Very inaccurate Fitbit Charge 5

[PR12]

I bought Fitbit Charge 5 to use it with my mechanical watch. Normally I use Apple Watch as my primary watch. I liked the design of the Charge 5, and thought it would be a nice solution to track my steps etc. After I have been using it for 2 days I must admit I regret the purchase. It is VERY inaccurate: At the end of today my Apple Watch states the following 13.218 steps, 10,86 km and 3008 burned calories - including the BMR 2.125 calories. Charge 5 states the following 15.937 steps, 13,14 km and 3.494 burned calories. I would have accepted a minor margin, but the above standing is unacceptable! I have checked the settings of the Charge 5 according to the manual, and everything seems to be ok. My conclusion is that the Charge 5 needs an update to fix these problems!

[PR12]

After posting the above comment on Facebook, I got this reply:

Got it. We appreciate your feedback. We're constantly striving to improve Fitbit products and services, and we appreciate all of the input we receive from our customers. You can also check these tips on how Fitbit calculates your activity.

...my reply:

Thanks for your reply. Yes I read the article before I posted my comment. To me it seems like Fitbit is well aware that the device is counting unintentional steps:

“ When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats.”

So now we just need a fix for it! Brushing my teeth resulted in 120 steps, and YES, I was standing still! So please pass on this issue to the relevant persons, Thanks!

[DJViking]

I am not quite happy with my Charge 5 either.

My Fitbit Charge 5 is often detecting a high pulse when I am working at my computer.

My pulse should not go up to 120-150 when typing on the keyboard.
It happens often, and I am beginning to think is it my hearth, or Fitbit that is having problems.

I take my Fitbit off for a few seconds. When I put it back on my pulse if back to around 60-70, but soon when I begin working again the pulse skyrocket.

I ran the ECG test, but it was normal.

Could it be that typing on the keyboard is what makes Fitbit record wrong pulse? But how. My wrist is hardly moving.

I get the feeling that Fitbit is crying wolf. How can I take i seriously when it is actually recording a high pulse correctly when I am resting.

I got the Charge 5 because of the ECG, but now I am thinking of getting a better fitness watch, which is better at calculating pulse and steps.

[Dilitt]

I got the generic email 

“Thanks for letting us know about this issue. We’re aware of it, but may not be able to provide a fix in the immediate future. We'll continue to monitor the situation, and keep our team informed of the impact to you and other customers. We understand that this isn't the resolution you're hoping for, but rest assured we're always working to improve our products.”

can’t say I’m happy paying $269 for a product they want me to live with that’s not fit for the purpose . 

[DJViking]

I discovered something today that accounted for my Fitbit inaccurate pulse.

At my new office we have lights in the sealing that I can change the color temperature on.
With very white light, the Fitbit is reporting I have a pulse of 140-150 sitting in my office.
With a more yellow light, the Fitbit is reporting a normal pulse.

Seems the Fitbit is sensitive to external lights.

I do not like sitting in a yellow light.