Google Fitbit Edge review: The Fitbit we loved, now in its Google era

The Google Fitbit Edge sits in the middle tier of Google's latest wearable lineup, positioned between the cheapest Google Fitbit Air and the feature-rich Google Pixel Watch 5. This middle-of-the-road device features a touchscreen like the Pixel Watch 5, GPS capabilities, and a tactile button, offering interactions similar to those on the Pixel Watch series but not as extensive.

The Edge displays essential workout information, allows manual control of workouts, and provides sleep tracking features. It also offers Health Guardian features such as Blood Pressure Trends, Irregular Rhythm Notifications, and Insulin Resistance estimations. The device uses a slightly different sensor array compared to the Air, enabling ECG scans and adjusting screen brightness based on ambient light.

During testing, the Edge demonstrated accuracy in heart-rate monitoring, consistently recording readings within 5 beats per minute of the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro. However, sleep scores varied, sometimes matching the Garmin closely and other times being off by up to 10 points. The Edge's GPS accuracy was found to be less reliable, with the device overestimating pace and distance during runs.

Overall, the Google Fitbit Edge is well-priced, performs well, and is comfortable to wear. It caters to users seeking an old-school Fitbit experience until they encounter the app. Priced at $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$269, the Edge competes with devices like the Garmin Cirqa, Apple Watch SE 3, Samsung Galaxy Watch9, and Garmin Forerunner 70. Runners may prefer the Garmin Forerunner 70, while Apple users might find more value in the SE 3. However, the Edge may not be ideal for dedicated runners due to GPS accuracy issues.