Fitbit essentially created the modern fitness tracker category when it launched its first device in 2009. The original Fitbit was a simple clip-on pedometer, but the company rapidly iterated into wristbands and smartwatches that track steps, heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, and more. At its peak, Fitbit was the best-selling wearable brand in the world.
Google acquired Fitbit in 2021 for $2.1 billion. Under Google, Fitbit devices now integrate with Google’s health ecosystem, and the technology feeds into Pixel Watch and other Google hardware. The Fitbit app remains one of the most widely used health tracking platforms, with a massive community of active users sharing challenges and achievements.
Over the years, Fitbit has pushed into more serious health monitoring. Its devices can detect irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation), track menstrual cycles, measure skin temperature changes, and provide stress management scores. The company has invested in clinical research and received FDA clearances for several health features. Fitbit Premium, the subscription tier, adds personalized insights, guided workouts, and mindfulness content. While competition from Apple Watch and Samsung has intensified, Fitbit remains one of the most recognized brands in digital health.
