Discreet, data-driven, and screen-free: The Google Fitbit Air review
The included Performance Loop band offers a soft, comfortable fit for daily wear. Picture: Noel Campion.
The new Google Fitbit Air band offers simple health tracking, and while it offers more advanced AI coaching with a subscription, it isn’t compulsory, unlike the high-profile Whoop strap.
In terms of design, the Fitbit Air is simplicity itself, featuring a tiny plastic module that clicks into different straps. Inside the sustainable box you’ll find a small tracker, a Performance Loop band, a charging cable, and a manual. The module itself feels small enough to disappear on your wrist, which is exactly what Google intended.
It does not feel like a luxury item, but it is sturdy and serves its purpose. The way the tracker snaps into the band is a clever touch. You can pop it out in seconds, making it easy to switch styles if you want to change your look for the day.
Google offers several options for those who want something other than the Performance Loop. There is an active silicone band that costs €45 and fits more like a traditional watch, handling sweat better during gym sessions. Then there is the elevated modern band made of polyurethane for €60, which looks a bit more professional.
I noticed from the product photos that the buckles on some of these are stainless steel. Even though my black strap had a buckle that looked like plastic to match the band, the silver and gold versions add a bit of class.
I found that positioning the band slightly above the wrist bone provides the most comfortable fit and seems to give the sensors a better read on my skin.
The most striking thing about the Fitbit Air is that it has no screen. You cannot check the time, read a text message, or see who is calling you. It is not a smartwatch in any traditional sense. For some, this will feel like a pointless gadget. However, if you’re trying to get away from distractions and want a device that doesn’t demand your attention, something like the Fitbit Air is a revelation.
The only physical feedback you get on your wrist comes from a small vibration motor used for alarms. Aside from that, the device is silent and invisible. This makes it an ideal companion for people who already wear a traditional analogue watch or those who find the glow of a screen annoying at night.
I found it far more comfortable to wear to bed than a chunky smartwatch. It does not dig into my wrist, and there is no bright light waking me up when I move in my sleep.
Of course, this means you are entirely dependent on your phone to see any data. You cannot glance down to see how many steps you have taken or check your heart rate mid-workout. You have to open the app. If you like real-time feedback while running or lifting weights, this simplicity might frustrate you. However, if your goal is simply to gather data in the background without being tethered to a screen, this approach works well.
Google packed a surprising amount of tech into such a small device. Inside the module are an optical heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and sensors for oxygen saturation and temperature. I compared the data from this band with my Oura ring and Apple Watch Ultra, and the results were generally very similar.
Google claims seven days on a single charge, and my experience confirms this is realistic. The charging process is fast. A full charge from zero to 100% takes about 90 minutes, but the quick-charge feature is a lifesaver.
The charging cable is simple and magnetic, snapping into place without any fuss. Because the device is so light, it does not shift around much while charging.
The Fitbit app has been absorbed by the new Google Health app. The app tracks the basics, such as steps, sleep stages, and heart rate, throughout the day.
Unlike Whoop, the Fitbit Air doesn’t require a subscription, but it comes with a 3-month trial of Google Health Premium. You get Gemini AI Health Coach with your subscription, and instead of just giving you raw numbers, the AI provides context. If you also own a Pixel Watch, the subscription will work with that too.
For the average user who isn’t a competitive athlete, there’s no need to subscribe, but if you want the detailed AI coaching, weekly tailored fitness plans, or deep analysis of your medical records, you'll have to pay €8.99 per month or €99.99 per year. If you stick to the free version, you get basic tracking, a sleep score, and a readiness score. It’s worth noting the AI coach is interactive, which sounds great, but you need to ask it questions and provide information to get detailed plans. As they say, you only get out what you put in. I do like that you can talk to the AI coach using your phone's mic, if you prefer, rather than type.
The Fitbit Air is a discreet, effective tracker for those who hate screens. Just factor in the subscription costs if you want the full AI health coaching experience.
€99.99 Harvey Norman
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