Fitbit Charge 6 · problems & reliability report

Fitbit Charge 6 problems: what real owners report

33% of 401 verified Fitbit Charge 6owners don't recommend it, and 8 describe specific problems — based on real owner comments from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.

For balance: 61% recommend it. This page collects the complaints so you know what you're signing up for — read the full owner report for both sides. How we score

Trend
Recent owners are happier than older ones — the last six months run 76% recommend vs 61% all-time. Early problems may have been addressed.

Most common complaints

In owners' own words

The subscription model is the best way to lose existing users and no new potential buyers.
@sjohn2924 on YouTube
This is extremely frustrating and, in my opinion, short-sighted by Google.
@Gravage on YouTube
Switched to garmin a while back and I'm very happy with it over the Fitbit
@qooraf7 on YouTube
both devices never last over 2 years with normal usage , not more Fitbit products for me
@xxlwsxx on YouTube
The paywall is the nail in the coffin for me.
@MrPanzerDragoon on YouTube
having step count accuracy issues. It is off by 300-500 steps
@Abhinav.SFX1 on YouTube
I just got a charge 6. I am allready disliking the app.
@andrewscott1253 on YouTube
Constant sync issues with mine.
@chrisp3285 on YouTube
Google no.longer includes stairs/floors on their newest Fitbit Charge 6.
NefariousnessIll7932 on Reddit
Might be throwing my Fitbit Charge 6 in the trash with my many other Fitbits next Winter/Spring.
@george6252 on YouTube
the paywall will absolutely not make me buy one!
@Detvanliga on YouTube
they have all only lasted just a little over a year, just long enough for the warranties to expire
@hyden1912 on YouTube

Setup quirks & things to watch for

Not complaints — practical notes from owners that didn't affect the score.

I also recently had Fitbit charge 6. I think they just give you a rough estimate. If it’s off by like 200-300 steps per day and you walked like 5k-10k, that’s still just a tiny percentage off of less than 4%.
ACanThatCan on Reddit
I observe my Charge 6 all the time, and have compared it to a good chest strap. (Polar) Most of the time they line up. Once and a while, the Fitbit goes ape. Jump rope can do it.
HarpsichordGuy on Reddit
I had a Fitbit Charge 6 before and that was more in line with the Garmin, so I think Apple isn’t that accurate for resting HR.
honglong1976 on Reddit
I am using the charge 6; the functions are pedometer and exercise tracker. You can sync it to display texts but I disabled that. I get four days comfortably between charges but it claims six.
Ape_Face1985 on Reddit
Even in yoga sculpt classes with high intensity bursts (burpees, etc) and I feel like my heart rate reaches a vigorous rate several times throughout the workout, I’m still only burning 300 calories according to my Fitbit charge 6.
North_Cupcake_8694 on Reddit
Put a gold band on it to make it look fancy. But also I noticed the origin silicone band caused rashes, this band prevents it.
JediWebSurf on Reddit
Fitbit charge 6 adv: ECG is an option, AFIB during sleep. Google Wallet. Cons, mic & speaker: if you want sleep score and stress score detail than you have to pay for sub
jaamgans on Reddit
I have a Fitbit Charge 6, and it definitely seems to measure HR more accurately when I have started a workout. I think that causes it to poll the heart rate sensor more agressively.
tannenba on Reddit
Weighing it up? The full report has the other side — what 61% of owners like about it, who it's for, and every sourced quote. Full Fitbit Charge 6 owner report →