Fitbit

Fitbit Charge 5

F
Ranked #16 in Fitness Trackers
0 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

The outclassed old-timer: two generations old, unsupported relative to the current line, and outclassed at its discounted price by the Inspire 3 and Charge 7. Buy the Fitbit Charge 7 or Charge 6 instead.

Consolidated from 23 independent outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

  • 15 positive sources
  • 4 mixed sources
  • 2 unconvinced sources
See the sources
Flagged as a product to avoid

7 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

It is two generations behind the Charge 7, still cross-shopped on marketplaces as discounted old stock, and Google's track record with retired Fitbit hardware is the weakest support story of any major brand here.

Flagged 18 October 2026
  1. It is two generations behind the Charge 7, still cross-shopped on marketplaces as discounted old stock, and Google's track record with retired Fitbit hardware is the weakest support story of any major brand here.

    Flagged 18 October 2026
  2. Two generations old, absent from every current buying guide, and from Fitbit's weakest support era.

    Flagged 18 October 2026
  3. It has been superseded twice over by the Charge 6 and Charge 7, both of which are better trackers for not much more outlay, and it is only attractive via heavy discounts on remaining stock.

    Flagged 18 October 2026
  4. It is the previous generation, and the Charge 6 has replaced it with a newer sensor package and connected GPS; every current guide that names a Charge names the 6.

    Flagged 18 October 2026
  5. Documented screen and battery failures, superseded sensor set, and a direct replacement in the Fitbit Charge 6 that fixes most complaints.

    Flagged 18 October 2026
  6. It is the superseded prior-generation Charge: the Charge 6 adds newer sensors, built-in GPS and an ECG app, and it is the model current guides actually recommend. There is no scenario where the older model is the right buy today.

    Flagged 18 October 2026
  7. Higher price without feature gains over the Charge 6, making it a sub-optimal choice.

    Flagged 27 July 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

Check price

Pros & cons

  • ✓ Previously top pick for fitness tracking
  • ✓ Heavy discounting on remaining stock
  • ✓ Still a capable tracker
  • ✓ Reliable GPS
  • ✓ Color screen
  • ✗ Two generations behind the Charge 7
  • ✗ Still cross-shopped on marketplaces as discounted old stock
  • ✗ Google's track record with retired Fitbit hardware is the weakest support story of any major brand
  • ✗ Superseded by both the Charge 6 and Charge 7, which are better trackers for not much more outlay
  • ✗ Old flagship still pushed by big-box listings on leftover stock

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 1 outlet wouldn't let us check its link.

Evidence 4 articles and 19 video reviews

15 positive sources

B Bandletic bandleticinfo · reviewer · Aug 2025
Overall, the Charge 6 builds on the solid foundation of the Charge 5, offering subtle yet meaningful improvements in usability, smart features, and health tracking precision. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the Charge 6 and Charge 5, covering design, fitness and health features, smart functionality, and usability, helping you quickly decide which tracker best fits your needs.
Read
C CNET CNET · 4.1M subscribers · Sept 2021
The Charge 5 is the best fitness tracker for most people. It has almost the same health sensors as the company's more expensive smartwatches, robust fitness and workout features, plus built-in GPS. Bonus: It costs significantly less than Fitbit's other watches such as the Sense and Versa 3. Update: the Daily Readiness Score and ECG are now active
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M Mashable Tabitha Britt · reviewer · Aug 2023
The Fitbit Charge 5 isn't just a fitness tracker; it can monitor your stress levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. Thanks to its built-in GPS feature, you can also see your real-time pace and distance without checking your phone. Plus, with a seven-day battery life, you can stay on top of your progress for longer without the hassle of recharging.
Read
P PCMag PCMag · 264K subscribers · Sept 2021
With an always-on color touch screen, a sleeker design, and new health tracking features, the Charge 5 is a significant upgrade over the previous model and Fitbit's best fitness tracker yet
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W Wareable Article
Whichever you choose, you’ll receive a top-notch tracking experience that’s easy to access and manage through the Google Health app. However, with the pair also sharing plenty of the same features, we’ve created this comparison guide.
Read
E Everyday Chris Everyday Chris · 183K subscribers · Oct 2021
Is the fitbit Charge 5 a winner? With 7 days of battery life, ECG, and EDA scanning, it seems pretty legit!
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E Erin Lawrence Erin Lawrence · 180K subscribers · Jan 2022
I really like the Fitbit Charge 5 a lot for keeping tabs on my activity, giving me nudges to move throughout the day. I think they’re an easy to use and affordable way to keep tabs on your health. I also like the slim, subtle look of a tracker, and find the Charge line is a good balance between slim and unobtrusive device while still giving you a good size colour screen. The battery life is also phenomenal and I can get my notifications even if Apple doesn’t let me respond to them on my Fitbit. Downsides? I do wish the reminders and notifications came in a little stronger. And I remain not completely sold on the usefulness of the skin temperature sensor and the blood oxygen monitor
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R Rahul Badesra Rahul Badesra · 122K subscribers · Aug 2022
this is my review of the Fitbit charge 5 (2023) after using the fitness tracking device for more than 30 days. I have analyzed the accuracy, price, app features, Fitbit premium membership, GPS data, sleep tracking, SPO2 monitoring, heart bear monitoring, and health analytics monitored by the app. Fitbit charge 5 plays perfect role of the fitness tracking and a watch for me and i have been able to successfully replace my previous watches with this device
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T The French Glow The French Glow · 39.4K subscribers · Nov 2021
I have been using the Charge 5 for 3 weeks and wanted to share my thoughts on it. I explain the features and create a review for a user who uses it to work out but maybe not as much GPS for running. Its easy to use, color screen Amoled, good overall battery life, and very lightweight. I show you all about the Fitbit app and how to set up your charge 5
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T Thomas Tech Thomas Tech · 35.8K subscribers · Dec 2025
Is the Fitbit Charge 5 still worth buying today? Absolutely. Especially if you want a sleek, lightweight tracker that doesn't try to do everything, but focuses on doing fitness and wellness really well. It looks good, feels great, and offers a deep set of insights that you won't get from cheaper bands
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G GamerBody GamerBody · 29.1K subscribers · Nov 2021
After 30 days, the Fitbit Charge 5 is my favorite fitness tracker to date. Take a look and see if this wearable will help improve your muscle building and fat loss results, at home!
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D DIY Life Tech DIY Life Tech · 20.1K subscribers · Jul 2022
So, sleep tracking is one of the best functions on the Fitbit Charge 5, and it's able to track your sleep in a variety of different ways.
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S Strength Sweat Succeed Strength Sweat Succeed · 11.4K subscribers · Aug 2022
And if you ask Gemma, she prefers the Luxe over the Charge 5. Plus, it's good to see Fitbit try something new by making their fitness trackers more fashion-focused. For me though, the Charge 5 is the way to go, especially as it has built-in GPS
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F Fitness With Frost Fitness With Frost · 10.2K subscribers · Oct 2021
Uh, pretty much, I think it's easy to see that the Fitbit Charge 5 is the winner between the two for only $30 more. I think the only real reason you'll be going with the Luxe over the Fitbit Charge 5 is its slim design, especially if you have some smaller wrists
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O Oggie Strong After 60 Oggie Strong After 60 · 1.1K subscribers · Feb 2023
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a great fitness tracker that offers plenty of features for a low price. In this review, we'll tell you all about the features of the Charge 5 and how it performs in the fitness tracking category. If you're looking for a fitness tracker that offers great features and is affordable, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great option. In this review, we'll tell you all about the features of the Charge 5 and how it performs in the fitness tracking category. So be sure to check it out!
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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #16 of 16 on our fitness trackers tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 23 independent outlets.

2 of the 21 sources with a clear view are critical of it: Henry Rawlinson and PiunikaWeb - your daily source of web browser news. Two generations behind the Charge 7. Still cross-shopped on marketplaces as discounted old stock. Google's track record with retired Fitbit hardware is the weakest support story of any major brand. Superseded by both the Charge 6 and Charge 7, which are better trackers for not much more outlay. Old flagship still pushed by big-box listings on leftover stock.

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