Google Fitbit Edge Review: I Still Prefer the Air (2026)

In a recent review of Google Fitbit Edge, the reporter expresses their continued preference for the screenless Fitbit Air over the newer Edge model. The Edge, priced at $180, is $20 more expensive than Fitbit's Charge 6 ($160) and $80 more than the screenless Air ($100). While the Edge is $80 cheaper than Google's Pixel Watch 5 ($400), it still falls short of the Pixel Watch in terms of cost-effectiveness.

The Edge is described as comfortable to wear, with dimensions slightly larger than the Charge 6's. However, the reviewer found the capsule shape more natural on their wrist compared to the rectangular build of previous models. The Edge comes with various bands, including the Active Band, Active Sport, Performance Loop, Magnet band, and Metal Links band. The reviewer preferred the Metal Links and Performance Loop bands for different occasions.

One of the Edge's standout features is its 1.34-inch display, which offers better readability in direct sunlight and reaches roughly twice the brightness of the Charge 6. The display also provides live workout data and visual guidance. The Edge is compatible with both iOS and Android, unlike Google's Pixel Watch 5, which only supports Android.

In terms of health and fitness capabilities, the Edge offers more detailed workout metrics, including blood pressure, insulin resistance trends, 24/7 heart rate tracking, cardio load metrics, and an updated ECG app with AFib detection. The Edge also includes monthly blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, as well as SpO2 readings with nightly averages, ranges, and changes over time.

Like the Pixel Watch 5 and the Air, the Edge offers Google Health Premium, which costs $10 per month or $100 annually for deeper analysis and AI coaching. The Edge's hardware has caught up to Google's latest models, including a barometric altimeter for elevation changes and floors climbed, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and improved automatic activity recognition.

While the Edge has some advantages over the Charge 6 and offers more health features, the reviewer found that the lack of NFC for contactless payments and the elementary Fitbit watch faces detracted from the overall experience. The Fitbit Air remains the most appealing value in Google's lineup, and the Edge doesn't offer enough to change that. The reviewer ultimately recommends the Edge to Fitbit owners looking to upgrade, but their preference remains the Air.