Which Google Wearables Should You Actually Buy? A Fitness Tracker vs Smartwatch Breakdown
Google offers two distinct wearable categories: affordable Fitbit fitness trackers starting at £99.95 for basic activity monitoring, and the Pixel Watch at £148.99 for full smartwatch functionality with Android integration. If you want pure fitness tracking at the lowest price, the Fitbit Charge 6 Porcelain is your answer. If you need notifications, apps, and heart rate tracking in one device, the Pixel Watch justifies the premium.
Why Google?
Google acquired Fitbit in 2021 and has integrated the brand into its broader health and wearables ecosystem. Fitbit specialises in accurate step counting, sleep tracking, and workout logging with minimal distraction—devices that do one job exceptionally well. The Pixel Watch represents Google's answer to premium smartwatches: it runs Wear OS (Google's watch operating system), syncs seamlessly with Android phones, and includes native Google Assistant voice control. Together, they cover two clear use cases: dedicated fitness enthusiasts who want simplicity, and Android users who want a connected hub on their wrist.
Top Picks
Google Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker, Porcelain/Silver Aluminum — £99.95
Best for budget-conscious fitness trackers with solid accuracy. The Porcelain model delivers everything the Coral version offers—heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, 6+ day battery life—at £30 less. You sacrifice nothing in performance, only colour choice. The AMOLED screen is sharp, and Fitbit's algorithm for step counting has been refined over a decade of devices.
Google Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker, Coral/Champagne Gold Aluminum — £129.95
Best for users who want premium aesthetics without compromising on features. The Coral with champagne gold casing looks more polished on the wrist and appeals to those who wear their tracker as a visible accessory rather than a functional tool. Performance is identical to the Porcelain; this is a design decision, not a capability one.
Google Pixel Watch – Android Smartwatch, Champagne Gold Stainless Steel with Hazel Band — £148.99
Best for Android users who want a complete smartwatch, not just a fitness tracker. Unlike Fitbit, the Pixel Watch receives notifications, runs Google apps natively, and lets you respond to messages. Heart rate tracking is included alongside full health integration. The stainless steel case and active band suggest durability for daily wear plus workouts. You're paying £49 more than the premium Fitbit, but you get a device that replaces your phone on your wrist—not just monitors what your body does.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Fitbit Charge 6 Porcelain | £99.95 | Budget fitness tracking | 6+ day battery, AMOLED screen | | Fitbit Charge 6 Coral | £129.95 | Fitness tracking + style | Premium aluminium casing | | Pixel Watch | £148.99 | Android integration | Full smartwatch OS, notifications, Google Assistant |
What to Look For
- Battery life: Fitbit Charge 6 lasts 6–7 days; Pixel Watch manages 24 hours at best. If you charge daily without complaint, Pixel Watch is fine. If you travel or dislike daily charging, Fitbit wins.
- Phone integration: Pixel Watch syncs notifications, replies, and Google services directly. Fitbit requires your phone nearby but doesn't display texts or calls—it tracks what happens after you exercise. Choose Pixel if you want wrist notifications; choose Fitbit if you want uninterrupted workouts.
- Screen technology: Both use AMOLED (crisp, bright). Pixel's screen is larger (1.3 inches vs Charge 6's 1.04 inches), making it easier to read without lifting your wrist as high.
- Fitness algorithm accuracy: Fitbit's decade-old step-counting and heart rate detection is proven. Pixel Watch uses the same sensors but is newer—expect similar accuracy after a few software updates.
The Bottom Line
If fitness tracking is your priority and you want to spend less, buy the Fitbit Charge 6 Porcelain at £99.95—it's the best value and loses nothing to the Coral version except cosmetics. If you're an Android user who wants a true smartwatch with notifications and apps, the Pixel Watch at £148.99 is worth the extra £49 and positions itself closer to Apple Watch functionality. The choice hinges on whether you want a focused fitness tool or a connected mini-computer for your wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fitbit Charge 6 worth buying in 2024?
Yes, particularly the Porcelain model at £99.95. It offers market-leading battery life (6+ days), accurate heart rate and sleep tracking, and AMOLED screen clarity. It's ideal if you exercise 3–5 times weekly and don't need smartwatch features like text notifications. The main drawback is no native apps—just fitness data.
Can you reply to messages on a Google Pixel Watch?
Yes, but only with preset quick replies or voice commands via Google Assistant. You cannot type freely. The Fitbit Charge 6 cannot reply to messages at all—it shows no notifications. If message interaction matters, Pixel Watch is your only choice in this lineup.
How long does the Pixel Watch battery actually last?
Google claims 24 hours of typical use; real-world testing shows 18–26 hours depending on screen-on time and workout tracking. If you use Always-On Display or GPS tracking, expect 18 hours. For comparison, Fitbit Charge 6 lasts 6–7 days without recharging—a significant gap for travellers.
Which Google wearable is best for swimming?
Both are water-resistant to 5ATM (suitable for swimming and snorkelling). Fitbit Charge 6 offers marginally better underwater durability due to its smaller screen seam, but either works in a pool. If you swim frequently, either device is safe; neither is a replacement for a dedicated swim watch.
