Wear Radar

Fitbit ChargevsGarmin Venu

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 Venu
Buy/Wait:good

Early in release cycle

Best for: Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch for everyday wear. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The Venu 4 adds ECG and a flashlight to the formula — ideal for anyone who wants a capable lifestyle watch with genuine health monitoring depth.

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Fitbit ChargeGarmin Venu
TierFitness TrackerSmartwatch
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery7 days12 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorsecg, spo2, eda stress, hrecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, nap detection
ReleasedSep 28, 2023Sep 22, 2025
Cycle length731 days746 days
Cycle advicebadgood
Deals advicegreatneutral
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 Venu

ECG and Garmin Body Battery

The Venu 4 adds on-demand ECG (a first for the Venu line) alongside Garmin's signature Body Battery energy score — combining health monitoring and daily readiness in one watch.

Built-in flashlight and speaker

A white/red LED flashlight and a speaker/microphone for hands-free calling — practical features that set the Venu 4 apart from the Venu 3.

Multi-band GPS, 12-day battery

SatIQ multi-band GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, with up to 12 days of battery life in the 45mm model — significantly more than any comparable smartwatch.