Fitbit Air vs Garmin Forerunner 70: A Detailed Step Count Comparison

Understanding the Comparison of Fitbit Air and Garmin Forerunner 70

A recent direct comparison between the Fitbit Air and Garmin Forerunner 70, two popular fitness trackers in 2026, revealed impressive results. To assess their performance, I walked 3,000 steps while wearing both devices — the Fitbit Air on my right wrist and the Garmin Forerunner 70 on my left. This hands-on test, supplemented by a manual step count, aimed to determine which wearable would come out on top.

Testing Setup and Key Features

Before diving into the results, it’s essential to understand the distinct features of these two wearables. The Fitbit Air, retailing at $99, serves as a budget-friendly option without a screen, designed for users seeking basic health insights. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 70, priced at $249, is Garmin's latest entry-level running watch, offering more advanced features including onboard GPS for accurate location tracking.

Both devices do not require a subscription for basic tracking but offer premium features. Fitbit users can subscribe to Google Health Premium for personalized insights at $9.99 per month, while Garmin Connect+ provides similar services at $6.99 monthly.

Though the Garmin boasts GPS capabilities, the Fitbit relies on a smartphone connection for navigating distances and elevations during outdoor workouts.

Results from the Walk Test

During the walk test, I compared the counters from the Fitbit Air and Garmin Forerunner 70 against my manually counted steps. Below are the detailed results:

| Metric | Fitbit Air | Forerunner 70 | Control (Manual Count) | |--------------------------------|------------|----------------|------------------------| | Steps | 3,004 | 2,996 | 3,000 | | Distance | 1.61 miles | 1.57 miles | 1.60 miles | | Climb | 165 feet | 154 feet | 176 feet | | Average pace (elapsed) | 18:31 | 17:48 | 18:21 | | Average heart rate | 116 bpm | 125 bpm | N/A | | Max heart rate | 161 bpm | 163 bpm | N/A |

Both wearables showcased remarkable accuracy; the difference in step counts was only four steps for the Fitbit and four steps for the Garmin when measured against my manual tally. This aligns with Tom's Guide standards for accuracy.

Accuracy in Tracking Metrics

The Fitbit Air slightly outperformed the Garmin in distance measurements, aligning closely with my manual tracking recorded by the Strava app, which logged 3,006 steps taken. Notably, the elevation tracking on the Fitbit was more accurate due to its integration with the smartphone’s altimeter, as the Garmin lacks a barometric altimeter.

Interestingly, while both devices recorded similar max heart rates, the Fitbit's average was notably lower than that of the Garmin. This discrepancy might be due to their different positioning on my arms.

Conclusion: Who Takes the Crown?

In the end, the results headline a tie between these two impressive wearables. Both the Fitbit Air and Garmin Forerunner 70 demonstrated exceptional tracking accuracy, albeit with slightly different features to suit different user preferences. The Fitbit Air emerges as a remarkable option for value seekers, while the Garmin appeals to users who desire advanced tracking features.

With the performance seen from both devices, it’s clear that they are among the best fitness trackers available in 2026. Users can confidently choose either option depending on their specific fitness tracking needs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, whether you opt for the economically priced Fitbit Air or the feature-laden Garmin Forerunner 70, both devices promise to deliver solid fitness tracking capabilities. As I continue evaluating the Garmin Forerunner 70, it seems poised to make a notable impact in future reviews alongside its Fitbit counterpart.