Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Fitbit Charge 6 offers excellent value at $159 with its vibrant 1.04-inch AMOLED display, ECG capability, and Google integration for smartwatch newcomers. Garmin Forerunner 255 positions itself as the serious athlete's choice at $349, featuring superior battery life reaching 14 days in smartwatch mode plus 30 hours GPS tracking, a larger 46mm display, and WiFi connectivity. Garmin's MIP transflective screen excels in sunlight readability, though the Fitbit's AMOLED is more visually striking indoors. Both offer comprehensive health tracking with SPO2 and sleep monitoring. Forerunner 255 lacks ECG but compensates with legendary endurance and Garmin's specialized sports software. For casual fitness enthusiasts prioritizing style and budget, Charge 6 delivers strong performance. Serious runners and outdoor adventurers will appreciate Forerunner 255's extended battery, enhanced GPS capabilities, and weatherproof ruggedness. Choose Charge 6 for accessibility; select Forerunner 255 for demanding training scenarios.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Fitbit Charge 6 if…
- →ECG and built-in GPS on a fitness band at $159 is remarkable value
- →7-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Google Maps, YouTube Music, and Google Wallet integration
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 255 if…
- →14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- →Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Fitbit Charge 6
Pros
- ECG and built-in GPS on a fitness band at $159 is remarkable value
- 7-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Google Maps, YouTube Music, and Google Wallet integration
- Physical side button returns — much better than Charge 5's touch sensor
- Slim, lightweight band form factor for 24/7 comfort
Cons
- Small screen limits app usability and readability
- Many features require Fitbit Premium subscription
- No voice assistant or microphone on the band
- Limited third-party app support compared to full smartwatches
Garmin Forerunner 255
Pros
- 14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
- Race Predictor estimates finish times for 5K to marathon
- Lightweight at 49 g and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Cons
- MIP display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED competitors
- No touchscreen on base model — button-only navigation
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is small
Full Specifications
| Spec | Fitbit Charge 6 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Fitbit OS (Google integration) | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 37 g | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 7 days | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 1.04 inches | 46mm |
| Type | AMOLED | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 234 x 156 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Fitbit custom processor | Garmin custom SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Fitbit products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Fitbit Charge 6 or the Garmin Forerunner 255.