Google has unveiled the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker that sits between the screenless Fitbit Air and the more feature-packed Pixel Watch 5. It brings a larger OLED display, advanced health tracking and built-in GPS, without going all-in on smartwatch features.
Priced at $179.99 / £159.99, the Fitbit Edge is available to pre-order from October 12, with general availability starting October 27.
The Edge takes a familiar approach to Fitbit’s fitness trackers, but with a more modern design. Its OLED display is 46% larger than the Fitbit Charge 6‘s, with curved edges, an aluminium housing and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. At 11.5mm thick, it’s also slightly slimmer than the Pixel Watch 5.
There’s a physical button on the side, replacing the capacitive control found on older models, alongside a new snap-in strap system. However, that also means existing Fitbit and Pixel Watch bands won’t be compatible.
Health tracking is where the Edge gets more interesting. It packs ECG, PPG and skin temperature sensors, allowing users to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen, heart rate variability and other health metrics. Built-in GPS and an altimeter handle outdoor workouts, while real-time health data can also be shared with compatible equipment such as Peloton bikes.
Google claims up to seven days of battery life, with a five-minute charge providing enough power for a day. The Edge is also the first Fitbit with a replaceable battery, although it’s unclear whether users can swap it themselves.
Despite its smartwatch-like appearance, the Edge doesn’t run Wear OS. Instead, it uses a Fitbit interface with tiles for notifications, Google Maps, music controls and other essentials.
There are a few compromises, though. Unlike the Pixel Watch 5, there’s no dual-frequency GPS, NFC payments, microphone or speaker, meaning calls are off the table. It does, however, support both Android and iOS, although iPhone users miss out on quick message replies.
The Fitbit Edge comes in Obsidian, Olive, Canyon and Fog, while a Stephen Curry special edition costs $219.99. With its larger screen and more advanced tracking features, it offers a middle ground for anyone who wants more than a basic fitness band without paying for a full smartwatch.
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