ConsFirst / Fitness trackers / Compare
Amazfit Helio Strap vs Fitbit (Google) Google Fitbit Air
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Amazfit Helio Strap ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on battery life, app & insights, no hidden costs. Fitbit (Google) Google Fitbit Air wins on tracking accuracy (as tested), comfort & screen.
The biggest complaint about the Amazfit Helio Strap is unreliable automatic workout detection; for the Fitbit (Google) Google Fitbit Air it's automatic workout tracking is hit or miss. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Amazfit Helio Strap | Fitbit (Google) Google Fitbit Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in fitness trackers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Screenless band | Screenless band |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 12% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Tracking accuracy (as tested) | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| Battery life | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| App & insights | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Comfort & screen | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| No hidden costs | 5.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150 (or subscription-priced). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Amazfit Helio Strap
- Unreliable automatic workout detection
Tom's Guide's tester saw it log short bike rides but miss a full yoga class, and fold a car drive into a hike at 57 mph. She resorted to starting every workout manually. Amazon owners are mixed on accuracy, with some reporting inaccurate data.
- Sleep tracking or the strap fails for some owners
Amazon's review summary says sleep tracking stops working after a week for some customers, some find the strap itchy, and some say it doesn't work for them.
- Battery and charger quirks
Wirecutter got eight days against the 10-day claim. Tom's Guide calls the charger 'incredibly losable'.
Fitbit (Google) Google Fitbit Air
- Automatic workout tracking is hit or miss
Wirecutter found auto-detection unreliable after weeks of use, especially for non-running exercise, and there's no button to start a workout. Tom's Guide says auto-tracking only starts after 15 minutes, and PCMag lists limited automatic workout tracking and fewer workout details as cons.
- No screen, no GPS: data lives in the app
Wirecutter notes you can't get real-time updates without your phone, and there's no built-in GPS. Tom's Guide also lists no onboard GPS as a con.
- Mixed sleep tracking, pairing and reliability reports
Amazon's review summary says sleep tracking and connectivity are mixed, with some owners reporting poor sleep tracking or trouble pairing with phones. It also notes doubts about step accuracy and some units working for only a week. Tom's Guide adds that advanced sleep tracking and the Gemini coach need the $10/month subscription.
Who should pick which
Pick the Amazfit Helio Strap if
Whoop-style recovery data without a subscription
Detailed sleep tracking
Budget screenless tracking
Skip it if: You rely on automatic workout detection; You want Whoop-level depth; You tend to lose small chargers
Pick the Fitbit (Google) Google Fitbit Air if
People who find screens and notifications distracting
Accurate steps and heart rate for $99
Wearing a tracker 24/7, including in bed
Skip it if: You want to see stats on your wrist during a workout; You rely on automatic workout detection; You don't want a Google account or a subscription upsell
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.