Is a used Apple Watch Series 9 better than a new Fitbit Charge 6?

Whether a used Apple Watch Series 9 is better than a new Fitbit Charge 6 depends on your phone and what you want from the device.

If you use an Android phone, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the better choice, since the Apple Watch Series 9 works only with iPhone.

If you use an iPhone:

• Choose the used Apple Watch Series 9 if you want a full smartwatch. It has a bigger, better screen, faster performance, and more advanced health features and sensors than the Fitbit. It can handle calls, texts, Apple Pay, Siri, and third-party apps, and it’s much more capable overall as a smartwatch.
• Choose the new Fitbit Charge 6 if you want a lighter fitness tracker with longer battery life and a fresh battery/warranty. It’s simpler, but it’s much less capable as a smartwatch.

For health and fitness tracking, the Fitbit Charge 6 does well for core metrics like heart rate and sleep, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is generally the more advanced device overall.

Bottom line:

• Best overall smartwatch: used Apple Watch Series 9
• Best simple fitness tracker / longer battery life: new Fitbit Charge 6

If you buy the used Apple Watch, check the battery health carefully; around 85% or higher is a reasonable target, and the lower it is, the more likely you’ll notice reduced battery life. Also inspect the general condition, since battery wear is the main risk.