Fitbit Luxe and Charge 5 compared: discovering my preferred device
Fitbit Luxe vs. Charge 5: A Comparative Analysis
In the realm of fitness trackers, Fitbit continues to dominate with its latest offerings - the Fitbit Luxe and the Fitbit Charge 5. Both devices cater to different needs, offering unique features that set them apart.
The Fitbit Luxe, with its sleek 0.74-inch AMOLED panel, is a compact and stylish choice. On the other hand, the Fitbit Charge 5 boasts a larger 1.04-inch display, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more expansive view of their data.
Both the Fitbit Charge 5 and Luxe come with six months of Fitbit Premium out of the box, giving users access to personalised workouts, advanced sleep insights, and more.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a chunkier tracker band, packed with self-sufficient features, allowing phone-free exercise. It offers built-in GPS, NFC payments, and an ECG (electrocardiogram), making it a versatile fitness companion. In contrast, the Fitbit Luxe, despite its small size, is packed with tech but lacks some smart features like on-wrist payments and built-in GPS.
When it comes to health tracking, both devices are comparable. They can track steps, calories burned, heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen levels. However, the Charge 5 provides consistent readings for blood oxygen monitoring, where the Luxe has some inconsistencies.
The Fitbit Charge 5 also offers additional health tracking features such as heart rate irregularity alerts and a stress-tracking EDA scan, which the Luxe does not have. The Charge 5's Daily Readiness Score offers a comprehensive rating for how hard one can push themselves, minimising the risk of injury.
Pricing-wise, the Fitbit Luxe has seen a significant drop from its original price of $150/£130 to its current price of $99/£99. During Black Friday sales, it was even available for as low as $80/£80. As for the Fitbit Charge 5, due to the release of the Charge 6, its price has dropped since launch, and it can be found discounted on third-party retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
For those looking for a more advanced fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers new exercise modes, upgraded heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with Peloton, NordicTrack, and other fitness machine brands.
In conclusion, both the Fitbit Luxe and Charge 5 are solid choices, catering to different needs and budgets. The Luxe, with its smaller profile, ease of use, lightweight, and comfort, is a solid beginner option. On the other hand, the Charge 5, with its larger display, self-sufficient features, and advanced health tracking, is a more comprehensive fitness tracker.
