Investing in a good quality fitness tracking smartwatch is important for people with an active lifestyle. Fitbit is a popular option if you want to take advantage of reliable tracking functions and features without the high price of an Apple Watch.
Fitbits are worn day and night. Therefore the battery will die with time. Using our first-hand experience with Fitbits, you will know how long exactly these fitness-tracking smartwatches last.
I will share helpful tips on which model to buy for longer use and better quality performance.
According to Fitbit, their fitness trackers typically last for one to two years, depending on the frequency of use and cleaning. However, Fitbits are expected to last only for 16 to 18 months under normal use. Models with replaceable batteries, however, can be extended for a longer lifespan.
In addition to sharing our experience in using Fitbits and how long they last, I have also included answers to how long should a Fitbit Charge 2 last and if it’s outdated.
Please keep reading to the end to get the answers you need about Fitbits and how long they last.
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How Many Years Does a Fitbit 2 Last?
The Fitbit 2 can last more than two years, given proper maintenance and regular cleaning. In addition, the Fitbit Charge 2 helps the device hold a charge for up to seven days before it needs charging.
My Fitbit Charge 2 stopped connecting to my Bluetooth device. No matter what I do, it just can’t be found. The next issue was the heart rate monitor reading zero while the tracker no longer vibrates whenever I stop or start an activity. Fitbit didn’t advise fixing the problem but offered a discount to buy a new one.
The Fitbit Charge 2 trackers are good for a bit over two years, and once the screen starts to show blank, there’s no way to fix it. So if you have a two-year-old Fitbit, it may also need to be charged more often than usual. Another common issue of the Charge 2 is that you may have to turn the Bluetooth on and off to register your stats on the app.
While it’s common for the Charge 2 to last for one to two years, some rare cases have been experienced by other users. For instance, one of my colleagues could use her Charge 2 for only four months.
She kept it inside the box for nine months and then tried to charge it again, but it won’t charge.
Compared to Apple Watches, which last around three years before performance drops, Fitbits have been known to break within the first year! Please look at the numerous forum posts from the Fitbits community of users complaining of their Fitbit breaking far too soon.
You will notice Fitbit will give replacements for the first 2 Fitbits for free, but from the third, they will only provide a 20% off coupon! It’s ridiculous considering Fitbit breaking is because of inferior products, not the customer!
Take a look at the post below.
Hello
My Fiancée and I both use and love our Fitbits. I got my Charge in April ’15. She earned her Charge HR in May ’15. Despite living the product, their durability is substandard. With my Charge, it had to be replaced twice in the first year and again slightly after. The first two times, Fitbit sent me two replacements for free. The third time they gave me a 20% off coupon and made me purchase a new one (I upgraded to an HR).
My Fiancée also needed hers replaced in the first year of having it (which they did for free), but of course, it’s gone bad, and now she has to buy a new one. We know several other people who also had Fitbits replaced in the first year and then given up and moved on to another device. We are unsure if we should purchase her a new one or if we would be buying a unit that we know will go bad several times until we are forced to pay again. It seems like a waste of money at this point. Has anyone had better luck with their durability, or is this typical, and is Fitbits lack of concern over their units having frequently repeated typical defects?
Fitbit doesn’t provide any recommendations to resolve the issue but only sticks to their rule that once the warranty is up, there’s nothing they can do about it. Also, keeping the device below 30% charge for a while will quickly destroy a lithium battery.
Do you have a problem with your Fitbit screen? Read my article about how to fix your Fitbit screen dim and learn how to brighten it.
How Many Years Does Fitbits Last?
On average, the life expectancy of Fitbits is between 1-2 years. Depending on the model, battery health, hardware quality, and reset frequency, they can last longer. Some Fitbit models are equipped with better hardware to endure frequent rough usage.
Its model is the biggest factor in determining how long a Fitbit tracker can last. If you don’t choose a model wisely, you might get something that can misbehave or fail even after a simple usage. Under normal use, your Fitbit may only last between 16-18 months.
Here are the key factors that significantly affect how long your Fitbit smartwatch will last:
- Model. Each model has a different lifespan from other Fitbits. One important thing that makes these models unique is their hardware. Our research says that the best models to invest in are the Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Charge3, Fitbit Inspire, and Fitbit Inspire 2 because they can last longer.
- Hardware. More often than not, Fitbits fail due to hardware issues. For instance, a crash can lead to vitality data and motions not being able to get detected, unresponsive to touch, random shutting down, and lower screen light. The Sense model’s hardware has been upgraded to prevent these hardware issues.
- Resetting. If a tracker experiences a glitch, the best way to fix the issue is to reset the device. However, resetting your tracker more often can disrupt its capabilities and damage the software and hardware components. It can shorten the life expectancy of your Fitbit.
- Battery. The overall performance of a Fitbit device depends solely on its battery health. Therefore, it’s important to take good care of your tracker and ensure not to overcharge it. Also, please don’t use too many apps or features as they drain the battery much faster.
- Cleaning. Frequent rough usage of Fitbits may warrant more intensive cleaning to remove dirt. Regular cleaning can prolong the life expectancy of your Fitbit tracker. You can use a soap-free cleaning agent and water to clean the device gently.
Once your device no longer holds enough battery backup, it may be time to replace your tracker. After two years, getting a new Fitbit model with upgraded features is best to enjoy more benefits.
How Long Should A Fitbit 2 Last?
A Fitbit Charge 2 should typically last for around two years and even longer when given proper care. With this model’s longer lifespan than other Fitbits, Charge 2 is durable and functional. A discount is offered to buy a new unit if it dies and the warranty is no longer applicable.
The plastic screen’s durability largely determines the life expectancy of Charge 2. Many users experience some cracks after 9-11 months. In my case, I had to replace the band to keep using my Fitbit, and that’s the only major issue I’ve encountered so far. I suggest getting multiple bands if you want to keep your tracker in great shape.
You know you need a new fitness tracker when your current Fitbit smartwatch does not charge anymore. I think Fitbit users will all agree that the device tends to fail or stop working once the warranty period is up.
Have you lost your steps on Fitbit? Read this article, and I will help you get them back in no time.
Is Fitbit Charge 2 Outdated?
Yes, Fitbit Charge 2 is outdated after it has been removed from the store and discontinued to be manufactured by Fitbit. Therefore, it’s not recommended to buy the said model even if it’s still available in some stores. On the other hand, the warranty for Charge 2 will still be honored.
There are still some Charge 2 units in Walmart and Amazon that come with an extended warranty. However, it’s not guaranteed after the model has been discontinued. So my best advice is to upgrade to Charge 3 to enjoy more features and better functionality.
Once the stocks of the Fitbit Charge 2 are gone, the store won’t be able to give you a replacement even if you’re still eligible for the warranty. However, I’ve also read somewhere that Fitbit keeps refurbished units for any warranty claims. So I recommend getting the latest Charge model for guaranteed quality and performance.
If you’re curious about why a green light is flashing on your Fitbit, this article will help you understand how to fix it.