Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Google’s new Fitbit Air is experiencing widespread stock shortages across major retailers, with delivery delays up to two weeks.
- This £84.99 screenless fitness tracker appeals to users seeking distraction-free technology and costs significantly less than competitors like Whoop.
- The black Obsidian colorway faces particularly high demand, while some retailers offer Berry and Lavender models with next-day delivery options.
Google’s Fitbit Air launched to a lot of hype and that seems to have converted into sales as the screenless fitness tracker is sold out or delayed at many retailers.
During pre-order, it was the black Obsidian colourway (pictured) which was proving popular and quickly got backordered ahead of the release date. Now, less than a week after it went on sale, the Fitbit Air is proving hard to find in all colours – though we are here to help if you’re looking to order one.
The official Google Store – which seems to be the only place with the Fog colour – has all models shipping at a two-week delay. You’ll get one 16-17 June at the time of writing.
The same is true at Amazon UK for the Obsidian model and it’s worse at 30 June for Lavender. You can get the Berry colour delivered next day with Prime, but this hue has more niche appeal.
Currys is seeing the same effect, with only the Berry model available while Obsidian and Lavender are out of stock.
John Lewis has both Berry and Lavender in stock online, but no luck if you want the discreet black band, while Very is out of stock for every model.
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Your best bet for securing a Fitbit Air might be at Argos, where you may be able to collect from a physical store nearby on the same day or very soon. Alternatively, you can get it delivered next day for the Berry or Lavender colours or four days for Obsidian at the time of writing.
If delivery is your only option, Very has all three colours available with free click and collect to pick up points like InPost lockers or £3.99 home delivery.
Why is the Fitbit Air so popular?
Though screenless trackers aren’t a new thing, the Fitbit Air is proving to be a huge success for a combination of reasons.
For starters, it’s the first new Fitbit in many years and although it’s owned by Google these days, the brand name is still very strong and synonymous with fitness trackers for many people.
Fitbit Air: 3 things to know before you buy
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
It’s also because the Fitbit Air is so cheap at just £84.99, at least compared to rivals such as Whoop – one of the leading brands which requires a hefty subscription fee to get and use a Whoop Strap.
These, blended with the fact that more people want distraction-free tech (which is cheaper than a smart ring such as the Oura Ring 5), make it a no-brainer for many people.
Gone are the days when a fitness tracker was just a screen on your wrist nagging you to hit 10,000 steps every day, regardless of whether that is actually going to be good for you or not.
It is worth noting that the cost of the Fitbit Air isn’t the only financial factor. The new Google Health app, which replaces the Fitbit app, also has a Premium subscription to take over from Fitbit Premium.
Although we’ve found the software experience great so far, you’ll have to pay a monthly or annual fee to use certain features such as the AI-powered Google Health Coach. More casual users may be able to get what they need from the data without this additional cost, though.
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