Fitbit Edge vs Fitbit Air: I gave both these Google trackers 5 stars, but I'm only recommending this one to you

Since the launch of the new Google Health app, I'd recommend almost any of the best Fitbits to those looking to upgrade their fitness tracker. However, of all the launches I've covered this year, the Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge are the only two I've given five-star reviews.

As woman&home's digital health editor, I review at least two fitness trackers and/or smartwatches every month. Some impress, and some don't, depending on features, design, price, and any required subscriptions. These Google devices, two of the three that the brand has released this year, scored highly on all four fronts.

But which should you choose? The Google Fitbit Air with its discreet design and budget-friendly price tag, or the sleek Fitbit Edge? I reviewed them both, diving into the details to help you decide, whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a gift for the fitness lover in your life.

Google Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge

Specifications

Google Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge: What are they like to wear?

The main difference between the Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge is obvious: the screen. The Fitbit Air is part of a new generation of screenless fitness trackers that aim to discreetly record data, including fitness insights like step count and distance covered in workouts, without distraction. As a result, it's much lighter in weight and smaller in size, with a nylon strap (alternatives in silicone are available) and a stainless steel buckle.

The Fitbit Edge is more like the traditional Fitbits, including the Versa 4 and Charge 6. It has a new oval-shaped screen and comes with the standard Infinity band strap, though alternatives are also available.

I found both very comfortable, with the Edge sitting flush against the wrist, so it doesn't catch on anything or feel bulky.

Naturally, the screenless Fitbit Air comes with drawbacks if you like to use your tracker as a regular timepiece. However, the design is more discreet on the wrist, and it's more comfortable to sleep in.

Winner: Depends on your preference

Google Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge: Fitness tracking

When it comes to fitness, the Edge is the clear winner for me. It works as a walking or running watch, with your distance, pace, duration, step count, and other insights displayed clearly on the screen. There's no way to do this with the Air as it simply doesn't have one.

For those who don't like to do these activities or aren't fussed about live readouts, it shouldn't be an issue - but you don't have the chance to change your mind. If you opted for the Edge, you'd have the choice to cover your screen.

The Air and Edge have a long list of workout profiles you can manually start. Do this on the watch with the Edge and on your phone with the Air, and when you're done, you'll get all the insights you'll never need in the Google Health app. This replaced the Fitbit app when the Air was released.

As both devices use the Google Health app, they record and display the same insights. The real decision when it comes to fitness tracking with a Fitbit is the free vs Premium options on the platform. With AI overviews and deeper wellbeing insights, I always recommend upgrading to Premium, but it's an additional £7.99 per month.

Winner: Fitbit Edge

Google Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge: Sleep tracking

As the Fitbit Air is lighter, slimmer, and screenless, it's more comfortable to wear overnight than the Edge, making it a better option for those looking to focus on their sleep. You can set your bedtime on the Edge so it doesn't randomly light up, and it's comfortable enough to wear in bed, but it's still bulkier.

Both the Air and the Edge have a Smart Wake Alarm, my new favourite feature on any sleep-focused tracker. This is where Fitbit can actually help you sleep better and wake up easier. Within half an hour of your pre-set alarm and during your lightest stage of sleep, either device will wake you up with a gentle buzz. I've found I wake up less groggy - and still on time for work!

All sleep insights are available in the Google Health app. Premium users can read a full Gemini-produced overview of their night, and weekly and monthly rest trends with tips to improve.

Winner: Fitbit Air

Google Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge: Health tracking

The Fitbit Edge has a few more health tracking features that notches it above the Air for those looking to keep an eye on their respiratory, heart, and overall physical health beyond fitness and sleep. For example, it has an ECG. This isn't for diagnostic purposes, but I found it very accurate, and you can take the data from it to your GP for advice.

The Edge and the Air both offer skin temperature readings and heart rate variability (HRV) readings, bringing them both in line with more advanced trackers that can predict when you might be getting ill. By the time the data comes through, it's likely too late to do anything about it, but I've found the prediction very useful.

You'll find your Readiness Score in the Google Health app after two weeks of use with either device. This takes your strain (from workouts, for example) and your recovery (sleep and other rest) into account to predict how well your body is prepared for the day. It's not always accurate, I've found, but it can help boost motivation or temper grand plans on a day when you should really be resting.

Winner: Fitbit Edge

Google Fitbit Air vs Fitbit Edge: Price and availability

The Fitbit Air is one of the cheapest fitness trackers around at £84.99 full price. It's the same price as the Inspire 3, which remains my favourite fitness tracker with a screen under £100. With Black Friday incoming at the end of November, this could drop even further on sites like Amazon. There's no denying it's incredible value for money if you're looking to improve your wellbeing and you've already got a watch you like to wear.

The Fitbit Edge is more expensive at £159.99. However, it has more features - like an on-wrist ECG (to flag irregular heartbeats), on-wrist smartwatch features (like music control and timers) and a full high-resolution screen, which will be invaluable to some.

While the Air might be cheaper, I think the Edge has double the features without being double the price tag, making it better value for money overall.

Winner: Fitbit Edge is better value for money, but Air is cheaper

Which one is better?

Overall, even though both of these fitness trackers deserve their five-star reviews, the Fitbit Edge takes the top spot for me. Unless you're on a smaller budget and not bothered by the screenless design, I'd recommend the Air.

The Edge's design, even better GPS and heart rate accuracy, and smartwatch features are impressive compared to any Fitbit. Though you have to keep your phone connected to control music, for example, which you wouldn't have to do with the Apple Watch or one of the best Garmin watches, for example.

The Google Fitbit Air is only compatible with Android devices, while the Fitbit Edge is compatible with Android and iOS.

Overall winner: Fitbit Edge, but it depends on your design preference