Everything old returns again as Fitbit Edge revisits the fitness-band basics
A familiar tracker, refined
The Edge is a modern take on Fitbit bands from the 2014-to-2020 era, including the Charge, Alta, and Inspire lines. Its small display shows basic health and fitness metrics, and the lightweight device is designed to stay focused on tracking.
Its rounded screen gives the band a softer look than the boxier Fitbit Charge 6 display. Interchangeable straps use a button-release system, with options including a $150 metal link bracelet and a $60 magnetic silicone strap.
Tracking without smartwatch extras
Built-in GPS lets users track walks and runs without carrying a phone. The Edge also supports alarms, notifications, and music controls, but it has no microphone or speaker for calls.
Contactless payments are not included. Google Health product head Andy Abramson said fewer than one percent of Charge 6 owners used that feature, and said Google prioritized a sleek design, an altimeter, and weeklong battery life.
Battery and software trade-offs
The tracker lasts about a week per charge under the conditions described, but enabling its always-on display reduced battery life to around a day and a half. Its widgets draw on the Pixel Watch’s Material 3 Expressive redesign, though the Edge runs proprietary Fitbit OS rather than Wear OS.
The Fitbit app has been replaced by Google Health, which includes an AI coach with a yearly subscription. Buyers get three months free, while the subscription otherwise costs $10 per month.
Key points
- The $179.99 Fitbit Edge revives the basics of earlier Fitbit fitness bands.
- Built-in GPS supports phone-free tracking of walks and runs.
- Always-on display use cut battery life to about a day and a half.
- Google Health offers an AI coach through a paid subscription.