Wear Radar

Fitbit ChargevsGarmin Forerunner 965

Fitbit Charge
Buy/Wait:bad

Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming

Best for: Anyone who wants serious health and fitness tracking without the bulk or cost of a full smartwatch. Works with both Android and iPhone, making it the most accessible Fitbit tracker in the lineup.

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Garmin Forerunner 965
Buy/Wait:superseded

This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.

Best for: Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.

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Fitbit ChargeGarmin Forerunner 965
TierFitness TrackerSports GPS
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery7 days23 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorsecg, spo2, eda stress, hrhr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics
ReleasedSep 28, 2023Mar 1, 2023
Cycle length731 days806 days
Cycle advicebadsuperseded
Deals advicegreatclearance
Next modelFitbit Charge 7 (Expected 2026)

Why buy each?

Fitbit Charge

ECG and EDA stress in a slim band

Full ECG, electrodermal activity stress sensing, SpO2, and continuous heart rate in a tracker thinner than most smartwatches.

Google apps integration

Google Maps navigation, Google Wallet NFC payments, and YouTube Music controls — more useful on-device apps than any previous Charge.

7-day battery with GPS

7 days of typical use, dropping to around 30 minutes per GPS workout session before needing a charge.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Full color topographic maps

Turn-by-turn navigation on full TopoActive maps — essential for trail running and mountain racing.

Running dynamics metrics

Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and running power.

23-day battery and 31h GPS

Enough for week-long trail ultras without a charge.