Fitbit Air: 3 Things to Know Before You Buy

With nearly eight years of experience testing smartwatches and fitness trackers, and a longstanding passion for wearables, I haven’t seen anything like the Fitbit Air in quite some time. This new device from Google, devoid of a screen, has been my companion for about a week. Although my detailed review is forthcoming, I want to share some key insights that potential buyers might find useful.

Priced at just £84.99/$99.99, the Fitbit Air offers a compelling alternative to the much more expensive Whoop Strap. However, this device stands out not just for its cost but for its unique features, marking a significant shift from previous Fitbit models.

Here are my three main takeaways from using the Fitbit Air over the past week.

It is more comfortable than the Whoop Strap

The Fitbit Air’s slim and lightweight design makes it noticeably more comfortable compared to recent Whoop Straps. Weighing in at just 12g with the band, it almost feels like it’s not there. I often forget I’m wearing it, except when my daughter plays with it during diaper changes.

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

Having used the Whoop Strap 4.0 intermittently for years, I found it to have a more noticeable presence, though not uncomfortable. The Fitbit Air’s velcro band is also much easier to adjust quickly compared to the Whoop band, which requires removing the device to adjust.

It is not a replacement for your smartwatch

It’s important to emphasize that the Fitbit Air is not designed to replace a smartwatch. Instead, it’s meant to complement one or serve those who prefer not wearing a smartwatch at all. The absence of a screen limits interactions, and it lacks GPS tracking, requiring a phone or smartwatch for detailed route information. Additionally, there’s no NFC for mobile payments.

However, the lack of a screen means the Fitbit Air is less distracting than typical smartwatches. Pixel Watch users, in particular, can benefit from owning both devices.

Chris Martin / Foundry

The Fitbit Air and Pixel Watches both connect to Google’s new Health app, allowing for simultaneous data tracking for a comprehensive view of activity. This means users can switch between devices as needed, with the Health app seamlessly integrating data from both.

This interoperability is reminiscent of Apple’s ecosystem approach, and only Samsung offers something similar with its Galaxy Ring and Watch models.

Arguing with Gemini is a game-changer

A common issue with fitness trackers is their tendency to dictate rather than engage. For someone balancing work and parenting, like myself, constant reminders from my Garmin Venu X1 about “detraining” are unwelcome. The Google Health Coach, leveraging the Gemini AI platform, alleviates this issue by reducing unnecessary notifications.

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

Instead, I’ve been able to communicate my current situation to Gemini, including when I might return to the gym, and the software adjusts its expectations accordingly.

This empathetic and conversational approach has been invaluable during a period when simply staying awake at my desk is a challenge. It’s a continuation of Fitbit’s focus on tracking exertion over a week rather than daily.

There’s still much to explore with the Fitbit Air, but based on my experience so far, it seems poised to become a prominent fitness tracker in the market.