Embedded Files
Choosing a fitness tracker in my world can be a major headache. I want the best features, but I also have to be mindful of the features as I get older. I've been wearing Fitbits for years, but things have changed a bit, I'll get into that later. I decided to compare two of their most popular models: the Fitbit Inspire 3 and the Fitbit Charge 6.
I've already put together a video showing my side-by-side tests, but I wanted to break it all down for you right here. From the GPS and step-tracking to the bands and chargers, here's my, semi-brief review.
Just so you know, some of the links on this site are affiliate links (I’m part of the Amazon Associates program). This means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you.
My Quick Step-Tracking Showdown: Inspire 3 vs. Charge 6
My Quick Step-Tracking Showdown: Inspire 3 vs. Charge 6
To start, I strapped both of them on and went for a five-minute walk on my treadmill.
Here's what the numbers looked like:
Starting Steps (Inspire 3): 3,233 steps
Starting Steps (Charge 6): 173 steps
After my five-minute walk, I checked the final step counts.
Final Steps (Inspire 3): 3,574 steps
Final Steps (Charge 6): 499 steps
Doing the quick math, that means the Inspire 3 counted 341 steps, and the Charge 6 counted 326 steps. Because the walking test was only 5 minutes, take those results with a grain of salt.
This photo series shows how I navigated through my Fitbit Inspire 3 to enable GPS for a walk. I found the Exercise section, selected "Walk," and then toggled the GPS setting on.
A Deeper Dive into GPS Modes
A Deeper Dive into GPS Modes
This is where the two trackers really diverge. If you're someone who loves to leave their phone behind on a run or a walk, this is a critical difference.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 (above) has "connected GPS." What this means is that it relies on your phone's GPS to track your route and distance. You'll need to have your phone with you for this feature to work.
This is how I accessed the GPS settings on my Fitbit Charge 6. I'm choosing between using my phone's GPS, the built-in GPS, or the dynamic option, which automatically chooses the best GPS source to save battery.
The Fitbit Charge 6, on the other hand, has a built-in GPS. This means it can track your route on its own. Not only that, it has three different GPS modes:
Built-in GPS: The tracker uses its own internal GPS for full-on, phone-free tracking. Overall I have had issues connecting to built-in GPS in the city, not sure what's going on there.
Phone GPS: It can link up with your phone's GPS, just like the Inspire 3.
Dynamic GPS: This is the most interesting mode. It intelligently toggles between the built-in and phone GPS to give you the most accurate and reliable connection possible. This is the GPS mode I leave it on.
Here's a side-by-side shot of my Fitbit Inspire 3 (left) and Fitbit Charge 6 (right). Here's the different clock faces that display the same information.
Display and Visibility
Display and Visibility
Both of these trackers have a vibrant, always-on display feature. I turned it on for both to see how they would look in different conditions. Both screens are clear and bright, and I found they were both readable in direct sunlight.
When it comes to the bands, there are some minor but notable differences in the design and feel. Quick note, the bands I'm using in the photos are the stretchy bands that I got a few years later. They didn't come with the Fitbits at the time.
The Fitbit Inspire 3 uses a classic buckle-style clasp, with the excess band going over the skin. It feels secure and simple. I've been wearing one for years for sleep tracking and have never had an issue with it coming undone.
The Fitbit Charge 6 has a different, more modern band style where the excess goes under the skin. It also has a quick-release mechanism that makes swapping out bands incredibly fast and easy.
As for the charging, both use a proprietary USB Type-A charger.
The Inspire 3 charger clips onto the back of the device. It's a simple, straightforward design.
The Charge 6 charger is magnetic. It snaps into place easily. A bonus feature I discovered is that you can restart the device with a button right on the charger itself. For a more visual look at the restart process, check out this post, "Fitbit Charge 6: Restart vs. Reset – Everything I Did"
Update: September 2025: Why I No Longer Walk with the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Fitbit Charge 6
Update: September 2025: Why I No Longer Walk with the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Fitbit Charge 6
Over time, my eyesight has needed some work. When I go outside, I end up squinting at the Fitbit Inspire 3 and Fitbit Charge 6 displays. There's nothing wrong with the displays; it's just that my eyesight is not as great as it used to be. If I do wear the Fitbit Charge 6 or Fitbit Inspire 3, I have to use my good old reading glasses, which I always forget when I go out for a walk. So, I had to find a fitness tracker with a bigger display. As of September 2025, I have purchased the Fitbit Versa 4 and the Garmin Instinct 2. It's actually been an "up-in-the-air" experience. The bottom line is, both Fitbits have good features for walking and decent battery life. My only issue, which was the deal breaker for me over time, was the displays on both the Inspire 3 and Charge 6 were just too small.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse