Last year, the Charge 4 was my most frequent recommendation to friends and family. This year, the Charge 5 is a nearly perfect sequel. What are your thoughts? NEW FITBIT CHARGE 5: mikeobrienmedia.com/Fitbit-Charge-5
@@bujub5542 not sure, this seems to be an issue with Fitbit only. Had the same issue with charge HR long back. Have used Apple watch and fossil earlier, they didn't seem to have this issue
Just changed to this from Polar a370, and this seems to be much better 😊 Though also a bit bummed with the must payment of premium to get all out of it.
It sounds like a good device, but I can't see myself willingly paying almost $200 for a device that's intentionally crippled to force me to pay for a subscription service. I think you're right: Personal coaching and other premium services are one thing, but if the device can physically do it, I should be able to do it out of the box. Having to pay a subscription to turn on features that are already in the device is a no-go for me.
But the things they sell it for are all free like the ecg eda heart rate gps sleep tracking weight tracker period tracker water tracker calorie burn step count and so so many more for free it’s really not worth the premium
It looks good, but I don't trust the longevity of Fitbit devices anymore since they always seem to stop working properly after a few months for me. Also having to pay for a subscription service for basic features like data history is total bs. I couldn't in good conscience purchase a device for a task of tracking my data, then have that company choose to "withhold" the data, unless I give them an additional monthly service fee. Allowing you to see your data history is not a service.
I have the Versa 3. Still like Fitbit due to long battery life, intuitive app and enough fitness tracking features to satisfy most users. I agree about Fitbit Premium being a negative.
Nice video thx. I have a Fitbit luxe. Bought it a few month ago. For me the perfect device because I combine it with my Samsung smartwatch. Fitbit has better health tracking but I also don’t want to give up my Samsung smartwatches. Smartwatch on the left wrist, Fitbit on the right. A little bit stupid but it works for me.
I always like Fitbit a lot and had several different models. However, as the premium subscription was introduced I switched to Garmin and am now a happy Garmin user.
It is Feb 2022, I just got my charge 5 today, it is my first health watch, and was on sale. I have gone through many reviews of this device and know what to expect with the charge 5. Too bad it does not have the altimeter feature and live Oximeter functions. i dont need calendar, camera, music, or weather features on the device. Not important to me, have other devices that will do that. Weather??? i just look outside and know what the weather is. So i will see how it goes with the charge 5 and how easy it is to use and how well it works with the fitbit app on my mobile phone. take care.
Received my charge 5 on 12.12 its fantastic use it on my jogging in 5am its really work well especially the gps I use simultaneously with my Hwawei watch both are fantastic but fitbit more clear gps than Hwawei but the result on my jogging are very accurate. Thanks fitbit n Hwawei
The small and light form factor makes it appealing, especially at night when you have to sleep. But the Versa 3 is pretty much being sold at the same price which has a bigger screen and more functionality.
Thank you very helpful, my husband bought me the Fitbit 5, I’m really pleased with it, my old Fitbit Inspire just died recently, this device is so much better PS. in the UK Fitbit Premium came with it for 6 months free
My biggest issue with the Charge 5 is the price, I just bought a Galaxy Watch Active 2 for 80$ used with an extra band, and even if it stops getting updated, it already has more smartwatch features
I loved my active 2. But I traded it in for the Galaxy watch 4 and kind of regret it even though it's a good watch I feel like the active 2 was more on the fitness side.
I like the fact that whether you have an iPhone or you use Alexa products or Android this is an all-purpose device and that said I do use a pixel phone and I kind of wish Fitbit and Google would make a version that caters more towards Google
I agree that tying basic data access and analysis to Premium is pretty gross. However, when I compare it to Whoop -- which offers very similar recovery/strain info once the Readiness Score is released -- the cost starts to seem a bit more acceptable. In Canada the cost of 18 months of Whoop is around $450. The cost of a Charge 5 + 1 year of Premium is around $300 (and the 6 months of free Premium included with Charge 5 purchase brings us to 18 months for a direct comparison to Whoop). Premium also includes a bunch of video and audio workout and meditation content. Whether that's useful depends on the individual. I so sort of like the 45 minute nature sounds tracks, they make a subtle meditation timer. Subscription models to uncripple a device suck. But at least Fitbit Premium is on par with or less than similar offerings.
Hi Mike Thank you for giving me the go on this Fitbit5 You are very helpful and aided me in understabding hiw it works.Again thanks for your time and help you are a wonderful person Linda
Appreciate your review. Based on that, I just ordered one. As you noted, seems to provide good functionality and aesthetics for the price. Time will tell. I know it has Gorillas glass. Would you still recommend a screen protector for using it in outdoor environments? (forestry)
I am so impatiently waiting on the review and tips/features, basically everything about the fossil gen 6!! Omg Mike O'Brien I can't wait for that!! And of course the comparison between the fossil gen 6 and galaxy watch 4 (as I am twisted on which one to buy). Mike, really LOVE your content and watch/learn so much from you!
I can see it now, people calling into work saying they need to stay home or take the day off because their watch says "you're not feeling good today" or "your body battery is low"
Hi Mike, I like your videos very much. Thanks for all of them. One quick question. I watched your review of Fossil Hybrid HR and bought the same. I really enjoy it a lot. Then I realised how it differs from typical smarwatches. Hybrid is category between regular watches and smartwatches. My question is how do they vary from fitness bands which are also a cut down from smartwatches and provide more of health + notification features with some other features like alarm, sleep tracking, step count etc.
I bought it. Its a good device for someone like me trying to become more fit. And now with EDA, ECG, and the Daily Readiness Score, it was a no brainer buy. I am waiting for Fitbit's Wear OS watch though and that would seriously tempt me to switching. All it needs to do is basically offer the same features as the Charge 5 or Sense but run Wear OS 3 and I'd be sold.
As you know, some competitors dumb down or remove features from their wearables in Canada. Can you advise which Fitbit Charge 5 features are CURRENTLY active in Canada? In particular what measurements does Fitbit Charge 5 measure at night and how frequently can I set these measurements. CONTEXT: The Quantified Scientist, UA-cam lists three reasons to measure blood oxygen at night: COPD, SARS CoV 2 and sleep hypoxemia/apnea. Central sleep apnea, a disorder of biosignals and chemoreceptors has no known treatment, except sleep hygiene. CPAP makes it worse and it's supposed to cause cardiovascular disease, stroke, impaired memory and cognition. One's blood oxygen might drop to 70% for 17 minutes during sleep as measured by medical grade ring pulse oximeter
Great video. Looking for a new device, since switching over to Andorid. Had Apple watch. Debating between somthing like this, the Garmin venu 2, or Galaxy watch 4 classic. I am more fitness focused. If I choose Garmin, it would be Venu 2 or something like the Fenix or new forefunner 945 lte. Apparently the Venu 2 and the forerunner 945 LTE have the new unpdated sensor. Which device would you recommenend? Thanks.
So for someone who wants to track their heart rate walking and using the treadmill as well as their normal everyday activity would this be something you would recommend? Presently have an Apple watch but been wanting to go to Android. Would you also recommend the Galaxy Watch 4 for that same purpose? Not sure if a Venu 2 fits my overall usage since it is maybe too fitness focused.
Greetings from Down Under. :) Great Review as always. Been a Fitbit customer since 2012. There has definitely been some good devices. This one, as you mentioned, misses out with Music Control, Weather etc, H However one thing that they have also left out is an Altimeter, so unlike previous Charge Models, it doesn't count stairs climbed. Not sure why they left that out?
Jason thanks for mentioning that the Charge 5 has no altimeter and stairs count. Ive had the Charge 2 and Charge 3, but dropping the stairs or some measure of elevation gain/loss is a deal killer for me.
Tx much Mike, I just bought new one from Target in July 2023, and don't see EDA Scan on mine, is that something different in hardware or just updated firmware ???
Everyone considering this should read further... I'm watching this because the gorilla glass popped off my versa3, along w all the insides. I've used Fitbits only for 10 years. So I've learned not to get it wet on the reg, no prob, I charge it while showering. So even w how careful I was, the glass just came off. I'm dependent on the info from Fitbit now, so I'm staying w the brand, but if I could go back, knowing what I know now, I'd shop around for something more durable that doesn't charge a monthly fee.
It really is the best fitness tracker. And the battery lasts a whole week, amazing. Plus the Fitbit app is the best. The data is presented in such a great way, much better than Apple’s, giving you much better insights into your health.
Hey Mike, Nice video and love the way you covered all the aspects. I am currently researching on my next smart watch / band. I have Amzefit Pace for last 4 years now and some of the sensors have now stopped working (after I accidentally took it to shower:)). Any quick top of the mind recommendations ? I really want one with inbuilt GPS and don't use notifications much.
I had 2 Charge 4 tracker in just a little over a year. Both of their band attachments broke within six months. It broke my heart because I loved the 4, but it was out of warranty when the replacement for the first one broke, and I haven’t yet replaced it. Are the band attachments better on the Charge 5?
I had my Charge 4 for 6 months when the clasps broke off the device. Not the band, the actual device. Apparently, this is very common after the 6 month mark. Never again.
Interesting piece. I just got the gen 6 fossil and it's been great coming from a past where I had the LG G Watch R years ago. Interested to see if you have good battery life when you review that because mine has been atrocious.
I watched this entire video because it mentions ECG in the title - I see nothing about it. I want to know how to get ECG on My fitbit charge 5. I have been trying everything for a week now, and I do have premium (free for 6 months) and still no sign of ECG. I have seen a notice on my app when I go to download ecg, that it say not available...help please.
I got the Charge 5 and I'm returning it. Yes, the design is great and it is loaded with sensors, but to use them properly and fully, you need additional subscription. On top of that, the app just doesn't feel right I was always strugling to find anything in it. But what dissappointed me the most, was the ECG. It is widely advertised, every user manual mentioned it as done deal, but is nowhere to be found and won't be for at least couple of months.
I have a feeling you haven’t actually bought the watch yet and you’re just saying things. Without premium, you get pretty much full metrics in almost every category except sleep and ECG. I’ve owned many Fitbits, and I must say the Fitbit app may be the easiest to use out of all the brands. On top of that, THERE IS LITTERLY AN ICON THAT SAYS ECG ON THE WATCH😂😂. There is no way you bought it, and you would still have a FREE trial for 6 months when you buy the watch
@@harveygreene5673 your feeling would be pretty wrong then. I bought the band and had it for couple of days, but couldn't quite live with it, especially the app. Some metrics (for example some sleep metrics) were available in premium only. Sure, there is the 6 months of free premium, but then what? In 2 years I'd pay same money as for the 200 dollar tracker itself. As for the ECG - no, there wasn't any icon on the band. I querried the customer support about it and it was confirmed to me, that the functionality was still couple of weeks away, and yet, it was mentioned in every ad, sponsored review and manual as ready. So I've returned it. When I was returning it, the sales rep said that many people were returning these for the same exact reasons I was mentioning.
I just ordered the Charge 5 while wearing the Charge 4. The reason is the addition of the heart app as I would like to have the information available while on my ride. Coming home and seeing the graph can be a little unsettling for me at 73, to find I had pushed that far into my high end of the spectrum when I am home looking at the app. The stair counter loss is not a big deal to me as my 4 used to count my bike ride hills as stair elevation. I am looking forward to the 5 and can only hope it is as good as my 4 have been. The 4 was a good improvement over the 3 which I also have. The only reason for me to go to the 5 is my age, family history, the heart app. I will check back after a few weeks of wearing. I also agree that the extra functions would be nice to have from the start but Strava, Ridegps, etc, have the same type of limitations so I think it is naive to think that FitBit should give all of it away for free but that is just my opinion. Be safe all.
I saw on another review that in order for the gps to work properly, you have to loosen the band, but if you do, the heart rate tracking is no longer accurate. Is that right?
I have my fitbit charge 5 for 4 days now and the only thing inaccurate is my steps counter. Maybe it's a setting but I have tried everything, stride length, Dominant & non dominant hand but nothing seems to help 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe it will be fixed with an update. Or I will reïnstall it
Blood oxygen never worked on my fitbit charge 4 even tho I had it installed and everything. The app just kept telling me to make sure I had it downloaded, which I had. I ended up cancelling my pro subscription because of it sins there was no point in having the sub when I couldt even use the pro sub features
you get 6 months worth of premium for free, which equals $60. ''free''... You basically already paid for it. subtract that from the price and it basically costed $120 after you've used your premium. So after 6 months the dilemma starts: To premium or not to premium. If you don't want to, you can sell it for close to $120
I need a tracker which tells me distance walked, calories burned and steps taken. That’s all. I don’t want it to tell my sleep cycle, weather forecast, pay for groceries or make coffee… I don’t want it on my wrist either. I want it to be clip on. It has to be rechargeable. Any thoughts?
You can get a classic step counter on amazon, that you could attach to your belt or pants, it will only count your steps. Those "calories burned" will never match the reality, btw.
I can't believe none of the reviews are talking about the battery dropping to 15% in 24 hours. This thing won't even go one full day without being charged. Fit bit needs to do a software patch to fix this. I have everything turned off. Brightness on low, heart rate off, heart zone off. Everything is OFF. It still can't go 2 days even though it advertises 7 days.
That’s terrible. I am so tempted to buy a Fitbit. I had bought the Ionic when it first came out. It was pretty costly and lasted a little over a year. I love the community, but there are a lot of complaints about their devices and the premium is too much.
@@nanochicka2236 I love my Charge 2. It does everything I need and after almost 4 years, it still goes about 5 - 6 days on a single charge when I get it to 100% I got the 5 because the color screen finally looked like a worthy upgrade. I'm sure a software patch will fix it. I even left it at 100% and didn't touch it for 24 hours and it died this morning. Only lasted 1 day. I even turned brightness to dim, turned off heart rate and heart zone and GPS and also turned tap to wake up on to save battery life. It still died at the 24 hour mark. Keep in mind, I didn't even use it. Left it on the table for 24 hours as a test. How Fitbit got 7 days outta this is beyond me.
@@nanochicka2236 I figured what the battery issue is on the Charge 5. When plugged in and charging, it goes to 99% pretty fast and people naturally assume it'll change 1% in 5 mins to hit 100%. Actually, it needs to be plugged in close to 2 hours for it to switch that 1% to 100%. Ever since I let it fully charge to 100%, I haven't had battery issues. Almost 7 days now and it's at 60%. I'm beyond please.
how can you call the Fitbit charge 5 the best premium fitness tracker 2021 when in many ways it is a step back from the Charge 4 ? Yes it looks nice with the new display but what happened to floors counting (which seam to be no longer available on any of the new Fitbit bands) ? and what happened to heart rate accuracy ? and what happened to GPS accuracy ? In my opinion Fitbit became populair because they created something where you can compete with your friends for steps - distance - floors climbed and so on but now floors climbed are no longer on any of Fitbits trackers. To me that's going against how they started becoming populair. And really the Fitbit Charge 5 is not the best tracker of 2021 because even the older Charge 3 and Charge 4 are better
I don’t know why people complain about Fitbit premium or it bothers them that much . I just don’t get it . People pay 10 to 17 dollars for dumb Netflix and other things , alcohol and whatever not , but can’t pay 10 dollars a month for their health . What a shame world we are in .🤦🏻♂️
If I can’t see my sleep I’ll either go back to my versa or just skip it as a waste of time. If I were going to journal it might be worth it but we all know that ain’t happening
Depends if you want a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. I had the Charge 4 but eventually ended up getting an Apple watch because it simply did more things.
I bought the charge 4. What I like about it more often than fitbits is that the sensors and the capabilities that Fitbit say you can have you always have to pay a monthly premium for most of the things. Also with the charge 4 is it smartwatch capabilities and also that it's new so any issues will eventually be worked out and having the new Google OS will allow many more developers for the apps. But still it all comes down to person to person. I was a huge fan of Fitbit for years but they always failed on their promises and was always putting out a new watch and abandoning the previous watches and never came out with the features that they marketed. Or if they did it became monthly premium. And customer service 🤯 I do still today say though they have the best interface app of any tracker device.
Subscription to access full features is bullshit and will stop me buying this device I don’t care how good it is. Same with Samsung watch only fully working with Samsung phone.
@@MikeOBrienMedia Thank you for the review. Are you still liking it as much? I’m very interested in the ecg and oximetry functions. Will the pdf of the ecg tracing be available without the premium upgrade?
I just need something that I can clip on my belt and forget. I need to count steps, distance walked and calories burned. That’s it. I do not want anything else. There’s nothing good that does that.
My thing with the charge series overall is they cost twice as much as my Samsung galaxy fit 2 and They are only slightly better in some ways or worse in others. The chrge 6 has turned it around a bit so getting one would defidenly be an upgrade but not to warrant double the price, and then you have to pay for fitbit premium to get alot of those benifits over the samsung.I don't know the price but im guessing around $130 like the last ones have been but maybe with them having been bought out by google EDIT: its now $190. Thats insane. Its just not worth it. for merely $30 or so more you could get a base model Galaxy watch 4. Or better if you catch a sale which are common. So in the end just save $130+ or spend a bit more and get a real smart watch. Heck with the subscription Just buy a galaxy watch 4 and by the end of a year or 2 you'll have a full on smart watch with all the features PLUS you'll likely save a bunch.
I'm and apple watch 5 users so you know with all the apple upgrades, I'll be updated to the point where this apple watch 5 wont work anymore. At that point I'll look into a fitbit charge, the hybrid of it all.
Subscription is a no go for me, seems like the company sold out to this type of bs If the device can already do the things they are trying to charge you for Why not just give it to us? Greedy ass company
$200 device with NFC but no weather or music controls... Because fitness enthusiasts only do workouts indoors and workout in silence 😂 Joke device. Xiaomi $30 band has these features.
Last year, the Charge 4 was my most frequent recommendation to friends and family. This year, the Charge 5 is a nearly perfect sequel. What are your thoughts?
NEW FITBIT CHARGE 5: mikeobrienmedia.com/Fitbit-Charge-5
Do you think the galaxy 4 watch has good accuracy for fitness as fitbit?
Great fitness watch overall, but it picks up a lot of false steps when you riding a motorbike or driving. That’s the only negative
@@bujub5542 not sure, this seems to be an issue with Fitbit only. Had the same issue with charge HR long back. Have used Apple watch and fossil earlier, they didn't seem to have this issue
Just changed to this from Polar a370, and this seems to be much better 😊 Though also a bit bummed with the must payment of premium to get all out of it.
Mike I love your videos! Will get the Charge 5 and start my 150 pounds reduction, help me start a channel of my health journey :)
It sounds like a good device, but I can't see myself willingly paying almost $200 for a device that's intentionally crippled to force me to pay for a subscription service. I think you're right: Personal coaching and other premium services are one thing, but if the device can physically do it, I should be able to do it out of the box. Having to pay a subscription to turn on features that are already in the device is a no-go for me.
Agreed. They blew it on this. It was always free before
I used to think the same, but after using it for few weeks, I am definately renewing the subscription after the free trial ends
Speak for yourself
@@PointSouthAndSee "I can't see myself," They just did. 🤨
But the things they sell it for are all free like the ecg eda heart rate gps sleep tracking weight tracker period tracker water tracker calorie burn step count and so so many more for free it’s really not worth the premium
It looks good, but I don't trust the longevity of Fitbit devices anymore since they always seem to stop working properly after a few months for me. Also having to pay for a subscription service for basic features like data history is total bs. I couldn't in good conscience purchase a device for a task of tracking my data, then have that company choose to "withhold" the data, unless I give them an additional monthly service fee. Allowing you to see your data history is not a service.
100% agree.
ive been using fitbits for years and never have that issue. thats rough
Yeah especially the Charge variety. So many tickets raised with no solution.
I have the Versa 3. Still like Fitbit due to long battery life, intuitive app and enough fitness tracking features to satisfy most users. I agree about Fitbit Premium being a negative.
Nice video thx. I have a Fitbit luxe. Bought it a few month ago. For me the perfect device because I combine it with my Samsung smartwatch. Fitbit has better health tracking but I also don’t want to give up my Samsung smartwatches. Smartwatch on the left wrist, Fitbit on the right. A little bit stupid but it works for me.
I always like Fitbit a lot and had several different models. However, as the premium subscription was introduced I switched to Garmin and am now a happy Garmin user.
It is Feb 2022, I just got my charge 5 today, it is my first health watch, and was on sale. I have gone through many reviews of this device and know what to expect with the charge 5. Too bad it does not have the altimeter feature and live Oximeter functions. i dont need calendar, camera, music, or weather features on the device. Not important to me, have other devices that will do that. Weather??? i just look outside and know what the weather is.
So i will see how it goes with the charge 5 and how easy it is to use and how well it works with the fitbit app on my mobile phone. take care.
Received my charge 5 on 12.12 its fantastic use it on my jogging in 5am its really work well especially the gps I use simultaneously with my Hwawei watch both are fantastic but fitbit more clear gps than Hwawei but the result on my jogging are very accurate. Thanks fitbit n Hwawei
The small and light form factor makes it appealing, especially at night when you have to sleep. But the Versa 3 is pretty much being sold at the same price which has a bigger screen and more functionality.
I thought it was good for the price, but I'm always iffy with holding back features with a service.
It does look like the best fit band though.
I agree. Without premium, the device is still outstanding, but I just wish they did not hold features hostage like that
@@MikeOBrienMedia I agree with you both sentiments about this premium "shakedown". Any similar device you can recommend?
Thank you very helpful,
my husband bought me the Fitbit 5, I’m really pleased with it, my old Fitbit Inspire just died recently, this device is so much better
PS. in the UK Fitbit Premium came with it for 6 months free
Thanks for a great review. I was about to purchase but the subscription system is a total turn off so I'll be looking elsewhere.
My biggest issue with the Charge 5 is the price, I just bought a Galaxy Watch Active 2 for 80$ used with an extra band, and even if it stops getting updated, it already has more smartwatch features
I loved my active 2. But I traded it in for the Galaxy watch 4 and kind of regret it even though it's a good watch I feel like the active 2 was more on the fitness side.
Got this for 150 dollars on black friday. Pretty happy about that purchase :) It was a upgrade for my charge 3.
I like the fact that whether you have an iPhone or you use Alexa products or Android this is an all-purpose device and that said I do use a pixel phone and I kind of wish Fitbit and Google would make a version that caters more towards Google
I agree that tying basic data access and analysis to Premium is pretty gross. However, when I compare it to Whoop -- which offers very similar recovery/strain info once the Readiness Score is released -- the cost starts to seem a bit more acceptable.
In Canada the cost of 18 months of Whoop is around $450. The cost of a Charge 5 + 1 year of Premium is around $300 (and the 6 months of free Premium included with Charge 5 purchase brings us to 18 months for a direct comparison to Whoop). Premium also includes a bunch of video and audio workout and meditation content. Whether that's useful depends on the individual. I so sort of like the 45 minute nature sounds tracks, they make a subtle meditation timer.
Subscription models to uncripple a device suck. But at least Fitbit Premium is on par with or less than similar offerings.
Hi Mike
Thank you for giving me the go on this Fitbit5
You are very helpful and aided me in understabding hiw it works.Again thanks for your time and help you are a wonderful person
Linda
Appreciate your review. Based on that, I just ordered one. As you noted, seems to provide good functionality and aesthetics for the price. Time will tell. I know it has Gorillas glass. Would you still recommend a screen protector for using it in outdoor environments? (forestry)
I am so impatiently waiting on the review and tips/features, basically everything about the fossil gen 6!! Omg Mike O'Brien I can't wait for that!! And of course the comparison between the fossil gen 6 and galaxy watch 4 (as I am twisted on which one to buy). Mike, really LOVE your content and watch/learn so much from you!
For the price of a Kardia portable ECG, you can get this fitness watch with all the other features - as a past Afib sufferer this was a no brainer.
Really enjoyed this video. Not fast talking and covered so much. Thank you
I can see it now, people calling into work saying they need to stay home or take the day off because their watch says "you're not feeling good today" or "your body battery is low"
Hi Mike, I like your videos very much. Thanks for all of them. One quick question. I watched your review of Fossil Hybrid HR and bought the same. I really enjoy it a lot. Then I realised how it differs from typical smarwatches. Hybrid is category between regular watches and smartwatches. My question is how do they vary from fitness bands which are also a cut down from smartwatches and provide more of health + notification features with some other features like alarm, sleep tracking, step count etc.
I bought it. Its a good device for someone like me trying to become more fit. And now with EDA, ECG, and the Daily Readiness Score, it was a no brainer buy.
I am waiting for Fitbit's Wear OS watch though and that would seriously tempt me to switching. All it needs to do is basically offer the same features as the Charge 5 or Sense but run Wear OS 3 and I'd be sold.
As you know, some competitors dumb down or remove features from their wearables in Canada.
Can you advise which Fitbit Charge 5 features are CURRENTLY active in Canada?
In particular what measurements does Fitbit Charge 5 measure at night and how frequently can I set these measurements.
CONTEXT: The Quantified Scientist, UA-cam lists three reasons to measure blood oxygen at night:
COPD, SARS CoV 2 and sleep hypoxemia/apnea.
Central sleep apnea, a disorder of biosignals and chemoreceptors has no known treatment, except sleep hygiene. CPAP makes it worse and it's supposed to cause cardiovascular disease, stroke, impaired memory and cognition. One's blood oxygen might drop to 70% for 17 minutes during sleep as measured by medical grade ring pulse oximeter
You mentioned GPS accuracy, but did you have trouble acquring the and keeping GPS signal?
So many Amazon 1 star reviews keep talking about a mandatory $80 membership for their nee features. Is that true?
No, I’ve owned a Fitbit for years and there’s no mandatory memberships. You can still use the watches with the basic features.
Great video. Looking for a new device, since switching over to Andorid. Had Apple watch. Debating between somthing like this, the Garmin venu 2, or Galaxy watch 4 classic. I am more fitness focused. If I choose Garmin, it would be Venu 2 or something like the Fenix or new forefunner 945 lte. Apparently the Venu 2 and the forerunner 945 LTE have the new unpdated sensor. Which device would you recommenend? Thanks.
So for someone who wants to track their heart rate walking and using the treadmill as well as their normal everyday activity would this be something you would recommend? Presently have an Apple watch but been wanting to go to Android. Would you also recommend the Galaxy Watch 4 for that same purpose? Not sure if a Venu 2 fits my overall usage since it is maybe too fitness focused.
Greetings from Down Under. :)
Great Review as always. Been a Fitbit customer since 2012. There has definitely been some good devices. This one, as you mentioned, misses out with Music Control, Weather etc, H
However one thing that they have also left out is an Altimeter, so unlike previous Charge Models, it doesn't count stairs climbed.
Not sure why they left that out?
Jason thanks for mentioning that the Charge 5 has no altimeter and stairs count. Ive had the Charge 2 and Charge 3, but dropping the stairs or some measure of elevation gain/loss is a deal killer for me.
Bcoz altimeter is anyway not accurate
You're the man Mike. Reviews are always on point. 👉🏽
Tx much Mike, I just bought new one from Target in July 2023, and don't see EDA Scan on mine, is that something different in hardware or just updated firmware ???
Everyone considering this should read further... I'm watching this because the gorilla glass popped off my versa3, along w all the insides. I've used Fitbits only for 10 years. So I've learned not to get it wet on the reg, no prob, I charge it while showering. So even w how careful I was, the glass just came off. I'm dependent on the info from Fitbit now, so I'm staying w the brand, but if I could go back, knowing what I know now, I'd shop around for something more durable that doesn't charge a monthly fee.
Hey Mike would you say the charge 5 or charge 4 has better Heart rate accuracy ? Without using the gpa, only the connected gps (using your phone)
Which affordable smart band has the most accurate heart rate sensor?
It really is the best fitness tracker. And the battery lasts a whole week, amazing. Plus the Fitbit app is the best. The data is presented in such a great way, much better than Apple’s, giving you much better insights into your health.
Hey Mike, Nice video and love the way you covered all the aspects. I am currently researching on my next smart watch / band. I have Amzefit Pace for last 4 years now and some of the sensors have now stopped working (after I accidentally took it to shower:)). Any quick top of the mind recommendations ? I really want one with inbuilt GPS and don't use notifications much.
I had 2 Charge 4 tracker in just a little over a year. Both of their band attachments broke within six months. It broke my heart because I loved the 4, but it was out of warranty when the replacement for the first one broke, and I haven’t yet replaced it. Are the band attachments better on the Charge 5?
Thanks for your video! I get my Charge 5 on Monday.
I had my Charge 4 for 6 months when the clasps broke off the device. Not the band, the actual device. Apparently, this is very common after the 6 month mark. Never again.
Day two for me. Absolute Junk.
Interesting piece. I just got the gen 6 fossil and it's been great coming from a past where I had the LG G Watch R years ago.
Interested to see if you have good battery life when you review that because mine has been atrocious.
I watched this entire video because it mentions ECG in the title - I see nothing about it. I want to know how to get ECG on My fitbit charge 5. I have been trying everything for a week now, and I do have premium (free for 6 months) and still no sign of ECG. I have seen a notice on my app when I go to download ecg, that it say not available...help please.
If you can't see the ECG icon, it means that it's not available in your country, unfortunately.
I got the Charge 5 and I'm returning it. Yes, the design is great and it is loaded with sensors, but to use them properly and fully, you need additional subscription. On top of that, the app just doesn't feel right I was always strugling to find anything in it.
But what dissappointed me the most, was the ECG. It is widely advertised, every user manual mentioned it as done deal, but is nowhere to be found and won't be for at least couple of months.
I have a feeling you haven’t actually bought the watch yet and you’re just saying things. Without premium, you get pretty much full metrics in almost every category except sleep and ECG. I’ve owned many Fitbits, and I must say the Fitbit app may be the easiest to use out of all the brands. On top of that, THERE IS LITTERLY AN ICON THAT SAYS ECG ON THE WATCH😂😂. There is no way you bought it, and you would still have a FREE trial for 6 months when you buy the watch
@@harveygreene5673 your feeling would be pretty wrong then. I bought the band and had it for couple of days, but couldn't quite live with it, especially the app. Some metrics (for example some sleep metrics) were available in premium only. Sure, there is the 6 months of free premium, but then what? In 2 years I'd pay same money as for the 200 dollar tracker itself.
As for the ECG - no, there wasn't any icon on the band. I querried the customer support about it and it was confirmed to me, that the functionality was still couple of weeks away, and yet, it was mentioned in every ad, sponsored review and manual as ready.
So I've returned it. When I was returning it, the sales rep said that many people were returning these for the same exact reasons I was mentioning.
It has been awhile since this review, but, do you still recommend this today? I am about to buy one for my daughter.
Hey,
What about the tracking on a set duration, e.g. months, yrs. It is working w/o subscription?
Thanks!
I just ordered the Charge 5 while wearing the Charge 4. The reason is the addition of the heart app as I would like to have the information available while on my ride. Coming home and seeing the graph can be a little unsettling for me at 73, to find I had pushed that far into my high end of the spectrum when I am home looking at the app. The stair counter loss is not a big deal to me as my 4 used to count my bike ride hills as stair elevation. I am looking forward to the 5 and can only hope it is as good as my 4 have been. The 4 was a good improvement over the 3 which I also have. The only reason for me to go to the 5 is my age, family history, the heart app. I will check back after a few weeks of wearing. I also agree that the extra functions would be nice to have from the start but Strava, Ridegps, etc, have the same type of limitations so I think it is naive to think that FitBit should give all of it away for free but that is just my opinion. Be safe all.
How's the display? I sent back my amzfit because I couldn't read the display it was way to small and the dark blue print was a joke.
I saw on another review that in order for the gps to work properly, you have to loosen the band, but if you do, the heart rate tracking is no longer accurate. Is that right?
Great review! What version of Bluetooth is used on the Charge 5?
5.0
The pushing for premium is the only but real deal breaker
2 Charge4 broke down within a year like clock!
Doubt will spend more money for Fitbit anymore.
3+ years old Miband3 still works.
Hi. Can the Fitbit Charge 5 send heart rate data to services like Zwift?
It only now has color. I got a $50 fitness tracker that has a color touch screen. WTF
Does it worth it to change from Inspire HR to Charge 5 ? I m not so sure...
You should do and upgrade maybe bcause i bought mine on December 20; and i have ECG and other stuff i don't even know
mike excellent excellent review, top of the top, thanks so much !
Its awesome! The App is very detailed in information. Wouldnt touch anything else.
Does it work with Wahoo Kicker and ZWIFT?
I have my fitbit charge 5 for 4 days now and the only thing inaccurate is my steps counter. Maybe it's a setting but I have tried everything, stride length, Dominant & non dominant hand but nothing seems to help 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe it will be fixed with an update. Or I will reïnstall it
Send it back and get a replacement then…too soon t o be having issues.
Which is better Charge 5 or Versa 2?
Hey Mike! Love your videos! Any chance you might consider reviewing the Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch? Thanks!
Hi Ryan, I am certainly going to review the Gen 6! That video should be out soon
I love your reviews. Thank you 😊
Blood oxygen never worked on my fitbit charge 4 even tho I had it installed and everything. The app just kept telling me to make sure I had it downloaded, which I had. I ended up cancelling my pro subscription because of it sins there was no point in having the sub when I couldt even use the pro sub features
great video and very informative, will definitely consider buying this now!
Thanks, Adam! What color would you buy?
Dang, lost me at the fitbit premium
Is it's strong vibration ?
This sounds exactly what I’m looking for. That extra fluff of some of the music etc I could care less about.. just for me.
you get 6 months worth of premium for free, which equals $60. ''free''... You basically already paid for it. subtract that from the price and it basically costed $120 after you've used your premium.
So after 6 months the dilemma starts: To premium or not to premium.
If you don't want to, you can sell it for close to $120
in India…there are hundreds fitness band which are cheaper…so this is not “affordable” but premium here
I really like the overall aesthetic and the feature set of the Charge 5, but I just can't stand Fitbit's chonky bezels. 😖 I'm conflicted.
can i turn off bluetooth on fitbit charge 5 ?
I'm going to ask the question that everybody wants answered is this device as good if not better than an iPhone and a Galaxy watch?
No
I need a tracker which tells me distance walked, calories burned and steps taken.
That’s all.
I don’t want it to tell my sleep cycle, weather forecast, pay for groceries or make coffee…
I don’t want it on my wrist either. I want it to be clip on.
It has to be rechargeable.
Any thoughts?
You can get a classic step counter on amazon, that you could attach to your belt or pants, it will only count your steps. Those "calories burned" will never match the reality, btw.
Fitbit Inspire 2 seems like it might be up your alley. It can clip on and be worn on a band
I guess, you have Mobvoi Ticwatch 3 Ultra.
I still like my Charge 4, it let's me see text, has fit bit pay and its light and sleek
perfect display for a band
So with the skin temperature
Can I jump in the sauna and ice bath and see the temperatures ?
The monthly fee kills it.
I can't believe none of the reviews are talking about the battery dropping to 15% in 24 hours. This thing won't even go one full day without being charged. Fit bit needs to do a software patch to fix this. I have everything turned off. Brightness on low, heart rate off, heart zone off. Everything is OFF. It still can't go 2 days even though it advertises 7 days.
That’s terrible. I am so tempted to buy a Fitbit. I had bought the Ionic when it first came out. It was pretty costly and lasted a little over a year. I love the community, but there are a lot of complaints about their devices and the premium is too much.
@@nanochicka2236 I love my Charge 2. It does everything I need and after almost 4 years, it still goes about 5 - 6 days on a single charge when I get it to 100% I got the 5 because the color screen finally looked like a worthy upgrade. I'm sure a software patch will fix it. I even left it at 100% and didn't touch it for 24 hours and it died this morning. Only lasted 1 day. I even turned brightness to dim, turned off heart rate and heart zone and GPS and also turned tap to wake up on to save battery life. It still died at the 24 hour mark. Keep in mind, I didn't even use it. Left it on the table for 24 hours as a test. How Fitbit got 7 days outta this is beyond me.
@@nanochicka2236 I figured what the battery issue is on the Charge 5. When plugged in and charging, it goes to 99% pretty fast and people naturally assume it'll change 1% in 5 mins to hit 100%. Actually, it needs to be plugged in close to 2 hours for it to switch that 1% to 100%. Ever since I let it fully charge to 100%, I haven't had battery issues. Almost 7 days now and it's at 60%. I'm beyond please.
Havent even watched the vid yet and I already know its gonna be a banger
I hope you like it
I'd trade the notification & NFC feature for an altimeter.
That would be so nice to have for trail runs or hikes!
how can you call the Fitbit charge 5 the best premium fitness tracker 2021 when in many ways it is a step back from the Charge 4 ? Yes it looks nice with the new display but what happened to floors counting (which seam to be no longer available on any of the new Fitbit bands) ? and what happened to heart rate accuracy ? and what happened to GPS accuracy ? In my opinion Fitbit became populair because they created something where you can compete with your friends for steps - distance - floors climbed and so on but now floors climbed are no longer on any of Fitbits trackers. To me that's going against how they started becoming populair. And really the Fitbit Charge 5 is not the best tracker of 2021 because even the older Charge 3 and Charge 4 are better
I don’t know why people complain about Fitbit premium or it bothers them that much . I just don’t get it . People pay 10 to 17 dollars for dumb Netflix and other things , alcohol and whatever not , but can’t pay 10 dollars a month for their health . What a shame world we are in .🤦🏻♂️
If I can’t see my sleep I’ll either go back to my versa or just skip it as a waste of time. If I were going to journal it might be worth it but we all know that ain’t happening
Miband 6 all day
Fitbit charge 5 $180, Galaxy watch 4 $250... which one should I choose?
Depends if you want a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. I had the Charge 4 but eventually ended up getting an Apple watch because it simply did more things.
I bought the charge 4. What I like about it more often than fitbits is that the sensors and the capabilities that Fitbit say you can have you always have to pay a monthly premium for most of the things.
Also with the charge 4 is it smartwatch capabilities and also that it's new so any issues will eventually be worked out and having the new Google OS will allow many more developers for the apps.
But still it all comes down to person to person. I was a huge fan of Fitbit for years but they always failed on their promises and was always putting out a new watch and abandoning the previous watches and never came out with the features that they marketed. Or if they did it became monthly premium. And customer service 🤯
I do still today say though they have the best interface app of any tracker device.
Great review, thanks 👍
Do you need GPS on a fitness tracker?
Yes to track your walks/runs
thank you for showing the white version
Subscription to access full features is bullshit and will stop me buying this device I don’t care how good it is. Same with Samsung watch only fully working with Samsung phone.
I have the Black Fitbit Charge 5
The 5 looks pretty good Mike. Thanks for the review.
Glad you liked it! What videos should I make next? Please DM me if you have any requests or suggestions, Ron
@@MikeOBrienMedia Thank you for the review. Are you still liking it as much? I’m very interested in the ecg and oximetry functions. Will the pdf of the ecg tracing be available without the premium upgrade?
I just need something that I can clip on my belt and forget. I need to count steps, distance walked and calories burned.
That’s it.
I do not want anything else.
There’s nothing good that does that.
My thing with the charge series overall is they cost twice as much as my Samsung galaxy fit 2 and They are only slightly better in some ways or worse in others. The chrge 6 has turned it around a bit so getting one would defidenly be an upgrade but not to warrant double the price, and then you have to pay for fitbit premium to get alot of those benifits over the samsung.I don't know the price but im guessing around $130 like the last ones have been but maybe with them having been bought out by google
EDIT: its now $190. Thats insane. Its just not worth it. for merely $30 or so more you could get a base model Galaxy watch 4. Or better if you catch a sale which are common.
So in the end just save $130+ or spend a bit more and get a real smart watch. Heck with the subscription Just buy a galaxy watch 4 and by the end of a year or 2 you'll have a full on smart watch with all the features PLUS you'll likely save a bunch.
I'm and apple watch 5 users so you know with all the apple upgrades, I'll be updated to the point where this apple watch 5 wont work anymore. At that point I'll look into a fitbit charge, the hybrid of it all.
I was so excited for the charge 5, but the fact it also needs a subscription is trash and I’m not gonna be getting one
Subscription is a no go for me, seems like the company sold out to this type of bs If the device can already do the things they are trying to charge you for Why not just give it to us? Greedy ass company
Oh when he said affordable I thought he ment $69
The ECG doesn't work.
$200 device with NFC but no weather or music controls... Because fitness enthusiasts only do workouts indoors and workout in silence 😂 Joke device. Xiaomi $30 band has these features.