Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Based on limited owner comments, some users report good battery life and find the device's basic functionalities useful. One owner noted they get around eight days of wear per charge. Another comment, highly upvoted, suggested that the core functionality provided by a basic Fitbit is sufficient for weight loss and tracking fitness improvements, implying that not all data requires a premium subscription.
Problems people mention
Many owners express significant frustration with the Fitbit Charge 6's tracking accuracy. Users report it does not track steps or miles correctly, with one person stating their device misread two steps as 17. The bicycle function is also described as "almost inexistent." GPS functionality for running or walking without a phone is noted as "pretty rubbish." A major point of contention is the premium subscription model, which many feel locks away features that were once free or should be standard. Owners call it a "paywall" and a "deal breaker," with one user stating Google "took away features from my Fitbit that I paid for." There are also complaints about a poor app experience and non-existent customer service, with users reporting a lack of real solutions from the manufacturer in forums. Some general Fitbit brand issues were also mentioned, including devices failing to charge or connect, and battery life issues appearing within a few months to a few years.
Where owners disagree
There is a notable disagreement regarding the Fitbit Premium subscription. Many owners view it as an aggravating "paywall" and refuse to support it, believing it makes the device useless without it. However, some users contend that the subscription is "superfluous" and doesn't provide much essential insight beyond the basic data, which is still accessible. They argue that the core tracking is sufficient for fitness goals, making the premium features optional for those who need data interpretation or guided workouts.
Who it's for
The Fitbit Charge 6 might suit users looking for very basic activity tracking who are not reliant on high-accuracy data, particularly for steps, distance, or GPS-tracked activities without a phone. It could also appeal to those who are comfortable with the idea of a subscription service for advanced metrics or guided content. However, it appears less suitable for serious athletes or users who expect precise tracking and full feature access without additional monthly costs.
