Google now sells two Fitbit trackers: the screenless Fitbit Air at $99.99 (£84.99) and the new Fitbit Edge at $179 (£159.99). They share the same heart rate hardware and the same Google Health app, so the choice comes down to whether you want a screen and phone-free GPS.
The short answer
Buy the Fitbit Edge if you run or ride outdoors and want to see your pace and heart rate on the wrist, or leave your phone at home. Buy the Fitbit Air if you want a discreet, low-cost band for sleep, recovery and daily activity, and you are happy to check your data in the app afterwards.
What the Edge adds
- A screen. A 1.34-inch AMOLED display with live workout metrics, notifications and an always-on option. The Air has no display at all.
- Built-in GPS. The Edge tracks routes on its own using GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS outside the US, and GPS and Galileo in the US. Google claims its new GPS chip is 40% more accurate than the Charge 6’s. The Air relies on connected GPS, so you need to carry your phone.
- An altimeter. The Edge tracks elevation and the number of floors climbed.
- ECG. The Edge can check for signs of atrial fibrillation.
- Quick replies and smart features. Reply to messages (Android only, because of iOS restrictions), check the weather and control music from the wrist.
- A physical button for control with sweaty fingers or gloves.
Edge adds width. It looks more natural, and many would say it looks better on the wrist as a result.
What they share
- The same heart rate sensor, storing heart rate at 2-second intervals. In our Fitbit Air testing that limited accuracy during intervals, so serious interval work still calls for a chest strap.
- No NFC, so neither offers contactless payments.
- No EDA sensor.
- Automatic workout detection on both trackers.
- The same charger, which connects at the sensor array the two share.
- One account. You can wear either and switch between them, or a Pixel Watch, seamlessly. Cross-phone support is rare: the Pixel Watch works only with Android, and the Apple Watch has only just begun to work with a non-Apple phone. Both Fitbits work with iPhone, so iPhone owners can wear the Edge by day and the Air at night.
- Google Health Coach, sleep tracking, Daily Readiness, Cardio Load and the Health Metrics dashboard, with the best coaching behind Google Health Premium at $9.99 or £7.99 a month.
Head-to-head
- Price: Edge $179 (£159.99). Air $99.99 (£84.99).
- Display: Edge 1.34in AMOLED. Air none.
- GPS: Edge built-in multi-system. Air connected to phone.
- Altimeter: Edge yes. Air no.
- ECG: Edge yes. Air no.
- Quick replies: Edge yes, Android only. Air no.
- NFC payments: neither.
- Heart rate storage: both every 2 seconds.
Full details are on the Fitbit Edge and Fitbit Air specifications pages. For everything new on the Edge, read Fitbit Edge: all you need to know. Coming from an older Charge? See the Fitbit tracker upgrade guide.
Price and availability
The Fitbit Edge costs $179, £159.99 or €179.99 and is on pre-order, with Amazon shipping from 27 October 2026. The Fitbit Air costs $99.99 or £84.99 and is on sale now.
Our view
For most fitness buyers, the Edge is the better buy. Phone-free GPS and live stats on the wrist make it a proper fitness tracker for walks, runs, rides and gym sessions, and the extra $80 (£75) buys exactly those things. The Air still makes sense as a second device for sleep and recovery, or for anyone who already exercises with a sports watch and wants something lighter to wear the rest of the time.
Quick answers
Is the Fitbit Edge better than the Fitbit Air?
For workouts, yes. It adds a screen, built-in GPS, an altimeter and ECG. For sleep and recovery tracking alone, the cheaper Air does the same job.
Does the Fitbit Air have GPS?
Only connected GPS, which uses your phone. The Edge has built-in GPS.
Do the Fitbit Edge and Air have the same heart rate sensor?
They appear to use the same heart rate hardware, and both store heart rate at 2-second intervals.
Can I pay with the Fitbit Edge or Air?
No. Neither has NFC, so contactless payments are not available.
Last Updated on 12 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
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- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
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Watches and sensors
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On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
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Home and indoor training
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Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
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- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
