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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

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

5 sources$146.99as of Aug 1

PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo found the Fitbit Charge 6 solid on fitness tracking, with improved GPS and heart rate monitoring. Tom's Guide praised the long battery life and water resistance. Full health insights require a Fitbit Premium subscription, and reviewers noted the smartwatch features are limited next to competitors like Apple Watch or Garmin. It fits people who want reliable activity monitoring without deep smartphone integration; anyone who wants advanced smartwatch functionality should 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

$146.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Fitness Trackers Under $200

Xiaomi Mi Band 8

3.8

4 sources1 derived

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is a 27-gram band with a 1.62-inch AMOLED display, a metal frame and more than 150 workout modes, for a price well under most fitness trackers. Wareable liked the 60Hz refresh and the improved brightness; Tech Advisor found the tracking useful as a general guide rather than accurate to the metre. There is no GPS, no NFC and no voice assistant, and the magnetic charger is sold separately. Budget buyers who want daily activity and heart-rate tracking are the fit; anyone who runs without a phone is not.

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

Buy at walmart.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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	—
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

← See the full ranking of best fitness trackers under $200