I've tried them both: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Fitbit Charge 6
Apple Watch Series 9 has more features, but Fitbit Charge 6 is more affordable
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has been published in Mashable, TechRadar, and many other publications. lifewire's Editorial Guidelines published on May 17, 2024We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. We may receive compensation if you click on a link we provide. learn more.
dilapidated
The Apple Watch was originally released in 2015, and each iteration has become more and more powerful. The latest model, Apple Watch Series 9, will be launched in September 2023. This is a traditional looking smartwatch option.
- 41mm or 45mm GPS + Cellular (above)
- 41mm or 45mm GPS only
- Aluminum case: Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, (Product) Red
- Stainless steel case: gold, silver, graphite
Founded in 2007, Fitbit is the go-to brand for fitness trackers. The company was acquired by Google in 2021, and the Fitbit Charge 6 was released in 2023. It supports Google Maps and YouTube Music, along with everything you'd expect from a fitness tracker.
- coral
- obsidian
- porcelain
41mm/45mm always-on OLED
35×10.7mm/38mm×10.7mm
32.1 to 51.5 grams
Up to 18 hours of battery life
Released in September 2023
1.4-inch full-color AMOLED
38 x 18.5 x 11.6mm
37.64 grams
Battery life up to 7 days
Released in October 2023
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit Charge 6 offer similar functionality, but in relatively different ways. The Apple Watch Series 9 only works with iPhones, while the Fitbit Charge 6 works with Android phones and iPhones.
Both devices track your steps, calories burned, how often you stand, and how active you are. They also all have gamification elements to encourage you to achieve your goals. Fitbit Charge 6 uses active zone minutes and weekly feedback to show you your achievements. There are also badges to unlock. Apple Watch Series 9 goes one step further, offering monthly badges, special events, and its activity ring system to provide you with daily encouragement.
They have temperature sensors, heart rate tracking facilities, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. However, only the Apple Watch Series 9 has a gyroscope for fall detection.
The Apple Watch Series 9 also has a better screen, with either a 41mm or 45mm always-on Retina LTPO OLED display. It has a maximum brightness of up to 2,000 nits, so it looks great even in bright sunlight or dark areas.
In comparison, the Fitbit Charge 6 has a 26mm OLED screen. It looks sharp and is as responsive as the Apple Watch, but there's no room for a more customizable watch face like the Apple Watch. On the contrary, it's very practical, even if it doesn't look very pretty.
Beyond these beauties, the Apple Watch Series 9 looks more like a traditional watch. You can change watch faces, and there are dozens of different styles of straps. I have one strap for working out and another strap for evenings or other occasions.
My watch face is always Snoopy, whenever I see it it looks cute and performs, but the many complications add to the knowledge you can see at a glance. It's possible to swap out Fitbit Charge 6 watch bands, but few are as stylish as those for the Apple Watch. The dial always looks the same.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit Charge 6 have all the basics you need, but the Apple Watch Series 9 has access to the App Store. While watchOS isn't as feature-rich as the iOS App Store, it still has plenty of valuable options, like a countdown app, advanced running tools, music apps, and even a way to watch YouTube on the watch screen.
If you prefer to completely customize your watch and technology experience, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers more options than the Fitbit Charge 6, which requires fewer adjustments.
If you buy an Apple Watch Series 9, you have to carry an iPhone with you. However, if you choose the Fitbit Charge 6, you'll get the same experience whether you're using an Android phone or an iPhone.
If you upgrade your phone and switch between the two options regularly, the Fitbit Charge 6 means the sky's the limit. The Fitbit app works fine in both formats without any differences.
I'm enjoying my time using the Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit Charge 6. They all offer a different experience.
The Fitbit Charge 6 is a slip-on-your-wrist and forget-it device; its battery life is about seven days. It kind of defeats the point, but there's no need to look at it as often as with the Apple Watch Series 9.
The Apple Watch Series 9, on the other hand, feels better and tracks workouts and daily activities more consistently.
The Apple Watch activity ring system is more motivating than Fitbit's "active zone minutes" that show you when you're exercising, or vibrations that remind you to walk a little every hour.
As a runner, both devices track my runs and provide interval workouts, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is easier to set up. I can also see my average running speed after a certain amount of regular running.
The Apple Watch Series 9 looks more interesting on my wrist with its cute watch face and variety of bands, although the Fitbit Charge 6 might blend in better.
If you want a wearable device that can track and monitor your activity, both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 9 will serve your needs well. However, each wearable device has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you want a relatively cheap solution focused on tracking basic stats and workouts, buy the Fitbit Charge 6.
If you want all this plus a smartwatch with extensive app support and incentive features, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the better choice, albeit at a higher price.
As an increasingly active person, I've found the Fitbit Charge 6 to be an ideal introduction to my fitness journey. It's low maintenance thanks to its long 7-day battery life, and it's great to be able to use it with my Android phone and iPhone. It has all the basics to help me understand how I'm progressing.
However, as I delved deeper into running and more advanced workout routines, I found the Apple Watch Series 9 to be the better choice. It's easier to set intervals in my running workouts, and I love seeing my running pace at a glance in the main Fitness app on my iPhone. It also looks more stylish, so you'll feel comfortable wearing it on a night out.
It's more expensive, though, so I'd still recommend the Fitbit Charge 6 to people who don't need more advanced features or have an Android phone.
