Is Fitbit Still Worth It in Late 2025? Yes, But You Need to Choose Carefully

Let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat: It’s late 2025, and the “Fitbit” you might remember from five years ago effectively doesn't exist anymore. Since Google completed its acquisition and subsequent integration, we’ve survived a few messy transitional years, a confusing rebranding, and the "Googlefication" of the app.

If you’re shopping for a gift right now—or looking to track your own New Year’s resolutions—you might be wondering if the brand is even relevant.

Here is my honest take: Yes, Fitbit is still relevant, but the lineup is trickier to navigate than it used to be.

The reality is that Google has split the identity of the brand. On one side, you have the high-end "Pixel" experience, which is excellent but expensive. On the other, you have the classic trackers, which remain the absolute best value in the fitness world. If you know exactly which lane you’re in, you can get a fantastic device. If you just grab a box off the shelf because you recognize the name "Versa" or "Sense," you might end up disappointed.

Here is a breakdown of what is actually worth your money this holiday season.

The "Money Is No Object" Pick: Google Pixel Watch 4

If you are an Android user and you want the best "Fitbit" experience available, you aren’t buying a device with the Fitbit logo on the box. You’re buying the Pixel Watch 4.

While it technically falls under the Google umbrella, this watch is the spiritual successor to the high-end Fitbits of the past. The 4th generation has finally solved the biggest headache of its predecessors: battery anxiety. In testing, we’re consistently seeing 36 to 42 hours of life. That means you can actually use the sleep tracking features without waking up to a dead watch.

It also charges incredibly fast now—going from 15% to full in under 45 minutes—so you can toss it on the charger while you shower and be good to go.

The health tracking here is top-tier. It uses Fitbit’s most advanced heart rate algorithms and now includes Gemini-powered AI features. The "Raise-to-Talk" feature feels genuinely futuristic, letting you interact with the assistant without shouting "Hey Google" in public. Plus, Google has made the design more repairable, which is a massive win for longevity.

Who it’s for: The tech enthusiast who wants a full smartwatch experience, complete with apps, LTE options, and satellite SOS safety features. It’s currently hovering around $300 on sale, making it a premium gift.

The Value King: Fitbit Charge 6

If you don’t care about answering emails on your wrist and just want a device that tells you how healthy you are, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the undisputed champion.

I recommend this device more than any other fitness tracker. Why? Because it sits in that perfect sweet spot. It’s often on sale for under $100, yet it packs sensors that used to be exclusive to $300 watches. We’re talking FDA-cleared EKG for heart rhythm, EDA sensors for stress, and built-in GPS.

The Charge 6 also fixes the hardware flaws of the Charge 5. It brought back a haptic side button (thank goodness), so you aren't furiously tapping a screen that won't respond fast enough during a sweaty workout. It also integrates nicely with Google Maps and Wallet, so you can pay for a coffee after your run without bringing your phone.

The only caveat is the "always-on" display. It looks great, but it will tank your battery life from seven days down to two. My advice? Keep the always-on screen off, use the "raise to wake" gesture, and enjoy charging your device once a week.

Who it’s for: Runners, gym-goers, and anyone who wants detailed health data without the bulk or distraction of a full smartwatch.

The Stocking Stuffer: Fitbit Inspire 3

Sometimes, simple is better. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the device I tell people to buy for their parents, or for friends who are skeptical about wearable tech.

At roughly $70 on sale, it’s a steal. It’s incredibly lightweight, has a bright color OLED screen (a huge upgrade from the old monochrome displays), and the battery lasts a solid 10 days. It doesn’t have GPS or contactless payments, but it nails the fundamentals: step counting, heart rate monitoring, and Fitbit’s legendary sleep tracking.

It’s unobtrusive enough that you can wear it alongside a traditional analog watch if you want, or clip it onto your waistband with an accessory. It’s just a great little gadget that does exactly what it says it will do.

Who it’s for: The minimalist, the budget-conscious, and the person who just wants to know "Did I walk enough today?"

The "Cool Parent" Gift: Fitbit Ace LTE

Kids' wearables are usually junk. They tend to be cheap, plasticky, and frustrating to use. The Fitbit Ace LTE is the exception.

This isn’t just a step counter; it’s a fully gamified smartwatch designed for the 7-to-11-year-old crowd. Instead of boring calorie counts, activity powers a "Noodle" on the screen and unlocks games. The more the kid moves, the more game time they get. It’s a brilliant loop that actually motivates kids to run around.

For parents, it offers peace of mind. It requires a subscription (about $10/month), but that gives you location tracking, calling, and messaging. Crucially, it’s a "walled garden." Your kid can only communicate with contacts you approve—no open social media, no spam calls.

My colleague Nathan, who has tested this with his own kids for a year, notes that the build quality is surprisingly good—closer to a Pixel Watch than a toy. Just be aware that unlike the older Ace trackers, this one needs to be charged every night.

Who it’s for: Parents who want to stay in touch with their elementary schoolers but aren’t ready to hand over a smartphone yet.

What You Should Avoid (And What to Know Before You Buy)

I promised to be direct, so here is a warning: Do not buy the Fitbit Versa 4 or the Fitbit Sense 2.

I know they look like smartwatches, and I know the prices look tempting. But in late 2025, they are essentially zombie products. They lack the third-party app support of the Pixel Watch, and they don't offer enough functionality over the Charge 6 to justify the price hike. Google’s focus is clearly on the Pixel line for smartwatches and the Charge/Inspire line for trackers. The Versa and Sense form factor is stuck in an awkward middle ground that I can't recommend.

One final, crucial note for gift givers: If you are buying a Fitbit for someone this year, you need to know that the account migration is real. New devices require a Google Account setup. If you’re gifting this to a grandparent who has been using the same Fitbit login since 2016, they will need to migrate their account to Google by February 2026. It’s not a difficult process, but it’s something you might want to help them with on Christmas morning to save them the headache later.

Fitbit has changed, but if you stick to the Charge 6, Inspire 3, or Pixel Watch 4, you’re still getting some of the best health tech on the market.