After years of being begged by eager fans (like me) to return to its roots, Google has launched a screenless fitness tracker in the Fitbit Air. The module and band design prioritize minimalism, but it’s still committed to tracking all those important fitness metrics in the background.
Few devices on the market are quite like the Fitbit Air, and I expect its arrival to start a new race for screenless trackers. However, there are plenty of options available in the market. My colleague Caitlin Cimino recently outlined a few and asked readers which of these tools they liked best. Well, that survey data is now in, and you can see the results below.
Andy Walker/Android Authority
We got over 6,200 votes in this poll, which shows that the Fitbit Air is already making waves in the fitness-tracking world.
The largest share of voters (34.9%) “wants a Fitbit Air” and do not believe any of the options mentioned by Caitlin are worth considering. Looking at the comments on their article, it’s clear that readers believe that some true Air alternatives exist, but that figure becomes a larger fraction when you consider the contenders.
More than three out of every 10 readers are committed to buying the Fitbit Air instead of its alternatives.
For those looking elsewhere, the most popular Fitbit Air alternative actually comes from next door. Charge 6 received support of 25% of the total vote, or 38% of those who did not vote directly for Air. Given the Charge 6’s age and its comparatively bulky design, it may not seem like a direct Air competitor, but it does have a screen (important to some) and built-in GPS (essential for me). It’s just a little more expensive and in some cases can be found below the Air’s $99 list price.
Kaitlyn Cimino/Android Authority
The WHOOP 5.0 received 18.6% of the votes, and considering it’s the only screenless tracker other than the Air on this list, it’s telling that it placed behind the Charge 6. This may be due to its very high list price, subscription-based service, or its large design. Either way, WHOOP may consider tackling Air head-on with a future release.
Do you want Google/Fitbit to make a smart ring?
1262 votes
The three heavy hitters follow close behind, with the Pixel Watch 4 (9.5%), Aura Ring 4 (7.8%), and Apple Watch Series 11 (4.1%) receiving a combined 21.4% of the vote. This suggests that one in four respondents would prefer a smartwatch or smart ring over a Fitbit Air.
Screen-free fitness tracker • Google Health Coach • Affordable price
Google Fitbit Air is the company’s first screenless fitness band.
Google Fitbit Air combines Fitbit’s reliable health tracking with Google’s smart insights in one app. It works with both Android and iPhone and brings fitness, sleep, medical records, food and hydration tracking into a single, easy-to-use health hub.
The Fitbit Air is still up for review, but it’s clear that readers believe Google has a potential winner on its hands (or wrists). What do you think of the screenless tracker genre? Is Air a potential candidate for your collection? Let us know in the comments below.
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