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
The Fitbit Charge 6 packs smartwatch-level utility into a slim fitness band profile. You get a crisp 1.04-inch AMOLED display that stays readable in direct sunlight, plus built-in Google Wallet for tap-to-pay at the coffee shop. The haptic side button takes some getting used to, especially with sweaty fingers, but the integration with Google Maps for turn-by-turn wrist navigation makes this an exceptional daily driver for Android users who don’t want a bulky watch.
Premium Pick
9/10
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 justifies its premium status by eliminating recurring subscription fees. While the monochrome OLED screen looks basic compared to modern trackers, the physical button provides flawless tactile feedback during intense workouts. Its real value lies in the Body Battery metric, which accurately synthesizes your heart rate variability, stress, and sleep data into a single daily energy score. It is the ideal choice if you want deep, actionable recovery data without paying a monthly premium.
Fitbit Charge 6
???? Why Choose Fitbit Charge 6
- ✓ Crisp 1.04-inch color AMOLED display
- ✓ Turn-by-turn Google Maps navigation
- ✓ Tap-to-pay via Google Wallet
- ✓ Accurate ECG app for AFib detection
Garmin Vivosmart 5
???? Why Choose Garmin Vivosmart 5
- ✓ Subscription-free Body Battery metrics
- ✓ Reliable physical button for sweaty workouts
- ✓ Slim, unobtrusive polycarbonate profile
- ✓ Continuous blood oxygen tracking
Fitbit Charge 6
???? Potential Downsides
- ✗ Advanced sleep data requires $9.99/mo Premium
- ✗ Always-on display kills battery in two days
- ✗ Flush haptic button is finicky when wet
Garmin Vivosmart 5
???? Potential Downsides
- ✗ Dated monochrome OLED screen
- ✗ No built-in tap-to-pay or ECG features
- ✗ Screen is hard to read in direct sunlight
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.
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 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
Grab the Fitbit Charge 6 if you rely on Google’s ecosystem for payments and navigation. If you want deep recovery metrics without a monthly paywall, get the Garmin Vivosmart 5. Check the links below for current pricing.
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.