Fitbit

The r/BuyItForLife community is largely negative on Fitbit as a brand, citing chronic hardware failures, poor build quality, and a sharp decline in product quality and software features following Google's acquisition. While a handful of users report multi-year success with specific models like the Charge 2, the overwhelming consensus is that Fitbits are not durable purchases — and that Google has actively degraded the experience through feature removal, paywalling, and subscription requirements.

Fitbit hardware has a well-documented pattern of failure within 1-2 years, and Google's ownership has removed key features while adding subscription costs, making it a poor investment for anyone seeking a durable, long-term fitness tracker.

Some users have gotten several years of reliable use out of older Fitbit models, and the basic fitness tracking features — steps, heart rate, sleep, and silent alarms — are praised as functional and easy to use. A few users specifically highlight the Charge 2 as a standout for longevity.

• Fitbit Charge 2 reportedly lasting 7+ years for some users
• Simple UI praised for being accessible and motivating
• Silent vibration alarm effective at waking users reliably
• Basic fitness tracking features still free without subscription
• Fitbit scale praised for 5-8 years of reliable operation
• Pre-Google Fitbit app considered intuitive and feature-rich

Hardware durability is the dominant complaint — many users report failures within 10-18 months, often just after warranty expiration. Google's acquisition has compounded issues by removing popular features, introducing subscription paywalls, and degrading software quality.

• Frequent hardware failures within 1-2 years of purchase
• Google acquisition gutted features and worsened the experience
• Premium data and features locked behind paid subscription
• Waterproofing claims reportedly unreliable in real-world use
• Customer support offers discounts rather than fixing defects
• Software-driven battery degradation reported after Google updates

One highly-upvoted commenter noted the hardware was always mediocre but the software made Fitbit worth it — until Google bought it and systematically dismantled every feature that made it enjoyable.

A long-time Fitbit loyalist said they had been a faithful customer for nearly two decades but would not spend another dollar on the brand after Google's takeover.

Multiple users described a frustrating pattern where devices failed shortly after the warranty expired, and customer service responded with discount offers on replacement units rather than acknowledging the product's poor reliability.

One commenter called Fitbit 'probably the least BIFL wearable there possibly could be,' citing the brand's obsolescence under Google and recommending Garmin as a durable, long-term alternative.