Google overtakes Garmin with the Fitbit Air, an alternative to Whoop for cyclists and endurance athletes

Google recently presented the Fitbit Air, a screenless sports bracelet designed to monitor recovery, sleep, and training load. Its price and the absence of a mandatory subscription make it a serious alternative to Whoop and Garmin's upcoming bracelet.

Google challenges Whoop with a bracelet designed to monitor cyclist recovery

Screenless sports bracelets have become one of the most important trends in endurance training. Popularized by Whoop and adopted by elite athletes like Mathieu van der Poel, they promise to monitor recovery, sleep, and training load without the need to wear a smartwatch on the wrist 24 hours a day.

Now Google wants to fully enter this market with the new Fitbit Air, a bracelet that comes alongside Google Health, the evolution of the old Fitbit app, and presents a very different proposal from Whoop. More affordable, without a mandatory subscription, and with strong integration of artificial intelligence, the Fitbit Air could become one of the most attractive options for cyclists and endurance athletes.

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Google completed the acquisition of Fitbit in 2021 for about $2.1 billion. Since then, the company has been progressively integrating Fitbit technology into its health and wellness ecosystem.

The Fitbit Air represents the most important step in this strategy. It is a screenless bracelet designed to be worn continuously, both during training and during rest or sleep, permanently recording physiological and activity parameters.

Alongside it comes Google Health, the platform that replaces the old Fitbit app and centralizes all data related to health, recovery, and training, and is powered by the tech giant's artificial intelligence.

A bracelet designed to compete directly with Whoop

The similarity between Fitbit Air and Whoop is evident. Both opt for a screenless, lightweight, and discreet format, designed for those who already use a cycling computer or a sports watch during training and do not need another screen on their wrist.

The Fitbit Air records:

• Heart rate 24 hours a day
• Resting heart rate
• Heart rate variability (HRV)
• Oxygen saturation (SpO2)
• Skin temperature
• Sleep and sleep phases
• Cardiovascular load
• Daily physical activity
• Alerts for irregular heart rate and possible episodes compatible with atrial fibrillation

According to Google, the new sleep analysis system improves accuracy by 15% compared to previous generations and allows for more detailed detection of interruptions and changes between sleep phases. However, it will take some time to confirm its accuracy as some users are reporting significant differences when comparing it with measurements taken on other devices, such as HRV or resting pulse measurements.

For cyclists, especially those who are attentive to their recovery metrics, the incorporation of HRV is particularly relevant. This variable has become one of the most used indicators to assess recovery status and training adaptation.

The big argument against Whoop: no subscription needed

While the Whoop bracelet requires an annual subscription that currently ranges from about 180 to 315 euros per year depending on the plan chosen. And if payment stops, the device loses almost all its functionality. The Fitbit Air takes a completely different approach. The bracelet costs 99.99 euros and can be used without the need to subscribe to any additional service.

Google does offer an optional subscription called Google Health Premium, priced at 8.99 euros per month, which adds advanced features such as:

• Coach powered by Gemini AI
• Personalized training plans
• Expanded exercise library
• Advanced recovery analysis
• Nutrition tools
• Expanded health tracking

Additionally, buyers of the Fitbit Air receive three months of free access to the premium service.

For many users, this economic difference can be decisive, especially considering that a large part of the essential metrics are already available without the need to pay any fees.

Gemini AI wants to become your personal coach

One of the most important innovations is the integration of Gemini within Google Health. The new Coach analyzes data from the Fitbit Air and generates personalized recommendations considering rest, training load, sports goals, and even external factors like ambient temperature.

The system also allows for natural conversations to modify goals, adapt training, or adjust planning in case of injury, travel, or routine changes.

Google's idea is to offer an experience close to that of a digital personal trainer capable of continuously learning from the user.

Lighter, more discreet, and with a week of battery life

In terms of aesthetics, Fitbit Air opts for a minimalist design. The sensor body has a more elongated and narrow oval shape than Whoop, with a very discreet profile designed to go practically unnoticed throughout the day.

The straps can be easily swapped out using a quick-release system, and Google offers several finish options, including textile, sports, and premium versions.

The announced battery life reaches up to seven days of use. A full charge takes approximately 90 minutes, and a quick charge of five minutes provides about an additional day of operation.

Is it better than a Whoop?

The answer depends on the type of user. Whoop continues to offer a more advanced ecosystem for those looking to analyze every detail of their recovery. It maintains specific functions such as advanced stress monitoring, personalized journals, habit analysis, or integration with biomarkers from blood tests.

Initial comparisons show that Fitbit Air offers very similar measurements of heart rate, sleep, and HRV, as well as a simpler and more accessible interface. However, as we have already mentioned, some users have also reported significant differences in measurements.

For many cyclists who only seek to monitor recovery, rest, and training load, Fitbit Air seems to cover most needs for much less money.

Has Google outpaced Garmin before it presents its alternative?

The arrival of Fitbit Air also coincides with growing rumors about the future Garmin Cirqa Smart Band.

Leaks that have appeared in recent months suggest that Garmin is working on a screenless bracelet also aimed at the continuous monitoring of recovery, stress, and physiological metrics.

Leaked documents describe a device capable of monitoring biometric signals related to sports performance and recovery, very much in line with the philosophy of Whoop and Fitbit Air.

However, Garmin has not yet officially presented the product and has not confirmed its operating system. The latest leak even pointed to a high price.

If those data are correct, Google may have managed to get ahead in an increasingly interesting segment for cyclists. Fitbit Air arrives first, costs only 99.99 euros, and removes one of the main barriers that many users find in Whoop: the obligation to pay a subscription to access its basic functions.

The battle to dominate screenless sports bracelets has just begun, and for the first time in years, Whoop seems to have real competition.