The Google Fitbit Air vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: A Comparative Review
The latest entrant in the fitness tracking market, the Google Fitbit Air, has generated quite a buzz. Early adopters are exploring the screenless design and the AI-powered premium Google Health Coach. Amidst some discontent from existing Fitbit users regarding app changes, it raises an intriguing question: How does it stack up against the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the industry leader in fitness wearables?
To dig deeper, I embarked on a 10-kilometer evening run, navigating the challenges of a UK heatwave while wearing the Google Fitbit Air on one wrist and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on the other. I planned to enhance the accuracy of my workout data with a Polar H10 heart rate monitor; however, technical issues prevented me from obtaining relevant results this time.
Metrics and Methodology
My primary focus during the run was on heart rate, calories burned, and average pace. Both wearables employ optical heart rate sensors, using LED lights to monitor blood flow and estimate heart rates. Additionally, the calculation of calories burned merges heart rate data with movement statistics, contributing to a comprehensive view of energy expenditure.
In this test, the Apple Watch benefits from onboard GPS, which I anticipated would provide more accurate pace readings than the Google Fitbit Air, which relies on my iPhone for GPS data. To note, I had not yet integrated Google Health with Apple Health, resulting in separate datasets for each device.
The Results
Here are the metrics from my 10km run. The accompanying graphs illustrate the differences across the various metrics.
Upon examining the results, it’s evident that both devices displayed comparable heart rate and calorie readings. My average heart rate varied by only 3 beats per minute (bpm) between the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Google Fitbit Air. Although the absence of data from the malfunctioning chest strap limits this comparison, previous tests have shown the Apple Watch’s optical heart rate readings align closely with electrical heart rate monitors, suggesting that the Fitbit Air also provides a reliable estimate.
The calorie counts from both devices were relatively synchronized, with the Google Fitbit Air recording about 25 calories more than the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This minor difference indicates a level of accuracy that could make the Fitbit Air suitable for everyday fitness tracking.
Average Pace and GPS Limitations
When it came to average pace, a significant discrepancy emerged. The Google Fitbit Air overestimated my pace by about 10 seconds per kilometer, primarily due to its lack of onboard GPS. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offered a more realistic assessment, providing additional insights such as stride length and vertical oscillation—data that the Fitbit Air does not track. Interestingly, Fitbit does log the number of steps taken during the workout (9,342 in this instance), which the Apple Watch Ultra 3 excludes.
Furthermore, the Fitbit Air reported a distance of 10.43km, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 logged a more accurate 10.03km—highlighting the potential pitfalls of relying on phone GPS for precise distance tracking.
Analysis and Conclusion
In terms of heart rate metrics, the Google Fitbit Air maintains commendable accuracy for a price point of $99.99 / £84.99 / AU$199, especially in comparison to the premium Apple Watch Ultra 3, which retails for $799 / £749 / AU$1,399. While I did not expect the Fitbit Air to rival the accuracy of top-tier running watches that feature independent GPS, its performance is satisfactory for casual users.
For those who prioritize detailed analytics such as maps, pace tracking, and running technique data, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 remains the superior choice. However, if you are looking for a reliable, user-friendly fitness tracker for basic monitoring, the Google Fitbit Air successfully meets those needs.
In conclusion, while both devices have their pros and cons, the Google Fitbit Air delivers an accurate heart rate and calorie assessment. Nevertheless, its limitations in GPS accuracy may sway dedicated athletes towards more advanced options like the Apple Watch Ultra 3. For a complete overview of my experience, including graphs and further analysis, you can check out my full report Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
