Head-to-head · Best Fitness Trackers Under $200

Fitbit Charge 6 vs Xiaomi Mi Band 8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Fitbit Charge 6 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about Fitness enthusiasts wanting reliable tracking with better smart features — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Fitness Trackers Under $200

Fitbit Charge 6

4.1

$179

The Fitbit Charge 6 delivers solid fitness tracking with improved GPS and heart rate monitoring, according to PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo. Tom's Guide praised its long battery life and water resistance capabilities. However, the device requires a Fitbit Premium subscription for full health insights, and some reviewers noted limited smartwatch features compared to competitors like Apple Watch or Garmin. This tracker is ideal for users seeking reliable activity monitoring without extensive smartphone integration, but those wanting advanced smartwatch functionality may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Improved GPS accuracy and reliability compared to previous models
— Enhanced heart rate monitoring with Fitbit Premium integration
— Long battery life up to 7 days with typical use

Watch-outs

— Premium subscription required for full feature access including advanced health metrics
— Limited smartwatch functionality compared to Apple Watch or Garmin devices
— Some users report occasional connectivity issues with smartphones

$179 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Fitness Trackers Under $200

Xiaomi Mi Band 8

3.8

$40

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers excellent value as an affordable fitness tracker with a refined design and 150 sports modes. TechRadar noted its improved versatility with necklace and shoe clip attachments, while Wareable praised the 60Hz display refresh rate and better brightness. However, reviewers criticized the lack of GPS, limited health tracking accuracy, and absence of voice assistant support. The device is ideal for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who don't require smartwatch features, but those needing GPS or advanced health metrics should consider alternatives.

Strengths

— 150 sports modes including advanced run tracking
— 60Hz display refresh rate for smoother navigation
— Improved design with versatile attachment options (necklace, shoe clip)

Watch-outs

— No GPS tracking for outdoor activities
— Limited health tracking accuracy in some areas
— Cannot make or receive phone calls, lacks voice assistant support

$40 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fitbit Charge 6

The Fitbit Charge 6 stands out with improved GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring compared to the Fitbit Inspire 3, but unlike the Garmin Vivosmart 5, it requires a premium subscription for full health insights. While the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers more sports modes, the Charge 6 provides better smartwatch functionality and connectivity than the budget-friendly Amazfit Band 7.

Xiaomi Mi Band 8

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers more sports modes and a smoother 60Hz display compared to the Fitbit Inspire 3, but lacks GPS tracking that the Fitbit Charge 6 provides. While the Garmin Vivosmart 5 has better app ecosystem, the Mi Band 8 is more affordable and versatile with its necklace and shoe clip attachments, unlike the Amazfit Band 7 which has better battery life.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fitbit Charge 6	Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Battery Life	7 days typical use	190 mAh
Water Resistance	50 meters	Yes
GPS	Yes	No
Heart Rate Monitor	Optical sensor	Yes
Display	1.3-inch AMOLED	1.62 inch, 192 x 490 pixel
Weight	29 g	27 g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, GPS	Bluetooth 5.1 BLE

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