Fitbit Edge, a $179 fitness band, gets a strong review

The Fitbit Edge, a new $179 fitness band from Google, has earned a strong review from Tom's Guide. The reviewer wore it for ten days and called it "just the right amount of fitness tracker for most folks." It replaces the Fitbit Charge 6, which launched in 2023.

What changed

The biggest upgrade is the screen. The Edge has a 1.34-inch display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The Charge 6 had a 1.04-inch screen at roughly 450 nits. A higher number means it is easier to read in direct sunlight.

The band also adds a barometric altimeter, which measures air pressure to log how much you climb on an outdoor workout. The Charge 6 had no altimeter and did not report climb data at all. Google also went back to a physical, clickable side button instead of the Charge 6's vibrating touch button.

How it did in testing

The reviewer compared the Edge with the Strava app on an iPhone 16 Plus during a hilly walk of about 2.5 miles in Seattle. Step counts and elevation gain were very close. Distance and pace matched less well, though the reviewer notes Strava usually reports a quicker pace than other tools.

Sleep reports got praise. They give a score out of 100, plus details on sleep stages, interruptions and restlessness. The band also supports alerts for high and low heart rate, breathing emergencies and loss of pulse.

What it gives up

• It has no NFC, so the tap-to-pay feature of the older model is gone.
• Auto workout detection is hit or miss and only starts after 15 straight minutes of activity.
• The case is slightly larger and heavier, though it feels about the same on the wrist.

Price and who it suits

The Edge costs $179 at Amazon and other major retailers. That is about $20 more than the Charge 6 at launch, or close to its $159 price once inflation is counted. It is $79 more than Google's screen-free Fitbit Air. A limited edition Stephen Curry band version costs $219.

It suits people who want a simple band that tracks workouts, sleep and heart health without a full smartwatch. Some features cost extra. Trend reports and more personalized training tips need a Google Health Premium plan. The review excerpt does not give that plan's price or a battery life figure.