Fitbit and Garmin are big names when it comes to fitness trackers and watches. They are super popular among people who love staying fit.

Fitbit just brought out their new Charge 6, which has some cool stuff from Google added to it. 

Meanwhile, Garmin’s Venu Sq 2 has been around for about a year. There’s a price difference of around $100 between them.

So, deciding which one to get can be a bit tricky. Both watches have their own special features.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep and look at both Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which one you might want to buy.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: Price & Availability

Garmin Venu Sq 2

Launched on September 1, 2022, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is available in two different styles. 

There’s the Standard Venu Sq and the Venu Sq 2 Music Edition. The Standard version will cost you $249, while the Music Edition is a bit more at $299. That’s a $50 jump from the first Venu Sq models. 

Color options include Shadow Gray/Slate, White/Cream Gold, and Cool Mint/Metallic Mint. For those wanting the Music Edition, you can pick from Ivory/Peach Gold, Black/Slate, or French Gray/Cream Gold.

Fitbit Charge 6

This one hit the stores on October 12, 2023, priced at $159.95. That’s actually $20 cheaper than its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 5 when it first came out in 2021. 

An added bonus? You get a six-month membership of Fitbit Premium. This lets you see cool things like your Daily Readiness Score. If you like the service, you can keep it going at $9.99/month or get a year for $79.99.

For those thinking of color choices, the Charge 6 has three: black, champagne gold/coral, and silver/white. Plus, Fitbit added a new sporty ocean-woven band. Still, when you buy the Charge 6, it comes with the standard ‘Infinity’ band.

Where to Buy?

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: Specs Comparison

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Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: Desing & Display

The Venu Sq 2 sports a square dial, while the Charge 6 has a slim, rectangular shape. Both watches look good when you wear them, but the Charge 6 feels a tad more comfy on the wrist. This might be because of its sleek and light design.

A big change in the Charge 6’s design is the return of a physical button. This is a welcome change. In the past, Fitbit tried using a touch-sensitive groove, but most people prefer the old-school button. It just feels better. The good news? This button is back in the Charge 6. 

On the other side, Garmin’s Venu Sq 2 has two buttons on its right. These buttons can do different things, like starting a workout. But if you’re new to Garmin watches, it might take a bit to learn how they work.

The Charge 6 comes in three base colors: Black, Silver, and Champagne Gold. Even though these are your only choices for the watch itself, there are loads of band options out there. So you can always mix and match. 

The Venu Sq 2? It’s got six different styles combining various colors and bands. But its design isn’t too flashy or different from many other square watches out there.

Both these watches have bright and clear screens. The Charge 6 has an AMOLED screen that’s as good as its previous model. Even under the bright sun, you can easily see the screen. 

Garmin’s Venu Sq 2 also got an upgrade with a brighter AMOLED screen. One cool thing is that the text on the Venu Sq 2’s screen is bigger. So, reading stuff, even when you’re outside, is easy. The Venu Sq 2’s screen is surrounded by a metal frame, but the main body is plastic.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: Health & Fitness Features

Let’s dive into the health and fitness features of the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Venu Sq 2. These features are what make these trackers stand out for fitness lovers.

Fitbit Charge 6:

The Charge 6 packs quite a punch in a small size. Here’s what it offers:

• Heart Rate: This watch doesn’t just track your heartbeat; it also checks the variations in time between each heartbeat. This is called HRV, or heart rate variability. It’s a great way to understand your body better, and it’s awesome that this feature is in an affordable tracker like the Charge 6.
• Stress Check: There’s this 3-minute EDA scan that looks at your heart rate and sweat. This can tell you about your stress levels. And guess what? Sweat data is a really accurate way to measure stress.
• Other Features: The Charge 6 also has a feature for ECG scans, but there seems to be a glitch. The ECG app wasn’t on the tracker we looked at, and it wasn’t in the Fitbit app either. Apart from this, the watch has some cool Google-related features. One that stands out is the Google Maps direction feature. But remember, it only shows directions, not the full map.

Garmin Venu Sq 2:

When it comes to fitness tracking, the Venu Sq 2 is stacked:

• Sensors Galore: This watch has a compass, a device to measure speed (accelerometer), built-in GPS, a thermometer to check temperature, a sensor to measure blood oxygen (Spo2), and of course, a heart rate sensor. All these let the watch check your steps, heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, stress levels, and so much more.
• Outdoor Workouts: Planning to go for a jog outside? The Venu Sq 2’s built-in GPS can map where you run and give details like how fast you’re going.
• One Missing Feature: Even with all these cool features, there’s one thing the Venu Sq 2 can’t do. It doesn’t have an altimeter, so it can’t count how many floors you’ve climbed.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: Other Features

Both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Venu Sq 2 are loaded with features beyond just health and fitness. They cater to a wide range of users, whether you’re an athlete, a casual exerciser, or someone who just wants the convenience of a smart device on their wrist. Each has its unique strengths, making the decision between them a matter of personal preference and needs.

Starting with the Charge 6, this device comes with a variety of watch faces. Some are carried over from the Charge 5, and some are even from the Fitbit Luxe, giving you over 25 different faces to choose from. 

It also boasts more than 40 exercise routines available right on the tracker, a big step up from the Charge 5’s 20+. For those who use maps while exercising, the Charge 6 has integrated Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions. However, you’ll need your smartphone nearby, making this feature useful for cyclists and runners.

When it comes to payments, Google Pay replaces Fitbit Pay in the Charge 6. And if you’re into music, especially YouTube Music, you can control your tracks straight from your wrist. 

One unique feature is its ability to sync with certain gym equipment, allowing you to view your Charge 6’s heart rate data on devices like a Peloton. But remember, you’ll need a Google account to use the Charge 6; Fitbit’s old accounts won’t work anymore.

Switching gears to the Garmin Venu Sq 2, allows you to download watch faces, widgets, and apps from the Garmin Connect IQ Store. For those who’re always on their phones, the Venu Sq 2 offers features like rejecting calls with preset texts or even replying to messages, although the latter is for Android only. In terms of durability, it’s swim-proof, and changing its look is easy with 20mm interchangeable straps.

Compatibility isn’t an issue as it syncs with Android 7.0+ and iOS 15.0+ devices. It also connects you to the Garmin Connect community, letting you share and engage with other fitness enthusiasts. Safety features like LiveTrack and fall detection ensure you’re always connected in case of emergencies. 

As for activity tracking, it covers a range: from steps and calories to yoga and pilates. Advanced features like VO2 max (run) and customizable data pages make the Venu Sq 2 stand out in terms of detailed analytics.

Runners, golfers, and cyclists will find tailored features for their activities in the Venu Sq 2. For instance, golfers can benefit from the pinpointer and digital scorecard, while cyclists get alerts and support for speed and cadence sensors. And for those who swim, there’s a variety of metrics, including lengths, pace, and even underwater heart rate tracking.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for many when choosing a smartwatch or fitness tracker. No one wants to be tethered to a charger constantly, and fortunately, both the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Venu Sq 2 offer commendable battery durations.

Fitbit boasts a battery life of up to seven days for the Charge 6. However, real-life usage might vary. For example, after a full day’s use without GPS, the Charge 6 experienced a 15% battery drain. Add a 30-minute GPS run to the equation, and you’ll see another 10% decline. A unique feature of the Charge 6 is its ability to use your phone’s GPS when nearby, and should you leave your phone behind, the device will cleverly switch to its built-in GPS.

Naturally, some features, like the always-on display, can drain the battery more rapidly. But without these power-hungry features enabled, Fitbit’s seven-day estimate seems spot-on based on the tests. Charging doesn’t take forever either; the Charge 6 refuels from 0% to 100% in roughly two hours.

On the other side, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 impressively stands out with its battery prowess. The company claims that the device can last up to 11 days on a single charge. To sweeten the deal, there’s a battery saver mode that can further push the battery life, stretching it up to 12 days. Such longevity makes it one of the strong contenders for those who dread daily or even weekly charging routines.

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2: How to Choose?

When choosing between the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Venu Sq 2, there are several aspects to consider based on the in-depth information provided. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

Buy Fitbit Charge 6 if…

• Budget is a Concern: At $159.95, it’s considerably cheaper than the Garmin Venu Sq 2’s standard version which starts at $249. Plus, you get six months of Fitbit Premium.
• Sleek Design Matters: You prefer a slim, rectangular shape and a design that feels lightweight and comfortable on the wrist.
• Advanced Fitness Features: The device offers heart rate variability tracking and has a 3-minute EDA scan to check for stress levels using sweat data & ECG.
• Integration with Google Features: The Charge 6 includes integration with Google Maps for directions (not full map) and uses Google Pay for contactless payments.
• HRV and Stress Check: 

But Garmin Venu Sq 2 if…

• Battery Life is Crucial: If you’re not fond of charging your device often, the Venu Sq 2’s impressive battery life of up to 12 days (with battery saver mode) stands out.
• Outdoor Workouts: The built-in GPS maps your outdoor workouts, providing details like pace.
• Versatility in Design: With six different styles combining colors and bands, and the ability to download various watch faces and apps from the Garmin Connect IQ Store, customization is vast.
• Diverse Activity Tracking: Whether you’re into yoga, pilates, running, cycling, golfing, or swimming, the Venu Sq 2 offers tailored features and detailed analytics for each activity.

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