Wired Review: Google's Fitbit Edge Beats the Charge 6, but Reviewer Still Favors the Air
Wired has reviewed Google's Fitbit Edge fitness tracker, which has a 1.34-inch display, up to seven days of battery life and a replaceable battery. The reviewer finds it a clear step up from the Charge 6 but still prefers the screenless Air.
Technology publication Wired has published its review of the Fitbit Edge, the latest fitness tracker from US tech company Google. The device succeeds the Charge 6, and the reviewer concludes that despite its improvements, he still prefers the screenless Fitbit Air.
Display and bands
The Edge's main advantage over the Air is its 1.34-inch display. On outdoor runs, the reviewer could check metrics and control music without slowing down. The screen reaches roughly twice the Charge's maximum brightness, which makes it easier to read in direct sunlight. With Google Maps integration, users can follow turn-by-turn directions on the wrist while running or cycling, without taking out a phone.
The Edge ships with Google's Active band, which suits workouts but is not the reviewer's favorite. Other options include the Active Sport, the breathable Performance Loop, the silicone Magnet and the Metal Links. He alternated between Metal Links and Performance Loop. The latter offers a micro-adjustable fit, but the band occasionally popped loose during adjustment, and its locking button became stuck, so he had to fiddle with the mechanism to fix it.
Software and repairability
The reviewer prefers the more colorful Wear OS interface, finding Fitbit's watch faces somewhat elementary. However, Fitbit's software offers up to seven days of battery life, which the Pixel Watch cannot match, and the Edge works with both iOS and Android. It is also Google's first repairable fitness tracker, with modular construction and a replaceable battery. This is likely linked to European Union battery rules that, from February 18, 2027, will require removable and replaceable batteries in smartphones, smartwatches and similar devices.
Health features
The Edge adds more detailed workout metrics. Like the Pixel Watch 5 and the Air, it offers monthly blood pressure and insulin resistance trends. SpO2 readings now include nightly averages, ranges and changes over time. It also provides 24/7 heart rate tracking, cardio load metrics and an updated ECG app with atrial fibrillation detection. Users with a continuous glucose monitor can also view glucose insights.
