Tech Reference

'Which Fitbit is waterproof?': A guide to the water-resistance of every Fitbit model

Fitbit Charge 3, $128
Figuring out which Fitbit devices are waterproof or water-resistant isn't as simple as it might seem. Fitbit
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There are no truly waterproof Fitbit devices. Every Fitbit is water-resistant to an extent, but don't expect to go deep-sea diving with any of them.

Before we talk about how water-resistant Fitbits are, let's get on the same page with some of the technical jargon.

Most devices have what's called an IP (Ingress Protection) code, which tells you how waterproof something is. Anything rated IPX5 or IPX6 can be considered reliably water-resistant (sweat, rain, etc.), but is not safe for full immersion, for example. 

However, Fitbit is notable in that they haven't assigned official IP ratings to any of their devices. As such, it's hard to tell exactly how water-resistant any of their watches are.

One more note: we're talking about the Fitbit itself here, not about bands, which may be synthetic and impervious to water damage, or may be leather or metal and not at their best when wet.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Ace 2 (From $70 at Walmart)

Fitbit Versa (From $218 at Walmart)

Fitbit Charge 3 (From $177.99 at Amazon)

Fitbit Inspire (From $79 at Amazon)

Fitbit Ionic (no longer being made)

How water-resistant each Fitbit is

The Fitbit Ace 2, Fitbit Versa, Fitbit Charge 3, Fitbit Inspire, and Fitbit Ionic can be used at depths down to 50 meters. Just dry the thing off when you're out of the pool, lake, or ocean, as wetness can prevent it from properly checking your biometrics.

FitBit Versa Lite
The FitBit Versa can withstand up to 50 meters of water pressure.  Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Older Fitbit models, such as any in the Alpha generation or earlier, are not singled out as water-resistant by Fitbit's support site, and likely can't handle submersion. 

Of the more current models, the Fitbit Ace is described as "shower-proof" but is not rated for submersion, so keep it out of the pool. 

fitbit ace
The original Fitbit Ace is the least water-resistant or the water-resistant Fitbit devices.  Amazon

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Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.