| Fitbit Charge | Apple Watch SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $120★ | $249 |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $79/yr | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 15g★ | 26g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 50m |
| Battery | 7 days★ | 18h |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅★ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS only |
| Tier | Fitness Tracker | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 28, 2023 | Sep 19, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | bad | good★ |
| Deals advice | great★ | neutral |
| Next model | Fitbit Charge 7 (Expected 2026) | Apple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027) |
Full ECG, electrodermal activity stress sensing, SpO2, and continuous heart rate in a tracker thinner than most smartwatches.
Google Maps navigation, Google Wallet NFC payments, and YouTube Music controls — more useful on-device apps than any previous Charge.
7 days of typical use, dropping to around 30 minutes per GPS workout session before needing a charge.
Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.
Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$249 vs $357 over 3 years · no required subscription.
7 days vs 18h battery.
6 sensors.
15g · no required subscription.
Anyone who wants serious health and fitness tracking without the bulk or cost of a full smartwatch. Works with both Android and iPhone, making it the most accessible Fitbit tracker in the lineup.
Full details →iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.
Full details →