The Fitbit Air has totally changed the way I start my day

Close-up of the Fitbit Air — (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

Which Fitbit Air band is best? I tried all three, and there’s a clear winner.

The screen-free and subscription-optional Fitbit Air is Google's answer to the Whoop 5.0 fitness tracker, and one of the best fitness trackers in 2026. Starting at $99, users can select from three strap types — though, more are in the works — including two woven options and one silicone.

I've been wearing the Fitbit Air for over a week and tested all three options, both while working out and hanging out. Here's how I rank them.

Third place: Fitbit Active Band

Price: $34.99 or $99 with Fitbit Air
Styles: Obsidian, Lavender, Berry, Fog
Sizes: Small (130-175mm), Large (165-210mm)
Material: Silicone

Close-up of the Fitbit Air on-wrist on a red strap against a blue background — (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

In third place, we have the silicone Fitbit Active Band, available in your choice of four colors, including Berry, shown here. This option is sold either kitted with the Fitbit Air for $99 or on its own for $34.99 via Google directly.

As far as rubbery/silicone straps go, this one is fairly soft on the skin; however, several factors detract from its appeal.

For starters, the Active Band is both thicker and less flexible than the woven strap options. It also secures to your wrist with a pin-and-buckle style system, so you can't make micro-adjustments for maximum comfort. That said, two sizes are available.

Finally, I'm not a fan of how silicone feels on my skin, in general, when I'm super sweaty. So, the Fitbit Active Band was never going to be my top choice.

Second place: Fitbit Performance Loop

Price: $34.99 or $99 with Fitbit Air
Styles: Obsidian, Lavender, Berry, Fog
Size: One size (130-210mm)
Material: Woven polyester and elastane fabric, stainless steel buckle

a photo of the Whoop MG and Fitbit Air — (Image credit: Future)

In second place, we have the Fitbit Performance Loop, which comes in the same four color options as the Active Band above. It's also priced at $34.99 from Google à la carte, or $99 with the tracker.

The Performance Loop is a woven textile strap made from a mix of polyester and stretchy elastane, with a shiny, stainless steel buckle. Available in one size, velcro allows for infinite micro-adjustments.

Overall, I found this strap to be quite comfortable; it's seriously lightweight, flexible, and anything but thick. However, the woven material is a bit slick, so the Fitbit's sensors occasionally slide from their ideal position, atop the wrist, when working out or just getting sweaty.

Fortunately, my favorite Fitbit Air band solves this issue.

First place: Fitbit Stephen Curry Loop

Price: $129 with Fitbit Air
Style: Orange and Rye
Size: One size (130-210mm)
Material: Woven polyester and elastane fabric w/ water resistant coating and silicone ribs, satin finish stainless steel buckle

Close-up of the sensors on the Fitbit Air fitness tracker on the special edition Stephen Curry strap — (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia)

The Fitbit Air Stephen Curry Loop is hands down the best accessory band for the device from a comfort standpoint. I also think the black, orange, and rye woven pattern looks really sharp; colleagues and pals tend to agree.

Unfortunately, at this time, Google isn't selling the Stephen Curry band on its own. The only way to secure one is to purchase the special edition Fitbit Air for $129.99; fortunately, while it's 'special edition,' it's not 'limited edition.'

This band uses the same woven material as the standard Performance Loop; however, Steph's version is treated with a water-repellent coating to make it more quick drying. In my testing, it dries extremely fast, even after a proper soaking in the shower.

The underside of the Steph Curry Loop features raised silicone ribs running parallel to the length of the strap. These not only increase airflow but also help secure the Fitbit Air in place on your wrist during physical activities.

Ultimately, I think the Steph Curry strap is worth the extra $30 compared to the others. Now I just wish Google would offer it in additional styles and à la carte. Even if they're $40, I'd probably pick up another. Any more than that, and I'll wait for a sale.

Which Fitbit Air strap do you prefer? Let me know in the poll below.

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Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.