
That information is rolled into a Stress Management score on the Fitbit app. According to Fitbit, the Charge 5 measures your body’s physiological response to stress by sensing changes in the electrical conductance in the skin caused by the tiny sweat glands on your fingers.

The EDA sensor is activated by pinching the sides of the device. The two new tracking features are EKG heart monitoring and stress management using an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, which you’ll also find on Fitbit’s Sense smartwatch. In addition to the Charge 5’s more refined look, the new display adds an always-on mode that reinforces the device’s smartwatch vibe. There are also some new band options, from a sporty perforated model to a Horween leather strap that’s dressy enough for the office.Īnd in the biggest outward change, a full-color screen replaces the monochrome display of the old model. It comes in three colors: black/graphite, lunar white/soft gold, and steel blue/platinum. The case is sleeker and made of stainless steel instead of plastic. The Fitbit Charge 5 looks similar to the Charge 4, which was introduced in 2020, but the new model has a few significant upgrades. Here’s a closer look at what we learned in our complete evaluation of the Charge 5. The heart rate and step-count accuracy are about the same as those on the Charge 4, but sit somewhat below other highly rated fitness trackers like the Garmin Forerunner 235.

But the Charge 5 is enhanced with features previously introduced on Fitbit smartwatches that are meant to track not just your workouts but also your overall wellness, even while you’re sitting at your desk.Īccording to our testers, the new model also exceeds the Charge 4 in ease of use, ease of interaction, versatility, and readability in bright light. The model retains all the fitness tracking information of the Charge 4, which ranked toward the top of our ratings and earned a CR Best Buy designation. Unlike many other fitness trackers, Fitbit wants you to wear the Charge 5 all day, gaining health data long after you leave the gym. The Charge 5 is Fitbit’s top-of-the-line fitness tracker and its most expensive, with a $180 price tag.
