Fitbit vs Garmin: Which Fitness Tracker Is Right for You?
Fitbit and Garmin both strap to your wrist and count your steps, but they're aimed at very different people. Fitbit is for the person who wants to move more, sleep better, and see their stats in a clean app without drowning in data. Garmin is for the runner who wants to know their VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and race predictions down to the second. Same category, wildly different vibes. If you're just getting into fitness or want a straightforward health tracker, start with Fitbit. The Charge 6 is their best all-arounder — it has Google integration now, built-in GPS, and tracks everything from heart rate to stress. The app is intuitive and actually fun to check. The Inspire 3 is even simpler and cheaper if all you want is steps, sleep, and heart rate. But if you're training for a marathon, doing triathlons, or just take your running seriously, Garmin is on another level. The Forerunner 265 has an AMOLED screen, multi-band GPS that's insanely accurate, and training metrics that'd make a sports scientist nod approvingly. It costs more, but serious athletes will use every feature. The Venu 3 splits the difference — it's Garmin's most lifestyle-friendly watch with a gorgeous screen and smart features alongside the fitness tracking.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker | Fitness-Tracker | Built-in GPS | Buy on Amazon |
| Garmin Venu 3 GPS Smartwatch | Smartwatch | 14-day battery life | Buy on Amazon |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Tracker | Fitness-Tracker | 10-day battery life | Buy on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch | Running-Watch | Stunning AMOLED display | Buy on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS Running Watch | Running-Watch | Multi-band GPS delivers accurate pace and distance | Buy on Amazon |
| Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker | Fitness-Tracker | Built-in GPS tracks outdoor runs and rides without a phone | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Advanced fitness tracker with built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring. Google integration with Maps, Wallet, and YouTube Music. 40+ exercise modes with automatic workout detection. 7-day battery life with always-on display option.
- Built-in GPS
- Google integration
- 7-day battery life
- 40+ exercise modes
- Monthly Premium subscription for some features
- Small display
Garmin Venu 3 GPS Smartwatch
Advanced GPS smartwatch with AMOLED display and comprehensive health tracking. Sleep coach, Body Battery energy monitor, and nap detection. Built-in speaker and microphone for Bluetooth calls. Up to 14-day battery.
- 14-day battery life
- Bluetooth phone calls
- Advanced sleep coaching
- Bright AMOLED display
- Expensive
- App ecosystem smaller than Apple Watch
Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Tracker
Slim always-on color display tracks steps, heart rate, sleep stages, and stress levels 24/7. Up to 10 days of battery life means you charge it about three times a month. Daily Readiness Score tells you whether to push hard or take it easy.
- 10-day battery life
- Daily Readiness Score
- Sleep stage tracking
- Slim comfortable band
- No built-in GPS
- Small display hard to read
Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch
Brilliant AMOLED display shows running metrics at a glance in direct sunlight. Training Readiness and Morning Report analyze sleep, HRV, and stress to plan your day. Multi-band GPS provides accurate pace and distance even in urban canyons and forest trails.
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Training Readiness Score
- Multi-band GPS accuracy
- 13-day battery in smartwatch mode
- No offline music on base model
- Touchscreen and buttons take getting used to
Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS Running Watch
The Garmin Forerunner 255 tracks running dynamics, heart rate, sleep, stress, and training readiness through its multi-band GPS and advanced sensors. Training status and daily suggested workouts adapt to your fitness level over time. Battery life reaches up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
- Multi-band GPS delivers accurate pace and distance
- Training readiness adapts suggestions to recovery status
- Up to 14 days battery in smartwatch mode
- No onboard music storage
- Advanced metrics have a learning curve to interpret
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Charge 5 includes built-in GPS for outdoor activity tracking, an AMOLED display, and a Daily Readiness Score that uses heart rate variability, activity, and sleep data to recommend whether to exercise or recover. ECG app and EDA stress sensor provide cardiovascular and stress monitoring capabilities not found on basic fitness trackers. A 7-day battery life and Fitbit Premium trial make it a comprehensive health tracking platform.
- Built-in GPS tracks outdoor runs and rides without a phone
- Daily Readiness Score intelligently guides training decisions
- ECG and EDA sensor provide advanced health monitoring data
- Fitbit Premium subscription unlocks the most valuable features
- AMOLED display is not always-on by default to preserve battery
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more accurate for step counting and heart rate?
They're both very close for steps — within a few percent of each other. For heart rate, Garmin's newer sensors edge out Fitbit during intense exercise, but for resting heart rate and daily tracking they're essentially the same. Neither replaces a chest strap for serious HR training though.
Does Fitbit or Garmin have better battery life?
Garmin wins this easily. The Forerunner 255 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. Fitbit Charge 6 gets about 7 days. If always-on display matters to you, Garmin still lasts longer. Fitbit's battery is fine for most people, but Garmin is the clear pick if you hate charging.
Which has the better app?
Fitbit's app is friendlier and more fun to use day-to-day. The dashboard is clean and the social features are solid. Garmin Connect is more powerful but way more overwhelming — there's data everywhere. Casual users will prefer Fitbit. Data nerds will love Garmin.
Can I use Fitbit or Garmin without a phone?
Both work standalone for basic tracking, but you need a phone for setup, syncing, and getting the most out of either one. Garmin watches with GPS work independently for runs — you can leave your phone at home. Fitbit models with built-in GPS (like the Charge 6) can do this too, but Garmin's GPS is more accurate.