Google set to release affordable take on the Whoop band, here's what to know

has officially entered the screenless wearable tech category, announcing the release of the The Fitbit Air is positioned to rival the market leader, Whoop, with a lower price and an optional subscription model.

Here's everything you need to know about the new fitness band you're about to see on everyone's wrists.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Google Fitbit Air at a glance...

Get yours for $199

What is it? Google's latest wearable Fitbit device

How much does it cost? $199 base, $59-79 for different bands, $14.99 per month for Fitbit Premium (if you choose that option)

Who is it for? People looking for a comfortable screenless wearable device that will track the essentials, and more

Google's 'most comfortable Fitbit ever'

What makes the new Google Fitbit Air so special is the screenless band. Its lightweight design gives all the health information users need, via the Google Health app, without the distraction or discomfort of a smartwatch.

It comes in four colours and has a built-in sensor tucked away beneath the band in a discreet pebble to track advanced health and fitness data.

Thanks to the design, it offers up to a week of battery life that's easily rechargeable, giving a full day of power in just five minutes of fast charging.

The Google Pixel Air is available now for $199, driving a hard bargain in direct competition with the Whoop band and with features accessible without a subscription.

You can also purchase a sweatproof Active Band for $59 or an Elevated Modern Band for $79 in vibrant colours, each designed to match its purpose.

What does the Google Fitbit Air track?

Thanks to the high-fidelity sensors and Google's algorithms, the Google Fitbit Air is capable of tracking the following:

• Core metrics: Steps, calories burned, distance, cardio load, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels and breathing rate
• Daily readiness score: Combined metrics tell if your body is ready for workouts or if you should focus the day more on recovery
• Automatic exercise tracking: The Google Fitbit Air will automatically detect and recap activities – the detection becomes more personalised over time

How does the new Google Health app work?

The Google Health app is available to download on Apple and Android devices on May 19. The Google Health app will replace the Fitbit app.

The app serves as the hub for all your health and wellness data. It's designed to be an intuitive interface, featuring four primary tabs: Today, Fitness, Sleep and Health.

You can access in-depth data on each of the tabs, and on the main page, you can customise the most important metrics to you. You can also log extra data and sync data from other Google wearables.

Another great part of the app will be the extended integration across third-party apps and devices, letting you integrate Apple Health or even workout plans from other apps.

What is Fitbit Premium, and will you need it?

One of the greatest parts of the Google Fitbit Air is the basic tracking, out of the box, with no subscription needed. Included with purchase is access to Fitbit Premium for three months free. To permanently unlock the extra features, it will cost $14.99 a month.

Here's a breakdown of what's included in each tier:

• Fitbit Air includes: basic activity, health and sleep tracking, plus health/wellness logging

• Fitbit Premium subscription includes: Google Health Coach for personalised guidance, adaptive fitness plans, proactive health insights, access to mindfulness sessions and expert-led workouts

Who is the Google Fitbit Air for?

Order yours here!

The Google Fitbit Air is perfect for people who want fitness and health insights without the attention-demanding screen of a phone or smartwatch. It's also appealing for people who want a more comfortable health tracker to wear at night.

At $199, the band is also a highly competitive alternative to other tracking devices, as you can use it without a subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Google Fitbit Air compatible with iPhones?

Yes! The Fitbit Air works with iPhones running iOS 16.4 or higher, as well as Android devices running Android 11 or higher. You'll need to use the Google Health app to access the data.

How long is the battery life?

Google claims that the device offers up to one week of battery life, with support to fast-charge up to a full day of power in just five minutes.

Is the Google Fitbit Air waterproof?

It is water-resistant up to 50 metres, although Google recommends drying the band after it gets wet. The Activewear Band is also sweatproof and wetproof.

Who is the Google Fitbit Air not for?

If you're someone who wants real-time tracking at a glance, you'll want to consider something with a screen over the Fitbit Air.

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