Google's Fitbit Edge is here, and it fixes the one thing Pixel Watch 5 can't
Google's new tracker slips between the Fitbit Air and its smartwatch, with a perk for iPhone owners.
Google Fitbit Edge sits between the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 5 | Image by Google
The Google Fitbit Edge is now official. It is a Fitbit Charge successor that sits between the Pixel Watch 5 and the screenless Fitbit Air. Equipped with a screen, GPS and up to a week of battery life, the Fitbit Edge offers a middle option for those who want the coaching benefits of a Pixel Watch with all the simplicity of the Fitbit Air. Better yet, it works on both Android and iPhone.
The announcement arrived in a Google blog post today and follows the leaks we covered earlier this month. It is the first new Fitbit tracker with a screen to launch since the Fitbit Charge 6 made its debut back in 2023.
Pricing comes in at $179.99 and includes 3 free months of Google Health Premium. Pre-orders start today (October 12) and it will be in stores on October 27. There is also a Stephen Curry edition retailing for $219.99.
The minimum system requirements are Android 11 or later or iOS 16.4 or later.
The Fitbit Edge is 11.5mm thin and weighs 17.7g without the band. Its housing is made of 100% recycled aluminum.
Featuring a 1.34-inch always-on AMOLED screen, Google says it has 46% more viewing area than previous Fitbit trackers and that it is its largest and brightest tracker screen yet. It also comes with a side button that gives quick access to features like the workout pause screen and others.
Google claims the Fitbit Edge's battery lasts up to 7 days, 5 minutes of charging gives it a full day of charge and that a full charge takes only about 90 minutes. Of course, the battery life claim is based on Battery Saver mode default. The fast-charging number assumes that you are using a 30W charging brick that is sold separately. One nice perk, though, is that the Fitbit Edge uses the same charger as the Fitbit Air, so you can easily swap if you own both devices.
Also, it is the first Fitbit that comes with a user-replaceable battery, and it is rated at 5 ATM and IP68 for water and dust resistance.
It comes in four colors: Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. Each one of these ships with an Active Band in the box, but extra bands will be available for purchase soon with options such as Active Sport, Performance Loop, Magnet and Metal Links (in Matte Black, Brushed Silver and Champagne Gold).
Speaking of bands, Google also states that it redesigned the band attachment system. This means that attaching the pebble won't be the same popping in and out mechanism as the Fitbit Air.
The Fitbit Edge provides a slew of health and fitness features. These include:
The Fitbit Air is $99.99 and it has no screen or built-in GPS. With the Fitbit Edge providing those two features plus the same 7-day battery and 5-minute charge, it's hard to argue against it if you were not a fan of having to reach for your phone to check your health stats at the gym.
The Pixel Watch 5 is rated for 30 to 40 hours of battery life, depending on its size, and it only works on Android. Therefore, Pixel Watch owners need not upgrade unless battery life and cross-OS compatibility are a concern.
In our Galaxy Fit 3 review, we noted that it has no GPS and found that it wasn't listed in the iOS app when we tested it. The Edge adds GPS, ECG and iPhone support, but at roughly three times the price.
Many of the best features listed for the Fitbit Edge need a Premium subscription. You do get 3 months free, but then it'll cost you $9.99 a month to maintain, unless you already have a Google AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription.
So, what the Fitbit Edge will cost you in its first year is the $179.99 purchase price plus nine months of Premium at $9.99 a month, if you elect to continue the Premium membership. That's $269.90.
Note that we asked Google whether the Edge qualifies for HSA/FSA purchases and the response was that it isn't automatically eligible at this time, but that it may qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity. Those interested in going this route should check with their plan administrator. The Fitbit Air, though, is automatically eligible.
All in all, I definitely want to give the Fitbit Edge a try. I am a fan of the Fitbit Air because of its set it and forget it simplicity, and also because it works with whichever smartphone I'm using at the time, Android or iPhone.
I'm looking forward to testing out the Fitbit Edge and seeing if the experience will be just as positive as it's been with the Air.
The Fitbit Edge as a Charge successor
The announcement arrived in a Google blog post today and follows the leaks we covered earlier this month. It is the first new Fitbit tracker with a screen to launch since the Fitbit Charge 6 made its debut back in 2023.
Pricing comes in at $179.99 and includes 3 free months of Google Health Premium. Pre-orders start today (October 12) and it will be in stores on October 27. There is also a Stephen Curry edition retailing for $219.99.
The minimum system requirements are Android 11 or later or iOS 16.4 or later.
Which of these wearables would you rather wear every day?
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Fitbit Edge colors, design, display, battery and bands
The Fitbit Edge is 11.5mm thin and weighs 17.7g without the band. Its housing is made of 100% recycled aluminum.
Featuring a 1.34-inch always-on AMOLED screen, Google says it has 46% more viewing area than previous Fitbit trackers and that it is its largest and brightest tracker screen yet. It also comes with a side button that gives quick access to features like the workout pause screen and others.
Google claims the Fitbit Edge's battery lasts up to 7 days, 5 minutes of charging gives it a full day of charge and that a full charge takes only about 90 minutes. Of course, the battery life claim is based on Battery Saver mode default. The fast-charging number assumes that you are using a 30W charging brick that is sold separately. One nice perk, though, is that the Fitbit Edge uses the same charger as the Fitbit Air, so you can easily swap if you own both devices.
It comes in four colors: Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. Each one of these ships with an Active Band in the box, but extra bands will be available for purchase soon with options such as Active Sport, Performance Loop, Magnet and Metal Links (in Matte Black, Brushed Silver and Champagne Gold).
Google Fitbit Edge in different colors with its band options. | Images by Google
Google Fitbit Edge Special Stephen Curry Edition. | Images by Google
Gemini Google Health coaching on your wrist
The Fitbit Edge provides a slew of health and fitness features. These include:
- Built-in GPS that Google claims is up to 40% more accurate than previous generations. It also includes an altimeter to track elevation.
- 40+ exercise modes and automatic activity recognition for those times when you forget to start the workout manually.
- Sensors include an ECG app (AFib detection), 24/7 heart rate tracking, SpO2, skin temperature and HRV, plus high and low heart rate alerts.
- Health Guardian tracks monthly blood pressure and insulin resistance trends. Note that these aren't real-time readings, but are helpful to track trends you should discuss with your doctor.
- Google Health Coach with Gemini builds fitness plans for you. This feature does require a Premium membership, though.
- Sleep stage detection which Google says is 15% more accurate than before.
- Cycle tracking for women's health.
- Includes notifications, quick replies (Android only), universal media controls, alarms and timers. Google Maps turn-by-turn directions are coming soon.
Google Fitbit Edge, its automatic workout detection and its health sensors. | Images by Google
How the Fitbit Edge compares to competitors like the Galaxy Fit 3
The Fitbit Air is $99.99 and it has no screen or built-in GPS. With the Fitbit Edge providing those two features plus the same 7-day battery and 5-minute charge, it's hard to argue against it if you were not a fan of having to reach for your phone to check your health stats at the gym.
The Pixel Watch 5 is rated for 30 to 40 hours of battery life, depending on its size, and it only works on Android. Therefore, Pixel Watch owners need not upgrade unless battery life and cross-OS compatibility are a concern.
What the Fitbit Edge really costs you
Many of the best features listed for the Fitbit Edge need a Premium subscription. You do get 3 months free, but then it'll cost you $9.99 a month to maintain, unless you already have a Google AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription.
So, what the Fitbit Edge will cost you in its first year is the $179.99 purchase price plus nine months of Premium at $9.99 a month, if you elect to continue the Premium membership. That's $269.90.
Note that we asked Google whether the Edge qualifies for HSA/FSA purchases and the response was that it isn't automatically eligible at this time, but that it may qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity. Those interested in going this route should check with their plan administrator. The Fitbit Air, though, is automatically eligible.
I can't wait to try the Fitbit Edge
All in all, I definitely want to give the Fitbit Edge a try. I am a fan of the Fitbit Air because of its set it and forget it simplicity, and also because it works with whichever smartphone I'm using at the time, Android or iPhone.
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