The best Fitbits to help you hit your health and wellness goals, tried and tested by our health editor

A pick of the best Fitbits could be the perfect companion if you're looking to set new wellness goals in 2023. There are so many models to choose from now though, so I tested a range of the top ones and rated them on a range of factors to help you find the device to suit your lifestyle and goals.

Fitbits were among the first fitness trackers out there when they came to market 15 years ago and the brand continues to innovate today with impressive new features, making them an invaluable tool in any fitness arsenal. 

So, whether you want to discover more about the brand before you buy or you're looking to compare them with the best fitness trackers on the market, I've tested and reviewed the best Fitbits with help from two fitness experts to give you everything you need to know. 

How I tested the best Fitbits

After consulting the experts on important factors to consider, I tested each Fitbit over a number of weeks, through various workouts from strength training to spin classes, hiking, running and more daily activities, assessing each model on a range of factors that impact day-to-day use. 

Tom Opper, online personal trainer and founder of Top Fitness, was one of the professionals I spoke to. He's also a fan of the brand. "What is a Fitbit? They allow you to track several important benchmarks, such as your daily step count. And as the saying goes, what gets measured, gets managed. Once you’re able to clearly see how you’re performing in various areas each day, such as your sleep and activity, you have a clear benchmark to improve on moving forwards," he says. "Over time, you’ll also be able to spot trends that may be affecting your performance in a given area, and take action to improve it."

Our collection of Fitbits were all tried and tested originally in 2022 by me. However, following a further review in April 2023, I can confirm that these are still the best Fitbits to buy this year. 

When testing the best Fitbits, I considered the following: 

• How easy it was to use: A tracker that charges quickly, has a long-lasting battery life, and is easy to navigate during sweaty workouts is key. It's where screen size and responsivity play a huge role, so I tested to see how easy each of the best Fitbits was to use.
• How comfortable it was to wear: I noted how comfortable each of the smartwatches and trackers was to wear - no one wants a wristband that rubs uncomfortably against the skin or catches on clothing after all. 
• The features it offered: There are so many Fitbit models out there now - some people will want a Fitbit that offers features such as contactless payment, on-screen text messages, and music streaming. Others might just want a Fitbit that tracks daily activity and sleep patterns, which is why we've tested a range of the best Fitbits with different features. 
• Accuracy of heart-rate monitoring: "More advanced models will be able to track in more detail, comparing where your current heart rate sits against your usual maximal heart rate (MHR) to assess how hard you’re working at any given point", says Opper.  
• Waterproofing: Most Fitbit models are swimproof and waterproof to 50m but this is important to consider. "If swimming forms a part of your exercise routine, or even if it's just a recreational activity you enjoy," he says.
• Built-in or smartphone GPS: "Some models include GPS built-in, which is more accurate for tracking distance than devices that use an accelerometer, such as many smartphones."

The best Fitbits as tested by w&h's digital health editor

The Fitbit Versa 3 may be one of the older models in 2023, considering the new releases, but I stand by my conclusion that it's the best of the bunch. If you're looking to buy one tracker that does everything, this is the one to go for. It offers all the best (and most useful) features of newer Fitbits, such as in-built GPS and irregular heart rhythm notifications, alongside standard fitness tracking capabilities. 

For me, the biggest highlight of this device is how simple it is to use. On the home screen, you'll find a rundown of basic metrics (step count, heart rate, and calorie burn). Swipe once and you'll find your workout modes, of which there are 20 to choose from. Plus, much like many other Fitbits, it offers useful tools for daily life including alarms and timers that you can activate from your wrist. While it doesn't offer features of newer models on the home screen, like sleep analysis and weather, it covers all the must-have basics. 

The Versa 3 is now also cheaper than others thanks to the release of newer collections, including the Fitbit Versa 4, which is also included in our guide. 

Battery life tends to be a problem for fitness trackers and smartwatches generally but after using the Fitbit Versa 3 for almost three years, this is something I can vouch isn't an issue here. Not only does it take just 12 minutes to charge the device to full power, something not offered by other models, I found the Versa 3 had a healthy battery life when charged and lasted beyond the 6-day promise in many cases. Naturally, the more occasions you enable GPS through the workout modes, the quicker this decreases.

For a complete rundown on this model, see my full Fitbit Versa 3 review.

If you're looking to upgrade from the Versa 3 or a fitness tracker, the Fitbit Versa 4 the perfect pick. I found it to be very similar to the previous model in many ways and the Fitbit Sense 2, including aesthetically, but it does have a few improvements. For me, the most useful of them were the 20 additional workout modes (making 40 in total), on-wrist sleep analysis, and weather notifications for the day on the homepage. The side button has also been reintroduced, making it easier to bring the device to life. 

Much like the Versa 3, it includes built-in GPS, and a Daily Readiness Score (via a Fitbit Premium app subscription), along with standard fitness trackings like heart rate, calorie burn, and step-count recording. While the Versa 3 will be a better, cheaper option if you're new to the Fitbit world as it has many of the same features, if you're looking to upgrade to a new model that'll stand the test of time, it's got to be the Versa 4. 

The Versa 4 also helps you take advantage of the Active Zone Minutes more than other models - a feature that records how much time you spend in moderate to intense exercise, to make sure you're doing enough through the week to stay healthy. As well as being one of the main features on the round-up slide, it's present on the clockface underneath your heart rate. 

Unlike the Versa 3, it does take a full two hours to charge the Versa 4 so the previous model wins out with its quick-charging feature. However, the newer model also lasts for over 6 days even when using at full capacity. 

For a complete overview, ready my full review of the Fitbit Versa 4. 

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is one of the newest Fitbits to be released, coming onto the market in the fall of last year. It's not the most advanced of the fitness trackers (see the Fitbit Charge 5 for that title) but if you're after one that just does the basics at a good price point, the Inspire 3 should be first on your list. 

It covers all the essentials, including step count, heart rate, calorie burn, distance, and Activity Zone Minutes, with stats always available to view on the device homepage - along with the time and date - and has 20 exercise modes to choose from within the Fitbit app. Of these, it's possible to store 6 options on the device, but I found this was more than enough. Other highlights include the 'Relax' function, which takes users through an easy guided meditation or mindfulness moment at the tap of a button, alarms, timers, and the ability to receive text and call notifications. 

While it does offer SpO2 (blood oxygen) level tracking, that's about as advanced as it gets. This device specializes in being an easy-to-use, simple tracker with fitness as its focus. If you're looking for something more orientated towards maintaining your general health, the Fitbit Sense 2 would be a better option. 

Size is the only downside of the model. Compared to others, even earlier versions of the Inspire, the screen is tiny at just under half an inch. While the capsule-shaped body of the tracker is much bigger than this, the screen takes up a small part in the middle, leaving a black border around the outside. 

To read more about this model, take a look at my full Fitbit Inspire 3 review.

Fitness and fashion go hand-in-hand with the Fitbit Luxe. It's our premium pick thanks to the price tag and alternative band options but still offers all the must-have fitness tracking features, including step count, heart rate, calorie burn, and workout modes.

It also has real-time pace and distance tracking for walks, jogs, and bike rides. It tracks your sleep and you can even input menstrual health data into the app for a better overall picture of your health. The Fitbit Luxe also offers stress management tools, guided breathing exercises, call and text notifications, and even more insights available with Fitbit Premium - but these are not unique to the Luxe.

Like the Fitbit Inspire 3, the Luxe doesn't offer in-built, which may be a real deal breaker for some. This means that you can't take the Luxe out on its own without your phone and expect to record accurate distance, pace, and so on, which may be a deal breaker for those looking to record activities like running or hiking. For me, I didn't find it to be too much of an issue as I always carry my phone (which records GPS for the device) for music when I work out. 

The Fitbit Luxe does come with an expensive price tag but it's worth the investment if you want a stylish tracker. While I liked the small and sleek design, I initially missed the lack of a button on the side of the tracker. Instead of turning the tracker on, or pausing workouts, with the slim side button, you need to double-tap the touchscreen. It's a small factor that takes a little getting used to if you've used other trackers before.  

The Luxe is available in several different wristband colors - including black, white, and pink - and it's one of the only models that's also available in another material. Opting for the Special Edition gorjana Soft Gold Stainless Steel Parker Link Bracelet strap will add another $70 onto the price tag at checkout but for those who want to an incredibly low-key fitness tracker-turned-watch, then this is a good pick. 

For a complete overview of this model, see my full Fitbit Luxe review.

The Charge 5 is Fitbit's most advanced fitness tracker yet, securing the position of most advanced fitness tracker. Along with standard fitness tracking features, the Charge 5 offers in-built GPS, SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking, irregular heart rhythm notifications, a skin temperature variation sensor, an ECG app, and so much more.

For instance, the ECG app allows you to monitor heart health at the tap of a touchscreen. The feature assesses your heart for an irregular rhythm and alerts you if you're above or below the threshold, so you can investigate it further with a medical professional. 

While many people will have no need for these, those with health concerns may find sensors like these, available in one device at an affordable price, invaluable. However, if you're just looking to improve your fitness and prioritize general wellness, the Charge 5 may be a little too much. I'd suggest opting for the new Fitbit Inspire 3 or our overall pick, the Fitbit Versa 3, instead. 

The only downside to this Fitbit is there are currently limited color options available. While the smartwatches come in a range of bright colors, the Charge 5 is only available to buy in black, white, and blue. If color is important for you, opt for the Versa 3 or 4, which come in so many different colors from refreshing pale pink to deep olive. 

For a full rundown of this device, check out the complete Fitbit Charge 5 review.

The model down from the Charge 5 is the Charge 4. While similar in many ways, this tracker is missing some elements of the newer version. But as one of the best Fitbits, it's still an excellent fitness tracker. 

If you're new to trackers, smart watches and the like, and not quite ready to invest in the latest tech, I suggest picking up the Fitbit Charge 4. It has all the essential features and more, tracking sleep and steps, calories burnt and heart rate. It has exercise modes and a built-in GPS so can track everything, whether you're running or taking up Pilates. If you wear the tracker overnight, you'll receive an in-depth sleep analysis and a sleep score. Much like the Versa 2, it's also got a vibration-only alarm for a gentle wake-up each morning. 

All in all, this is the best Fitbit for women who want all the benefits of a fitness tracker without any complicated extras. However, it's worth noting the screen is a little small which might put some shoppers off this model. 

For an overview of this wearable, see my full Fitbit Charge 4 review.

While the Versa 3 comes with all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is a simple, easy-to-use fitness tracker with built-in GPS so you can leave your phone at home. It's sleek, stylish, compact, and definitely one of the best Fitbits. 

Overall, we found the Fitbit Inspire 2 very easy to navigate. A simple swipe up and down takes you to all of the features, while you can swipe left and right on the home screen for a quick-view look at the basics like step count, calories burnt, and distance you've walked or run. 

In terms of features, in some ways, it's similar to the Versa 3. You can connect the Inspire to your phone and receive calls and texts, as well as social media updates on the tracker's screen. If wellness is your focus goal in getting a Fitbit, then the Fitbit Inspire 2 could be for you. Not only does it track your sleep and stress levels, giving you in-app scores and recommendations, but it can also offer a Daily Readiness Score where you can see how prepared your body is for your next workout. 

Naturally, you can track your exercise with this Fitbit - as with them all. Whether it's walking, running, or swimming, the Inspire can either automatically track your workout (in case you forget to press 'go') or you can start a workout and follow along with your stats in live time. 

We also found the Inspire 2 has a significantly longer battery life of up to 10 days, as long as you don't overuse the workout programming function by leaving going on for hours on end - such as going for an all-day hike. In this case, we found it was better to just let the tracker automatically pick up the workout, which it tends to do about 10 to 15 minutes in, to save on battery life.

However, it doesn't come with more advanced features like music streaming. While this wasn't a deal-breaker for us, it's something to consider.

Why are Fitbits good fitness trackers?

It's widely acknowledged that very few (if any) fitness trackers offer 100% reliable step-count and calorie-burning statistics, however, Fitbits are one of the best fitness trackers because they hold users accountable and can be a great source of workout motivation. If you're looking for something even more reliable when it comes to GPS tracking or want running, cycling, or golf-specific metrics, consider weighing up Garmin vs Fitbit.

"Using a fitness track can be beneficial if you are struggling with motivation and accountability," confirms Kate Rowe-Ham, a level 3 qualified personal trainer and specialist women's health coach. "They are also particularly beneficial for those living with any conditions where exercise will play an integral role in managing any symptoms."

When it comes to improving your motivation, you'll be able to track your progress with a pick of the best Fitbits. "For many seeing this will help keep you on track to maximizing your wellbeing," she says. "Often trackers will have challenges associated alongside which will hold you accountable and slowly begin to create habits you want to keep."

Are Fitbits waterproof?

Yes, all of the best Fitbits are water resistant up to 50 meters. "They're designed to be swim-proof and stand up to even the sweatiest of workouts," the brand says, making them perfect for exploring all the benefits of swimming. However, no Fitbit will be suitable for diving or deeper submersion than this and they warn against wearing the device in any warm environment, like a hot tub or sauna. 

Most of the device's settings and metrics are controlled via the app, like changing the time on a Fitbit, so you don't have to worry about these being impacted by the water either.

The Ace is the only Fitbit that's not water-resistant. It's designed to withstand splashes, spills, and sweat rather than a dip in the pool. Some straps are also not water-resistant but can withstand sweat. These include: 

• Woven straps (Sense and Versa 3)
• Hook and Loop bands (Charge 5)
• Knit bands (Sense and Versa 3) 
• Stainless Steel Mesh band (Inspire 2, may discolor with consistent exposure to sweat) 

If you want a completely water-resistant band, opt for the Infinity band that comes included when you buy one of the best Fitbits, or the Sports band, which is more breathable. 

Fitbit is also keen to emphasize that mishandling the device in particular ways, like dropping it, exposing it to perfumes including soap and sunscreen, and high-velocity water pressure will also reduce the waterproof capacity of the device.