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Fitbit Charge 3

Last updated: August 7, 2023


The Fitbit Charge 3 is the best overall pick, thanks to its larger screen and extensive health tracking, which includes calorie burn and more than 15 different exercise modes. It's also swim-proof and easy to use. Most of the watch face options include time, steps and heart rate in view.

Fitbit Charge 3
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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.

Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker, Graphite/Black, One Size (S and L Bands Included)

Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker, Graphite/Black, One Size (S and L Bands Included)
BUY ON AMAZON
$109.99

Product Details

Key Takeaway: A quick glance at your Fitbit Charge 3 gives you an overview of your vitals, plus 15 different exercise modes.

In our analysis of 61 expert reviews, the Fitbit Charge 3 placed 1st when we looked at the top 7 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Get a deeper understanding of your body, your health and your progress with Fitbit Charge 3. This swim proof advanced fitness tracker does more than count steps-it tracks 24/7 heart rate, calorie burn, 15+ exercises, goal progress, sleep and more. Every day, you’ll find valuable insights about your health that will empower you to take action, improve yourself and reach your goals.

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Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

The biggest difference on the Charge 3, is the screen, which is 40% larger.
- Tech Radar
The Charge 3 can now withstand water submersion, so swimmers can track their laps with the new band by activating the new
- Tom's Guide
The Charge 3's grayscale touchscreen OLED is larger than the previous Charge 2. It fits time, steps, and heart rate into most of the selectable watch faces. It's easy to glance at, and swiping up the screen shows other daily fitness goals and stats (stand hours, sleep, distance, stairs climbed and active minutes), while a swipe-down shows notifications.
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Fitbit claims the Charge 3 can last up to seven days off a single charge, up from five on the Charge 2, claims that more than held up in the week and a half I tested it.
- The Verge
On the front, the display is improved: It's now a full touchscreen, and it's more scratch resistant.The display is also noticeably brighter, which makes it easier to view in sunlight.
- Mashable
The Charge 3’s design is one of the many areas where these small changes have had a big impact. It’s a much sleeker device, and more comfortable to wear as a result, sitting flush against your wrist, even if the difference is marginal. Its case is made from aluminium rather than steel, so it’s 20% lighter.
- Trusted Reviews
Fitbit says the Charge 3 will last up to seven days. While it does have a smaller battery, 71mAh to be exact, it’s powering a smaller, less-graphic-intensive display, which doesn’t drain it as much. When we tested the Charge 3, we ran out of juice on the morning of the seventh day — so it lasted us six full days before dying.
- Digital Trends
On the plus side, the Charge 3 packs a bigger battery, with an estimated seven days of use on a single charge. Ultimately, battery life will depend on your usage, but I've been wearing it for nearly a week and still have an impressive 35 percent battery left.
- PC Magazine
The combination of a touchscreen display, an inductive “button” on the side, and clearly labeled icons make the menus easy to navigate. The user-friendly app links you to a robust network of other Fitbit wearers, who can help motivate you.
- New York Times Wirecutter

What reviewers didn't like

Still no onboard GPS.
- Tech Radar
Fitbit now has just one fitness tracker with on-board GPS, the Ionic, which one of the company’s worst-designed devices. I was hoping the Charge 3 would improve upon the Charge 2 by adding GPS, but unfortunately, the new band has to connect to your phone’s GPS to accurately track workouts instead.
- Tom's Guide
Single haptic pressure-sensitive side button isn't customizable to start workouts.
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At launch, it can display notifications from any app on Android or iOS (Windows Phone support is coming soon, seriously), but there’s no way to interact with them at all.
- The Verge
You can also change up the watch face in the Fitbit app, which is a nice option but still a bit clunky. You have to tap into several menus in order to find the options, and actually changing them out takes much longer than it should. The options are also much more limited than with the Fitbit Versa, which is a full-featured smartwatch with a color display.
- Mashable
GPS still remains absent, which Fitbit has said is to keep the size and weight down.
- Trusted Reviews
Charge 3 has a grayscale OLED display that isn’t as lively and exciting.
- Digital Trends
One disappointment is that Fitbit still uses a proprietary charger, so you'll have to shell out for a new one if you lose or break the one in the box.
- PC Magazine

Fitbit Rankings

Fitbit Charge 3

1. Fitbit Charge 3
Fitbit Alta HR

2. Fitbit Alta HR
Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch

3. Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch
Fitbit Flex 2

4. Fitbit Flex 2
Fitbit Versa

5. Fitbit Versa
Fitbit Zip

6. Fitbit Zip
Fitbit Charge 2

7. Fitbit Charge 2
View our Fitbit buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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