Google launches Fitbit Air screenless tracker at $99 with status light
Google has announced the Fitbit Air, a new $99 screenless fitness tracker designed to compete with the Whoop band. The device weighs just 12 grams with its band and features a status light that uses LED indicators to show battery level via a double-tap gesture. The tracker includes 24-7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and irregular heart rhythm detection. It promises up to a week of battery life with fast charging—a full day of power in just five minutes. The Fitbit Air comes with three months of Google Health Premium access, which includes the Gemini-powered Health Coach for personalized fitness advice. Unlike Whoop, there's no mandatory subscription requirement. The device is available for pre-order at $99.99, with general availability beginning May 26, 2026. Google is positioning the Air as a lightweight, minimalist alternative for users who find traditional smartwatches too bulky or distracting.
Key facts
- Fitbit Air costs $99.99 and is available for pre-order with delivery May 26, 2026
- Device weighs 5.2 grams without band, 12 grams with band, making it lighter than Whoop
- Status light uses white LED for battery between 20-100% and red for below 20% charge
- Double-tap gesture wakes status light and can dismiss alarms
- Battery life rated up to seven days versus Whoop's claimed two weeks
- Includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and FDA-certified background AFib detection
- Comes with three months of Google Health Premium including AI Health Coach
Limits of this briefing
Sources found reflect primarily tech and consumer-focused publications; no distinctly left-leaning or right-leaning political media outlets have covered this product launch, as it lacks overt political framing. Real-world performance and user satisfaction data will only emerge after the May 26 launch.
Sources
- 9to5Google: Fitbit Air has status light & double-tap gesture, gets Whoop size comparison Centre
- DC Rainmaker: The $99 Fitbit Air (Whoop Competitor): Everything You Need to Know! Centre
- TechCrunch: Google unveils Whoop-like screenless Fitbit Air Centre
- Wareable: Fitbit Air arrives as Google's $99 screen-free Whoop rival Centre
- Eastern Herald: Google Fitbit Air Shocks Wearable Market with Screenless AI Band Centre