CHARGE 5 lifespan

[GreenTiger333]

I bought a Charge 5 that suddenly stopped working after six months, vibrating briefly when plugged in and reset steps not working.  Fitbit replaced it.  The replacement lasted six months also until it quit working as well.  Fitbit support stated they do not know the average lifespan of their Charge 5 devices and that only six months each is acceptable.  I do not feel I got my money-worth of the Charge 5 over a year's time when I had to get a warranty replacement and had both quit working at six months each.  Fitbit will not replace the second, telling me to buy a new one, that the Charge 5 is no longer supported, and to buy a Charge 6 at $170 on the Fitbit.com site.  Does Fitbit stand behind their product quality of the Charve 5 to only last six months each?  Is this a gimmick to make me buy a newer more expensive version?  I hesitate to buy another Fitbit product when the last two have only lasted six months each under normal use.

[MakMak]

Hi, @GreenTiger333! Really sorry to hear your experience here. Unfortunately, the people who turn to the forums are typically the ones who have had issues with their devices. I can tell you that I have a Charge 5 that is nearly two years old and is working perfectly. I haven't updated the firmware in that time, but other than that have subjected it to normal wear and tear. It is disappointing that you've gotten two in a row that have been duds, but everyone's mileage varies. I'd say it's entirely up to you whether you choose to stay with Fitbit or not, but the holiday season and sales are coming. I don't have too much to say about the Charge 6, but know that you do need to convert to a Google account if you get their newer devices.

[UlrikeDG]

While MakMak is correct that people usually seek support when they're having a problem, the trend of the Charge 5 Forum changed dramatically in June/July of this year. Prior to that time, most of the posts were questions or complaints about features, with the occasional "my device stopped working" sprinkled in. Now, a solid 50% of the posts are, "My device stopped working." This is a concerning trend, and many feel that Google/Fitbit's response has been inadequate. Fortunately, there are other options.

If you have a Premium subscription, don't forget to cancel it. Fitbit doesn't offer refunds, even if your device no longer works.

[GreenTiger333]

That is disheartening. The Customer Support via chat and phone was
terrible. Poor sound quality, difficult to understand, loud people in the
background, interupted me speaking, could not provide average lifespan
information, said multiple times thie managers/supervisors were busy or not
available, could not explain the Fitbit quality stanfards of the devices,
and could not explain the warranty details of warranty replaced devices.
One said not to buy another Charge 5 as would probably quit on me in months
also, and could not gaurantee a Charge 6 would last longer than 6 months.
Sarcastically makes me want to buy another Fitbit device!