Yep, the Fitbit Charge 5 can handle being in water up to 50 meters deep—at least that's how the manufacturer describes it. That means it's good for swimming and other shallow water activities like showering. From what we've seen in our research, plenty of people use it in the shower and while swimming without any big problems.

But there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Even though it's supposed to be waterproof, some folks have noticed a few quirks. For example, the screen might unlock if you accidentally bump it underwater, which can be a little annoying if you're swimming in crowded places or around energetic pets.

Also, even though people generally seem happy using it in water, there’s a sense of caution. Some prefer to limit their swimming with it to the warranty period, just in case. So, if you're planning to use it underwater a lot, you might want to think about getting some kind of protection plan.

To get the most out of it while swimming, make sure it's snug on your wrist. That helps avoid accidental screen touches and keeps readings accurate. And maybe just double-check your environment to avoid pushing it beyond what it's designed for.

In the end, the Charge 5 seems well-suited for water activities, but it's wise to be cautious and keep an eye on its condition, especially if you're using it in water quite a bit or in unique situations.

If you're curious about the Fitbit Charge 5's battery life, the manufacturer says it can last up to 7 days on a full charge. Based on our research, many folks like this aspect since it lets them track a whole week of workouts and sleep without having to recharge constantly.

However, keep in mind that how long the battery actually lasts can vary a lot depending on how you use the device. If you often have GPS on, or continuously monitor your heart rate, that can drain the battery faster. So, if you're big on using GPS for tracking your runs or bike rides, you might find yourself charging it more than once a week.

Luckily, charging isn't too much of a hassle. You've got a cable that fits any USB port, and getting it back to full charge usually takes about 1-2 hours. That's pretty quick compared to some other gadgets out there.

In short, the Fitbit Charge 5 seems like a solid pick for those who want to keep track of their health and fitness without worrying too much about battery life.

Just make sure to keep an eye on it if you're using all the bells and whistles frequently!

When it comes to heart rate monitoring, the Fitbit Charge 5 is generally seen as pretty reliable. Our research shows it uses an optical heart rate monitor, which means it checks your pulse through sensors that touch your wrist. So for everyday activities like working out, running, or walking, it's reported to be fairly accurate.

But, like most wrist-worn monitors, it might have a few hiccups. If you're doing something with fast arm movements or flexing, it could mess with the readings a bit because the band might shift. Fitbit has made tech strides over the years, but if you're doing very intense workouts, there could still be some small differences when you compare it to chest strap monitors, which are usually more spot-on.

The Fitbit app also has features like Active Zone Minutes and VO2 max estimation that make use of heart rate data, which can be great if you're into keeping tabs on your heart health.

Plus, the Fitbit app provides insights into your fitness and heart health trends, which can really help if you're trying to manage your wellness goals. The manufacturer says making sure the watch fits snugly, especially when you're exercising, can help make the heart rate readings more accurate.

In a nutshell, the Fitbit Charge 5 does a good job with heart rate monitoring for routine stuff, but it's smart to make sure it fits well and maybe use other options like chest straps if you want really precise readings during super intense activities.

Overall, it's a solid pick for keeping an eye on your heart rate while you stay fit.