Fitbit Charge 5 Review
Summary: The Fitbit Charge 5 provides the user with an excellent fitness and health monitoring device.
5
Holistic monitoring!
| Official Description: Fitbit Charge 5 + Premium connects the dots between your activity, sleep and stress so you can make the best decisions for your body, mind and health. It all starts with your 6-month Premium membership and Daily Readiness, a score based on activity, sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) that helps you optimise your workout routine. Your score comes with personalised activity recommendations: low means go easy and recover—light yoga, deep breathing—while a high score gives you the green light to go all out. Enhance your recovery routine with advanced stress-management tools like the on-wrist EDA sensor. Stay ahead of heart health with atrial fibrillation (AFib) heart rhythm assessments using the on-wrist ECG app.* And you’ll always have motivation to reach new goals with hundreds of guided workouts, a gallery of refreshing mindfulness sessions plus the fitness features you know and love like Active Zone Minutes and built-in GPS.
– Daily Readiness Score, Stress Management Score & EDA sensor |
The Review
The Fitbit Charge 5 has arrived and Fitbit continue to redefine their Charge series with their latest model successfully taking your fitness and health to a new level courtesy of its physical monitoring features and clever companion app. With GPS, electrocardiogram and atrial fibrillation heart rhythm tracking, a SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen levels plus an impressive 7-day battery and the new Charge 5 really delivers that holistic health experience.
From a personal health perspective, the ability to warn the user of either a low or high heart rate is a technological godsend and could be a lifesaver for some. Additionally, the watch supports Fitbit’s new Daily Readiness Score with their subscription service that in conjunction with your biometrics, it will fine-tune your daily activity goals so you’re not exercising when you’re unwell. While there is a cost to use this feature, the Charge 5 comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium membership which gives you full access to all the features of this app, including guided workouts and detailed fitness and health statistics. The ongoing subscription cost is $9.99USD ($14AUD) per month or $79.99USD ($112AUD) annually which is reasonably priced.
Well packed from FitBit, the new Charge 5 is 10% smaller than the previous model and still maintains the stylish appearance of its predecessor but now with a metallic case which improves its overall aesthetics. In terms of colours, the Charge 5 is available in three colour combinations that include black/graphite, steel blue/platinum and or white/gold. Infinity bands are also supported by the Charge 5 that makes swapping between bands a breeze thanks to its quick-release functionality.
Complementing its design is the high-quality AMOLED touchscreen which is super vibrant and clear, including being protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for additional screen protection. Unlike the Charge 4, its new sibling now supports colour which makes navigating the watch far superior and the improved screen quality makes it easier to read on a bright sunny day. For those that want quick access via a quick glance, the Charge 5 does support an always-on display option, however it does consume more battery.
Price wise, the FitBit Charge 5 retails for $269AUD (December 2021) which is great value for money as it contains similar features to this companies higher-end smartwatches such as the Versa 3 and its competitors. Interestingly, there are no physical buttons on the Charge 5 and all navigation is done through the touch screen that is a mixture of swiping and double taps. While it is intuitive, it will take new users some time to familiarise yourself with it.
Setup
Once unboxed, the first thing to do is download the Fitbit app which is still one of the best fitness and health trackers around. Android users can also access Google Fast Pair once the app is installed on your phone which makes completing the setup a very easy process as it automatically brings you to the pairing screen. Once connected, you are greeted to a well-presented app that is not only easy to navigate but quickly allows you to check your statistics from a wide number of areas that it monitors.
Additionally, your phone will send notifications to the Charge, including phone calls and text messages with Android users having the option of sending quick replies. Further the app allows you to change clock faces to suit your tastes and needs, including tap and go payments. One missed opportunity from Fitbit is the lack of customisation with the clock faces or personal gallery photos. Thankfully there’s plenty to choose from.
The apps on the Charge 5 itself include Alarms, Exercise, EDA Scan, Notifications and Timers. While you can access your daily stats such as the Active Zone Minutes, heart rate, sleep score etc, the app does give you more detailed information. Even so, the Charge 5 still displays a wealth of information which means you don’t need your phone with you while exercising or just lounging around. On top of that, you can access the do not disturb and sleep modes via a few swipes which is very handy. In terms of battery life, you can get a full 7-days with base usage, however if you use the GPS function, it will drain the battery considerably faster as does the always-on feature.
The sleep tracking works well on the Charge 5 and gives you an algorithmic response, including the physical functions of the watch such as heart, skin temperature, breathing rates, blood oxygen saturation, including how much you toss and turn. From the app, it will break down your sleep into its stages (light, deep and REM) and give you a score out of 100 and the higher the number, the better. Supporting your positive health is the electrodermal sensor that by placing your fingers on the Charge 5, it then gives you a stress score out of 100 which is also linked to your sleep and activity. The device will also help de-stress you by engaging in a 2 to 7 minute mindfulness activity based on your current stress levels.
When it comes to physical activity, the Charge 5 tracks over 20 different workouts from running to swimming as it is water resistant or something more subtle like yoga. The default exercises include bike, interval workout, run, swim, treadmill and weights. However you can edit that list via the app which gives you access to additional exercises that include bootcamp, circuit training, elliptical, golf, hike, kickboxing, martial arts, outdoor workout, Pilates, spinning, stair climber, tennis, walk, workout, and the aforementioned yoga. While you can only have six at a time on the watch, choosing your 6 favourite exercises is a very easy process and takes under a minute to setup. When you exercise, it will let you know useful information like how many calories burned and average heartrate to help monitor and improve your overall health.
While not a new feature with Fitbit, it can automatically detect some workout as well (e.g. walking, aerobics and swimming) and if not, you will need to manually enable it. Runners will be pleased with the GPS feature that allows you to track your route and give you detailed statistics which can be shared with your network. When linked to the ECG features, it monitors your atrial fibrillation that causes irregular heart beats so if this warning occurs, it is time to see your GP as it could lead to strokes of heart attacks.
Final Thoughts?
The Fitbit Charge 5 is one of this company’s best smart fitness trackers around and it’s jam packed with features. The ability to monitor your oxygen saturation is also a very useful feature with the pandemic because if you have COVID-19 and your levels drop, it means the virus is getting the upper hand. So if you’re looking to improve your fitness, monitor your health, then the Fitbit Charge 5 ticks all the right boxes!
Recommended!
Fitbit Charge 5 Key Features
Daily Readiness Score
Taking time to recover can produce better results than working out hard all the time. Understand what’s best for your body with the Daily Readiness Score on Fitbit Premium. Each morning, you’ll get a score in the Fitbit app based on your activity, sleep and heart rate variability. You’ll also get a personalised goal for the day, plus recommended workouts or recovery sessions, depending on what your body needs that day. As you get more fit over time, your scores and daily goals adapt with you.
* Daily Readiness requires a Fitbit Premium membership. Premium content recommendations are not available in all locales and may be in English only.
Stress Management Score
Get a daily score showing your body’s physical response to stress. You can see how your exercise routine, mindfulness practice and sleep help to manage your stress levels.
EDA sensor
Take steps to improve your stress levels with an on-wrist EDA sensor mindfulness session. The app detects electrodermal activity — tiny changes in your skin’s sweat level which may indicate your body’s response to stress.
Fitbit ECG (Electrocardiogram) App
Keep track of your heart health with a compatible ECG app that assesses your heart for atrial fibrillation—a heart rhythm irregularity—and share the results with your doctor.
* The Fitbit ECG app is only available in select countries. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old. See fitbit.com/ecg for additional details.
High & low heart rate notifications
Your heart rate is a key indicator of health, so stay informed when Charge 5 detects that your heart rate is above or below your threshold.
Built-in GPS
See your real-time pace & distance without your phone using built-in GPS during outdoor runs, rides, hikes and more, then see a map of your workout route in the Fitbit app. If you have your phone nearby, Charge 5 connects to your phone’s GPS to help extend your tracker’s battery.*
* Varies with use and other factors. Up to 5 hours with continuous GPS.
6-Month premium membership
Charge 5 unlocks a 6-month membership complete with personalised insights, advanced analytics, guided programs, mindfulness & sleep tools, workouts and more.
* New and returning Premium users only. Must activate membership within 60 days of device activation (requires valid payment method). Cancel before membership ends to avoid recurring fees. Content and features may change. T&C apply.
Workout intensity map
After outdoor exercise with GPS, check your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app to see your pace and heart rate zones throughout your route Key Features
Daily Readiness Score
Taking time to recover can produce better results than working out hard all the time. Understand what’s best for your body with the Daily Readiness Score on Fitbit Premium. Each morning, you’ll get a score in the Fitbit app based on your activity, sleep and heart rate variability. You’ll also get a personalised goal for the day, plus recommended workouts or recovery sessions, depending on what your body needs that day. As you get more fit over time, your scores and daily goals adapt with you.*
* Daily Readiness requires a Fitbit Premium membership. Premium content recommendations are not available in all locales and may be in English only.
Stress Management Score
Get a daily score showing your body’s physical response to stress. You can see how your exercise routine, mindfulness practice and sleep help to manage your stress levels.
EDA sensor
Take steps to improve your stress levels with an on-wrist EDA sensor mindfulness session. The app detects electrodermal activity — tiny changes in your skin’s sweat level which may indicate your body’s response to stress.
Fitbit ECG (Electrocardiogram) App
Keep track of your heart health with a compatible ECG app that assesses your heart for atrial fibrillation—a heart rhythm irregularity—and share the results with your doctor.
* The Fitbit ECG app is only available in select countries. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old. See fitbit.com/ecg for additional details.
High & low heart rate notifications
Your heart rate is a key indicator of health, so stay informed when Charge 5 detects that your heart rate is above or below your threshold.
Built-in GPS
See your real-time pace & distance without your phone using built-in GPS during outdoor runs, rides, hikes and more, then see a map of your workout route in the Fitbit app. If you have your phone nearby, Charge 5 connects to your phone’s GPS to help extend your tracker’s battery.*
* Varies with use and other factors. Up to 5 hours with continuous GPS.
6-Month premium membership
Charge 5 unlocks a 6-month membership complete with personalised insights, advanced analytics, guided programs, mindfulness & sleep tools, workouts and more.
* New and returning Premium users only. Must activate membership within 60 days of device activation (requires valid payment method). Cancel before membership ends to avoid recurring fees. Content and features may change. T&C apply.
Workout intensity map
After outdoor exercise with GPS, check your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app to see your pace and heart rate zones throughout your route and learn where you put in the most effort.
24/7 Heart rate tracking with PurePulse
Track calorie burn and optimise workouts with PurePulse continuous heart rate tracking, then see your resting heart rate trends and cardio fitness level (VO2 Max) in the Fitbit app.
Active zone minutes
Get the results you want from every workout. Active Zone Minutes uses your heart rate to guide you toward your desired intensity level—then helps keep you there.
Cardio fitness level
Get to know your VO2 max — a measurement of how well your body uses oxygen when you’re working your hardest. Keep tabs on your score to see how you improve over time.
Oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring
Track SpO2 — the level of oxygen in your blood — to help you learn when there may be an indication of important changes in your overall wellness.*
* Not available in all markets. The SpO2 feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or for any other medical purpose. It is intended to help you manage your well-being and keep track of your information. This feature requires more frequent charging.
Skin temperature tracking
Stay informed and in tune with your body using Charge 5’s nightly skin temperature tracking. When your temperature varies from your baseline in your Health Metrics dashboard, you’ll be more aware of potential signs of changes in your body. Your sleep patterns, menstrual cycle, the room temperature, potential onset of fever or even your bedding can cause changes.
* Not available in all markets. Significant changes in ambient temperature may negatively impact skin temperature tracking.
Health Metrics dashboard
Track SpO2—the level of oxygen in your blood—plus heart rate variability, skin temperature variation and more.
* The Health Metrics dashboard and the metrics displayed in the dashboard are not available in all countries. This feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and should not be relied on for any medical purposes. It is intended to provide information that can help you manage your well-being. If you have any concerns about your health, please talk to a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call emergency services.
20 Exercise modes
Set personal goals for runs, rides, strength training and more, then get real-time stats to help you keep the pace or maintain your target heart rate zone.
SmartTrack
Forget to start tracking? No problem. SmartTrack automatically recognises and records workouts like elliptical, runs, swims and more.
Timer & stopwatch
Get instant access to tools that make your life easier — like a timer for interval training and a stopwatch for tracking sets at the gym.
All-day activity tracking
Charge 5 tracks all-day activity like steps, distance, Active Zone Minutes and calories burned to show how every part of your day gets you closer to your goals.
Health & wellness reminders
Activate optional personalised reminders for beneficial tasks that can be tough to remember, like staying hydrated, sticking to a sleep schedule, getting in activity and more.
Swimproof
Charge 5 is water resistant up to 50 metres, which means you’re free to wear it in the pool, in the rain, at the beach and beyond.
Menstrual cycle tracking
Know your body better by using the Fitbit app to log periods, record symptoms and discover patterns in your cycle. This feature is not intended to be used for contraceptive or other medical purposes. Fitbit does not guarantee or warrant that this feature can be used to achieve particular results. This feature may not accurately predict your menstrual cycles or related information. This feature is intended only to help users monitor and keep track of certain information.
Notifications
Get notifications for calls, texts, calendar events and smartphone apps like Gmail, WhatsApp and Facebook — plus send quick replies right from your wrist.*
* Quick replies for Android users only.
Google Fast Pair
Android users can use Google Fast Pair to help streamline setup and get going on their goals.
Fitbit Pay
Load your credit and debit cards to your Wallet in the Fitbit app, then use Charge 5 to make contactless purchases on the go — at coffee shops, grocery stores, transit stations and more. No phone or wallet needed.*
* See bank and transit availability at fitbit.com/fitbit-pay/banks
Sleep score & sleep stages
Get a better understanding of your sleep quality with a daily Sleep Score and graphs of your time in light, deep and REM sleep—then see how you can improve your sleep and wake up feeling energised.
Silent alarms
Wake up to more peaceful mornings with a quiet vibration alarm on your wrist.
Smart Wake
Wake up feeling ready to take on the day with the Smart Wake alarm that goes off during your optimal stage of sleep—within 30 minutes before its set time.
Sleep mode
Snooze uninterrupted by using sleep mode to mute smartphone notifications and stop your screen from turning on at night. Set a schedule on your wrist to turn sleep mode on automatically.
Do not disturb mode
Mute call, text, calendar and app notifications during the day using do not disturb mode.
Up to 7-day battery life
With a long battery life, Charge 5 tracks all your moves for up to 7 days without having to stop for a charge.*
* Battery life varies with use and other factors.
Vibrant colour display
Your stats come to life on a new colour touchscreen that’s two times brighter than Charge 4 in daylight and protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3.
Always-on display mode
See real-time exercise stats and check the time with just a glance — even mid plank — when you turn on always-on display.*
* Always-on display mode requires more frequent charging
Accessories
Switch up your look with accessories that let you style your tracker your way — the new quick-release feature makes it easier than ever. Sold separately.
Infinity bands
Infinity bands are flexible and optimised for workouts and all-day wear. Plus, with a quick-release mechanism, it’s easier than ever to swap looks.
Sleek design
Charge 5 is packed with new technology, yet 10% slimmer than Charge 4. It features a stainless steel build and a polished finish while sitting flat on the wrist for a modern, minimalist look.
Device compatibility
Requires use of Fitbit app with compatible iPhone or Android devices. See fitbit.com/devicesand learn where you put in the most effort.
24/7 Heart rate tracking with PurePulse
Track calorie burn and optimise workouts with PurePulse continuous heart rate tracking, then see your resting heart rate trends and cardio fitness level (VO2 Max) in the Fitbit app.
Active zone minutes
Get the results you want from every workout. Active Zone Minutes uses your heart rate to guide you toward your desired intensity level—then helps keep you there.
Cardio fitness level
Get to know your VO2 max — a measurement of how well your body uses oxygen when you’re working your hardest. Keep tabs on your score to see how you improve over time.
Oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring
Track SpO2 — the level of oxygen in your blood — to help you learn when there may be an indication of important changes in your overall wellness.*
* Not available in all markets. The SpO2 feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or for any other medical purpose. It is intended to help you manage your well-being and keep track of your information. This feature requires more frequent charging.
Skin temperature tracking
Stay informed and in tune with your body using Charge 5’s nightly skin temperature tracking. When your temperature varies from your baseline in your Health Metrics dashboard, you’ll be more aware of potential signs of changes in your body. Your sleep patterns, menstrual cycle, the room temperature, potential onset of fever or even your bedding can cause changes.
* Not available in all markets. Significant changes in ambient temperature may negatively impact skin temperature tracking.
Health Metrics dashboard
Track SpO2—the level of oxygen in your blood—plus heart rate variability, skin temperature variation and more.
* The Health Metrics dashboard and the metrics displayed in the dashboard are not available in all countries. This feature is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and should not be relied on for any medical purposes. It is intended to provide information that can help you manage your well-being. If you have any concerns about your health, please talk to a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call emergency services.
20 Exercise modes
Set personal goals for runs, rides, strength training and more, then get real-time stats to help you keep the pace or maintain your target heart rate zone.
SmartTrack
Forget to start tracking? No problem. SmartTrack automatically recognises and records workouts like elliptical, runs, swims and more.
Timer & stopwatch
Get instant access to tools that make your life easier — like a timer for interval training and a stopwatch for tracking sets at the gym.
All-day activity tracking
Charge 5 tracks all-day activity like steps, distance, Active Zone Minutes and calories burned to show how every part of your day gets you closer to your goals.
Health & wellness reminders
Activate optional personalised reminders for beneficial tasks that can be tough to remember, like staying hydrated, sticking to a sleep schedule, getting in activity and more.
Swimproof
Charge 5 is water resistant up to 50 metres, which means you’re free to wear it in the pool, in the rain, at the beach and beyond.
Menstrual cycle tracking
Know your body better by using the Fitbit app to log periods, record symptoms and discover patterns in your cycle. This feature is not intended to be used for contraceptive or other medical purposes. Fitbit does not guarantee or warrant that this feature can be used to achieve particular results. This feature may not accurately predict your menstrual cycles or related information. This feature is intended only to help users monitor and keep track of certain information.
Notifications
Get notifications for calls, texts, calendar events and smartphone apps like Gmail, WhatsApp and Facebook — plus send quick replies right from your wrist.*
* Quick replies for Android users only.
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