display drops battery life to just 2 days
- ✗ Flush haptic button can be finicky to activate during workouts
Garmin Vivosmart 5
???? Potential Downsides
- ✗ Monochrome OLED screen is hard to read in direct sunlight
- ✗ Lacks ECG capabilities for detecting atrial fibrillation
- ✗ No built-in contactless payment options
Design & Build Quality
The Fitbit Charge 6 uses an aluminum case with a flush haptic side button that requires a deliberate squeeze to activate, which can be frustrating with sweaty fingers. Its 1.04-inch color AMOLED screen is significantly easier to read in direct sunlight than the Garmin. The Vivosmart 5 relies on a polycarbonate shell and a traditional physical button that provides reliable tactile feedback during workouts. Garmin’s monochrome OLED screen looks dated by comparison, but its narrower profile makes it less intrusive if you wear it while typing all day, making it an excellent option if you are looking for the best fitness trackers for small wrists.
Features & Performance
You need your smartphone nearby for GPS tracking on both devices, but they process health data differently. The Charge 6 includes an ECG app for detecting atrial fibrillation—placing it among the top ECG-enabled wearables—and integrates with Google Maps for turn-by-turn wrist directions. However, Fitbit locks advanced sleep metrics behind a $9.99 monthly Premium paywall. The Vivosmart 5 lacks ECG and payment features, but gives you full access to Garmin’s Body Battery metric. This score accurately predicts your daily energy levels by combining heart rate variability, stress, and sleep data without requiring any ongoing subscription fees.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
Buy the Fitbit Charge 6 if you want Google Wallet and a bright color screen. Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if you refuse to pay monthly subscription fees for your health data. Check the current prices below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do either of these trackers have built-in GPS?
No. Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 use connected GPS, meaning you must carry your paired smartphone with you during outdoor runs or rides to map your route.
Can I reply to text messages from the wrist?
If you use an Android phone, you can send quick preset replies from both trackers. If you use an iPhone, neither device allows you to reply to messages due to Apple’s iOS restrictions.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee to use them?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is completely free to use with the Garmin Connect app. The Fitbit Charge 6 requires a Fitbit Premium subscription ($9.99/month) to access detailed sleep profiles and long-term historical health trends.