Fitbit Ionic died after 1.5 years - why don't any Fitbit devices last more than 2 years?

[SunsetRunner]

I have had 5 different Fitbit devices since 2013 - 2 Forces, 2 Surges, and an Ionic.  Every single one of them stopped working (strap issues or died) before 2 years and my latest device, the Fitbit Ionic, died randomly after 1.5 years (a $400 device).  Why don't any Fitbit devices, despite the high costs, last more than 2 years.  I understand that people might want to upgrade, but being forced to upgrade because the device is either falling apart or dead is unacceptable.  Any answers?

[WendyB]

All mine are going on 3 years.

I think it depends on product care and how its being charged

See this thread for charging best practices. If you are not charging it correctly you could be damaging the battery

[Rich_Laue]

The question I want answered is why for most people their trackers last 3,4,5+ years and with some people they can never get a year. 

[SunsetRunner]

I've taken good care of all the devices.  That being said, I wear them to bed and use them every day so unless that is not the intended use, I know I'm not "over" using the devices.  I am also what you'd probably call a lite user as I don't work out in the gym or do other strenuous exercise.  The purpose for me is an active lifestyle smart watch.

My ionic (and other devices) were charged with the best practices and if you saw them, they could be described as "like new" with the exception of the worn out, non-replaceable bands of the Surges.

On the topic of bands, my Ionic band, albiet replaceable, is almost ready to fall apart.

[SunsetRunner]

I also find it suspicious that you both, with 30,000+ comments, don't have clear Fitbit employee designations.  If you are real end users,. how did you make it last so long? 

I really like Fitbit devices and have promoted them to my friends but can't honestly say there isn't some serious planned obscelece going on here with devices that should last at least twice as long.  I'm definitely looking elsewhere (Starts with Gar, ends with min : ) for something built to last with decent support.  I just wish I'd done it earlier.

[SteveCoatney]

I've had watches over the years that lasted many many years.  But not Fitbits.   Lucky to get more than a year.   But now I'm in the loop:  whether to get another Ionic (after two failed in LESS than a year), or use the 50% discount on a newer model (Versa?) or cut bait and go elsewhere.

Since I'm entitled to a new Fitbit, I will probably go that route for now.  But I am seriously looking into whether the Versa is better.   I never had "dying" issues with any other Fitbit.  Just strap problems (which was actually a dying issue with my two surges, but it was because some of the electronics were in the strap, and it failed).

[Rich_Laue]

When was the last time you had a computer that lasted many many years? Do you really expect the computer on your wrist to last that long. 

Sure the mechanical watches last for ever but the are not computerized. 

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

A little off the topic but I aim to buy computers that will last.  That is why my computers have lasted 6/7 years and still work.  Would I like to replace them - yes.  But they still work fine.  I guess if Fitbit watches are only designed to last 1-2 years, they aren't the kind of quality I'm looking for.  Something that is going to outlast my desire to keep it (like the Garmin watches) is probably what I should be buying.  Thanks for the advice.

[ChillMo]

Yes, my Fitbit lasted about 2 years and it's completely useless.  The face is blank but this company doesn't stand behind its defective products.  Time to cut bait and go elsewhere....buyer beware!

[SteveCoatney]

Rich_Laue,

1) I have had many digital/battery driven watches last FAR longer than a Fitbit.  Years.  Many years.  

2) Computers?  Are you serious?   Yes, they last for many years, unlike the Fitbit computer on my wrist.

Were you being facetious? 

[SteveCoatney]

By the way, I ended up applying the 50% discount to a new Charge 3, versus a free replacement Ionic.   I looked at the Versa, but from looking at the Versa forum, there are at least as many problems with the Versa as with the Ionic.    I had a Charge 2 that worked rather well, so I will try the Charge 3.   It has the main features I want (activity tracking, heart-rate, sleep) without the sizzle of the Ionic or Versa, but I will take function over sizzle if it works, and simplicity often works better than sizzle.

That said, the first Charge 2 I purchased failed in a week.   It was the second, replacement Charge 2 that worked rather well.  

And that said, the second Ionic I received, in replacement of my failed first Ionic, worked rather well too, until a month ago, when the problems began.  

It seems to be a real crapshoot with Fitbit.    I will not recommend them to anyone at this point, until they get their quality control under control.   I have had people ask me about them, and I tell them "They're awesome when they work."  Aye, there's the rub.