Google Fitbit Air review: AI health coach is work in progress but better than most
While the hardware delivers on comfort and battery life, the Google Health Coach remains a developing tool that requires extensive personal data to provide personalised insights.
Google has released the Fitbit Air, a $99 fitness tracker that integrates the new Google Health Coach, an AI-powered feature driven by Gemini. Positioned as a hybrid offering, the device provides basic fitness tracking at no cost, while advanced AI insights and premium features require a $99 annual Google Health Premium subscription (including a three-month trial). The hardware is noted for its comfort, lightweight design, and strong battery life, resembling a bracelet. The AI coach allows users to upload medical records for context, requiring identity verification via the CLEAR service, and can adjust step goals or generate workout routines based on user-reported health conditions. Google states that nearly 500,000 people beta-tested the Health Coach since October 2025. Health data used for AI training is opt-in by default, and Google’s acquisition terms ensure health data is stored separately from data used for targeted advertising.
The Fitbit Air hardware is described as comfortable, lightweight, and offering strong battery life, with a design that resembles a bracelet. It features a proprietary charger and supports silent alarms, but lacks push notifications. The device fits wrists ranging from 130mm to 210mm; reviewers note potential sizing awkwardness for wrists smaller than 146mm. The device is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones.
The Google Health Coach allows users to upload medical records for context, requiring identity verification via the CLEAR service. The AI coach can generate travel-friendly workout routines and adjust step goals based on user-reported health conditions or medication side effects. Google stated that nearly 500,000 people beta-tested the Health Coach since October 2025, providing over a million points of feedback. The Fitbit Air is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones. Health data used for AI training is opt-in by default, and Google’s acquisition terms ensure health data is stored separately from data used for targeted advertising.
The Fitbit Air is the latest hardware release following Google’s acquisition of Fitbit. The Google Health Coach is currently available on Pixel Watches and is expected to expand to third-party wearables. Previous iterations of consumer AI health features have been criticised as generic "cash grabs" that merely regurgitate general information. The Fitbit Air replaces older Fitbit models in the entry-level market, aiming to balance simple hardware with advanced software capabilities.
The long-term accuracy and reliability of the AI coach’s personalised recommendations, particularly regarding medical context, remain unverified by independent clinical studies. The impact of CLEAR identity verification on user privacy and data security is not fully detailed in the source material. The extent to which the AI coach’s "memory" issues (forgetting context) will be resolved in future updates is uncertain.
