Fitbit, once the dominant name in fitness tracking, is slowly disappearing under Google’s ownership. Since acquiring Fitbit in 2021, Google has phased out key features, discontinued devices like the Versa and Sense smartwatches, and officially shut down Fitbit.com as of October 2024. For health researchers who have relied on Fitbit devices for data collection, this shift raises important questions: Is it time to move on from Fitbit, and if so, what alternatives should you consider?

What Happened to Fitbit?

Fitbit’s fitness tracking and community-driven network made it popular with both users and researchers. However, following its acquisition by Google, changes began to erode what made Fitbit special. Key features were stripped away, the product line narrowed, and concerns about data privacy emerged. The final blow came with Google’s decision to end support for the Versa and Sense smartwatches, pushing users toward the Google Pixel Watch.

While Fitbit’s Charge 6 and Inspire 3 trackers remain available, their future is uncertain as Google pivots Fitbit technology into its own products, notably the Pixel Watch line.

Finding a New Research-Ready Fitness Tracker

If you’re conducting research that relies on wearables, now is the time to consider alternatives that offer high-quality data and analytics without the uncertainty surrounding Fitbit’s future. Here are some top options:

1. Garmin: The Most Research-Friendly

Garmin has long been a leader in wearable technology. The vívosmart® 5 is a strong alternative to the Fitbit Charge 6, offering detailed health metrics, including heart rate, sleep tracking, and advanced fitness data. These features, combined with extended battery life, make Garmin devices well-suited for long-term health studies.

Labfront collaborates closely with Garmin, offering researchers access to high-resolution raw data like BBI and sleep actigraphy through our platform. Garmin devices integrate seamlessly with Labfront, allowing for custom sampling rates, near-real-time participant monitoring, and no-code data visualization—ideal for researchers transitioning away from Fitbit.

2. Apple Watch: The Popular Option

Apple Watch is the top choice for researchers looking for a popular alternative, as it holds the majority share of the U.S. smartwatch market. Its seamless integration with iOS can improve user adherence, making it especially suitable for studies conducted in iOS environments. The Apple Watch Series 10 includes advanced health tracking features such as heart rate variability, ECG, and newly introduced sleep apnea monitoring. However, its compatibility with only iOS devices and the need for daily charging may present challenges when onboarding new participants.

3. Google Pixel Watch: The Fitbit Successor

For those who want to stay within the Google family, the Google Pixel Watch is a natural successor to Fitbit. Combining Fitbit’s health tracking technology with Google’s ecosystem, the Pixel Watch offers reliable fitness tracking, including heart rate, sleep monitoring, and workout analysis. The Pixel Watch 3 is a solid option for researchers seeking continuity in their data collection workflows while benefiting from new Google-powered advancements. However, note that the Pixel Watch currently does not support iOS, limiting its use for participants with iPhones.

4. Amazfit: The Budget-Friendly Option

If you’re on a tight budget, the Amazfit Band 7 offers a lower-cost option that still provides a range of health metrics. While not as feature-rich as Garmin, it can serve as a replacement for the Fitbit Inspire 3 in certain research contexts, especially for large-scale studies requiring multiple devices.

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Why Choose Garmin?

Garmin stands out as a research alternative to Fitbit due to its reputation for durability, accuracy, and long battery life. Through Labfront, Garmin devices can be fully integrated into your research workflows, ensuring simplified data collection and analysis. Moreover, you get access to 24/7 high-resolution data such as BBI and sleep actigraphy.

Garmin’s  health research library also showcases the 1000+ studies conducted with its devices.

For those who appreciate Fitbit’s simplicity but need more advanced features and support, Garmin’s tracker-style devices, such as the vívosmart® 5, offer an ideal solution.

Moving Forward

As Fitbit’s role in Google’s ecosystem diminishes, now is the time to explore more reliable alternatives for your studies. Whether you're considering Garmin’s data-rich wearables or another brand, Labfront can help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Ready to learn more?  Book a meeting to see how we can help with your next study.