Apple Watch SE vs Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Fitbit Charge 6: which should you buy?
By Getfindsy Editorial Team · Updated · How we compare
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The first question is not which watch is best, but which phone you have. The Apple Watch only works with iPhone, the Galaxy Watch works best with Android (and fully with Samsung phones), and the Fitbit Charge 6 works with both.
After that, it comes down to how much you want a full smartwatch versus a light fitness band with a long battery life.
Quick picks
- iPhone owners who want a real smartwatch: Apple Watch SECheck price on Amazon
- Android and Samsung phone owners: Samsung Galaxy WatchCheck price on Amazon
- Fitness tracking with a long battery: Fitbit Charge 6Check price on Amazon
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Best for | Price tier | Works with | Battery | Type | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE | iPhone owners who want a real smartwatch | Mid-range | iPhone only | About a day | Full smartwatch | Notifications, payments, workouts | See on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | Android and Samsung phone owners | Mid-range | Android (best with Samsung) | About one to two days | Full smartwatch | Android users, sleep tracking | See on Amazon |
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Fitness tracking with a long battery | Budget | iPhone and Android | Up to about a week | Fitness band | Steps, sleep, workouts | See on Amazon |
#1 · iPhone owners who want a real smartwatch · Mid-range
Apple Watch SE
The most affordable way into the Apple Watch: notifications, Apple Pay, fitness rings, workout tracking, fall detection and crash detection, and thousands of apps. It skips some health sensors of the pricier models.
What we like
- Seamless with iPhone
- Huge app selection
- Safety features like fall detection
- Often discounted
Keep in mind
- iPhone only
- Needs charging about every day
- Works with
- iPhone only
- Battery
- About a day
- Type
- Full smartwatch
- Best for
- Notifications, payments, workouts
#2 · Android and Samsung phone owners · Mid-range
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung's Wear OS smartwatch brings Google apps, detailed sleep and fitness tracking and a bright display to Android. Some health features need a Samsung Galaxy phone, so it is at its best with one.
What we like
- Best smartwatch for Android
- Google apps and Wallet
- Strong sleep tracking
Keep in mind
- Some features need a Samsung phone
- Daily-ish charging
- Works with
- Android (best with Samsung)
- Battery
- About one to two days
- Type
- Full smartwatch
- Best for
- Android users, sleep tracking
#3 · Fitness tracking with a long battery · Budget
Fitbit Charge 6
A slim fitness band from Google that tracks steps, heart rate, sleep and workouts, has built-in GPS, and lasts for days between charges. It shows notifications but is not a full smartwatch.
What we like
- Works with iPhone and Android
- Battery lasts days
- Light and comfortable to sleep in
- Lowest price
Keep in mind
- Small screen
- Some insights need a Fitbit Premium subscription
- Works with
- iPhone and Android
- Battery
- Up to about a week
- Type
- Fitness band
- Best for
- Steps, sleep, workouts
Smartwatch or fitness band?
A smartwatch is a small computer on your wrist: apps, payments, replies to messages, maps. A fitness band does fewer things but does them with a battery that lasts much longer and a lighter feel for sleep tracking.
If you mostly want steps, sleep and workouts, a band is enough. If you want to leave your phone in your pocket more often, get a smartwatch that matches your phone.
Our verdict
iPhone user who wants a smartwatch: Apple Watch SE. Android user, especially with a Samsung phone: Galaxy Watch. Anyone who mainly wants fitness and sleep tracking with a long battery: Fitbit Charge 6.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Apple Watch work with Android?
No. The Apple Watch needs an iPhone to set up and use.
Does the Galaxy Watch work with iPhone?
Current Galaxy Watch models running Wear OS do not support iPhone. Choose an Apple Watch or a Fitbit instead.
Do I need Fitbit Premium?
No. Core tracking works without it. Premium adds deeper insights, guided programs and some reports.
Specs and features come from the manufacturers and can change between versions. Prices change often on Amazon, so check the current price and the exact model before you buy.
