Fitbit Edge review: notable upgrade over the Charge 6 for GPS and heart rate and Google Health app is an improvement, but lacks software polish and NFC payments

The Fitbit Edge battery is now user-replaceable, and fast charging gives a day's use in five minutes.

Fitbit has launched the Fitbit Edge, a successor to the Charge 6, with several notable upgrades. The new device features a 46% larger 1.34-inch display, an added physical button, an altimeter for elevation tracking, and improved GPS accuracy claimed at 40% better. It also boasts automatic workout detection for 100 sports, a user-replaceable battery, and a modern interface similar to the Google Pixel Watch 5 series. Enhancements include structured workout support, dual usage with Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air, and fast charging, providing one day of battery in five minutes. However, the Fitbit Edge removes NFC payments and the EDA Scan feature, though continuous stress monitoring remains. The price has increased to $179, with a Stephen Curry special edition available for $219.

The Fitbit Edge represents a significant step in integrating Fitbit's established fitness tracking with Google's broader ecosystem, evident in its Pixel Watch-like interface and support for Google Health features. While it enhances core metrics like GPS and heart rate accuracy, its removal of NFC payments and a less polished on-device data presentation might alienate users accustomed to comprehensive functionality and immediate access to detailed metrics. The focus appears to be shifting towards a more connected, streamlined experience, but the practical execution still has room for improvement, particularly in making on-device data more accessible and functional.

This launch signals Google's continued strategy of merging its wearable technologies, potentially aiming to consolidate its user base and offer a more unified health and fitness platform. The increased price point and the trade-offs made, such as removing NFC payments, suggest a strategic decision to prioritize advanced health sensors and improved core tracking capabilities over convenience features. Users who value accurate, detailed fitness data and seamless integration with other Google devices may find the Edge a compelling upgrade, while those prioritizing payment functionality or a fully polished interface might see it as a step back.