Fitbit Edge vs Fitbit Air: Differences Beyond the Screen
Google's Fitbit Edge ($179) and Fitbit Air ($99) differ in more than just a screen, with distinct sensors, sizes and battery life.
Technology company Google introduced the Fitbit Edge fitness wearable in October at $179, positioning it between its cheapest Fitbit tracker and the Pixel Watch 5 smartwatch. In May it released the Fitbit Air at $99, a screenless, affordable rival to the Whoop band. Both devices support AI features that older Fitbit models lack, and neither locks users into the Android ecosystem. Getting the most from those features requires a paid Google Health Premium subscription.
Design and sensors
The Fitbit Air is a sensor puck without a screen, measuring 1.37 x 0.66 x 0.32 inches without its band. Users view data and change settings in the Google Health app. The Edge is larger, at 1.54 x 1.01 x 0.46 inches, with a 1.34-inch oval AMOLED touchscreen and a new mechanical side button.
Both carry optical heart rate sensors, but only the Edge has the electrical sensors needed for ECG readings. It also includes an altimeter for elevation and an ambient light sensor.
Battery and protection
Google rates both devices for seven days of battery life, but the Edge reaches that only when its always-on screen is switched off. With the always-on display enabled, it is rated at roughly two days. The Edge can charge to 100 percent in 90 minutes, and 15 minutes of charging provides a day of use. Both have IP68 dust and water resistance and 5ATM protection.
Features
Both devices offer activity and step tracking, a daily readiness score, cardio load insights, continuous heart rate monitoring, irregular heart rhythm notifications, sleep tracking and a resilience score that approximates stress. The Edge adds ECG readings, floors climbed, live workout metrics on screen, more on-device health data, phone notifications and a stripped-down version of Google Maps. It runs Fitbit OS.
Google has said the Health Guardian features, which cover areas such as heart health and insulin trends and debuted on the Pixel Watch 5, will also come to the Edge and the Air. The Air suits those who want a less noticeable device, while the Edge is more visible by design.
