Fitbit Charge 4 Review! - It has GPS! But Is it any good for runners?

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Пікірлер: 123

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts on the new Fitbit? Is it worth picking up?

@progrmr 4 жыл бұрын

This is a great review - I just picked up the Charge 4 as my first fitness tracker. I've been "running" (more like jogging around my neighborhood lol) for the last 3 years, generally between 3 and 5 miles 3-4 times a week while using my phone as my tracker. I wanted to ditch the phone so the built in GPS on the Charge 4 with the budget friendly price was attractive enough for me to buy. I completely agree with the issues with being able to view the screen outdoors while running, any amount of light makes the screen difficult to read and swiping on the screen can leave fingerprints which make reading the display even more difficult. I'm 50 years old and can't read much small print w/o my reading glasses so once I start running the display is almost unreadable. I've had weird GPS tracking issues with each of the 3 runs I've done so far, I'm hoping they can tweak the software to make it a bit better. Turning the GPS on and getting it connected can take a couple minutes as well. Battery life is very good if you turn off the GPS while you're not running and it still tracks steps, heart rate, etc. Heart rate monitoring seems to be very good, I really like the sleep information. The website is a nice addition to view your data and seems to be pretty well laid out. Overall I'm happy with the money I spent on it and it definitely gives me insight into my fitness data that I did not have previously.

@maddysutherland3166 3 жыл бұрын

I don't consider myself a 'serious' runner, but I run a lot. I lost 4 stone a couple of years ago (I weighed over 50% more than I weigh now!), as a very small woman, and running distances helps me to manage stress, keep on top of my weight, AND means I can satisfy my sweet tooth and obsessive baking habit. I've had the Charge 2 for the last 3 years, but I'm upgrading to the 4- the battery sounds annoying, but I think if you turn GPS off, or bring your phone, it's ok? X

@EnduranceTrainingVlogs 3 жыл бұрын

I bought the same month ago but now I think it's not worth the money, Some time it took few seconds to minute to connect to gps and if you lost gps connection while running then it will not connect back, its happening for more than 5k run

@wonderwoman5528 3 жыл бұрын

Thorough and detailed review without waffling on. I appreciate the effort gone into it. I’ve just received this for Christmas and I like how you give an honest review with perks and downsides. Thanks

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@mattlpeyton 4 жыл бұрын

Best review I have seen thus far. Much appreciated. My guess on the difference in altitude is one uses GPS and one uses the altimeter.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, that certainly makes a difference. I think the barometric altimeter was more accurate.

@weaselstonk6780 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this review. Well done!

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@ViLLY1983 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, really useful comments and right to the point

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@nikkiw.4142 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the awesome review as a true libra 😅you helped me make a decision and actual got info I needed.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@curbsidetech 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome review I just got my charge 4 for the new year! 2021

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I hope you enjoy that!

@Laszlo-Szabo 4 жыл бұрын

I think this is an awsome review! Outstanding job compared to other KZfaqrs.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

@orlianamay9982 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the review. Unfortunately, only do unboxing, first impression, and MAYBE one run. It's kinda similar to some review like "just received the product, haven't tried it yet but I love it"...ahah I glad you focused on the main futures that people might actually try to use. Also, I found your comparison with the Polar and Garmin quite useful, it always interesting to see how budget-friendly versions of any product compare to luxury brands. It so funny how people expect the same exact quality for products within a $100 range vs. a $1000 range. I mean, I wouldn't mind paying just a $100 for the Garmin but let's all be a bit more realistic. But at the end of the day, your review is exactly what I needed to make up my mind about this device. Thank you! ^-^

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@raybarber9837 11 ай бұрын

My daughter gave me her old Fitbit because the strap broke and she got a replacement. I managed to get a one-piece strap that the device pushes into and that seems to work but is a bit bulky. My son has a Fitbit and the strap broke on that. Great video, crammed with information at a good pace.

@lewisforemanmusic 3 жыл бұрын

Great review man. Initially didn't think it was a fair comparison against the Garmin Fenix but it makes total sense: here's what a running watch should do! I fit into the running once/twice a week category and I think this is the one for me!

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful! I only used the fenix as a baseline. They're certainly in a different league! But the Charge 4 is right for the right person.

@GAMEFREAK-rs4uk 3 жыл бұрын

I’m usually a garmin guy. I have the 6x pro sapphire myself. Just picked up the charge 4 on sale for about 100 bucks. & for that price it’s not bad! I love how minimalistic it is & light. Have yet to run with it though. That will be tomorrow’s task. Great vids though man!

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Cool! Let me know how you like it.

@Sophie_Bee97 4 жыл бұрын

At 5:40 he says about the exersize modes. You can add other exersizes! If you look on the app you can add tennis, yoga and all sorts

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Right I should have mentioned that you can do these activities with the app. But there's no way to start one from just the watch by itself... That's what I meant. Thanks for watching!

@jorge.04 4 жыл бұрын

8:53 Considering the huge price difference, I think the GPS accuracy on the Fitbit is amazing

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

It's not bad. About as good as a modern day smart phone. Only the most hardcore GPS trackers will notice the "Smoothed out" tracks compared to other devices. Thanks for watching!

@iceweasel2199 4 жыл бұрын

its not. Check their forum , and I have it too. It doesnt connect most of the time and loses signal , if you cant connect it within 10 min, it will stop trying to connect and thats it. Dont get it, its a waste

@artyb7696 2 жыл бұрын

@@iceweasel2199 Is there anything in a similar price range that has more accurate GPS? I have started running but do not want to carry my phone.

@dubaigeek1988 4 жыл бұрын

Entertaining and informative

@edderepa9685 4 жыл бұрын

Nice to see you reviewing cheaper options. DC Rainmaker's test showed that the difference in the distance is minimal despite the smoothing of the tracks on the map. I couldn't talk myself into paying for a 945 or Fenix 6 when the sleep tracking is crap (so how can the body battery feature be accurate). I bought a near new Fitbit Ionic with 11 months warranty left so I know I'm save. Never buy Fitbit without warranty, my wife and I have gone through 6 in just over year! Lol

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

In my testing I'm seeing around a 1/10 to 1/4 of a mile difference in GPS running activities after 6 miles when compared to my Garmin watches. Not terrible and certainly usable but not perfect. The tracks are VERY smooth. Thanks for watching!

@edderepa9685 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit I see, that's annoying. I run with a virtual partner app on my Ionic, pacer app on my phone (audio prompts) then upload to Strava and Fitbit maps. None of them agree with each other as to distance and elevation! Makes it fun to check PRs when I upload but not ideal. Also elevation is affected by rain...so actually Forerunner 245 would've been fine for me but Ionic was 3 times cheaper and lets me upgrade sooner (FR 645 successor maybe)

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

@@edderepa9685 I still haven't tried the Ionic but I have friends who really enjoy it. Looking forward to what Fitbit does in the future. If they decided to roll out a full fledged "outdoorsy" watch they could surely change the game considering the software horsepower they have. I really enjoy using the Fitbit app compared to others! It makes sense that Google decided to aquire them back in November.

@AMGames1309 Жыл бұрын

imma get one soon!!

@kevin9795 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome review! What was your final distance for the GPS run on the Fitbit Charge 4 vs the Garmin Fenix 6? I'd like to know if the difference is very far or within an acceptable margin of error. Thanks!

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

They were pretty similar. After a 10 Mile Run the Garmin always seemed a bit higher than the Fitbit by 1/10 to 2/10's of a mile. I'll attribute this to the fact that the Fitbit "smooths" their tracks a bit and Garmin doesn't. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.

@aldobega2649 3 жыл бұрын

Great review as always! Answered all my questions. As a runner, considering that the Garmin Fenix 6 is out of my budget, with brand and model you think is a good cheaper option? I'd like to have accurate readings on HR, distance, etc. Thanks in advance!

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! If your on a budget I think the COROS Pace 2 is really hard to beat for $199!

@aldobega2649 3 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks a lot!

@_jackmodz 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, Im in the market for this one... my one question is how does strava integration work with it?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Yup, the Charge 4 can sync with strava. It works great. Thanks for watching!

@_jackmodz 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you so much!

@edderepa9685 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe you could review Casio G-Shock gbd-h1000. It's out in Japan (selling for an overinflated (I think) price on eBay already). Garmin competitor?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

I'm interested but it is certainly is hard to get your hands on. Thanks for watching!

@miliv3426 4 жыл бұрын

I hope that they will fix the minor things such as brightness with a software update!

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

That would be nice but I feel like it might be a hardware limiation. If they're able to boost it up it would probably have an impact on battery life. Thanks for watching!

@aspenknight7237 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. The Spotify remote is useless...in fact it's the most useless part of the app. Thanks for the detailed review! 🖖😷

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

@rajram56 4 жыл бұрын

Another useful and critical review, not a puff piece like many others...

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@jjj32801 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. Fair and balanced.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@Thepreterite 4 жыл бұрын

That was a seriously good review.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Gaston984 4 жыл бұрын

How much is the (average) difference in seconds for every mile you run between the charge 4 and your garmin Fenix?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Within a few seconds of each other for the most part. However the GPS tracks look very different. I think FitBit "smooths" their tracks to avoid erroneous data where as Garmin tends to allow little blips to give you the best accuracy.

@tazoverrated 3 жыл бұрын

I was considering purchasing this watch but typical problems people says happen after a few months or a year of use is the screen blacks out. For the amount it’s priced and that common problem I can’t be truly sold on this watch just for it to not work. What about the versa 2? Have you heard of any bad or glitchy problems? I’m torn between the versa 2, charge 4, or just going to garmin altogether to get a bang for my buck. This will be my first fitness tracker/smart watch so please if you have any insight I’d appreciate it. I heard the garmin is more accurate which I’m looking for but I also need a great app that is simplistic which I heard garmin doesn’t have the best app for that.

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry I haven't tried the Versa 2. The Charge 4 was pretty responsive and didn't have any glitches. Hope that helps.

@AdamSlobodian 4 жыл бұрын

I loved my Charge 4 but I had to return it for a refund. It's very easy to use as you mentioned, I like the data the app is able to collect as well (especially sleep info). I had to return it because after about 3 or 4 days when I started to record a workout it wouldn't record my heart rate properly. There would be chunks of my workout where the fitbit wasn't getting any reading at all. I tightened the strap, I move it to another position on my wrist and it wouldn't keep a consistent reading. I posted on their community board and a number of people responded and told me they have the exact same issue. In normal everyday use it never loses my pulse, sleeping it never did as well, only when recording a workout. Other than that, it was a great device.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Bummer! What did you end up with instead?

@AdamSlobodian 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit I've been spending everyday looking for an alternative. In the fitness tracker / fitness band area the Charge 4 is the only one I can find with built in GPS. So now my focus it more towards a watch. I don't really need / want the smartwatch notifications and apps (I can get those on my phone). But I do need something that has excellent heart rate tracking, GPS built in, steps, calories, sleep tracking etc. Still looking, not sure what to get without breaking the bank. Maybe the Garmin Forerunner 45? IDK, I need it more for training and tracking my health, I have a pacemaker and on beta blocker meds so it's really important that I keep track of how my heart is doing during hard workouts.

@AdamSlobodian 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit I ended up getting the Fitbit Versa 2 yesterday. So far I find it more comfortable on my wrist than the Charge 4 was and I have completed one workout so far. My heart rate did cut out but only a couple times for maybe 5secs and then quickly resumed. Liking it so far, fingers crossed.

@athletejmv 4 жыл бұрын

I mostly run on treadmill. Did you get a chance to see accuracy on that?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

It's mediocre just like it's competition. For the best treadmill accuracy you'll want to use some kind of foot pod paired to your watch. Unfortunately FitBit doesn't have any way to connect external sensors. Hope that helps!

@booaussie 3 жыл бұрын

I've had two Fitbits, currently have a Charge 2, and both would lose about 2000 steps after syncing. Have they fixed this issue with the new versions? I can't find any reviews from people who have used a Charge 4 long term to see if it's still an issue.

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Hmm... that's odd. I can't comment on long term use as I'm not currently wearing the Charge 4 daily. During the time I was I found it to be pretty accurate step wise. Thanks for watching.

@frasersweeney9666 4 жыл бұрын

The GPS is sketchy here in the UK - it’s cut some corners and given straight lines which is annoying considering the price. It did work well, but it’s struggling. Also, I’ve heard that the gps only uses the American satellites as opposed to Russian, Chinese, European like other watches. Love the watch, just needs improving in the UK for GPS

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the fitbit GPS chip tends to "smooth" the GPS tracks which has been a known issue on all of their devices. I'm assuming it's because the track may be a bit unreliable if they're only using GPS instead of GPS+Glonass. This can actually be helpful on somewhat "straight" tracks. But anything with lots of turns or trail running type situations will suffer hugely. Still, I think at this $150 price point it's a decent buy for most people and it's certainly better than tracking GPS with a phone. Thanks for watching!

@mr.rogers7612 3 жыл бұрын

Is there a benefit to get this over an actual smart watch like a galaxy etc

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

It depends what you want it to do. A smart watch will give you access to more phone integration and of course more screen real estate to do things like read emails and text messages.

@janjordy 4 жыл бұрын

you slept for 4 hours and 32 min, how are you able to function normaly with only that much sleep? also i like your reviews, i am probably gonna switch from fitbit charge 2 to polar ignite, just not sure yet...

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Haha! Yeah... 3 kids makes that whole sleep thing difficult 🤣 . I learn to adapt. Thanks for watching!

@topspin11624 3 жыл бұрын

Love your reviews. I have a charge 4 specifically for sleep. I have a garmin for my running stuff - but found a fitbit comfortable and very accurate(light years ahead of garmin) in sleep metrics.

@oli0808 4 жыл бұрын

What do you say at 8:40 ?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

"Something that's designed for running... Versus something that's designed for Wellness if you know what I mean" Funny, listening to it again it sounds like I'm saying "Wallnuts"? Can you tell I'm from the Boston area? 😂

@sikilecar 4 жыл бұрын

Nice review. Does it have a connectivity to external HRM?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately no. You can't pair external sensors with the Charge 4. Thanks for watching!

@sikilecar 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for a reply. I had Versa and Ionic, an they had the same problem. Despire it, were descent watches, escpecially Fitbit app was useful.

@muhammadmifzal3589 4 жыл бұрын

Is it true fitbit charge 4 is not accurate when you do fast running like sub 6 minute mile pace?

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

The GPS tracks from the Fitbit Charge 4 are a little weird. They tend to be "smoothed" instead of accurate. So on a long straight road it looks great, but if you're running switchbacks at a 6 minute pace it might be all over the place. In my testing... Not the most accurate GPS chip, but also not the worst.

@muhammadmifzal3589 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit thank you for your response👍🏻

@deacon_era 3 жыл бұрын

is it compatible with Runkeeper app?

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

You can sync your activities from the Fitbit app to Runkeeper with the Charge 4. Hope that helps!

@keithtwort9655 4 жыл бұрын

No good in sunlight. The display is almost invisible! Brightness has three settings dim norm or auto. None are bright enough

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

I agree that its pretty challenging to see the text in sunlight. I think it's the same on most of these "bar" style fitbits unfortunately.

@DerekFolan 3 жыл бұрын

Is there an app that shows a map for tracking a run with Fitbit ?

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

It will display a map after your run but not during. Hope that helps!

@DerekFolan 3 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit I found it, not working great right now, I blame google. I ran 3.8km around my park, I came back and the google map showed .04km ? Although step counter is working and awarded me making it to 10km in a day , the map and gps need some work. I blame google more than Fitbit on the lame map view. Could Fitbit link into map my run owned by under armour maybe ? Why not collab here ?

@KC-UT4rmAZ 4 жыл бұрын

Very disappointed with the GPS battery life. Not even enough to run up Mount Timpanogos and back here in Utah. No bueno.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, its certainly not as good as a dedicated "sports watch". Thanks for watching.

@gracenote5619 2 жыл бұрын

How do you know if the GPS is connected to satellite?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I believe the watch has an indicator prior to starting a run.

@gracenote5619 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit can you use the GPS on a plane?

@rencikz 4 жыл бұрын

Better go Garmin. Bought for mother charge 3.. in first year had problems two times.. now broken in box..

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Bummer! I hope Fitbit can replace or repair under warranty. Thanks for watching!

@StuWebRT 4 жыл бұрын

send it back i bought partner hr3 and replaced no issues

@athletejmv 4 жыл бұрын

Went Garmin, straps break and fall apart. I prefer compact trackers and went through two vivosports and gave up. I wanted to stick with Garmin originally because I use their mounted bike trackers.

@Aethelbeorn 3 жыл бұрын

Unless I need the gps accuracy for giving info on a dead body on a trail or finding buried treasure. I don't care if it's off by a small houselength.

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

@keithjohnson4522 4 жыл бұрын

I thought everyone carried around their cellphone while running.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Most do. Some don't. Unfortunately the GPS chip inside a lot of smartphones isn't super accurate and also drains your phone battery pretty quick which is what makes having a dedicated GPS chip in your watch a little more compelling. Thanks for watching!

@tanxsh 3 жыл бұрын

This ain't a Fitbit review, this is a Garmin Phoenix ad

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love for Garmin to pay me for these videos but that's unfortunately not the case. It's certainly an unfair comparison but I think the point I was trying to drive home was the lack of accuracy. Thanks for watching!

@tanxsh 3 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit bruh this is still a phoenix ad

@jenjay0167 4 жыл бұрын

Vote

@Squidsplash 3 жыл бұрын

Mayeby beacause you put them on a different spot on your arm

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Certainly might play a role in accuracy but I've only got two arms! Thanks for watching.

@billybbob18 4 жыл бұрын

I always suspected that 8 hrs of sleep is actually a sign of bad health. I get 4.5 to 5.5 hrs of sleep every night and feel well rested and ready to attack the day. I almost never get more than 6 hrs.

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Hah... I'd love 8 hours. My three kids don't want to let me have it though 🤣 . Thanks for watching!

@submoto 2 жыл бұрын

Mine is ridiculously inaccurate

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that!

@beemrdon52 3 жыл бұрын

Got a Fitbit Charge 4 two weeks ago. Here's my review...Garbage.

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

Yikes! What's bad on it?

@beemrdon52 3 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit I'll sell you mine. It is 2 weeks old- $100 and it is yours. I take paypal.

@bunnyxian 3 жыл бұрын

Fitbit premium is a ripoff.

@ChaseTheSummit 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't tried it. What part didn't you like?

@iceweasel2199 4 жыл бұрын

DONT BUT IT !!!! I have it and it doesnt connect to GPS for 90% of users, including me, im returning mine today. According to Fitbit : GPS wont work in rain, cloudy weather or in between high buildins... yeah... its a gps running watch that doenst track GPS most of the time. Seriously, dont buy it, youll be disappointed

@ChaseTheSummit 4 жыл бұрын

Bummer! Thanks for the feedback!