The Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 4 are two Google-branded fitness trackers that I recently compared in a head-to-head test. I walked 4,000 steps with each device to see how they performed in terms of step-counting accuracy. To my surprise, the Fitbit Air emerged as the winner, despite its lack of onboard GPS and screen. Here's a breakdown of my findings and why I think the Fitbit Air is the better choice for fitness tracking.
The Test Setup
I manually counted my steps using an old-school tally counter to ensure an accurate baseline. I also used my iPhone 16 Plus with the Strava app to log the walk for additional distance, pace, and climb data. This provided a control metric for comparison.
Key Differences Between the Devices
The Fitbit Air relies on your smartphone's GPS and altimeter for location-based data, while the Pixel Watch 4 has onboard GPS and a barometric altimeter. This means the Pixel Watch 4 can provide more accurate elevation tracking without relying on your phone.
The Results
Both devices performed surprisingly well, with only a 15-step difference between their step counts and my manual count. However, the Fitbit Air was slightly closer, which was a pleasant surprise.
The Fitbit Air's distance and pace data aligned more closely with the Strava control, while the Pixel Watch 4's climb data was more accurate. However, the Fitbit Air's elevation tracking was disappointing, a recurring issue in previous tests.
Heart Rate and Calories
The Fitbit Air logged a slightly less intense workout, which is expected given its lack of display. It also used less battery, which is a benefit of not having a screen.
Why the Fitbit Air Wins
Despite the Pixel Watch 4's overall acceptable performance, I prefer the Fitbit Air for its slightly more accurate step count, pace, and distance data. The lack of a screen is a design choice that Google's design director supports, and I appreciate the lightweight, comfortable feel of the Fitbit Air.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Fitbit Air is a better fitness tracker for those who prioritize step-counting accuracy and a comfortable, screen-free design. While the Pixel Watch 4 is a capable device, the Fitbit Air's performance in this test makes it my preferred choice for fitness tracking. I'm curious to see how other fitness trackers compare in future tests, and I'd love to test the Garmin Forerunner 70 or other smartwatches against the Fitbit Air.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments which fitness tracker you prefer and why!
