Fitbit is the OG of fitness trackers, but is the Samsung watch superior?

Fitbits and Samsung smartwatches are both excellent devices that can help you stay on top of your health and fitness goals. But is one clearly the best? The Fitbit and Samsung watch both have plenty to offer fitness enthusiasts, but there are critical distinctions between the devices that might make you prefer one over the other.

To determine which device reigns supreme, the BestReviews Testing Lab did some of the heavy lifting for you by testing two Fitbits and two Samsung watches. We conducted a thorough analysis of all their primary features and provided insights into performance and details on design and functionality. 

Certainly, the watches from Fitbit and Samsung are very similar, so it’s hard to go wrong with either brand. But although we loved the Fitbit Charge 6 and Sense 2, the Samsung Watch6 and Samsung Watch6 Classic have more to offer the average user.

Fitbit vs. Samsung watch: What they do well

The Fitbit and Samsung watch excel as lifestyle improvement devices that can track health and fitness metrics and function as an extension of your smartphone.

With a Fitbit or Samsung watch, you can do everything you’d want a smartwatch to do, such as take phone calls, send messages, control music playback and track your workouts. Here are some of their benefits. 

Fitbit benefits

• Accurate: In our tests, we found its sensors to be accurate. It tracked sleep and workouts just as well as an Apple Watch, and the built-in GPS let us track outdoor activities effectively.
• Attractive, lightweight design: Fitbits not only track activities well, but they look great, too. They’re available with bracelet wristbands and traditional smartwatch styles, and we found them to be more lightweight than the average smartwatch. 
• Long-lasting battery life: Fitbits offers excellent battery life, which can last as long as a week on some models. After wearing the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Sense 2 for two days straight, we were impressed that the battery only dipped to around 65%.  
• User-friendly interface: We found it very easy to navigate the Fitbits we tested, and their bright, easy-to-read screens were highly responsive. 
• Provides multiplatform compatibility: You can use any Fitbit with both iOS and Android devices.  

Samsung watch benefits

• Accurate sensors and GPS: When it came to monitoring our health and exercise, Samsung offered very accurate sensors and GPS for tracking.  
• LTE availability: Instead of needing to be connected via Bluetooth to a phone, Samsung watches are available in LTE models, which makes them the best choice for phone functionality.
• Versatile style: We found Samsung smartwatches to have a premium design and durable build, with more colors to choose from than Fitbits. Plus, multiple case sizes are available depending on the model. 
• Plenty of power: Samsung’s smartwatches offer a more robust and customizable operating system than a Fitbit, offering support for non-Samsung apps. 
• Impressively fast: In our tests, the Samsung watches were quick to charge, highly responsive to touch and functioned seamlessly. 

What they could improve

Although the Fitbit and Samsung watch are terrific health-tracking and smartwatch devices, there are certainly a few areas where each can take some pointers from the other.

Fitbit drawbacks

• Lacks smartwatch functionality: Not as functional or practical as a smartwatch, Fitbits are pricey considering the lack of sufficient smartwatch functionality.
• Subscription fees: Fitbit Premium is required for detailed health and fitness insights.
• Limited features: Compared to the average Samsung smartwatch, we found Fitbit’s smart features to be lacking.

Samsung watch drawbacks

• Poor sleep tracking: We found sleep tracking to be mediocre at best on the Samsung Watch6 and Watch6 Classic.
• Needs a Samsung phone: The Samsung watches we tested worked optimally only when synced to a Samsung Galaxy phone.
• Short battery life: The battery life is sufficient for casual smartwatch usage but subpar for heavy exercise or endurance training.

Top Fitbit models

We tested two Fitbit models to see how well they perform and how they compare to the Samsung watch. The first model we tested was the Fitbit Charge 6, a wristband-style fitness tracker that’s excellent for exercising and tracking health. The second model was the Fitbit Sense 2, a smartwatch-style tracker with more features and functionality that make it more similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch6.

Fitbit Charge 6

The Fitbit Charge 6 is one of the best trackers for those who want a lightweight wearable for exercising.

Battery life: 7 days | Connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi): Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Up to 50 m

If you’re looking for a watch to track your health stats that doesn’t feel bulky on your wrist, the Fitbit Charge 6 is for you. When testing this device, we started by analyzing its displays and navigation. It features an AMOLED touch screen with three brightness levels, so it was easy to see even when we were in a dimly lit area at night. And we were pleased with how responsive it was. 

Health sensors provided accurate readings for ECG, blood oxygen and stress levels. Sleep monitoring and heart and breathing rates proved to be accurate and consistent as well. We also liked the daily morning reports that offer valuable insights into sleep patterns, such as restlessness and time spent in sleep stages.

Step count, heart rate monitoring and distance tracking for exercises, such as jogging and cycling, were also accurately tracked (we compared the Fitbit’s data to an Apple Watch that we wore at the same time, and the two had identical numbers). After we wore it for two days straight, the battery life dropped to just 60%, which was impressive. Its smart features were also stellar, with notifications dropping almost as soon as the connected phone received them.

Overall, we loved the Fitbit Charge 6 and recommend it to athletes or anyone who wants something lightweight for working out that delivers accurate readings.

Fitbit Sense 2

Are you feeling stressed? The Fitbit Sense 2 has an automatic sensor that alerts you when stress levels are high.

Battery life: 6 days | Connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi): Yes | Activity Tracking Modes: 40+ | Sleep Tracking: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes

While the Fitbit Charge 6 is slim and discreet, the Fitbit Sense 2 is the preferred choice for those who want something that more closely resembles a traditional smartwatch. However, even though it has a bulkier watch face, what we love about this Fitbit is that it’s much more lightweight and minimalist than the average smartwatch while still offering comparable functionality.

In our tests, it was comfortable to wear for extended periods, and its battery life proved to be superb, dropping to just 65% after two days of wearing it. Alexa is responsive, and phone and call notifications appear almost immediately. Exercise tracking is fantastic, with readings as accurate as the Fitbit Charge 6, and the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The Fitbit Sense 2 is a terrific choice for health and fitness enthusiasts who want something more functional than the Fitbit Charge 6. It’s bulkier, but smart features such as the ability to take calls and send messages without hassle make it the better option for those who want to use their phone less.

Top Samsung watch models

The two Samsung watches we tested — the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic — are the latest in Samsung’s high-end smartwatch lineup and have plenty in common. However, after thorough testing of both devices, we noticed a few distinctions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch6

The Galaxy Watch6 ECG feature only works if it’s synced to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Display Type: AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 40 hr | Operating System: Wear OS | Connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/LTE): Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE | Compatibility (iOS/Android): Android

The Galaxy Watch 6 is the entry-level Samsung watch and offers tons of exciting features. Although it’s not as stylish as the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, which we’ll get into soon, the Galaxy Watch6 looks fantastic. Its smart features are a major highlight, as it boasts superb responsiveness and clarity of phone notifications, and there’s broad support for non-Samsung apps. Plus, it’s easy to customize notifications.

Its high-quality build is noticeably more robust than the Fitbit Sense 2’s, and it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods. Haptic feedback and display responsiveness are fantastic, and all health tracking, with the exception of sleep tracking, is as accurate as the Fitbit.

Those who want something stylish to wear every day with several smart and fitness features will love this watch. It’s also cheaper than the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, so it might be the best option for those shopping on a budget.

Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic 

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic’s battery life is about the same as the Galaxy Watch6.

Display Type: AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 40 hr | Operating System: Wear OS | Connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/LTE): Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE | Compatibility (iOS/Android): Android

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is an upgrade from the Galaxy Watch6, and it’s most noticeable in its design, which features a neat rotating bezel that was fun to use and made us feel like we were in a modern-day spy movie. However, the bezel isn’t just for show. It functions as a navigator for toggling between tiles and apps. This watch also has a stainless steel case, which is superior to the aluminum case you’ll see on the Galaxy Watch 6.

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic has the edge in design and build quality, but in terms of performance, it isn’t very different from the Galaxy Watch6. The display is slightly bigger, which can make a world of difference for those who use their smartwatch a lot, but everything else is essentially the same. The smart features work just as well, the sensors are equally accurate, and the battery life is virtually identical, with both devices lasting about 25 to 30 hours with moderate usage.

It’s more expensive than the Galaxy Watch6, but if you want a larger display and a rotating bezel for improved design and aesthetics, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic is worth your time.

Fitbit vs. Samsung functionality

Fitbit and Samsung both prioritize functionality and performance with their wearables. Although both devices are designed to serve a similar purpose, there are a handful of crucial distinctions you should be aware of before choosing one over the other. Neither is perfect, but the features, function and style you value most will be the ultimate determinate.

Health and fitness sensors comparison

The sensors of both Fitbits and Samsung watches are fantastic. When we tested all four models, we noticed accurate readings and discrepancies were never significant. All four models have a heart rate monitor, step counters, sleep tracking and built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts. In addition, all models were compared with the sensors of the Apple Watch Series 9 and delivered comparable results. For context, step counting only had a marginal difference when we tested all four devices, as readings were always within 500 steps of each other, a relatively small number.

Battery life comparison

Fitbit wins the battery life contest by a landslide. The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic only last approximately 30 hours with moderate use, while the Fitbit Sense 2 can last up to six days. The Fitbit Charge 6 is even better, boasting a battery life that can last up to a week. All four devices charge relatively quickly, but you’ll undoubtedly have to charge either Samsung watch more frequently than you would any Fitbit device.

Smart features comparison

Although the Fitbit Sense 2 and Charge 6 both offer smart features, they’re not as reliable or versatile as a Samsung watch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic are both designed to sync seamlessly with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, making app integration more fluid. However, we must also mention that Samsung watches only works with Android devices, while Fitbits work with both iOS and Android.

Samsung’s Wear OS isn’t as user-friendly as Fitbit’s native operating system, but it’s much more robust and customizable, offering support for non-Samsung apps. The Fitbit Sense 2 delivers some phone notifications but doesn’t work as well with other apps, while the Samsung watch delivers detailed notifications from any compatible app. It’s also important to mention that the Samsung watches are available in LTE models, while both Fitbits only work when connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone. That makes the Samsung watch superior for phone functionality and smart features.

Pricing

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the most expensive Fitbit, retailing for $300, on Amazon, while the Fitbit Charge 6 is the most expensive wristband-style tracker, costing $160, on Amazon. The price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic depends on the case size and whether it has LTE capabilities. However, the entry-level model for the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 starts at $300 on Samsung and the Galaxy Watch6 Classic at $450 on Samsung.

Bottom line

Both brands are excellent, but for the money you’ll spend on a Fitbit, you might be better springing for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch6 Classic, as they offer superior smart features and functionality. However, Fitbits have better battery life and are best for serious athletes and health tracking, so if that’s more important to you, either the Sense 2 or Charge 6 is a terrific choice.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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