In May, the Fitbit Air joined the ever-growing list of no-screen fitness trackers alongside Whoop, and now, not even six months later, I have on my wrist the brand-new Fitbit Edge. It is, as the name suggests, a slimmer fitness tracker. It feels slightly like a step forward, slightly like a step back—a return to form.
It’s new, but it’s also a throwback to the slim shape of the (not so) old Fitbit devices like the Charge and Inspire. Importantly, despite being Google’s latest wearable with a screen, it is not trying to be a Pixel Watch. Some might complain about what it can’t do, but I’d argue the pared-back nature of the Fitbit Edge is its greatest strength.
At its core, this is the state-of-the-art Fitbit bringing a smooth, responsive modern touchscreen experience to a wearable focused on health tracking. It certainly does more than count your steps, monitor heart rate, and detect REM cycles; the Edge has plenty of smartwatch capabilities. Control your music, check the weather, even read and respond (depending on the phone you have) to messages.
But the standard inundation of notifications is replaced by a clean interface that clearly does not like being disturbed. This is the casual fitness tracker for those who value a distraction-free workout. I’ve been wearing mine 24/7 for the past couple of weeks and it’s nothing if not supremely comfortable.
Bands are simpler to attach and detach than any other watch I’ve tried, and the new magnet bands are easy to make snug. From the get-go, the band selection has been excellent. My personal favorite is the magnetic silicone band in Mahogany.
It’s got a look that comes off as more upscale than the materials described typically do. Paired with the slim bezel and overall slight shape, it’s a handsome wearable that draws a lot of compliments. I won’t repeat what one friend of mine said, but I’m pretty sure it means she liked it.
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