Google Fitbit Air Review: Did I really throw away my watch for it?
The author tested the new Fitbit Air fitness band from Google to see if a screenless, notification-free device could truly replace a full-featured smartwatch. The review explores the pros and cons of switching to a minimalist tracker.
I must admit: I have a love-hate relationship with smartwatches. Eight years ago, I decided that the smartest thing I could do was to get rid of my Apple Watch. The strong link between smartphone notifications and the watch raised my anxiety level; I didn't like glancing at the screen during conversations, and I hated the need to charge yet another device every day. However, after I started training a few years ago, I purchased the Apple Watch Series 11, which brought me back to all the "ills" of the smartwatch world.
Apparently, I'm not the only one who wanted a compromise, as a phenomenon of new fitness bands without screens or distractions has emerged in recent years. Google has joined this trend, and I took their new Fitbit Air for an in-depth review to see if it would allow me to abandon my Apple Watch without feeling like I'm missing out.
The Concept: Google vs. Whoop
The Fitbit Air is a classic case of Google marking a rival and deciding to eliminate it. In this case, it's not about Apple (for that, they have the Pixel Watch), but a product called Whoop. The Whoop concept offers a thin fabric band with a tracking sensor instead of a watch with a screen. However, Whoop committed one of the most annoying sins in the tech world: it requires not only the purchase of the product but also a monthly subscription. Stop paying, and the band stops working. Google released the Fitbit Air, which requires no subscription for basic use and comes at a lower price point.
User Experience
For the review, which lasted over a month, I wore my Apple Watch on one hand and the Fitbit Air on the other. The Fitbit Air is definitely light and thin; you forget it's on you during the day. However, its structure, which separates the unit from the band, sometimes got in the way when getting dressed or snagged on a pillow at night.
Regarding functionality, the Fitbit Air has no screen. It communicates via two methods: a tiny light (battery status) and a vibration mechanism. After the haptic feedback of the Apple Watch, the Fitbit Air's vibration feels dated—it is used only for charging and alarms. This is clearly insufficient, and I hope Google adds more intensity levels in future updates.
Battery Life and Accuracy
The Fitbit Air's main advantage is battery life. While my Apple Watch Series 11 requires daily charging, the Fitbit Air lasted exactly 7 days. This frees you from the constant need to remember the charger.
As for data, the results are mixed. In terms of steps, the Fitbit Air was sometimes 20% more "generous" than the Apple Watch. Sleep data was nearly identical, and heart rate metrics during exercise differed by no more than 3 beats per minute. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch remains more conservative and accurate, while the Fitbit Air sometimes tries to "round the corners."
Verdict
After a month of testing, I chose to return to my Apple Watch. The ability to check my pulse during workouts, see the time, and not miss important notifications outweighed the benefits of minimalism. However, if you are tired of devices that need daily charging or want to track your health without becoming a slave to notifications, the Fitbit Air is a very successful and affordable alternative.
