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Fitbit Charge 4 Vs Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureFitbit Charge 5Fitbit Charge 4
Display TypeAMOLED ColorMonochrome OLED
Always-On DisplayYesNo
Display BrightnessHigherLower
Display SizeLargerSmaller
Screen ShapeRoundedMore Rectangular
MaterialAluminum CasePlastic Resin Case
Stress SensorEDANone
ECGYesNo
Heart Rate SensorPurePulse 2.0PurePulse 1.0
Skin TemperatureYesNo
Daily Readiness ScoreYesNo
GPS GenerationGNSS Multi-SystemStandard GPS
NFC for PaymentsAll ModelsSE Models Only
Charge CableMagneticClip-On
Charge TimeFasterSlower
Haptic VibrationImprovedStandard
Smart Notifications UIFull ColorBasic Monochrome
Watch FacesColor FacesMonochrome Faces
Band CompatibilityNew Proprietary SystemClassic Charge Bands
Wireless ProtocolBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 4.0
WeightLighterSlightly Heavier
ThicknessSlimmerThicker
PriceCheck Charge 5 PriceCheck 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

FeatureFitbit Charge 5Fitbit Charge 4
Step TrackingYesYes
Distance TrackingYesYes
Calorie Burn TrackingYesYes
24/7 Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
SpO2 MonitoringYesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Sleep StagesYesYes
Smart NotificationsYesYes
Swimproof Design50m50m
Built-in GPSYesYes
Women’s Health TrackingYesYes
Guided Breathing SessionsYesYes
Workout ModesMultipleMultiple
AccelerometerYesYes
Vibration AlertsYesYes
Music ControlYesYes
Smartphone App SupportFitbit AppFitbit App
Fitness RemindersYesYes
Move RemindersYesYes
Bluetooth SyncYesYes
Price Check Charge 5 Price
Check Charge 4 Price

FAQ

Do both Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 4 have built-in GPS?
Yes, both models have built-in GPS for tracking outdoor walks, runs, and rides without needing a phone. The Charge 5 uses a more modern GNSS system designed for improved accuracy and faster locking.

Can the Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 4 track SpO2 levels?
Yes, both can track overnight blood oxygen levels to provide additional sleep and wellness insights. The data appears in the sleep details section of the Fitbit app.

Are both models swimproof?
Yes, both are rated to 50 meters of water resistance, making them suitable for swimming, showering, and everyday wear in wet environments.

Which model has better battery life?
Fitbit Charge 4 generally lasts longer on a single charge, especially with GPS usage. The AMOLED display on Charge 5 uses more power, reducing endurance compared to Charge 4’s monochrome screen.

Can either device control music?
Both models support basic music controls when connected to a phone. However, neither model supports onboard music storage for playback without a phone.

Do both devices support sleep tracking?
Yes, they automatically track sleep duration and sleep stages every night. Users can review trends like deep, light, and REM sleep in the Fitbit app.

Which model is better for heart health tracking?
Fitbit Charge 5 includes ECG for atrial fibrillation checks and PurePulse 2.0 for enhanced accuracy. Charge 4 tracks heart rate 24/7 but does not include ECG functionality.

Can notifications from a phone appear on both models?
Yes, messages, calls, and app alerts can be mirrored from a paired phone. Notifications appear more visually enhanced on the Charge 5’s color screen.

Do either Fitbit Charge models support stress tracking?
Both support basic stress management tools through heart rate and breathing guidance. Charge 5 goes further with EDA scanning to help detect physical stress responses.

Are the bands interchangeable between Charge 5 and Charge 4?
No, each model uses a different band attachment system. Bands from Charge 4 will not fit Charge 5 and vice versa.

Is Fitbit Pay available on both devices?
Yes, both support contactless payments, but Charge 4 only includes NFC on Special Edition variants. Charge 5 has NFC on all models.

Do both models work with the Fitbit app?
Yes, both sync seamlessly with the same Fitbit app for data viewing, insights, and long-term progress tracking. Features may vary depending on device capability.

Can these devices help with guided workouts?
Both can track many exercise types with real-time stats. Charge 5 enhances the experience with a brighter screen and improved sensor data.

Do both models require Fitbit Premium for all features?
No, both provide many core features without Premium, such as activity, heart rate, and sleep tracking. However, more advanced recommendations, wellness reports, and readiness metrics are locked behind Fitbit Premium, especially on Charge 5.