Google Fitbit Edge Review: I Still Prefer the Air (2026)

The Google Fitbit Edge loses NFC for contactless payments, a feature previously available on its predecessor, the Charge 6.

Google has launched the Fitbit Edge, its first repairable fitness tracker, priced at $180. The device features a larger, brighter 1.34-inch display, improved durability with an IP68 rating, and more advanced health tracking metrics including blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, SpO2 nightly averages, 24/7 heart rate, cardio load, and an updated ECG app. While it offers significant health and fitness upgrades over the Charge 6 and a brighter screen than the screenless Air, its band fastening can be finicky and auto-pause overly sensitive. Notably, the Edge lacks NFC for contactless payments, a feature present in the Charge 6. Most advanced features require a $10/month Google Health Premium subscription. Despite its improvements, the reviewer still prefers the screenless Fitbit Air, finding the Edge not compelling enough to switch.

The Fitbit Edge's repairability and modular construction, including a replaceable battery, appear to be a direct response to upcoming EU battery regulations slated for February 2027. This anticipates a broader industry trend toward user-serviceable devices, potentially influencing other wearable manufacturers to adopt similar designs to comply with future legislation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

While the Edge introduces advanced health metrics and a brighter display, the decision to omit NFC for contactless payments is a significant trade-off that may deter users seeking a more integrated smartwatch experience. This omission, coupled with the necessity of a subscription for full functionality, positions the Edge as a more specialized fitness tracker rather than a comprehensive all-in-one wearable, potentially impacting its appeal to a wider market.