Hey folks, thanks for watching! Here's the full written review as well, which includes boatloads on GPS & HR accuracy and plenty more other details I couldn't quite fit into the video: dcra.in/FitbitCharge4
I just rec'd this fitbit for my Birthday. Thank you for explaining that the FitBit Pay needs to be supported by my bank. I checked the list, and my bank is not on the list. You saved me a lot of phone calls, research, and frustration. Kudos to you! Thanks!
I've just ordered a Fitbit charge 4. This review was awesome! I can't believe the Spotify thing, I thought you could maybe upload a limited playlist or something. The while point of GPS, etc, is that you don't have to lug your s.artphone around on a run! Now I'll need to take phone anyway for music, so the GPS could just run on my phone too!!!
I bought a Fitbit 4 in the wintertime & used it in on the treadmill & stationary bike. I loved it … until spring came and I took it outside. I could not see the display at all in even moderate sunlight. I gave it to my daughter & bought a garmin instinct. That HRM is awesome in all cases.
Same here. I'm perfectly happy with my Charge 3, especially since it was a gift. I use it mostly to track my swimming time/distance as well as sleep quality. I also use the app to log my food, water, and monthly cycles. I don't even use the pay function.
1. Charge 3 Special Edition also had contactless payment and only cost an extra $20 (which also gave you an extra wrist band). 2. The sleep score metric is also not new on Charge 4, since I've had it on my Charge 3 since October last year (not sure when the update was released that made this happen). 3. My Charge 3 has the weather app, that is also not new.
I bought the Fitbit charge 4 last July. I run cycle and swim. It's the the first sports tracker watch I have I've had owned. it does everything I need uploads to Strava which is amazing. it tracks your VO2 max which has been a great indicator of my health, i have watched my fitness grow from strength to strength. I don't really have any complaints, the bonus are I can use apple pay so never have to take my card with me. I listen to music through my phone so its not an issue. there are so many phone carrier devices out there for sports people. taking my phone is not a problem. This watch for the price is incomparable. Highly recommend. The other thing is its comfortable, i wear mine 24/7
Dude your review of the Garmin Forerunner 220 in 2014 was the most professional, comprehensive and enjoyable review I ever encountered. I upgraded to the 235 again using your review. Fantastic man! I’ll always be back when upgrading my watch. Keep it up mate :)
I'm happy you menchioned that Fitbit isn't always quick about the coming soon features. For example, the charge 3 when it came out said that a calendar app (agenda) was coming soon to the device. 1 1/2 years later, still no agenda app and the "Coming soon" sentence on their website was taken down.
Andy Saghbini Have you tried holding the side button on the device while in the charger for 8 seconds? If that doesn’t work than I would contact Fitbit. I had the same problem, the screen wouldn’t turn on etc and I contacted them and that’s what they said to do
I guess I wanted to say "don't buy it" because mine just wasn working correctly and I was frustrated. A year later, however, İ wear it daily and it works just great. I especially appreciate the smart wake feature and long battery life.
I wrote what I wrote because it didn't work correctly when I first bought it and I was really frustrated. Which was a year ago. The reply was written months later. If my comment of two words is a "deciding voice" for someone debating buying a fitbit or not even after watching a longish painfully detailed video review, that's not my fault then, is it.
For the average person who goes for a run or a hike every once in a while, and still want a daily activity tracker, this is probably the best buy! I still use my Charge 2 despite it's crappy "touch" screen and lack of GPS.
I just got the charge 4 after using the charge 2 for 3.5 years. It isn't light years ahead but the water resistance, GPS, and pay are nice upgrades. The button being recessed is sweet, too. I did a review on my channel, but can't compete with this guy's. He's amazing!
You stated that the last "coming soon" feature took a year. That was quite generous of you. When the Charge 3 came out the manual, and pre-sale information stated that the screen timeout was adjustable. Which it wasn't. When people complained that the function/feature wasn't available (screen timeout is locked at 3 seconds), rather than reactivate that "feature", they took it out of the new manual. Charge 3 users (hundreds of users) have been fighting for it for over two years. Fitbit's online reply was we're considering it. The response I got in email was "we have no intention of fixing this". Fitbit only cares that you give them your money. They have no interest in providing service to users.
Pop-Pop Moose Very true. Just like them saying the calendar app (agenda) was coming soon to the charge 3. 1 1/2 years later, still no agenda app and no new features. 🙄 It's definitely annoying. That's why I moved over to Apple watch because they release new features all the time.
@@zacharyallen4825 just like the feature the Charge 3 use to have where you would get notifications when you were nearing your exercise goal. All of a sudden it disappeared and after making several complaints I was told they polled the customers who said they didn’t want that feature. In truth, they brought out the charge 4 soon after and lo and behold there were the notifications. What galls me is that feature is still on the app so I can see my last notification for my charge 3, June 15, 2018!
I just purchased this watch. I'm starting a weight loss journey very soon and I feel this will help me keep myself accountable. Thanks so much for doing an in-depth review like this.
It certainly looks more interesting than what fitbit has released as a strictly fitness orientated device for a while. Thanks for the informative content.
Bought for Father’s Day Got my Fitbit Charge 4 on sale for 100 $ in best buy came today i had Fitbit charge 2 and 4 very cool love it sale bestbuy is 100 $ great watch
Goes back to the good ol' capitalist way of thinking: Why pay for what I can get for free? If I want the watch I must pay. But Spotify is not exclusive; other programs operate in a similar fashion. Plus you can download just about all your favorite songs for free and place them in your Music folder. No commercials, no delays in loading, only your favorites.
Just upgraded from charge 3 and thought of getting charge 4 or versa. After seeing like 10 vids on YT, I pretty much all features on charge 4 the charge 3 has except gps. But got versa and I tell you it's a beauty works incredible well after a few weeks
Excellent video I also appreciate the links with a full review and very detailed pictures and steps. I wish all people do this .. thank you for this review
Adding GPS was a key move here from Fitbit. If you're not a watch-type and are OK with 4-5 hours battery time this is a great activity tracker. However for a wee bit more you can get a Polar Ignite which is a different ballgame.
When you watch a review from someone who you assume lives in the US and then he maps a route where you always walk yourself... In Amsterdam. Thanks for the review!
You can get the Garmin Vivoactive 3 from the official website for $130. This watch is not the newest generation but contains GPS and contactless payments. The VA3 Music is $187 and can store music. IMO this is a way better deal than the FitBit Charge 4.
True, the current VA3 deals are incredible. But some people don't want a watch, or, they have existing friends in the Fitbit circles, thus, social competitions, etc... But yeah, the VA3 deals are astounding.
@@Dcrainmaker Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also have a feeling, that Fitbit was kind of "challenged" by Garmin on the "Smartband with phone GPS" market with allowing external GPS for the Vivosmart4 (at $130). So they included a GPS, which puts them somewhere between a VS4 and VA3/VA4, probably closer to the former. I think that Garmin tried that with Vivosport (with higher pricepoint unarguably) , I'm not sure how successful that was. 🤔
I am still using my Vivoactive HR which I bought years ago for $140, it even kinda looks like the Fitbit, but is just better in so many ways. I won’t upgrade to the VA 3 because of it’s odd requirement of only allowing one data layout (# of fields per screen) per activity - which messes up the Garmin’s Connect datafields I use. I can still get a full day of battery life with GPS and generally keep it fully charged by only putting it on the charger when I shower. It doesn’t have some of the fancier sleep metrics or Garmin pay, but other than that hands down beats the Charge 4.
Awesome review! This is so in depth my eyes are bugging out. But, that is the best. I made one review sort-of that deep many years ago, about a razor. You are rocking it!
I just purchased one the other day, should be in tomorrow.. a few good features I liked about it.. 1) the onboard gps... my old garmin I had to upload to my smartphone when I got home.. 2) the contactless payments... like that feature.. see how well it'll work for me. And, I just liked the fitbit brand name, and the pricepoint was good.... so I got it.. hopefully it'll be what I expect..
@@realpassionlife First had a Charge HR which stopped, so got Charge 2. My Charge 2 which was accurate for sleep, heart rate, steps, stairs, died and I replaced it with a Charge 4 which has icons so small that nobody over 40 can read them (guess that's the target audience), doesn't have stairs, brightness fades, hard to find heart rate, sleep monitor difficult, so I took it back. Hated Charge 4. Searched everywhere for Charge 2 (doesn't exist any more) and then Charge 3 which looks more similar to Charge 2. Was lucky to find a Charge 3 and just hope it lasts more than a year. The built-in stop working might drive me to another watch. Too bad, I loved Fitbit.
If I could store music on the Charge 4, I'd be all over it. It's why I bought the Ionic, the GPS/MP3 combo. However, my Ionic has been a mess, so I'm reluctant to replace it with another Ionic. My Charge 2, purchased second-hand a couple of years ago, has been fantastic!
I hope you realize you cannot have more than one of Charge 3 Charge 5 Iconic or Versa. You can have Charge 2 plus a newer model but only one of the newer models.
Got the versa 2 a week ago but returned it becuase it was annoying to bring my phone for a run or bike ride. So I ended up buying the charge 4 and I don't regret at all!!
Thanks for the review! I was debating whether it was worth buying the Charge 4. Now I know there really isn't anything in there that I don't have already in my FitBit Charge 3. I mean the spotify and the onboard GPS, just doesn't thrill me. Maybe Charge 5, there will be a game changer. Till then I love my FitBit Charge 3!
I'm glad I saw this video! I just bought my first fit bit and the 4 was it. I just got it to assist in my plan on noom, so I didn't need bells and whistles. Looks like I bought the right one!
I have simple needs from my Charge4, I would like to SEE it. I used to but lately the screen does not light up enough to see during daylight hours. I can't find a website to tell me how to change it. I also cannot find any different clock faves for any Charge model. Can you help?
@@annaperkins5316 I’ve had that problem with my Charge 3 as well. If I forget to set my exercise at home or in the car it’s a waste because the screen is not visible outside, even on a gloomy day
New subscriber after watching this. I have a Charge 2 and was looking at upgrading as the pull of the GPS inclusion is huge. Especially as it can be linked to Strava for use when cycling - an hour’s ride would burn the battery on my iPhone, so this is a great low cost solution. Great review.
You should definitely review the poor quality display in any daylight. I have the Charge 3 which seems to have the same features. The display color looks the same on the 4 so I am assuming the same issue will be present. I really like my 3 including the app but will be reluctant to buy another because of this obvious design flaw. Seriously, did the engineers and designers actually wear one outside?
I just bought one from Amazon for $107 since it was on sale. I lost my FitBit Inspire so I decided might as well get an upgrade. I got the rosewood color. I’m exited for it to come in!
They lost me at the lack of onboard music. I like to listen when running, and I don't want to have to bring my phone with me. This is a deal breaker. Garmin has onboard Spotify, so they win.
@@mollymacleod1923 there's plenty . Garmin 245 music garmin 645 music, 945, Garmin vivoactive 4 and vivoactive 3 music . Stay tuned for my Garmin 245 music review :)
I’ve had my charge 2 since it came out 4 years ago. Battery life is still great but HR monitor has occasionally been wonky for the past year or so. It seemed to only last about 2-3 years though for my other family members that got it with me.
Good job, I just bought one and I also have the Garmin. I'm finding the Fitbit is more complex than what I prefer for these units or I'd just buy the Apple watch. I'll be staying with my Garmin.
At 11:25 you say you can't customize any of the data fields on any of the sports modes with Fitbit. What watch/deice would you recommend to someone that does want that kind of feature and shows and measures different metrics, and which metrics would be customizable in different devices? Thank you !!!
The Spotify feature is great at the pool. Phone is sending bluetooth signal to the radio by the pool, and when I'm in the water I can control the Spotify app even though my phone is 30 feet away.
After watching this video I’m glad I chose the Fitbit 3. I basically bought the watch for heart rate and sleep tracking, but perhaps the Fitbit 3 may have added that. $149.00 is a lot for iffy working apps for the Fitbit 4.
Amber Garcia hello. I edited my comment. A friend bought my Fitbit for me for an early birthday present and paid 99.95. I meant to say that the Fitbit 4 is a lot (because there seems to be a lot of bugs to work out). I got my Fitbit today and it was easy to setup and I’m really liking it so far.
Hi, Just a note on the spotify. Yes Totally get how its not entirely useful for the core purpose of the fitbit, but that it helps with IOT - in that when I have people over or am just hanging around myself I can control my music from my wrist. So if you think about it as a "smartwatch feature" instead of a "fitness feature" it becomes more useful
Most likely has kids. As a teacher, I make sure I keep my playlists and TH-cam subscriptions PRIVATE! LOL Too much kid stuff for a normal person my age!
Thanks for all of your great content. I appreciate your neutral “non sponsored” reviews. You have made reference to living in Belgium in a few of your videos. Why are you living in Europe? Thanks
Thanks. I live in the Netherlands. We live in France (Paris) prior, and have been here in Europe almost a decade. I originally moved over for work, and stayed since.
I hear ya! Who wants to have to carry a bunch of stuff when ur on a run. U want as little as possible on u. I say that it slows me down lol b nice to just have the watch for sure. I don't want to subscribe to spotify. I've never even used it haha
Hey folks, thanks for watching! Here's the full written review as well, which includes boatloads on GPS & HR accuracy and plenty more other details I couldn't quite fit into the video: dcra.in/FitbitCharge4
Is the Charge 4 the same as the Samsung Fit2 in the sense that it will not use its onboard GPS until it is disconnected from the phone.
Txs. Great review. P.s. kind reminder that you mixed up the GBP and EUR symbol in the beginning of the video. Greetings.
DC Rainmaker what are the new features
Can you share the link of which banks are compatible? Thanks
The review is very detailed on video & the link. But is the screen very strong or can it crack & scratch easily
The "excruciatingly painful detailed" review is what makes you the number 1 fitness equipment reviewer. Keep up the awesome work.
I truly appreciate your details. I can go to the site and get the basics. This is worth watching 🥰
I just rec'd this fitbit for my Birthday. Thank you for explaining that the FitBit Pay needs to be supported by my bank. I checked the list, and my bank is not on the list.
You saved me a lot of phone calls, research, and frustration. Kudos to you! Thanks!
6:40 YEH DUDE!!!
Wheels on the bus
Probably the best workout tune ever, gets me so psyched up
I read the article. This man deserves some kind of price for his effort. I'm very thankful and appreciative. Good job!
I've just ordered a Fitbit charge 4. This review was awesome!
I can't believe the Spotify thing, I thought you could maybe upload a limited playlist or something. The while point of GPS, etc, is that you don't have to lug your s.artphone around on a run! Now I'll need to take phone anyway for music, so the GPS could just run on my phone too!!!
I bought a Fitbit 4 in the wintertime & used it in on the treadmill & stationary bike. I loved it … until spring came and I took it outside. I could not see the display at all in even moderate sunlight. I gave it to my daughter & bought a garmin instinct. That HRM is awesome in all cases.
I only got my Charge 3 early this year, so I'm very happy to see that this is a really mild update. Makes me not feel like I'm missing out.
Mainly just has GPS and Spoify control that's it so your good. Btw I'm getting the 4 so I can track where I am
Just got my charge 3 today!
Same here. I'm perfectly happy with my Charge 3, especially since it was a gift. I use it mostly to track my swimming time/distance as well as sleep quality. I also use the app to log my food, water, and monthly cycles. I don't even use the pay function.
Do either of the charges have the little animations for the exercises?
You can swim with the 4.
1. Charge 3 Special Edition also had contactless payment and only cost an extra $20 (which also gave you an extra wrist band).
2. The sleep score metric is also not new on Charge 4, since I've had it on my Charge 3 since October last year (not sure when the update was released that made this happen).
3. My Charge 3 has the weather app, that is also not new.
Yep and the Australian charge 3 has fitbit pay built in normal one and only cost A$120-150
Charge 2 has sleep score too.
i have the charge 3 special edition and that one has contactless payment too
My charge 3 has GPS in it too
My Charge 3 doesn’t have any of the features any of you here mention. Special Edition or region specific features, perhaps?
I bought the Fitbit charge 4 last July. I run cycle and swim. It's the the first sports tracker watch I have I've had owned. it does everything I need uploads to Strava which is amazing. it tracks your VO2 max which has been a great indicator of my health, i have watched my fitness grow from strength to strength. I don't really have any complaints, the bonus are I can use apple pay so never have to take my card with me. I listen to music through my phone so its not an issue. there are so many phone carrier devices out there for sports people. taking my phone is not a problem. This watch for the price is incomparable. Highly recommend. The other thing is its comfortable, i wear mine 24/7
Dude your review of the Garmin Forerunner 220 in 2014 was the most professional, comprehensive and enjoyable review I ever encountered. I upgraded to the 235 again using your review. Fantastic man! I’ll always be back when upgrading my watch. Keep it up mate :)
Mentioned the toddlers and then seeing the 'wheels on the bus' on Spotify had me 🤣
Great review! Many thanks
Enjoy!!!
@@Dcrainmaker LOL! so relate!
Just bought this and this has rested my mind. Well balanced review giving plusses and minuses without bias. Thank you!
Sadly, it looks to have the same screen as the Charge 3 which is widespread prone to failure.
Best feature IMO is the reminder to get up and move - especially with this work-from-home COVID stuff. That's a big reason I got mine.
Gotta finish a marathon in 4 hours... Otherwise, no evidence that you did it...
If it ain't on Strava...it didn't happen!
Nice comment! And yeah, I feel D.C. Rainmaker could run a marathon in 3 hr 44 m
This might actually be the knock out feature of the Charge 4. 😉
Shit yeah!!! 😳 big miss by fit bit
DC Rainmaker Fitbit can be connected with Strava
I'm glad it finally has built-in GPS. Almost like the Ionic.
the toddlers also control Spotify, not just the sleep cycles. wheels on the bus is my power song
That's what I'm talkin' about!
Heavy deadlifts to wheels on the bus. Yes...
I'm happy you menchioned that Fitbit isn't always quick about the coming soon features. For example, the charge 3 when it came out said that a calendar app (agenda) was coming soon to the device. 1 1/2 years later, still no agenda app and the "Coming soon" sentence on their website was taken down.
Zackary Allan my charge 3 is completely dead. Cannot turn on tried charging it. Nothing
Andy Saghbini Have you tried holding the side button on the device while in the charger for 8 seconds? If that doesn’t work than I would contact Fitbit. I had the same problem, the screen wouldn’t turn on etc and I contacted them and that’s what they said to do
Try changing the clock face. That worked for me.
@@OsamaBinFlyer that happen to mine I contacted fit bit and they gave me a 35% off discount
Thank you! I have been mulling over this device for a dew days and this has answered absolutely everything I wanted to know. Much appreciated
Please don't.
@@mojeallstarke why?
I guess I wanted to say "don't buy it" because mine just wasn working correctly and I was frustrated.
A year later, however, İ wear it daily and it works just great. I especially appreciate the smart wake feature and long battery life.
@@mojeallstarke don't tell people not to then? Just cuz you had one bad experience suddenly makes you the deciding voice apparently 😐
I wrote what I wrote because it didn't work correctly when I first bought it and I was really frustrated. Which was a year ago. The reply was written months later.
If my comment of two words is a "deciding voice" for someone debating buying a fitbit or not even after watching a longish painfully detailed video review, that's not my fault then, is it.
For the average person who goes for a run or a hike every once in a while, and still want a daily activity tracker, this is probably the best buy! I still use my Charge 2 despite it's crappy "touch" screen and lack of GPS.
I just got the charge 4 after using the charge 2 for 3.5 years. It isn't light years ahead but the water resistance, GPS, and pay are nice upgrades. The button being recessed is sweet, too. I did a review on my channel, but can't compete with this guy's. He's amazing!
Why not get a Garmin Forerunner 35 instead? It's cheaper and despite lacking a touchscreen, is better in just about every aspect.
Thank you. I was waffling between the 4 and the 4 Special Edition. You made my decision much more easy.
You stated that the last "coming soon" feature took a year. That was quite generous of you. When the Charge 3 came out the manual, and pre-sale information stated that the screen timeout was adjustable. Which it wasn't. When people complained that the function/feature wasn't available (screen timeout is locked at 3 seconds), rather than reactivate that "feature", they took it out of the new manual. Charge 3 users (hundreds of users) have been fighting for it for over two years. Fitbit's online reply was we're considering it. The response I got in email was "we have no intention of fixing this". Fitbit only cares that you give them your money. They have no interest in providing service to users.
Pop-Pop Moose Very true. Just like them saying the calendar app (agenda) was coming soon to the charge 3. 1 1/2 years later, still no agenda app and no new features. 🙄 It's definitely annoying. That's why I moved over to Apple watch because they release new features all the time.
@@zacharyallen4825 just like the feature the Charge 3 use to have where you would get notifications when you were nearing your exercise goal. All of a sudden it disappeared and after making several complaints I was told they polled the customers who said they didn’t want that feature. In truth, they brought out the charge 4 soon after and lo and behold there were the notifications. What galls me is that feature is still on the app so I can see my last notification for my charge 3, June 15, 2018!
This is how you do a review.
Well done DC.
Ik this videos old but your the only reviewer I trust for these fitness watches
You've mixed up your Euro and Sterling signs at the beginning of the video!
And it is sold 150€ in Europe FYI. Can you say it's $150 instead of $149 and stop helping them trying to trick us with these ...9 ending prices? Thx.
I just purchased this watch. I'm starting a weight loss journey very soon and I feel this will help me keep myself accountable. Thanks so much for doing an in-depth review like this.
Look into Fasting and the wim hoff method ❤ good luck!
@@alexanderlucas484 I do a water fast 2 days a week and eat low carb the rest of the week. I've been keeping at it - 3lbs away from being 50lbs down!
@@cassandramcvay6984 awesome! Love it! And keep at it!
It certainly looks more interesting than what fitbit has released as a strictly fitness orientated device for a while. Thanks for the informative content.
Yup, I agree! Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
Bought for Father’s Day Got my Fitbit Charge 4 on sale for 100 $ in best buy came today i had Fitbit charge 2 and 4 very cool love it sale bestbuy is 100 $ great watch
Thank you; an excellent review.
I’ve had this watch for a few days and this very accurately summarises and adds more.
I bought one, i like it, not over complicated and it does some fancy stuff without trying to replace being my phone
I have been using the Fitbit Charge 2 since it came out. I love it. I am a fan of the KISS method!
Just got a Charge 4 yesterday, it was DOA, won't charge, but when I get a working one I'll come back to this video!
Ironically, Suunto actually did try and obsolete it a year ago by killing off all software for it. Enough people pushed back to overturn that.
People buy a $400 dollar watch but still don't wanna waste there money on Spotify premium
It costs $100 not $400.
@@Clefbox in my country it does your country probably is different
Status symbol. They can show off a watch, not a spotify premium subscription.
Goes back to the good ol' capitalist way of thinking: Why pay for what I can get for free? If I want the watch I must pay. But Spotify is not exclusive; other programs operate in a similar fashion. Plus you can download just about all your favorite songs for free and place them in your Music folder. No commercials, no delays in loading, only your favorites.
LoL spotify premium family is only $5 a month in the Philippines, and that's for 4 accounts
Just upgraded from charge 3 and thought of getting charge 4 or versa. After seeing like 10 vids on YT, I pretty much all features on charge 4 the charge 3 has except gps. But got versa and I tell you it's a beauty works incredible well after a few weeks
Excellent video I also appreciate the links with a full review and very detailed pictures and steps. I wish all people do this .. thank you for this review
Adding GPS was a key move here from Fitbit. If you're not a watch-type and are OK with 4-5 hours battery time this is a great activity tracker. However for a wee bit more you can get a Polar Ignite which is a different ballgame.
I had no idea I wanted one of these until I watched this video =)
Haha... I try my best to tell people about the good...and the bad...tech out there!
Got mine for $80 on ebay with the straps separate. I'm very glad that it's such a good buy.
Nice video just bought it today, and what a coincidence, thats where I run all the time too! (Bosbaan) nice area
Yup - it's a great area to live in!
Nederland?
When you watch a review from someone who you assume lives in the US and then he maps a route where you always walk yourself... In Amsterdam. Thanks for the review!
I’m still using the charge 2, when it eventually dies I’ll definitely look into this, thank you for providing a fantastic review 🙂
Just make sure to avoid the Charge 3. It has a very high rate of screen failure. The Charge 4 appears to use the same screen and that make me nervous.
Tim Walden my charge 3 keeps failing:( I bought it last year and tried a reset and everything.
my fitbit alta has survived in a storage box for 3 years with no use. just turned it on today, still works. i may wanna upgrade to charge 4.
You can get the Garmin Vivoactive 3 from the official website for $130. This watch is not the newest generation but contains GPS and contactless payments. The VA3 Music is $187 and can store music. IMO this is a way better deal than the FitBit Charge 4.
True, the current VA3 deals are incredible. But some people don't want a watch, or, they have existing friends in the Fitbit circles, thus, social competitions, etc... But yeah, the VA3 deals are astounding.
@@Dcrainmaker Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also have a feeling, that Fitbit was kind of "challenged" by Garmin on the "Smartband with phone GPS" market with allowing external GPS for the Vivosmart4 (at $130). So they included a GPS, which puts them somewhere between a VS4 and VA3/VA4, probably closer to the former. I think that Garmin tried that with Vivosport (with higher pricepoint unarguably) , I'm not sure how successful that was. 🤔
I am still using my Vivoactive HR which I bought years ago for $140, it even kinda looks like the Fitbit, but is just better in so many ways. I won’t upgrade to the VA 3 because of it’s odd requirement of only allowing one data layout (# of fields per screen) per activity - which messes up the Garmin’s Connect datafields I use. I can still get a full day of battery life with GPS and generally keep it fully charged by only putting it on the charger when I shower. It doesn’t have some of the fancier sleep metrics or Garmin pay, but other than that hands down beats the Charge 4.
I was a beta tester for the new Fitbit programming, the smart wake feature is pretty cool. I have it on my Charge 3
Awesome review! This is so in depth my eyes are bugging out. But, that is the best. I made one review sort-of that deep many years ago, about a razor. You are rocking it!
Nice review! I got a Fitbit charge 4 today - it’s on the charger right now.
For the Australian version of the charge 3 it has fitbit pay built in. Not the special version
Bought mine today.. Excited!! Waiting for it since I ordered online.
Can you switch from the built-in gps to phone gps for longer coverage?
I just purchased one the other day, should be in tomorrow.. a few good features I liked about it.. 1) the onboard gps... my old garmin I had to upload to my smartphone when I got home.. 2) the contactless payments... like that feature.. see how well it'll work for me. And, I just liked the fitbit brand name, and the pricepoint was good.... so I got it.. hopefully it'll be what I expect..
Great review man just gifted it as a mother's day present to my gf greetings from Almere 🖐🏾
I feel like Spotify controls could be useful with a speaker in a dance or jazzercise sense...? Not necessarily running. . .
Still have my charge 2. Simple and still works. A Watch should be simple and not distracting.
anthony azanon same here!! I bought it December 2017 and still works perfectly. If once it dies, I'm willing to get the charge 4 though. Lol.
@@realpassionlife First had a Charge HR which stopped, so got Charge 2. My Charge 2 which was accurate for sleep, heart rate, steps, stairs, died and I replaced it with a Charge 4 which has icons so small that nobody over 40 can read them (guess that's the target audience), doesn't have stairs, brightness fades, hard to find heart rate, sleep monitor difficult, so I took it back. Hated Charge 4. Searched everywhere for Charge 2 (doesn't exist any more) and then Charge 3 which looks more similar to Charge 2. Was lucky to find a Charge 3 and just hope it lasts more than a year. The built-in stop working might drive me to another watch. Too bad, I loved Fitbit.
If I could store music on the Charge 4, I'd be all over it. It's why I bought the Ionic, the GPS/MP3 combo. However, my Ionic has been a mess, so I'm reluctant to replace it with another Ionic.
My Charge 2, purchased second-hand a couple of years ago, has been fantastic!
I hope you realize you cannot have more than one of Charge 3 Charge 5 Iconic or Versa.
You can have Charge 2 plus a newer model but only one of the newer models.
@@portageglaprairie I'm sorry I wasn't clear. If the Charge 4 could hold music, I would replace my Ionic with it.
Got the versa 2 a week ago but returned it becuase it was annoying to bring my phone for a run or bike ride. So I ended up buying the charge 4 and I don't regret at all!!
Sleep score metrics aren't new. I have the charge 3 and have the same sleep score metrics
Thanks for the review! I was debating whether it was worth buying the Charge 4. Now I know there really isn't anything in there that I don't have already in my FitBit Charge 3. I mean the spotify and the onboard GPS, just doesn't thrill me. Maybe Charge 5, there will be a game changer. Till then I love my FitBit Charge 3!
Excellent recovery with the “farge 4” 🤣 That was GREAT 😆
I'm glad I saw this video! I just bought my first fit bit and the 4 was it. I just got it to assist in my plan on noom, so I didn't need bells and whistles. Looks like I bought the right one!
"coming soon"
When a watchmaker can't tell time.
Tfs. I just got mine today for mothers day. So excited!
A couple of months have passed , any regrets?
I have simple needs from my Charge4, I would like to SEE it. I used to but lately the screen does not light up enough to see during daylight hours. I can't find a website to tell me how to change it. I also cannot find any different clock faves for any Charge model. Can you help?
I've had the same problem forever with my Charge 3. I've not had anyone answer any solution to the issue
@@annaperkins5316 I’ve had that problem with my Charge 3 as well. If I forget to set my exercise at home or in the car it’s a waste because the screen is not visible outside, even on a gloomy day
New subscriber after watching this. I have a Charge 2 and was looking at upgrading as the pull of the GPS inclusion is huge. Especially as it can be linked to Strava for use when cycling - an hour’s ride would burn the battery on my iPhone, so this is a great low cost solution. Great review.
You should definitely review the poor quality display in any daylight. I have the Charge 3 which seems to have the same features. The display color looks the same on the 4 so I am assuming the same issue will be present. I really like my 3 including the app but will be reluctant to buy another because of this obvious design flaw. Seriously, did the engineers and designers actually wear one outside?
Great review! Simple, to the point and with little opinion based. Thank you! Keep up the awesome work!
Yayyy you've got Whistler Mountain on your t-shirt!! It's here in Canada by Vancouver
You are probably the best reviewer for fitness tracker on TH-cam! I'm a new subscriber here 😊
3:56 who else tried to get rid of the hair
Even the dust particle on the screen 🤢
I just bought one from Amazon for $107 since it was on sale. I lost my FitBit Inspire so I decided might as well get an upgrade. I got the rosewood color. I’m exited for it to come in!
It was the Spotify bit they was pressing me to upgrade, but maybe I'll hold off until my charge HR 2 dies
I've only had mine for a couple of days, but so far I love it.
Thanks for the review.
One thing. You mixed up the £ and €.
149,99€ EUR(Netherlands)
129 £ GBP
Teaches me to do titles at 11pm. Sigh... thanks!
@@Dcrainmaker No problem. Keep up the good work!
Get the special edition today!
I had that thought too
Thanks for your video, I was about to buy it, but the no music on it was a deal-breaker
They lost me at the lack of onboard music. I like to listen when running, and I don't want to have to bring my phone with me. This is a deal breaker. Garmin has onboard Spotify, so they win.
agreeeeeeeeed!
@@GadgetGreg Which garmin device?
@@mollymacleod1923 there's plenty . Garmin 245 music garmin 645 music, 945, Garmin vivoactive 4 and vivoactive 3 music . Stay tuned for my Garmin 245 music review :)
But, did they fix the annoying dim display that you can't read anywhere but in a dark room?
Does GPS turn on automatically when you go for a walk? I dont run.
I think you need to manually on the GPS when walking. To save battery, or always on but reduce the battery life 🤔
Smart wake feature is available.. Just got this FitBit
I have trouble with my Fitbits lasting over 2 years. I don’t want to be buying a new one every two years. Is this a common problem?
I’ve had my charge 2 since it came out 4 years ago. Battery life is still great but HR monitor has occasionally been wonky for the past year or so. It seemed to only last about 2-3 years though for my other family members that got it with me.
@@EliBananie I love my charge 2, been working good since I bought it also
Good job, I just bought one and I also have the Garmin. I'm finding the Fitbit is more complex than what I prefer for these units or I'd just buy the Apple watch. I'll be staying with my Garmin.
you got your GBP £ and EUR € symbols switched
Great review! How have I not seen your channel sooner? Thanks!
If you switch off the built in gps, will it automatically use your smartphone’s gps? Thanks!
Doubt it
No it doesn’t.
Great preview! I'm getting one for Christmas. I'm a swimmer and hope it works well in the pool!
So the 'new functions' are basically the ones from Versa (and Ionic?) transferred to Charge?
At 11:25 you say you can't customize any of the data fields on any of the sports modes with Fitbit. What watch/deice would you recommend to someone that does want that kind of feature and shows and measures different metrics, and which metrics would be customizable in different devices? Thank you !!!
It seems like Spotify on the charge 4 is more limited than on wear os
Santiago Sanchez for the price, i’d say charge 4 is good. But yeah i agree
The Spotify feature is great at the pool. Phone is sending bluetooth signal to the radio by the pool, and when I'm in the water I can control the Spotify app even though my phone is 30 feet away.
If my only activity is going to the refrigerator or the car will this track my fitness?
No it’ll track your unfitness.
After watching this video I’m glad I chose the Fitbit 3. I basically bought the watch for heart rate and sleep tracking, but perhaps the Fitbit 3 may have added that. $149.00 is a lot for iffy working apps for the Fitbit 4.
When did you buy your fitbit charge 3? I get mine tomorrow in the mail. Paid 99.95 at best buy
Amber Garcia hello. I edited my comment. A friend bought my Fitbit for me for an early birthday present and paid 99.95. I meant to say that the Fitbit 4 is a lot (because there seems to be a lot of bugs to work out). I got my Fitbit today and it was easy to setup and I’m really liking it so far.
Dang the Spotify let me down
Vaughn Wolf to be fair, even apple watch only has a Spotify remote
Was thinking it could be useful if you were on a bicycle and your phone was in your backpack.
Charles Daraghy most headphones can
skip or rewind too so... not that useful
Well said, I upgraded from the 2, love it
The GPS integration without the possibility to download Spotify playlist on the watch doesn’t make any sense. At all.
This was a... WONDERFUL review - many thanks D.C. Rainmaker!!!
Thanks!!!
I still have my old fitbit charge 2
Hi, Just a note on the spotify. Yes Totally get how its not entirely useful for the core purpose of the fitbit, but that it helps with IOT - in that when I have people over or am just hanging around myself I can control my music from my wrist. So if you think about it as a "smartwatch feature" instead of a "fitness feature" it becomes more useful
Honestly I feel it is simpler to just use my credit card for payments, rather than type a pin
Great vid. Thanks for reviewing this. Helped a lot
who else noticed he had "Wheels On The Bus" in his playlist?
Most likely has kids. As a teacher, I make sure I keep my playlists and TH-cam subscriptions PRIVATE! LOL Too much kid stuff for a normal person my age!
Thanks for all of your great content. I appreciate your neutral “non sponsored” reviews. You have made reference to living in Belgium in a few of your videos. Why are you living in Europe? Thanks
Thanks. I live in the Netherlands. We live in France (Paris) prior, and have been here in Europe almost a decade. I originally moved over for work, and stayed since.
Netherlands is not Belgium.
7:27 Thank you.... Fitbit just allow us to upload our play list on there. When I go for workout or run. I want as less on me as possible.
try the ionic! thought quite pricier
I hear ya! Who wants to have to carry a bunch of stuff when ur on a run. U want as little as possible on u. I say that it slows me down lol
b nice to just have the watch for sure. I don't want to subscribe to spotify. I've never even used it haha
Stuart Wallace If it’s my only option I would consider purchasing a ionic. But I’m partial to the slimness to the Charge series.