--- title: "Fitbit Edge: Google's first screen tracker since 2023 is repairable" description: "The Edge brings a bigger, brighter display and a replaceable battery, but it drops contactless payments and locks most features behind a subscription." url: https://tech.skoop.news/google-fitbit-edge-review-i-still-prefer-the-air-2026-3c4d2a/ published: 2026-10-27T05:05:46.937505-04:00 modified: 2026-10-27T05:05:46.937540-04:00 section: "Tech & Apps" publisher: "skoop.news" language: en keywords: ["Edge", "Pixel Watch", "Google Health Premium", "Metal Links", "Fitbit Air", "Fitbit Charge", "Fitbit Edge", "Android", "IP68", "ATM"] hashtags: ["#PixelWatch", "#GoogleHealthPremium", "#MetalLinks", "#tech", "#ai"] image: https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Fitbit_Charge_HR_%28X-ray%29.jpg/1280px-Fitbit_Charge_HR_%28X-ray%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail --- # Fitbit Edge: Google's first screen tracker since 2023 is repairable > The Edge brings a bigger, brighter display and a replaceable battery, but it drops contactless payments and locks most features behind a subscription. Published 2026-10-27 · Updated 2026-10-27 · Tech & Apps, [skoop.news](https://skoop.news/) ## In brief - Google has not introduced a new fitness tracker with a screen since 2023, and older models are falling behind on health features and hardware [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). - The repairability change is likely due to EU battery regulations [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). - The 1.34-inch display is the Edge's main advantage over the screenless Air, according to the reviewer [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). ## A tracker with a screen, finally Google has not introduced a new fitness tracker with a screen since 2023, and older models are falling behind on health features and hardware [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). If you wear one of those trackers, the Fitbit Edge is the update that period has been missing. The Edge is Google's first repairable fitness tracker, with modular construction including a replaceable battery, matching the Pixel Watch [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). Its Metal Links band costs $150, $30 less than the Edge itself [[2]](https://www.engadget.com/2296678/fitbit-edge-review/). ## Why the battery is replaceable The repairability change is likely due to EU battery regulations [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). Starting February 18, 2027, those rules will require removable and replaceable batteries in smartphones, smartwatches, and similar devices [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). ## Display and hardware The 1.34-inch display is the Edge's main advantage over the screenless Air, according to the reviewer [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). It reaches roughly twice the Charge's maximum brightness, which makes it easier to read in direct sunlight [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). The Edge has a larger screen with adjustable brightness, an altimeter, GPS tracking for outdoor runs or walks, and IP68 certification, in addition to a 5 ATM rating [[2]](https://www.engadget.com/2296678/fitbit-edge-review/). The IP68 rating covers dust and water resistance [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). With Google Maps integration, the Edge can show turn-by-turn directions on the wrist while running or cycling [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). Once the screen is awake, its touchscreen felt as responsive as the Pixel Watch's most of the time, though it sometimes waited while in a sleep state [[2]](https://www.engadget.com/2296678/fitbit-edge-review/). ## Phones and health features The Edge is compatible with both iOS and Android, unlike the Pixel Watch [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). It offers monthly blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, as do the Pixel Watch 5 and the Air [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). ## Where the Edge falls short The Edge does not support contactless payments (no NFC), while the Charge 6 does [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). It also does not include the Gemini assistant for setting timers or starting workouts [[3]](https://www.zdnet.com/health/google-fitbit-edge-review/). Most Edge features are locked behind Google Health Premium, which costs $10 per month or $100 annually [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). Without it, deeper analysis and AI coaching are unavailable [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). The reviewer saw the band fastening sometimes pop loose, and found the locking button stuck [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). ## What it means for you If you want a Google tracker with a screen that works with both iOS and Android, the Edge is the option that covers both [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). If you pay with your wrist, the Charge 6 supports contactless payments and the Edge does not [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). Budget for the subscription, because deeper analysis and AI coaching are unavailable without Google Health Premium at $10 per month or $100 annually [[1]](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/). Check the band too: the Metal Links band costs $150, about the price of a whole Fitbit Charge 6 [[2]](https://www.engadget.com/2296678/fitbit-edge-review/). Google's new Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air costs $70 [[2]](https://www.engadget.com/2296678/fitbit-edge-review/). ## Sources 1. [Google Fitbit Edge Review: I Still Prefer the Air (2026)](https://www.wired.com/review/google-fitbit-edge/) — Wired 2. [Fitbit Edge Review: Google Strikes The Right Balance](https://www.engadget.com/2296678/fitbit-edge-review/) — Engadget 3. [I tested Google’s Fitbit Edge – its standout feature also left me wanting more](https://www.zdnet.com/health/google-fitbit-edge-review/) — ZDNET Image: Photo: SarahCartwright / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fitbit_Charge_HR_(X-ray).jpg) --- Written from the sources above and checked twice (rules and an independent model) before publishing. 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