// WIRED US/UK — HARDWARE & GADGET
Google Fitbit Edge Review: I Still Prefer the Air (2026)
Earlier this year, the Google Fitbit Air won me over and made me wonder why I ever wanted a display on my fitness tracker in the first place. Of course, not everyone is ready to quit the screen cold turkey, especially if your wearable doubles as your everyday smartwatch. Google Fitbit hasn’t introduced a new tracker with a screen since 2023, and the older models are starting to fall behind on health features and hardware. That deters both newcomers who want a screen and longtime users who have to choose among aging models.
At $180, the new Google Fitbit Edge costs $20 more than Fitbit's Charge 6 ($160) and $80 more than the screenless Air ($100), but far less than Google's Pixel Watch 5 ($400). After 12 days of testing, I’d recommend it to Fitbit owners looking to upgrade. Personally, though, the Edge hasn’t given me enough reasons to give up my Fitbit Air.
The Edge is comfortable enough to wear throughout the day and overnight. Its dimensions are slightly larger than the Charge 6’s (39.2 x 25.5 x 11.5 mm versus 36.73 x 23.09 x 11.20 mm), but I found the capsule shape sat more naturally on my wrist than its predecessor’s rectangular build. It feels like a better option for people with slimmer wrists and those who might find the Pixel Watch or Apple Watch too bulky to sleep with.
As with any smartwatch, comfort also depends on the band. The Edge comes with Google’s Active Band, which is fine for workouts but isn’t my favorite of the available options. Google also offers the HNBR (high-performance synthetic elastomer) Active Sport, the breathable Performance Loop, the silicone Magnet band, and the Metal Links band.
I found myself alternating between the Metal Links and Performance Loop. I love the look of the former for a night out or a more formal setting, and the latter is best for everyday wear. The Performance Loop’s micro-adjustable fit makes it easy to get a precise fit, but it's just as easy to pull it a little too tight. I also noticed that the band occasionally popped loose while I was adjusting it. The tracker was still attached from one side, so I wasn’t worried about losing it, but the fastening mechanism didn’t feel as secure as it should. I eventually noticed that the locking button was stuck and had to fiddle with the mechanism to fix the issue.
The Fitbit Edge in brushed silver with Metal Links band (left), in Canyon with Active band (middle), and in Fog with Performance Loop band (right)
The 1.34-inch display is the Edge’s obvious advantage over the screenless Air. I noticed the difference most during workouts. On outdoor runs, I could check my metrics and control my music without slowing down. The display also reaches roughly twice the Charge’s maximum brightness, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. With Google Maps integration, I could follow turn-by-turn directions from my wrist while running or cycling, without having to pull out my phone.
I do prefer Wear OS’s more colorful interface; Fitbit’s watch faces also feel a little elementary by comparison. But Fitbit’s software offers up to seven days of battery life, which is a feature the Pixel Watch can’t match. The Edge is also compatible with both iOS and Android, unlike the Pixel Watch. Plus, in a first for Fitbit, the Edge is Google’s first repairable fitness tracker, with modular construction including a replaceable battery, matching the Pixel Watch. This is likely due to battery regulations set to take effect next year in the European Union, which will require removable and replaceable batteries in smartphones, smartwatches, and similar devices starting February 18, 2027.
The Edge is a significant upgrade over the Charge 6 when it comes to health and fitness capabilities. Google has added more detailed workout metrics and a few hardware upgrades that make the Edge a more capable fitness tracker.
Some of the additions are aimed at long-term health tracking. Like the Pixel Watch 5 and the Air, the Edge offers monthly blood pressure and ins