OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Fitbit Ionic review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:?Battery life:5 daysDisplay type:LCD

Fitbit Ionic Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 111 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Fitbit Ionic
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

35%

6.1

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.1

Reviews score

10%

8.3

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 59% of smartwatches
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 69%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components

24%

6.4

Health

21%

8.6

Fitness

16%

2.9

Battery

14%

5.9

Smart features

12%

6.2

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 55%
6.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

6.1

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.4

Average grade

20%

9.8

Popularity

Grades by review (111)
63 reviews + 48 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 69%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • fitbit-ionic
  • fitbit-ionic
  • fitbit-ionic
  • fitbit-ionic
  • fitbit-ionic
  • fitbit-ionic
  • fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
fitbit-ionic
Where to buy
    N/A~ £260
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Fitbit Ionic

Based on 13 · 10

Built-in GPS and health tracking earn solid praise, but the thin selection of third-party apps disappoints, and the design divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Fitbit Ionic

Based on 119 owners sharing their experience in online comments

36%positive17%mixed47%negative

Owners value its fitness tracking, long battery life, and design, but repeated failures and limited smartwatch features overshadow them.

What owners dislike

  • Several owners report the watch going blank or refusing to charge at 0%, sometimes after a flat battery, and a reset with the three buttons brings it back.64
  • Limited apps and missing smartwatch features16
  • Buggy, laggy software and awkward controls14
  • Owners say the wristband can pop loose during wear, and it stays locked only when the top latch is pressed in firmly until it clicks.11
  • Owners say warranty repairs are limited: once a year or two has passed, Fitbit offers no repair and no battery replacement, and a cracked screen is not covered.10
  • Owners report the watch repeatedly losing connection to phones and failing to sync, with Windows and some Android and iPhone setups affected.9
  • Owners say GPS takes a while to connect and that step counts can be inflated by arm movement, while calorie estimates run high.9
  • Owners say phone notifications are inconsistent, with only some apps such as Snapchat coming through reliably on compatible phones.5
  • Owners say Bluetooth audio crackles with headphones, and loading music needs the phone, computer and watch together and takes a long time.5
  • Owners in Italy and the UK say Fitbit Pay works with very few banks and cards, so many cards cannot be added at all.5

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Fitbit Ionic

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components:

24%

6.4

Health

21%

8.6

Fitness

16%

2.9

Battery

14%

5.9

Smart features

12%

6.2

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

6.1
Reviews score
6.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.5
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
5 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 5 days on a charge, which is shorter than 65.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
10 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 10 h on a charge, which is shorter than 69% of Smartwatches and the same as 4% of Smartwatches.
10 hours in gps mode.
Battery life with GPS on
10 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 10 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 76% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
195 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 195 mAh battery, which is smaller than 90.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Fitbit OS
This smartwatch runs Fitbit OS, which is more advanced than the system in 56% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.9% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
?
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
LCD
This smartwatch uses LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 91.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 6.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
250x 348
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 250x348 which is lower than that of 68.3% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
302 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 302 ppi, which is lower than 64.6% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nit
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch has a screen brightness of 1,000 nits, which is higher than 53.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 27% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.12 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.12 GHz which is slower than that in 85.3% of smartwatches and equal to that in 1.9% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Toshiba TZ1201XBG
This smartwatch uses the Toshiba TZ1201XBG processor model.
RAM
2 GB
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 2 GB of RAM, which is more than 76.4% of Smartwatches and equal to 22.3% of Smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% of Smartwatches.
About 2.5 GB usable after system files.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Fitbit Ionic vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Readiness score
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 19.8% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    Food logging may require a companion or third-party app.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Fitbit OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Fitbit OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Readiness score
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 19.8% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    Food logging may require a companion or third-party app.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • 32.8 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (12.2 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    12.2 mm vs 45 mm
  • 250 nits brighter screen
    This smartwatch has a brighter screen than the average smartwatch (1,000 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 750 nits
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Fitbit OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Fitbit OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 2x more RAM
    This smartwatch has more RAM than the average smartwatch (2 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 1 GB
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (LCD vs AMOLED).
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    10 h vs 21 h
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • 12.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

    6.1

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (111)
    63 reviews + 48 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.1 vs 7.0
  • 2.36x more expensive
    Fitbit Ionic is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £110).
    £260 vs £110
  • 4% worse value for money
    Fitbit Ionic has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.46 vs 7.8).
    7.46 vs 7.76
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 4 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 70 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (20 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    20 vs 90
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    10 h vs 21 h
  • No low-power mode
    This smartwatch does not include a low power mode, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches include a low power mode.
  • 10 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    10 hours in gps mode.
    10 h vs 20 h
  • 110 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (195 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    195 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • 2 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (5 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    5 days vs 7 days
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (LCD vs AMOLED).
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 250x348, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    250x348 vs 360x360
  • 24 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (302 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    302 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 2 mm wider strap
    This smartwatch has a wider strap than the average smartwatch (24 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    Uses proprietary/non-standard band connector.
    24 mm vs 22 mm
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Slower CPU speed
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.12 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.12 GHz vs 1 GHz

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
LifeWithVinceLuu
≈ estimated
07/09/2020
Long-term review · two years of personal use
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is good for average gym-goers, but not for ultra-endurance or long GPS events.
4.0
EquilibriumTelevision
≈ estimated
17/05/2020
Hands-on review · GPS, music, payment and running tests
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is not recommended; its GPS, music sync and payment support fall short, and the watch is being returned.
7.0
Kanwar Anand
✓ explicit
21/11/2019
Long-term test · about eight months of use
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is a solid fitness tracker that is comfortable and waterproof, but step counting and app syncing still need work.
9.0
Agent Fitz
≈ estimated
14/10/2019
Long-term test · about two years with a replacement unit
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is the best smartwatch owned so far, reliable for daily fitness, though Bluetooth drops under heavy load.
8.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
06/06/2018
Hands-on review · Train app workouts and app usability
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic offers good, convenient guided routines that work beyond running, though the app needs easier demonstrations.
8.0
Digit
≈ estimated
19/05/2018
Hands-on review · fitness, sleep and battery tests
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is fairly justifiable at its price as a fitness tracker, though notification replies and heart rate accuracy need work.
8.0
KikayRunner
≈ estimated
12/04/2018
Hands-on review · one month of testing
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is a good fitness watch for beginners and general training, but it lacks advanced swim, cycling and music features.
8.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
27/03/2018
Long-term review · fitness features and workouts
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is a capable, well-built fitness watch that suits many users, but it lacks advanced running and external heart rate support.
8.0
Intellect Digest
≈ estimated
13/03/2018
Hands-on review · features, battery and fitness tracking
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is a strong choice for serious fitness users, though it is pricey and light on smart features.
9.0
TK Bay
≈ estimated
09/03/2018
Two-week review · daily use and fitness features
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is one of the best Fitbit trackers and simple to use, but it only works well within the Fitbit ecosystem.
9.0
comeinhandynow
≈ estimated
27/02/2018
Comparison review · a few weeks of use
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic is a solid Pebble replacement with reliable performance, though it has a few glitches.
7.0
Tech with Jerad (How I Use This)
≈ estimated
12/01/2018
Hands-on review · one month of daily use
Verdict
Fitbit Ionic suits dedicated Fitbit users, but it is pricey and limited compared with rival smartwatches.
More graded video reviews (20)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

4.0
cnbc.com
≈ estimated
29/09/2017
Week-long test · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic has a bright, sharp screen and the best phone app, but glitchy software makes it hard to recommend over an Apple Watch.
7.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
02/10/2017
Hands-on review · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic lasts up to five days on one charge, but without message replies or maps, it is not really an interactive smartwatch.
8.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
21/06/2018
Long-term test · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a comfortable fitness watch with built-in GPS that sits between a tracker and a smartwatch, though its app range remains thin.
7.0
bikeradar.com
✓ explicit
15/12/2017
Cycling test · Heart-rate accuracy
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a cycling watch that tracks road rides well, but its wrist heart-rate sensor loses track on rough mountain bike trails.
8.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
04/03/2022
Hands-on test · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a capable fitness watch with a strong app, but it lacks smartwatch features and its square design is not for everyone.
6.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
03/03/2022
Recall notice · Smartwatch review
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic has a bright screen, long battery life and GPS with swim tracking, but few apps and a recall over overheating batteries count against it.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
26/05/2020
Hands-on review · Running and gym
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a fitness watch at heart, suited to runs and gym sessions, though its divisive design and slow touchscreen hold it back.
7.0
ultrarunning.com
≈ estimated
31/01/2018
Running test · Fitness tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a comfortable daily tracker with reliable Strava syncing, but as a running watch it offers little over the Surge and runs short with the screen on.
8.0
stuff.tv
✓ explicit
07/02/2023
Review · Sports tracking
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is Fitbit's best all-round tracker, with accurate GPS and heart-rate readings, but its few third-party apps keep it short of a full smartwatch.
7.8
cnet.com
✓ explicit
15/02/2018
Re-review · Smartwatch features
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is comfortable, with four-day battery life and fun watch faces, but its music and payment features lag behind rivals.
6.0
mashable.com
≈ estimated
19/09/2017
Hands-on review · Smartwatch features
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a solid fitness watch with long battery life, but its smartwatch features feel half-baked next to the Apple Watch.
8.0
techfortravel.co.uk
≈ estimated
09/11/2017
Hands-on review · Fitness tracker
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a comfortable, lightweight fitness tracker with a large screen and a wide range of sport modes, but it cannot reply to messages.
E
editorial.recombu.com
22/10/2017
≈ estimated
8.0
Summary of the review
Fitbit Ionic Review: Serious Apple Watch rival? Would you like more information regarding the 2022 product recall mentioned in several of these review...
W
wareable.com
12/03/2018
≈ estimated
7.0
Summary of the review
Fitbit Ionic review - Wareable
7.0
express.co.uk
≈ estimated
31/12/2017
Full review · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic suits buyers wanting long battery life and fitness tracking, but it lacks an always-on screen and trails the Apple Watch on apps.
7.6
01net.com
✓ explicit
11/10/2017
Hands-on test · Fitness watch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a fitness watch with an excellent screen and about four days of battery, but few apps, paid coaching and no way to reply limit it.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
16/12/2017
Full review · Fitness watch
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic has a very readable screen, strong sleep analysis and five days of battery, but a small app store and no message replies hold it back.
9.0
vonguru.fr
≈ estimated
29/01/2018
Hands-on test · Swim tracking
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a waterproof fitness watch with good swim tracking and a magnetic charger, but it looks bulky on a small wrist.
7.5
roxarmy.com
✓ explicit
12/05/2018
Hands-on test · Sports coaching
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is strong at sports tracking and coaching, with a good screen and four-day battery, but few apps make it weak as an everyday smartwatch.
8.0
montre-cardio-gps.fr
≈ estimated
12/12/2017
Blog review · Activity tracking
Verdict
The Fitbit Ionic is a strong activity tracker with automatic sports detection, but its thin app store and no message replies keep it from being a true smartwatch.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Fitbit Ionic

  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting 4 to 5 days on a single charge.
  • Bright and vibrant high-resolution display (up to 1,000 nits), making it easy to read in sunlight.
  • Comprehensive fitness tracking features, including built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and swim-proofing up to 50m.
  • Lightweight and comfortable aluminum unibody design that curves around the wrist.
  • Seamless integration with the established and user-friendly Fitbit app platform.
  • Convenient features like Fitbit Pay for contactless payments and automatic workout detection.

What customers don't like about Fitbit Ionic

  • Product was recalled in 2022 due to serious battery overheating and burn hazard concerns.
  • Divisive 'retro' design described by some as boxy, chunky, or 'ugly' compared to modern smartwatches.
  • Limited third-party app ecosystem and lack of deep integration for notifications (e.g., no microphone for replies).
  • Interface and touchscreen can be sluggish or unresponsive, particularly with raise-to-wake gestures.
  • Expensive original price point that many reviewers felt was not justified by its limited smartwatch capabilities.
  • Cumbersome manual process for syncing and transferring music to the device.

Verdict

The [Fitbit Ionic](https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/devices/fitbit/fitbit-launches-ionic-ultimate-health-and-fitness-smartwatch/) is a fitness-focused smartwatch featuring a unibody aerospace-grade aluminium design with a [1.42-inch LCD touchscreen](https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/fitbit-ionic-review) protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and delivering [1,000 nits of brightness](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/08/meet-fitbits-newest-device-the-fitbit-ionic-smartwatch/) for sunlight legibility. It includes integrated GPS/GLONASS, a PurePulse heart rate monitor, an [SpO2 sensor](https://pharmaphorum.com/news/fitbit-smartwatch-ionic) for blood oxygen tracking, 2.5GB of local music storage, and [NFC for Fitbit Pay](https://www.chrisclaxton.me.uk/chris-claxtons-blog/fitbit-ionic-smartwatch), all while being [water-resistant up to 50 metres](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UApdYJtUaGk). Its main advantages are a reliable [4-to-5-day battery life](https://uk.pcmag.com/smartwatches-1/90903/fitbit-ionic), accurate sleep stage tracking, and cross-platform compatibility with iOS and Android. However, notable drawbacks include a [limited third-party app ecosystem](Use code with caution.jsonhttps://www.stuff.tv/review/fitbit-ionic-review/Use code with caution.json), a lack of interactive notification replies, and a [2022 safety recall](https://help.fitbit.com/en_SG/landing-fitbit.htm) due to potential battery overheating issues.

Compare Fitbit Ionic with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Fitbit Ionic and other Smartwatches

No results found