The Fitbit Charge 6 is lacking a key feature, and I just can't get over it

For the most part, I'm a big fan of the Fitbit Charge 6. It's affordable, it's stylish on your wrist, and it tracks multiple sports from running to swimming with its built-in GPS. It's what I'd call a pretty good all-rounder, and a solid choice for anyone wanting a tracker to monitor performance.

That said, there’s one notable feature that it’s missing: an altimeter. And I just can't get over it.

What is an altimeter?

An altimeter is a sensor that measures elevation. Basically, how high you are above sea level. In fitness trackers, it helps count how many floors you’ve climbed or tracks the elevation you've gained during activities like hiking or running. It works by detecting changes in air pressure, which drop as you go higher.

Having an altimeter in your fitness tracker is important because it gives you a more detailed picture of your workouts. This is especially important for the likes of trail runners, where elevation really matters.

GPS can give a vague idea of changes in height based on location changes, but it's not fully accurate and often misses smaller elevation shifts. So to me it's important to own a tracker with a dedicated altimeter. It's a shame that it isn't included in the Charge 6, because there's a lot to like about this smartwatch.

What the Fitbit Charge 6 does have

The Fitbit Charge 6 has many great qualities, and if tracking elevation isn't necessary for you, it's a fantastic option.

First off, it comes with built-in GPS. This means you can head out for a run, bike ride, or walk without carrying your phone. It tracks your pace, distance, and route using satellite data, so you get a clear map of where you’ve been. It also logs your steps, calories burned, and Active Zone Minutes, a clever Fitbit stat that tracks how much time you spend in elevated heart rate zones.

Users also get heart rate monitoring. It uses Fitbit's PurePulse 2.0 sensor, so you've got 24/7 heart rate tracking with this watch. This also means you get data on your resting heart rate, heart rate zones during workouts, and even alerts if your heart rate goes unusually high or low. That's a big plus if you want to keep a close eye on your cardiovascular health.

The Charge 6 also has SpO2 tracking, estimating blood oxygen saturation overnight. This can help you catch potential breathing issues during sleep or identify when your body needs a bit more rest and recovery.

And speaking of rest, this model also has advanced sleep tracking. Like most Fitbits, it monitors your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM) and gives you a sleep score every morning. The score is a number up to 100, and helps you see through a simple figure how well you slept and how well your body recovered. It even tracks how long you’re restless or awake during the night.

It offers some lifestyle features, too. Receive notifications straight to your wrist, and if you have an Android phone, you can even reply to messages using quick replies or voice dictation. Unfortunately, this function is not available for iPhone users.

Where to buy the Fitbit Charge 6

The Fitbit Charge 6 is available at many retailers and is often on sale, so keep an eye out for discounts. At Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, the Charge 6 is now priced at $159.95.