First-generation product — no historical cycle data to predict a successor
Full details →| Garmin Venu | Fitbit Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $549 | $99★ |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ℹ️ Optional — $99/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 42g | 12g★ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 50m |
| Battery | 12 days★ | 7 days |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Fitness Tracker |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 22, 2025 | May 7, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | good★ |
| Next model | — | — |
The Venu 4 adds on-demand ECG (a first for the Venu line) alongside Garmin's signature Body Battery energy score — combining health monitoring and daily readiness in one watch.
A white/red LED flashlight and a speaker/microphone for hands-free calling — practical features that set the Venu 4 apart from the Venu 3.
SatIQ multi-band GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, with up to 12 days of battery life in the 45mm model — significantly more than any comparable smartwatch.
Unlike WHOOP, there is no mandatory membership — pay $99 once and use Fitbit Air with the free Google Health app. Google Health Premium ($9.99/month) is optional.
Continuous heart rate, SpO2, HRV, and skin temperature tracking plus background FDA-certified AFib detection, in a 12g pebble designed to be worn and forgotten.
A week between charges, with a 5-minute top-up delivering a full day of use — significantly less downtime than WHOOP's slide-on charging system.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$396 vs $759 over 3 years · no required subscription.
12 days vs 7 days battery.
8 sensors.
12g · no required subscription.
Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch for everyday wear. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The Venu 4 adds ECG and a flashlight to the formula — ideal for anyone who wants a capable lifestyle watch with genuine health monitoring depth.
Full details →Health-focused users who want passive, 24/7 biometric tracking without a screen on their wrist. Particularly strong for those drawn to WHOOP but put off by the subscription model — the Fitbit Air delivers comparable core health data for $99 outright. Works with both iOS and Android.
Full details →