Fitbit Features: What Works, What Doesn't, and Better Alternatives in 2025

When you think of Fitbit, a wearable fitness tracker designed to monitor steps, sleep, and heart rate. Also known as a health-focused smart band, it was once the go-to device for people wanting to move more and sleep better without spending hundreds on a smartwatch. But things have changed. Since Google bought Fitbit, updates slowed, features got locked behind paywalls, and users started looking elsewhere. The core Fitbit features, like sleep tracking, step counting, and heart rate monitoring still work—but they’re no longer unique. Many free apps and cheaper devices now do the same thing, better.

Here’s the truth: Fitbit decline, a measurable drop in market share and user engagement since 2021 isn’t because the devices broke. It’s because competitors caught up. Apple Watch, a premium smartwatch with advanced health sensors and seamless phone integration offers deeper insights. Garmin, a rugged, battery-efficient tracker loved by serious athletes lasts weeks on a charge. And if you just want to track steps and sleep? Google Fit, a free, no-subscription health app that works with most Android phones does it without asking for your credit card. You don’t need a Fitbit to get real data.

That’s why so many of the posts below focus on what’s actually working in 2025. People aren’t asking if Fitbit still tracks steps—they’re asking, "Is it worth keeping?" The answer for most? No. Not when you can get better sleep analysis from your phone, longer battery life from a Garmin, or zero cost from a free app. This collection cuts through the noise. You’ll find real comparisons between Fitbit and its top rivals, breakdowns of which features actually matter for body recomposition, and honest takes on whether a fitness tracker even helps you lose belly fat or tone up. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade, switch, or just ditch the device altogether, you’ll find the answers here—no marketing fluff, just what users are seeing on their screens and in their mirrors.