Fitbit Charge 5 & Fitbit Charge 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Fitbit Charge 5 rather than the Fitbit Charge 4.
Why Do I Recommend The Fitbit Charge 5?
- The Fitbit Charge 5 features an AMOLED color display for clearer outdoor visibility and easier metric reading during workouts, whereas the Fitbit Charge 4 uses a monochrome OLED display.
- Fitbit Charge 5 includes an ECG sensor to detect potential atrial fibrillation concerns directly from the wrist, while the Fitbit Charge 4 has no ECG support.
- It features an EDA stress sensor for monitoring stress responses and guiding relaxation sessions, whereas the Fitbit Charge 4 does not include an EDA sensor.
- The Fitbit Charge 5 has a PurePulse 2.0 heart rate sensor for improved accuracy during high-intensity training, while the Fitbit Charge 4 uses the older PurePulse sensor.
- Fitbit Charge 5 supports Daily Readiness Score to help you decide when to push harder or recover, whereas the Fitbit Charge 4 does not provide a readiness measurement feature.
- It comes with Always-On Display functionality for continuously visible metrics during exercise, while the Fitbit Charge 4 lacks Always-On Display.
- The Fitbit Charge 5 comes with a stronger aluminum case to provide a more durable and premium feel for long-term daily wear, whereas the Fitbit Charge 4 uses a plastic resin case.
- Fitbit Charge 5 supports NFC payments on all models to ensure universal contactless payment convenience, while the Fitbit Charge 4 supports NFC payments only on Special Edition versions.
Maybe the Fitbit Charge 4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Fitbit Charge 5. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit Charge 4 |
| Display Type | AMOLED Color | Monochrome OLED |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No |
| Display Brightness | Higher | Lower |
| Display Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Screen Shape | Rounded | More Rectangular |
| Material | Aluminum Case | Plastic Resin Case |
| Stress Sensor | EDA | None |
| ECG | Yes | No |
| Heart Rate Sensor | PurePulse 2.0 | PurePulse 1.0 |
| Skin Temperature | Yes | No |
| Daily Readiness Score | Yes | No |
| GPS Generation | GNSS Multi-System | Standard GPS |
| NFC for Payments | All Models | SE Models Only |
| Charge Cable | Magnetic | Clip-On |
| Charge Time | Faster | Slower |
| Haptic Vibration | Improved | Standard |
| Smart Notifications UI | Full Color | Basic Monochrome |
| Watch Faces | Color Faces | Monochrome Faces |
| Band Compatibility | New Proprietary System | Classic Charge Bands |
| Wireless Protocol | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly Heavier |
| Thickness | Slimmer | Thicker |
| Price | Check Charge 5 Price | Check Charge 4 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Step Tracking: Both devices track daily steps to help users maintain awareness of overall activity throughout the day. This metric remains one of the core foundations of fitness motivation in the Fitbit ecosystem.
- Distance Tracking: Both models use motion sensors and GPS data to estimate distance traveled. This is important for users who want to monitor progress in outdoor activities such as walking, running, or cycling.
- Calorie Burn Tracking: Each model estimates calorie burn throughout the day and during workouts. By providing insights into energy expenditure, users can better understand how their daily habits impact fitness goals.
- 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices continuously track heart rate, enabling zone-based exercise feedback and resting heart rate trends. Long-term heart rate data supports improved fitness guidance and stress awareness.
- SpO2 Monitoring: Each model includes blood oxygen data collection during sleep. This helps detect potential variations in breathing that may indicate health concerns like sleep disturbances.
- Sleep Tracking: Both trackers provide automatic sleep duration monitoring. This is valuable for users working on better sleep consistency and recovery.
- Sleep Stages: Each device categorizes sleep into light, deep, and REM stages. Understanding sleep quality helps users identify patterns affecting energy levels throughout the day.
- Smart Notifications: Both allow notifications from the connected phone, keeping users aware of messages, calls, and alerts without needing to look at their phone.
- Swimproof Design: A 50-meter water-resistance rating enables both devices to be used in the pool and protected during activities like showering or rainy weather.
- Built-in GPS: Each device can track pace and routes without requiring a phone. This is helpful for runners and cyclists who prefer to leave their phone behind.
- Women’s Health Tracking: Both models support menstrual cycle logging through the Fitbit app. This offers personalized insights into trends and symptoms.
- Guided Breathing Sessions: Both models use heart rate to guide breathing exercises for relaxation. This supports stress relief and mindfulness practices throughout the day.
- Workout Modes: Each includes multiple exercise presets to help accurately track activities. This allows users to tailor monitoring to specific workouts for better progress tracking.
- Accelerometer: Both include an accelerometer to detect motion for fitness tracking and sleep detection. This sensor sits at the core of most activity features.
- Vibration Alerts: Both devices use haptic vibrations for alarms, notifications, and feedback. This provides a discreet way to receive information and reminders.
- Music Control: Each model can control music playing from the smartphone. This convenience helps users manage playback without pulling their phone out during activity.
- Smartphone App Support: Both devices sync with the Fitbit app, allowing users to review insights and long-term trends. This centralized data tracking enhances ongoing motivation.
- Fitness Reminders: Both devices nudge users when they’ve been inactive for too long. Gentle reminders help encourage movement toward daily goals.
- Move Reminders: Both promote healthier habits by encouraging periodic movement. This can help counter extended sitting time linked with reduced blood flow.
- Bluetooth Sync: Both support syncing to a smartphone using Bluetooth for real-time data updates and setup.
Common Features
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit Charge 4 |
| Step Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Distance Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Calorie Burn Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Stages | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Swimproof Design | 50m | 50m |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Women’s Health Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Guided Breathing Sessions | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Modes | Multiple | Multiple |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Vibration Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone App Support | Fitbit App | Fitbit App |
| Fitness Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Move Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Charge 5 Price | Check Charge 4 Price |
FAQ
Do both Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 4 have built-in GPS? Can the Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 4 track SpO2 levels? Are both models swimproof? Which model has better battery life? Can either device control music? Do both devices support sleep tracking? Which model is better for heart health tracking? Can notifications from a phone appear on both models? Do either Fitbit Charge models support stress tracking? Are the bands interchangeable between Charge 5 and Charge 4? Is Fitbit Pay available on both devices? Do both models work with the Fitbit app? Can these devices help with guided workouts? Do both models require Fitbit Premium for all features? |