Fitbit Edge: All you need to know about Google’s new wearable

After no shortage of rumours, spurred on by the fact that Google itself leaked the existence of the device with absolutely no immediate follow-up, the Fitbit Edge is finally here. As Google’s next mainline fitness tracker and the first new Fitbit with a screen that we’ve had in years, it’s a big deal, and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.

It’s been quite the year for Google’s wearable division. Not only have we had the Pixel Watch 5, arguably the most complete Android smartwatch you can buy, but the Fitbit Air has also brought the screenless tracker concept into the mainstream.

The latter represents a much more affordable screenless tracker than the subscription-based Whoop Strap, and it has become a smash hit.

Well, it now seems as though Google is aiming for a hat-trick with the release of the Fitbit Edge, or what you might call the Charge 7, as it’s the spiritual successor to the Charge 6. If you’re curious to know more about the new wearable, including when it’s set to come out, how much it costs and what features it has, then we’ve got all that and more below.

Fitbit Edge: What’s new?

A familiar, yet all-new design

Given that it looks like a slightly squashed Pixel Watch 5, it’s hard not to see the similarities between the Fitbit Edge and Google’s Wear OS-toting smartwatch.

While the main chassis takes on an oval shape, the bezel around the display looks similarly slim and uniform.

Just like the Fitbit Charge 6, the Fitbit Edge has a hardware button on the side for navigation, alongside the regular touchscreen.

Greater app integration than the Fitbit Air

As you might expect, the main allure of nabbing the Fitbit Edge over the Fitbit Air is the improved software experience, due in part to that display.

Notably, you’ll be able to use the Edge for phone notifications and workout states in real time, as well as music controls.

Of course, you’ll get even more ecosystem access by upgrading all the way to the Pixel Watch 5, but given the Fitbit Edge’s anticipated mid-range price, this makes more sense as an option for those who want an affordable go-between.

What is crucial here, particularly in separating the Edge from the Charge 6, is that the former is built around the ability to use the Google Health Coach. You can use the Edge to converse with the Health Coach all without ever needing to reach for your phone, which is a very tempting prospect when you’re in the middle of a workout and want to stay locked in.

In our Fitbit Air review, we felt that the Health Coach was one of the best software innovations we’d seen in quite some time for making the fitness tracking experience more accessible, effectively allowing you to build entire workout schedules based on your conversations within the Google Health app. To have that in a more traditional wearable could be a game changer.

Just like with the Fitbit Air, however, the usefulness of this feature will be dependent on whether you actively subscribe to Google Health Premium, which is required to access the Health Coach and currently costs £7.99/$9.99 a month.

A week of battery life

According to Google, users can anticipate up to seven days of use from a single charge.

That puts the device right in line with the Fitbit Air, although we’ll have to wait and see until testing to determine whether the Edge can actually live up to that claim. A display will always drain the battery more quickly, and the Pixel Watch 5 only lasted around 48 hours between charges in our testing.

Colourways matching the Pixel 11 range

While hardware upgrades were kept to a minimum, one thing we really enjoyed about the Pixel 11 series is Google’s new lineup of colours.

IF you felt the same way, then you’ll be glad to know that the Fitbit Edge mimics Google’s current flagship handsets with four colourways that are practically identical to the Obsidian, Olive, Fog and Canyon options available for the Pixel 11 Pro (as well as the Pixel Watch 5). Like the smartwatch, these are paired with body colours of Matte Black, Satin Pyrite, Polished Silver and Champagne Gold.

There is a fifth colourway available in the Steph Curry Edition which, just like its Fitbit Air counterpart, makes use of a grey and orange blend.

Missing features from the Charge 6

Now that the Fitbit Edge is official, one of the biggest surprises about the device isn’t so much what it brings to the table, but rather what it leaves on the cutting room floor. Google has admitted that while Google Maps isn’t available for the Edge at launch, the service will be coming down the line, but what’s more striking is the complete lack of NFC functionality.

The ability to use Google Pay on the Fitbit Charge 6 was one of its biggest selling points, and it helped to separate the device from cheaper options sold by the likes of Xiaomi and Honor. The fact that it’s absent from the Edge means that users will need to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 5 (or a differently branded smartwatch entirely) to enjoy quick access to payments.

Fitbit has also dropped any form of stress tracking from the Edge, which is a headscratcher. Even though the feature won’t be for everyone, it does have the potential to help those who find themselves overwhelmed and steer them towards coping mechanisms that can help reduce the negative effects of stress.

If any one of these missing features is a deal breaker, then you might want to check for an alternative amongst the best fitness trackers we currently recommend.

When is the Fitbit Edge release date?

The Fitbit Edge was unveiled 12 October, with pre-orders going live the same day for when the device is made available to buy on 27 October.

How much does the Fitbit Edge cost?

The Fitbit Edge is priced at £159.99/$179.99, which is a slight increase over the Fitbit Charge 6, which had an asking price of £139.99/$159.95 at launch.

The Fitbit Edge Steph Curry Edition costs a bit more with a price tag of £189.99/$219.99.

Order the Fitbit Edge