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Quick answer: Every Fitbit Air band holds the same small tracker, so changing bands only changes the look and feel. Google’s own bands are the safest fit: the silicone Active Band for workouts, the fabric Performance Loop for all-day comfort, and the Elevated Modern Band for a dressier look. Third-party bands cost less, and a bicep band is worth trying if you want steadier heart rate readings during exercise.
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How Fitbit Air Bands Work
The Fitbit Air is a small screenless tracker, often called the pebble, that sits in a cradle built into the band. To change bands, you press the tracker out of the old band from the back and press it into the new one until it sits flush. The tracker is the same whichever band you use.
Google has also published design drawings of the tracker and its sleeve, including the exact dimensions, so other companies can make bands that fit. That’s one reason so many third-party bands are already on sale, just months after the Fitbit Air launch.
Official Google Fitbit Air Bands
Google sells three official band styles. All three are made only for the Fitbit Air.
Active Band: Best for Workouts
See the Active Band (Small) · See the Active Band (Large)
The Active Band is sweat- and water-resistant silicone, so it’s the one to wear for runs, the gym and swimming. It comes in two sizes: Small fits wrists 130–175 mm around, and Large fits 165–210 mm.
Performance Loop: Best for All-Day Comfort
The Performance Loop is a soft woven band made from recycled polyester, nylon and elastane yarn, with a stainless steel buckle. It’s micro-adjustable, so you can get a snug fit, and one size fits wrists 130–210 mm around. It’s a good choice if you wear the tracker to bed.
Elevated Modern Band: Best Dressy Option
The Elevated Modern Band is a smooth polyurethane band with a stainless steel buckle, for a dressier look than the sporty bands. It’s one size, fitting wrists 130–210 mm around. Online, it’s currently sold only by third-party sellers, often above Google’s price, so check the price before you buy.
Want a dressy look for less? These two are newer options with only a few reviews so far, so read the latest reviews before you buy:
- Harikiri Leather Band: a leather strap with a metal case that holds the tracker, for work or evenings out.
- BlackPro Stainless Steel Mesh Band: a woven metal mesh band with a magnetic clasp that adjusts anywhere along the strap.
Third-Party Fitbit Air Bands Worth a Look
Third-party bands usually cost less and come in more colors and materials. Because they aren’t made by Google, fit can vary, so check that the tracker sits flush and read recent reviews for complaints about it slipping out.
- OHOTLOVE Silicone Sport Band: a simple silicone replacement with hundreds of ratings, and the easiest budget swap for the Active Band.
- FINTIE Nylon Loop Band: a woven nylon band with a hook-and-loop closure. The maker says its open-back design keeps the sensors uncovered.
- Magnetic Nylon Band: closes with a magnet instead of a buckle, so it’s quick to put on and take off.
Fitbit Air Bicep Bands
In DC Rainmaker’s in-depth review, the Fitbit Air’s thin band could let light leak onto the heart rate sensor, which hurts accuracy. Wearing the tracker on your upper arm is one way around that, and DC Rainmaker welcomed bicep bands once Google released its band specs. Early testing of arm-worn setups also looks promising. Google doesn’t sell an official bicep band yet.
- CozyNuukee Nylon Bicep Band: a stretch nylon arm band with a metal frame that holds the tracker. The maker lists it as adjustable from 9 to 16.5 inches, and it also works on the wrist.
- Zspoly Bicep Band: a soft woven nylon arm band with a hook-and-loop closure.
Whichever you choose, the tracker needs to sit flat against your skin. If your readings still look off, tighten the band a little.
Fitbit Air Bands Compared
| Band | Material | Fit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Active Band | Silicone | Small 130–175 mm, Large 165–210 mm | Workouts, swimming |
| Google Performance Loop | Recycled woven yarn | One size, 130–210 mm | All-day and sleep |
| Google Elevated Modern Band | Polyurethane | One size, 130–210 mm | Work and going out |
| Harikiri Leather / BlackPro Steel Mesh | Leather / stainless steel mesh | See listing | Dressy look on a budget |
| OHOTLOVE Sport Band | Silicone | See listing | Budget workout band |
| FINTIE Nylon Loop | Woven nylon | Hook-and-loop | Budget everyday band |
| Bicep bands | Stretch nylon | Upper arm | Steadier heart rate readings |
Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
Which Fitbit Air Band Size Do You Need?
Wrap a soft tape measure (or a strip of paper) around your wrist where you wear the tracker, and measure in millimeters. Google’s one-size bands fit 130–210 mm. For the Active Band, choose Small up to 175 mm and Large from 165 mm; if you’re in the overlap, pick the size that matches how snug you like it. For third-party bands, check the size range on the listing.
More on the Fitbit Air
Still deciding whether the tracker is worth it? Read our Fitbit Air review, including the privacy question most reviews skip and how it compares with Whoop.
Want the deeper investigation? This is one of the topics covered in The Wearable Scam Bible, our full investigation into fitness trackers, recovery scores and the subscription traps built into modern wearables. Check out the full series →
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fitbit Air bands interchangeable?
Yes. The tracker pops out of one band and into another, so any Fitbit Air band fits the same tracker. Bands for other Fitbit models do not fit the Fitbit Air.
What size Fitbit Air band do I need?
Measure your wrist in millimeters. Google’s one-size bands fit 130–210 mm. The Active Band comes in Small (130–175 mm) and Large (165–210 mm).
Can you wear the Fitbit Air on your bicep?
Yes, with a bicep band from a third-party maker. Google doesn’t sell one yet. Wearing it on the upper arm can give steadier heart rate readings during exercise.
Do third-party Fitbit Air bands work?
Many do, because Google published the tracker’s dimensions for accessory makers. Fit quality varies, so make sure the tracker sits flush and check recent reviews.
Which Fitbit Air band is best for swimming?
The silicone Active Band, which Google describes as sweat- and water-resistant. Fabric bands take longer to dry.
Sources
- Google: Introducing the new Google Fitbit Air
- Google Store: Fitbit Air Active Band
- Google Store: Fitbit Air Performance Loop Band
- 9to5Google: Google releases Fitbit Air blueprints
- DC Rainmaker: Google releases Fitbit Air specs, bicep bands welcomed
- DC Rainmaker: Fitbit Air In-Depth Review
- the5krunner: Fitbit Air arm sleeve
