Fitbit · Reviewed by Mike O'Brien · Published 2026-05-13
Based on a review by Mike O'Brien (accessed 2026-05-13).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about low price point of $99 — just accept does not have built-in gps, relying on a connected phone's gps for outdoor tracking.
The reviewer is very excited about the Fitbit Air, highlighting its low price of $99, no required subscription, and compatibility with both iPhone and Android. He praises its small form factor, comfort, and the new Google Health app, calling the subscription model a great implementation that adds value without gatekeeping data.
This video provides an unboxing and initial impressions review of the new Fitbit Air, a screenless fitness tracker. The reviewer covers its design, various strap options, core features, and the updated Google Health app, including its optional premium subscription model.
The Fitbit Air presents a compelling option for a screenless fitness tracker, offering a low price and crucial health data access without a required subscription. It is significantly smaller and more comfortable than competitors like the Whoop, allowing for highly discreet wear, and boasts a commendable one-week battery life compared to many smartwatches. However, the reviewer notes this is a first impressions video, meaning long-term accuracy and actual battery performance have not yet been thoroughly tested. If you prioritize a minimalist, comfortable fitness tracker for basic health monitoring without recurring fees, this product is worth considering. If you require built-in GPS or advanced medical-grade features like ECG, you should explore other options.
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hands_on_demoneutralt=00:46–01:05
The reviewer unboxes the Fitbit Air, showing the main unit, a single strap, and the charging puck. He also mentions there are three main strap designs available.
comparisonpositivet=01:30–01:45
The reviewer puts on the Fitbit Air and compares its size to his Whoop band, stating the Fitbit Air is much smaller and could be mistaken for a small bracelet, making it less noticeable.
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The reviewer states that the Fitbit Air is rated for one week of battery life, contrasting it with smartwatches that typically last only one day.
hands_on_demoneutralt=02:51–03:19
The reviewer demonstrates how the tiny unit can be pushed out from the back of the strap. He shows the magnetic charging puck and explains that the unit can be charged both in and out of the band.
hands_on_demopositivet=03:20–04:36
Mike showcases three different strap designs: the Performance Loop, Active Loop (silicone), and Elevated Band. He notes the Performance Loop is comfortable and that the Active Loop is stretchier and smoother, ideal for swimming. He also highlights how well the hardware is hidden in some bands.
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The reviewer explains the hidden LED indicator for battery levels (white >20%, red 0-20%, solid red 0%) and the haptic motor for low battery reminders and smart alarms.
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The Fitbit Air offers auto workout tracking for activities like running and cycling, similar to Whoop. Users can also manually start/end workouts or correct misidentified auto-tracked activities in the app.
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The Fitbit Air is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and the Google Health app works on both platforms, unlike previous Pixel Watches.
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After putting the band on correctly, the reviewer finds it incredibly comfortable, stating he could completely forget it's there and that it doesn't push on pressure points like many other watches.
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The Fitbit Air tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, and calories burned. It includes accelerometers and a temperature sensor, primarily for sleep, but lacks built-in GPS and ECG.
visual_inspectionpositivet=08:50–11:27
The reviewer describes the significant redesign of the Fitbit app, which is merging into the Google Health app. He provides a visual walkthrough of the four main tabs: Overview, Fitness, Sleep, and Health, highlighting customization and data insights.
reviewer_claimpositivet=09:07–10:37
The reviewer explains that all core data from the Fitbit Air is accessible for free through the Google Health app, contrasting this positively with competitors like Whoop. An optional premium subscription offers AI insights, adaptive training plans, a workout library, and medical record summaries.
reviewer_claimpositivet=11:27–11:43
The Google Health app allows users to sync data from multiple devices, including other smartwatches, Oura Rings, and smart mattresses, consolidating health data in one place.
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The reviewer states the Fitbit Air is selling for a price of just $99.
The Fitbit Air does not require a subscription for basic functionality and data access, which the reviewer praises as a major advantage. An optional Google Health Premium subscription is available for $10/month or $99/year, offering AI insights, adaptive training, a workout library, and medical record summaries. A three-month free trial is included with purchase.
Mike O'Brien found the Fitbit Air incredibly comfortable once properly adjusted. He noted that it doesn't create pressure points like many other watches, making it easy to wear for extended periods without noticing it.
The Fitbit Air tracks a comprehensive set of health metrics including heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), stress levels, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep patterns, and calories burned. It incorporates accelerometers for movement and a temperature sensor primarily used during sleep. However, it lacks built-in GPS (it uses your phone's GPS) and does not have an ECG feature.
The Fitbit Air is designed to work seamlessly with both Apple iPhones and Android smartphones. The Google Health app, which serves as the companion app for the tracker, is available and fully functional on both operating systems. This cross-platform compatibility is highlighted as a significant advantage.
According to the product specifications, the Fitbit Air is rated to provide a full week of battery life on a single charge. This is considerably longer than typical smartwatches, which often require daily charging, offering a convenient usage experience.
The Fitbit Air offers three primary band designs: the Performance Loop, which covers the unit; the Active Loop, made entirely of silicone for flexibility and quick drying; and the Elevated Band, which has a more premium look. Google offers four colors in each style, and the reviewer expects many third-party options to become available.
80/100 source quality
Mike O'Brien unboxes and shares his first impressions of the new Fitbit Air, a $99 screenless fitness tracker from Google. He compares its compact size and comfort to the Whoop band and details its design, charging mechanism, and three different strap options. The review highlights key features like a one-week battery life rating, auto-workout tracking, and comprehensive health monitoring, while noting the absence of built-in GPS and ECG. Mike also previews the redesigned Google Health app, emphasizing that core data is accessible without a subscription, unlike some competitors.
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This page converts Mike O'Brien's review of the Fitbit Fitbit Air into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
Brand relationship disclosed as: gifted