Fitbit Charge 2 review

The Fitbit Charge 2 isn't a massive advance on the Fitbit Charge HR. The design has improved a bit, and the larger display is useful for running through your stats as well as for checking phone notifications, but those are things the Fitbit Blaze already offers, albeit for a higher price.

But if you're looking for a fitness tracker to monitor your heart rate throughout the day, and want multi-sport tracking features, then you'll want to consider the Fitbit Charge 2.

Who's this for?

If you're after a running watch you won't want the Fitbit Charge 2. But if you're after something to track your daily step count, and a bit of exercise every few days, this is one of the best choices money can buy.

The additional fitness features bring this Fitbit closer to being the best option for those who want to be able to wear the same tracker day in day out.

There's not all that much reason to update from the Fitbit Charge HR, but as a first Fitbit tracker, or a replacement for a less-substantial model, the Fitbit Charge 2 is well worth a look.

Should you buy it?

If you're after a fitness tracker, there's no good reason not to buy a Fitbit Charge 2. Fitbit offers a large variety of trackers though, and if you don't need a heart rate tracker we'd suggest going for the Fitbit Alta.

But if a heart rate tracker and multi-sport tracking are features you want in your next wearable, the Fitbit Charge 2 is a well-built and easy to use option.

First reviewed September 2016

The competition

If you're thinking about getting the Fitbit Charge 2, here are some other fitness trackers you should also be considering… 

Fitbit Charge 3

If you're happy to spend a bit more, the Fitbit Charge 3 is better than the Charge 2 in almost every way. It's waterproof enough to go into a swimming pool, it features a refined design and the screen is bigger too.

The only downside is the higher price, but if you're willing to spend that bit extra we think you'll find it worthwhile in the long run.

• Read our review of the Fitbit Charge 3

Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

Samsung's Fitbit competitor is a very different-looking tracker to the Charge 2, and comes with a much bigger, color screen. It costs a little more than the Charge 2 – and it won't work with your iPhone – but it's a great alternative to the best new Fitbit. 

The upgraded Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro carries similar features but has some added swimming skills and might be worth a look too if having the very latest tech is something you prefer.

• Read our review of the Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

Fitbit Alta HR

The Alta HR looks to fill that sweet spot between the basic trackers and more expensive smart fitness watches. As the name suggests, the super-slim Alta HR has a focus on heart-rate tracking (which is excellent), but also promises sleep stage tracking, automatic exercise recognition and a 7-day battery life. 

There’s basic smartphone notifications and occasional reminders to move. The Garmin device probably has the edge for gym rats, thanks to rep counting when strength training, while also boasting the advantage of the VO2 Max readings.

• Read our review of the Fitbit Alta HR

Image Credit: TechRadar