Fitbit Air, Garmin Forerunner 70 Tie in 3,000-Step Test as $99 Tracker Matches $250 Watch
Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · May 28
Fitbit Air, Garmin Forerunner 70 Tie in 3,000-Step Test as $99 Tracker Matches $250 Watch
2 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · May 28
A 3,000-step walk test found both new wearables nearly identical on step accuracy: Fitbit Air logged 3,004 steps and Garmin Forerunner 70 logged 2,996 against a 3,000-step manual count.
Distance readings were also close to the 1.60-mile Strava control, with Fitbit at 1.61 miles and Garmin at 1.57, while Fitbit’s 165 feet of climb came nearer Strava’s 176 than Garmin’s 154.
Price and hardware differ more sharply than the results: the Fitbit Air costs $99 without onboard GPS, while the Forerunner 70 costs $250 and includes built-in GPS.
Heart-rate averages diverged—116 bpm on Fitbit versus 125 on Garmin—though both recorded similar peak readings at 161-163 bpm, leaving the test with no clear winner beyond a tie on core tracking accuracy.
If new trackers are equally accurate, what hidden trade-offs will determine the superior device for your lifestyle?
These trackers promise better health, but is constant monitoring creating a new wave of digital anxiety?
With AI coaches now accessing our health data, how can users ensure their privacy is truly being protected?