Wear Radar

Garmin Forerunner 965vsFitbit Charge

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Buy/Wait:superseded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 It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.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 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 965Fitbit Charge
TierSports GPSFitness Tracker
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery23 days7 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamicsecg, spo2, eda stress, hr
ReleasedMar 1, 2023Sep 28, 2023
Cycle length806 days731 days
Cycle advicesupersededbad
Deals adviceclearancegreat
Next modelFitbit Charge 7 (Expected 2026)

Why buy each?

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.

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.