As a fitness editor, I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing tech this year, and we’re only in July. Not a day goes by when I don’t have more than one fitness tracker strapped to a pulse point, and by now, my friends have stopped asking me why I’m wearing two watches (I think they’re just relieved I’ve not turned up to brunch wearing a chest strap…yet).
I often get asked which is the best tracker, and my answer is always, "It depends on who’s buying it." And while I stick by this answer — someone training for their seventh marathon, for example, would be looking for something completely different to someone getting back into fitness in their 60s — one tracker stands out this year, and it’s probably not what you’re expecting.
Why the Fitbit Air is the best fitness tracker to launch so far this year
Sure, I wouldn’t be without my Oura Ring 5, and I’ve been impressed by the tech packed into the affordable Garmin Forerunner 170, but for me, the Fitbit Air is the tracker to beat in 2026. If you’re looking to get a better understanding of your overall health, and you’re not put off by AI health coaches, here’s why it’s my top pick.
It disappears on your wrist
Whether you’re the kind of person who wears an actual watch (remember those) and wants a screenless tracker as well, or you’d prefer not to have something buzzing on your wrist with your phone notifications, the Fitbit Air is a great choice. Sure, it’s not as inconspicuous as the Oura Ring 5, but it’s also nowhere near as expensive, and if you don’t want to, you don’t have to sign up for an ongoing subscription.
Weighing in at just 12g, the Fitbit Air is seriously lightweight, and really does disappear on the wrist. I found it extremely comfortable wearing 24/7, especially when sleeping, and it was noticeably lighter than the Whoop 5.0 or Garmin Cirqa.
The AI Health Coach is the best I’ve used so far
I’m very anti-AI health coaching, especially because, up until now, most of them have just regurgitated information I can already see (don’t get me started on Apple’s Workout Buddy). I was skeptical about the Gemini-powered Google Health Coach on the Fitbit Air, but it really is excellent.
It breaks down your health information into easy-to-understand and actionable advice. This morning, after a heavy track session days before my period, my Google Health Coach told me, “That run was a solid effort, Jane, and since you’re in the luteal phase, your body is actually working harder than usual. During this time, your core temperature is naturally higher, and your body may prioritize burning fat over glycogen, which can make high-intensity efforts like today’s feel more draining.”
It then gave me three pillars to focus on to recover.
I’m lucky enough to have run with a coach for years, so I know my body and when I need to ease off. But for beginners, or those that need guidance, Google’s Health Coach does this super well, and the actionable advice can help you train smarter and avoid injury.
The downside is that to get this AI coaching, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee of $10/£8 per month. Still a lot cheaper than a running coach or personal trainer, but it won’t be a cost everyone can afford.
For most people, the Fitbit Air is enough
I’ve worn a Garmin for years, and while I trust Garmin’s data and love the Garmin Connect app, the Garmin Cirqa is definitely aimed at more dedicated athletes who want deeper athletic training readiness metrics. Whoop takes this even more seriously with the Whoop 5.0.
That said, for most people, the data the Fitbit Air gives you is more than enough. I truly believe that with fitness trackers, you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
There’s no point collecting months of data and not really doing anything with it. The power and change come when you can take the data and make healthy changes, and I believe the Fitbit Air is one of the best trackers I’ve tested when it comes to breaking down your data into actionable advice.
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