No. You can use a Fitbit tracker without paying for a subscription. Google includes basic activity tracking—such as steps, distance, and workouts—in Fitbit’s core service. Paid access is for additional features and content, not a prerequisite for using the tracker.
There has been a name change: since May 19, 2026, Fitbit Premium is called Google Health Premium, and the Fitbit app is called the Google Health app. Google explains the transition and feature changes here.
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What can you use without a subscription?
Google separates Fitbit core service from Premium service in its data guide. Core service includes activity data such as steps, distance, and workouts, along with manually entered logs and achievements. That means you can use a Fitbit to track everyday activity without subscribing.
Google also says Daily Readiness is now available to everyone who uses Fitbit; older advice that treats it as a Premium-only feature may no longer be accurate. Google Store Help lists Premium benefits and this availability change.
#1 Best Overall
- 【All-day Activity Tracker】: ENGERWALL IP68 Waterproof fitness tracker can record and track your daily steps, calories burned, exercise distance and time. It can also monitor your Body Temp, Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen and Blood Pressure. IP68 waterproof ensures that you don't need to take it off for daily hand washing and swimming, but don't soak it in water for a long time or wear it for hot baths, saunas.
- 【Slim and simple band design】The design concept of this tracker’s band is slim and unique, offering a comfortable and lightweight wearing experience. Suitable for men, women and the elderly.
- 【Heart Rate Monitor and Sleep Tracker】: Smart tracker can detect heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and body temperature in daily life. Monitor your sleep and analyze your sleep quality through Fall Sleep, Deep Sleep, Light Sleep, REM Sleep. You can view daily, weekly, and monthly data in the APP "Runmefit" to help you better understand your health status and lead a healthy lifestyle. [IMPORTANT] The blood pressure measurement feature must be downloaded and enabled within the app.
- 【Call and message notifications】: You can receive text messages and SNS notifications (including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram) directly on your wrist. When your phone's Bluetooth is turned on, if you receive a message, the watch will vibrate to remind you and you can view the specific message. This function is very practical whether in work or life.
- 【Working Time】: Smart Fitness Watch is the best partner at work, you can set it on the mobile APP ‘Runmefit’: up to 5 sets of alarms, you don’t have to worry about being late for appointments or forgetting important things. You can set drinking Water Reminders and Sedentary Reminders to establish a healthy way of working.
What does the paid plan add?
Google describes paid features as additional insights, assessments, coaching, and content. Examples in its documentation include detailed sleep and stress assessments, personalized insights, workouts, mindfulness material, snoring and sound-event information, and certain recommendations. Which features appear depends on your device and can change.
Do not assume that every feature historically associated with Fitbit Premium is still included or remains exclusive to paid access. In the redesigned app, Sleep Profile is no longer available, though Premium subscribers can ask Google Health Coach about sleep patterns. Google’s data guide distinguishes core and Premium data categories and notes device-dependent availability: Fitbit and Pixel Watch data categories.
Rank #2
- Fitbit Charge 6 tracks key metrics from calories and Active Zone Minutes to Daily Readiness and sleep; move more with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate, automatic exercising tracking, and more[1]
- See your heart rate in real time: Just link your Charge 6 to compatible exercise machines, like treadmills, ellipticals, and more[2]; and stay connected with YouTube Music controls[3]
- Tune into your body: Track your response to stress with a stress management score; learn about the quality of your sleep with a personalized nightly Sleep Score; and wake up more naturally with the Smart Wake alarm
- Run your routine with Google essentials: Find your way seamlessly during runs or rides with turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps on Fitbit Charge 6; and when you need a snack break on the go, just tap to pay with Google Wallet[1,4]
- Unlock more with Google Health Premium: With a premium membership, get personalized coaching that’s built with Gemini and adapts to your life[7]; get a 3-month trial at no cost to you[5] (Google Health Premium subscription sold separately)
What changed in 2026?
On May 19, 2026, Fitbit Premium became Google Health Premium and the Fitbit app became the Google Health app. The change also brought feature-name and availability changes, so older instructions may describe a different app experience. Read Google’s transition details before subscribing for a feature you remember from the old app.
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Google says Google Health Coach and Premium coaching features require a Fitbit or Pixel Watch, and users must be at least 18. They are available only in supported countries; Google’s help page lists the markets. Premium content and features may also vary by country, device, and language, and some content may be English-only.
Rank #3
- Google Fitbit Air is the unbelievably comfortable, exceptionally smart way to transform your health[1]; and Google Health brings together effortless tracking and adaptive coaching to help make the most of your everyday[2]
- Unlock more with Google Health Premium: With a premium membership, get personalized coaching that’s built with Gemini and adapts to your life[2]; get a 3-month trial at no cost to you[5] (Google Health Premium subscription sold separately)
- Comfortable fit - One Size Tracker (130-210 mm): The lightweight, micro-adjustable fit sits comfortably and quietly, so you can wear Google Fitbit Air through work, play, and sleep; advanced sensors and new algorithms power more accurate, precise health tracking, 24/7[1]
- Designed for every occasion: With no screen to distract you or disrupt your style, your tracker moves seamlessly from bracelet to workout band to sleep band, and you can change looks in seconds – just press the pebble in, click, and go
- Long battery life: Google Fitbit Air’s battery lasts up to a week, and fast charging gets you one day of battery life in just five minutes[6,7]
Google Store Help also lists a Google Account, the Fitbit mobile app, a compatible Android or iOS device, and an internet connection among the requirements for Fitbit Premium. Check the current help pages for your country and device before paying, because supported features and availability can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Inspire 3 is the tracker that helps you find your energy, do what you love and feel your best – all you have to do is wear it;
- Compatible with Apple iOS 16.4 or higher and Android OS 11.0 or higher
- Move more: Stay motivated with a Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes, automatic exercise tracking, and reminders to move
- Stress less: Keep an eye on your well-being with a daily Stress Management Score, mindfulness sessions, relax breathing sessions, irregular heart rhythm notifications, SpO2, menstrual health tracking, resting heart rate, and more[1,2]
- Sleep better: Automatic sleep tracking, a daily detailed Sleep Score, smart wake vibrating alarm, and sleep mode help you improve your sleep quality[3]
Rank #4
- 【All-day Health Monitor】The fitness tracker watch will automatically track your real-time heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen throughout the day to help you better understand your health. Equipped with a high-performance chipset, the fitness tracker automatically analyzes your overall sleep quality (deep/light/wake time) at night and gives you a nightly sleep score in the app to help you adjust your lifestyle and make you healthier.
- 【Smart Notification Remider】 With Bluetooth connection to your phone, it can support incoming calls/text alerts/APP message notifications (WhatsApp/Facebook/Instagram etc.), you will never miss your important messages. With the fitness watch, you can also perform sedentary reminder, water reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, remote control photo, find devices, etc. to make your life healthier and smarter.
- 【25 Sports Modes】 Fitness tracker supports 25 professional sports modes, you can choose any number of sports modes as your exclusive sports modes in the app, such as walking, running, dancing, yoga, etc. and track your steps, heart rate, distance and calories to help you stay motivated, accomplish your sports goals, record your sports data, and make your sports more scientific.
- 【Long Battery Life】The fitness watch uses magnetic fast charging to provide a better battery life experience. It takes 1-2 hours to fully charge and can be used for up to 7 days of regular use and 15 days of standby. Compatible mobile phone system: android5.0 (inclusive) and IOS9.0 (inclusive) or above.
- 【1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen】AMOLED HD touch color screen is designed with clear and bright display, providing you with high quality touch and visual experience. This smartwatch includes a large number of original dials and supports custom dials.
How to decide whether to subscribe
- Identify the feature you want. Check whether it is a paid feature now, rather than relying on an older article or app screenshot.
- Check compatibility and location. Confirm that your tracker or watch supports the feature and that it is offered in your country and language.
- Weigh the feature against the price shown to you. Subscribe only if the current coaching, insight, or content is worth its cost to you; a subscription is not needed simply to track activity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
