Fitbit Charge 2
Last updated: July 17, 2020
We looked at the top Fitbits and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Fitbit you should buy.
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Incorporates Pure Pulse heart rate monitor and other convenient features for a good price.
Fitbit has improved the materials used in its straps dramatically over the past five years. The original Charge launched with a strap that irritated a lot of people's skin, but this new version was comfortable throughout our review period.It felt comfortable, and compared to many other fitness trackers this is a lot easier to wear throughout the day.
The Fitbit app, which was recently redesigned, has a user-friendly interface. At the top of your dashboard you’ll see your steps for the day, with arrows on either side to jump a day before or forward again; below that are snapshots of floors climbed, miles traveled, calories burned, and minutes of exercise.
The main change with the Fitbit Charge 2 is its more sizeable display – it’s four times larger, in fact. This means significantly more at-a-glance information and better handling of notifications from your connected smartphone.
Overall this model was very easy to use, very accurate for counting steps, and very good at measuring heart rate accuracy.
The Charge 2's new selection of watch faces and the larger vertical LED display mean I can see time, steps and heart rate all at once.
It has bigger screen means you can see more stats at a glance.
- Engadget
The Charge 2's heart rate monitor proved more accurate. In addition to resting heart rate, the Charge 2 can also estimate your VO2 Max score, which it dubs "Cardio Fitness."
It is easy to use and syncs automatically with many different devices.
Fitbit Charge 2 personalises its guided breathing exercise by taking your heart rate to find a good rhythm, making sure you're not inhaling too deeply or exhaling too quickly. This is actually the debut of some serious new tech for Fitbit, and is the first time heart rate variability has been used on its devices.
- Wearable
Charge 2 finds a more natural place in Fitbit’s new-look lineup – not least because it’s the cheapest model to offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring.
- Alphr
What reviewers didn't like
Can't be submerged or worn in the shower
You won't be able to wear the Charge 2 in the shower or when swimming, though
Fitbit added a big display and multiple-sport modes to the wristband… but didn’t add a pause function. No button, no tap-to-pause option, nothing. So if you need to stop during a workout — to tie your shoe, wait for a friend, or catch your breath — you can’t. It’s also not waterproof.
Annoyingly, maybe one in four times the display failed to turn on automatically. There is a button on the side to manually turn it on and toggle through the different displays, but for times when your other hand is occupied, the finicky display is a frustration.
Requires included proprietary charging cable which can be expensive and time consuming to replace
Not water-resistant for swims or showers.
Unwieldy guided breathing implementation.
- Engadget
I do wish the Charge 2 were waterproof, or at least water-resistant, like the vivosmart HR. While you can splash a little bit of water on it, taking it swimming is a no-no.
Heart rate sensor doesn't always work properly.
It is a little annoying that you can't scroll back, and instead must keep tapping to get back round to a previous screen that you might have missed. There aren't a lot of screens to go through but it's still a hassle if you're in a rush.
- Wearable
View our Fitbit buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.