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

The Fitbit Edge significantly improves GPS and heart rate tracking accuracy over its predecessor.

Fitbit has launched the Fitbit Edge, a successor to the Charge 6, with significant hardware upgrades and a revised user interface. The new model features a 46% larger 1.34-inch display, an added physical side button, an altimeter for elevation tracking, and automatic workout detection for 100 sports. GPS accuracy is claimed to be 40% better due to a new chipset and case design, and the battery is now user-replaceable with fast charging capabilities offering one day of use from a five-minute charge. The Edge adopts a modern UI similar to the Pixel Watch 5 series and supports structured workouts. However, it removes Google Pay (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 strategic move by Google to integrate its health technology offerings, blending Fitbit's established wearable expertise with the user interface and features seen in the Pixel Watch line. This alignment signals a push towards a more cohesive Google ecosystem for health and fitness tracking, potentially enhancing the value proposition for Pixel device owners. The inclusion of advanced metrics and user-replaceable batteries addresses long-standing user requests and positions the Edge as a more robust, albeit pricier, option in the competitive fitness tracker market.

While the hardware advancements are notable, the omission of NFC payments and the reported lack of software polish suggest that Fitbit is prioritizing core health tracking and integration with Google services over convenience features. This direction may appeal to dedicated fitness enthusiasts who value detailed metrics and reliable performance, but could alienate users who relied on the convenience of contactless payments. Future software updates will be crucial in determining whether the Fitbit Edge can fully bridge the gap between its advanced hardware capabilities and a truly seamless user experience.