howto: Four Ways the Fitbit Edge Is Better Than the Charge 6, and Two
Learn the key differences between the Fitbit Edge and Charge 6, including four advantages of the Edge and two areas where it falls short, to help you choose the best fitness tracker for your needs.
The world of fitness trackers is constantly evolving, and for many, Fitbit has long been a go-to brand for monitoring health and activity. With the recent announcement and pre-order availability of the new Fitbit Edge, many loyal users are curious about how it stacks up against its predecessor with a screen, the Charge 6. This guide will walk you through the key differences, highlighting four areas where the Edge truly shines and two where the Charge 6 still holds an advantage. By understanding these distinctions, you'll be equipped to make an informed decision on which device best suits your fitness journey and daily needs.
Prerequisites to Getting Started: Before diving into the specifics of each device, you should be considering a new fitness tracker purchase or evaluating an upgrade from an older model. This comparison is particularly useful if you're an existing Fitbit user familiar with the ecosystem and are weighing the pros and cons of the latest offering against a previous generation with a screen.
The Fitbit Edge's Key Advantages (Four Ways It Shines)
1. A Reliable Physical Side Button
One of the most noticeable and welcomed upgrades on the Fitbit Edge is the inclusion of a genuine, tactile side button. Unlike the Charge 6, which featured a haptic "button" that required a squeeze and often failed to register input reliably, the Edge provides a satisfying, audible click with every press. This physical interface significantly improves user experience, making navigation and interaction with the device far more consistent and less frustrating. For anyone who struggled with the Charge 6's unresponsive haptic control, this design change alone could be a compelling reason to consider the Edge.
2. Return of the Altimeter for Elevation Tracking
The Fitbit Edge marks the return of an important sensor that was absent in recent Charge models: the altimeter. This hardware component is crucial for tracking changes in altitude, allowing your device to measure how many "floors" you've climbed throughout your day. For outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, or runners who frequently tackle varied terrain, the altimeter provides more accurate data on hills and inclines, enriching your workout summaries with precise elevation gains. To find a Fitbit tracker with an altimeter, one would previously have to look back as far as the Charge 4, making its reintroduction a significant advantage for activity tracking.
3. More Accurate and Reliable GPS Tracking
While both the Charge 6 and the Edge boast built-in GPS capabilities, allowing you to leave your phone behind during workouts, the Edge promises a much-needed improvement in accuracy. The Charge 6 was notorious for its flawed GPS performance; particularly, overtightening the wristband could strain the GPS antenna, leading to highly inaccurate and "comically distorted" activity maps. Google has stated that the Fitbit Edge features "better GPS hardware." Given the previous model's struggles, this enhancement is a critical upgrade, ensuring your routes and distances are tracked with greater precision, providing reliable data for your outdoor activities.
4. Flexible Music Control for Any App
A common point of frustration for Charge 6 users was its highly restrictive music control feature. The device's music player was exclusively tethered to YouTube Music, a premium subscription service. This meant that users needed both a paid YouTube Music subscription and the specific app to control music playing from their phone, leaving Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming service users out of luck. The Fitbit Edge resolves this limitation by allowing control over "whatever is playing on your phone." This universal compatibility brings the Edge in line with most other smartwatches and trackers, offering much greater convenience and flexibility for managing your audio during workouts or daily activities.
Where the Charge 6 Still Holds an Edge (Two Ways the Edge Falls Short)
1. No Google Pay or NFC Contactless Payments
Perhaps the most significant downgrade in the Fitbit Edge is the removal of Google Pay and NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities. The Charge 6 allowed users to set up Google Wallet, enabling contactless payments by simply tapping their Fitbit at compatible stores. This feature was incredibly convenient for those who preferred to run errands or exercise without carrying their phone or wallet, offering the freedom to purchase a drink or snack on the go. Its absence on the Edge means users will need to revert to carrying a phone or physical card for payments, which could be a deal-breaker for some.
2. Google Maps Directions 'Coming Soon' (Not at Launch)
At its launch, the Fitbit Edge does not support Google Maps directions. While Google's specifications indicate this feature is "coming soon," it's worth noting the immediate absence. Even on the Charge 6, the Google Maps directions were somewhat basic, operating in a dedicated app and providing only turn-by-turn instructions rather than a comprehensive map view. Therefore, while its eventual arrival on the Edge might mitigate this disadvantage over time, those who currently rely on this (albeit limited) feature on their Charge 6 will find it missing initially on the new device.
Making Your Choice: Key Considerations
Deciding between the Fitbit Edge and the Charge 6 ultimately comes down to your personal priorities and how you use a fitness tracker. Consider these points before making your purchase:
- Interaction Preference: Do you value the tangible feedback of a physical button, or can you tolerate a less reliable haptic one? The Edge's button is a clear winner for usability.
- Activity Tracking Needs: If hiking, running on varied terrain, or detailed elevation tracking are critical to your fitness goals, the Edge's altimeter and improved GPS are significant advantages.
- On-the-Go Payments: For those who frequently leave their phone at home and rely on their tracker for quick purchases, the Charge 6 with Google Pay remains the superior option.
- Music Control: If you use streaming services other than YouTube Music and want seamless control from your wrist, the Edge offers universal compatibility, a major upgrade.
- Navigation: While Google Maps on Charge 6 was limited, it was present. The Edge will require patience for this feature to roll out.
Weighing these improvements and omissions against your daily habits will guide you to the Fitbit that best aligns with your lifestyle.
Next Steps and Related Topics
Now that you understand the key differences, consider which features are most important for your fitness and convenience needs. If the Edge's new button, altimeter, improved GPS, and universal music control align with your preferences, you might explore pre-order options. If Google Pay or immediate access to navigation are essential, the Charge 6 might still be a compelling choice, or you may wait for future Edge updates. Keep an eye on official Fitbit announcements for updates on features like Google Maps availability.
FAQ
Q: Does the Fitbit Edge work with both iPhones and Android devices? A: Yes, like other Fitbit devices, the Edge is designed to pair seamlessly with both iPhones and Android smartphones, ensuring broad compatibility for users regardless of their mobile operating system.
Q: Can I control my Spotify or Apple Music playlists from the Fitbit Edge? A: Absolutely. The Fitbit Edge features universal music control, meaning it can manage playback for whatever music app is currently active on your connected phone, including popular services like Spotify and Apple Music, unlike the Charge 6's YouTube Music-only restriction.
Q: Is the Fitbit Edge considered a full-fledged smartwatch? A: The Fitbit Edge is primarily a fitness tracker with a screen, designed to bridge the gap between simpler screenless trackers (like the Fitbit Air) and more advanced smartwatches (like the Pixel Watch). It runs on a specific Fitbit OS, distinct from the full smartwatch OS of Pixel watches, focusing on fitness and essential notifications rather than a broad app ecosystem.
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