For years, Whoop has dominated the recovery space, but now it faces a real rival. After two weeks of testing Google's new Fitbit Air against a Whoop 5.0, I've found a compelling alternative that costs a fraction of the price and doesn't require a subscription.
Design and Comfort
The Fitbit Air is ultra-thin and incredibly light, often making me forget I was wearing it. At just 17mm wide and 8.3mm thick, it's significantly smaller than the Whoop 5.0. The Velcro fabric band is comfortable and easy to adjust, unlike Whoop's fiddly clasp system. The tracker sits flush against the skin, making it ideal for sleep tracking.
Setup and AI Coach
Setting up the Fitbit Air is simple through the revamped Google Health app. The standout feature is the AI coach, which turns setup into a conversation. It asked about my goals, adapted to my CrossFit routine, and even adjusted my plan when I mentioned a trip to Japan. While the AI occasionally struggled with dates and timelines, the personalised experience was impressive.
Features and Performance
The Fitbit Air tracks 24/7 heart rate, sleep stages, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, and more. It offers a daily readiness score, cardio load target, and a smart alarm that wakes you at the optimal time. Sleep tracking was excellent, especially during jet lag, with detailed insights into how travel affected my recovery.
However, auto-workout detection struggled with CrossFit and functional fitness, requiring manual logging. Dedicated stress tracking is also missing, a feature Whoop excels at. For serious athletes, Whoop still feels more granular, but Google Health's AI coaching is smarter and more context-aware.
Battery and Charging
Battery life lasts up to seven days, with a fast magnetic charger providing a day's use in five minutes. While Whoop offers longer battery life and on-the-go charging, Fitbit's system is simpler and quicker.
Verdict
The Fitbit Air is a fantastic device for most people. It's lightweight, affordable, and paired with one of the smartest health apps I've used. The £7.99 monthly subscription unlocks AI insights but isn't mandatory. For dedicated athletes, Whoop remains superior, but for everyone else, the Fitbit Air is a compelling choice. If forced to choose, I'd pick the Fitbit Air.
