Should I buy a used Apple Watch or a new Fitbit Charge?

Choosing between a used Apple Watch and a new Fitbit Charge mostly comes down to whether you want a full smartwatch or a simpler fitness tracker.

Buy a used Apple Watch if:

• You want a true smartwatch: It’s better if you want to reply to texts, take calls, use Siri, run third-party apps, and use contactless payments.
• You’re an iPhone user: Apple Watch is made for use with iPhone, so it’s the better choice if you’re already in Apple’s ecosystem.
• You’re okay with frequent charging: Many Apple Watch models last about 18 hours per charge, and a used one may last less if the battery has aged.

Buy a new Fitbit Charge if:

• Battery life matters most: Fitbit Charge models can last up to 6+ days on a charge.
• You want focused health and sleep tracking: It’s a better fit if you care more about step tracking, workouts, sleep, and recovery than smartwatch features.
• You want lower risk: Buying new means a fresh battery and a manufacturer warranty.
• You use Android or iPhone: Fitbit works with both platforms, though some features may vary by phone and model.

My quick take:

• Choose the used Apple Watch if you want smartwatch features and already use an iPhone.
• Choose the new Fitbit Charge if you want longer battery life, simpler fitness tracking, and less risk buying new.

One extra caution for a used Apple Watch: battery health is the biggest thing to check, and exact battery condition can vary a lot by model and seller. If battery health is low, you may need to budget for a replacement sooner rather than later.