I Tried Both: Apple Watch Series 9 vs Fitbit Charge 6

How Are They Different?

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit Charge 6 offer similar features but relatively different approaches. The Apple Watch Series 9 will only work with an iPhone, while the Fitbit Charge 6 works with Android phones and iPhones. 

Both devices track your steps, calories burned, how often you stand up, and how active you are. They also both have gamification elements to encourage you to meet your goal. The Fitbit Charge 6 uses Active Zone Minutes and weekly feedback to show what you’re achieving. There are badges to unlock, too. The Apple Watch Series 9 goes further with monthly badges, special events, and its Activity Rings system to encourage you each day.

They have temperature sensors, heart rate tracking facilities, an ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring. However, only the Apple Watch Series 9 has a gyroscope for fall detection. 

The Apple Watch Series 9 also has a better screen with a 41mm or 45mm Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display. It has up to 2,000 nits of maximum brightness, so it looks great even in bright sunlight or dark areas.

In comparison, the Fitbit Charge 6 has a 26mm OLED screen. It’s sharp to look at and, like the Apple Watch, very responsive, but there’s no room for a more personal watch face like the Apple Watch provides. It’s very functional instead, if not exactly pretty, to look at.

Adding to those aesthetics, the Apple Watch Series 9 looks more like a traditional watch. You can change the watch face, and dozens of straps exist for different styles. I have one strap for exercising while I wear a different one for evenings or other occasions.

My watch face is always Snoopy looking cute and performing whenever I look at it, but many complications add to what you can learn at a glance. Changing the Fitbit Charge 6 strap is possible, but few are as stylish as the Apple Watch. The watch face always looks the same.

Additional Apps: Apple Watch Series 9 Has The Edge

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit Charge 6 have all the basics you need, but the Apple Watch Series 9 has access to the App Store. While watchOS isn’t as feature-rich as the iOS App Store, it still has many valuable options, such as countdown apps, advanced running tools, music apps, and even ways to watch YouTube on your watch screen. 

If you prefer to customize your watch and tech experience fully, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers more variety than the Fitbit Charge 6, which involves less tweaking. 

Happy Co-Existence: The Fitbit Charge 6 Wins Through

If you buy the Apple Watch Series 9, you’re tied into keeping an iPhone by your side. If you go for a Fitbit Charge 6, however, you'll get the same experience whether you have an Android phone or an iPhone. 

If you upgrade your phone and switch between the two options regularly, the Fitbit Charge 6 means no restrictions. The Fitbit app works as well in either format, with no differences.

Fitness and Activity Tracking

I enjoyed my time with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit Charge 6. They both offer a different experience.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9 feels better for tracking workouts and routines more consistently.

The Apple Watch Activity Rings system is more motivational than the Fitbit way of providing Active Zone Minutes to show when you’re exercising or a vibration to remind you to walk a little each hour.

As a runner, both devices track my runs and offer interval workouts, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is easier to set up. I can also check my average running speed after a certain amount of regular running.

The Apple Watch Series 9 looks more fun on my wrist with its cute watch faces and varied straps, although the Fitbit Charge 6 will likely blend in better.

Final Thoughts 

If you want a wearable device that tracks and monitors your activity, the Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 9 will both do the job well. However, each wearable has its strengths and weaknesses.

If you want a relatively inexpensive solution that focuses on tracking the essential stats and your workouts, get the Fitbit Charge 6.

If you want all that and a smartwatch with extensive app support and motivational features, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the superior option, albeit for a price.

As an increasingly active person, I found the Fitbit Charge 6 the ideal introduction to my fitness journey. Thanks to its seven-day battery life, it's low maintenance, and it's nifty to be able to use it with my Android phone and iPhone. It has all the basics to help me see how I’m progressing.

However, as I’ve delved into running and more advanced workout plans, I’ve found the Apple Watch Series 9 the better option. It’s easier to set up intervals with my running sessions, and I love seeing my running pace at a glance in the main Fitness app on my iPhone. It also looks more stylish, so I feel comfortable wearing it when out for the evening.

It costs more, though, so I’d still recommend the Fitbit Charge 6 to anyone who doesn’t need more advanced features or owns an Android phone.