Additional Coverage:
- Google’s Fitbit Air is a screenless $99 Whoop rival, and its core features don’t need a subscription (digitaltrends.com)
Google has taken a significant step into the fitness tracker arena with the launch of the Fitbit Air, a streamlined, screenless health band priced at $99.99. Unlike competitors such as Whoop, which restrict key fitness data behind subscription fees, Fitbit Air offers essential health tracking features without requiring a paid membership.
Now available for pre-order, the Fitbit Air will begin shipping on May 26, 2026, across 21 countries. Consumers can choose from four stylish colors-Obsidian, Lavender, Fog, and Berry-along with three strap options: Performance Loop, Active Band, and Elevated Modern Band, echoing the aesthetic of Google’s Pixel devices.
Despite its lightweight design-just 12 grams including the strap-the Fitbit Air boasts an impressive suite of sensors. It continuously monitors heart rate with atrial fibrillation notifications, tracks heart rate variability (HRV), measures blood oxygen levels (SpO2), gauges skin temperature, and logs steps and calories burned. Additionally, it tracks sleep stages and duration, and features automatic activity detection to provide a comprehensive picture of your health.
The absence of a built-in display is intentional, allowing users to stay focused during workouts without distractions. Data is quietly gathered in the background and synced to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming, and offers up to seven days of battery life on a full charge, which takes roughly 90 minutes with the included magnetic charger.
In comparison to Whoop, Fitbit Air stands out by offering core health tracking capabilities without an immediate subscription requirement. For those seeking deeper insights, Google Health Premium is available at $9.99 per month, featuring the Google Health Coach-an AI assistant powered by Gemini that analyzes fitness data and provides personalized guidance. Buyers receive a complimentary three-month trial of this service with their purchase.
Compatibility extends to both Android and iOS devices, and users can now pair a Pixel Watch 4 and Fitbit Air to the same Google Health account for the first time. This dual-device support enhances Google’s position in the fitness tracking market.
With the Fitbit Air, Google aims to attract fitness enthusiasts by delivering robust health tracking free of charge while offering optional premium services at a competitive price point. This strategy positions Fitbit Air as a compelling alternative for those looking to move beyond subscription-heavy fitness wearables like Whoop.