I tested the Google Fitbit Edge against the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro on a 5km run

A recent test pitted the Google Fitbit Edge against the high-end Garmin Fenix 9 Pro during a 5km run to assess the Google fitness tracker's accuracy. The Google Fitbit Edge, priced at $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$269, offers GPS, improved automatic activity detection, and standard metrics like heart rate, sleep tracking, and estimated calories, but its accuracy was put to the test.

The Google Fitbit Edge showed an average heart rate of 156 bpm during the run, while the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro recorded 153 bpm, indicating a close match in this core metric. However, the Google Fitbit Edge consistently overestimated the distance covered, showing 5.45 km compared to the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro's 5.15 km, or approximately 300 meters.

This discrepancy translates to a 6% overestimation for a 5km run, which may be significant for fitness enthusiasts. While this run did not prove the Google Fitbit Edge as accurate as the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro, further tests with longer runs and clearer paths may yield more precise results. The test suggests that while the Google Fitbit Edge could be a cost-effective alternative for casual exercisers, a keen runner might prefer the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro for its superior accuracy.