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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Some Pixel Watch users want Google to include paid health features with the watch or remove the subscription barrier. The service is now called Google Health Premium: Google says Fitbit Premium was renamed on May 19, 2026. The complaint is about which features should come with a paid watch—not a claim that the watch stops tracking health without a subscription.
What Pixel Watch owners can use without Premium
Google describes activity, sleep, and health tracking as part of the Google Health experience for people using a connected Fitbit device or Pixel Watch. Its Pixel Watch help page says the watch tracks activity and sleep, while its general activities guidance says devices track steps and active minutes, with other metrics varying by device. These are Google’s documented capabilities, not independent test results.
Google distinguishes that tracking from paid coaching. Its Fitness tab provides activity tracking and metrics; Google Health Premium adds a personalized weekly fitness plan created with Google Health Coach. Google identifies coaching and personalized plans as Premium features. The older Google Store help page also lists examples such as personalized insights, guided workouts, mindfulness content, and device-specific running recommendations. That page still uses the Fitbit Premium name; Google has since renamed the service. Feature availability can vary by device, country, and language.
So “paywall” is shorthand for particular insights, recommendations, and coaching—not evidence that every health metric or the watch’s basic tracking is locked away. The feature list and its limits can change, so check Google’s current Google Health overview, Premium details, and Pixel Watch activity and sleep guidance for your device and region.
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#1 Best Overall
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
Why users object to the subscription
The complaint is about the boundary between hardware and an ongoing service. Buyers may expect a watch they have paid for to provide useful access to its measurements, while Google treats personalized plans and coaching as subscription benefits. That distinction matters: a reader who mainly wants activity and sleep tracking may see little reason to pay, while someone who values structured guidance may consider the additional service worthwhile.
In a 2022 Reddit thread, one user argued that Premium should come with the watch or be bundled into Google One; other commenters disagreed about the value of the features. More recent Reddit comments have described a “decent amount of information behind the paywall” and said they would not pay for it. These are individual opinions, not a representative poll. The available evidence does not establish how many Pixel Watch owners want Google to remove the paywall, or whether most agree.
Rank #2
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
What Google currently offers
A trial for eligible accounts
Google says eligible new or returning Google Account users may be offered a three-month Google Health Premium trial after updating to the Google Health app. Access to Premium coaching requires a Fitbit device or Pixel Watch and an age of at least 18. Eligibility and supported countries can change; check Google’s current trial and availability information before relying on the offer.
Inclusion with Google AI plans
Google says Premium is included at no extra cost for Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers who have a Fitbit device or Pixel Watch. This is a bundle route, not removal of the subscription requirement for everyone: it depends on having one of those paid AI plans. Details are on Google’s Google AI plan benefits page.
Rank #3
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
- See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
- Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
- Train smarter with 40+ exercise modes and real-time stats on your wrist[8]; and with high-precision dual-frequency GPS, you get more accurate route tracking on runs and hikes[1]
Renewal and cancellation
Google’s subscription terms say subscriptions renew automatically until canceled, and cancellation takes effect at the end of the current subscription term. A free trial converts to recurring billing unless canceled before it ends; Google says it will notify users of applicable fees before charging. See the Google Health Premium terms and billing information for the applicable details. The price can depend on region and purchase channel, so confirm it where you subscribe.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What a fairer policy could look like
Removing every subscription feature is only one possible response. A more useful debate separates device-generated health data from services that require continuing development and delivery.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel Watch has a beautiful circular, domed design and new experience with Wear OS by Google, so it’s easy to get help at a glance
- Stay on top of activity, calories burned, and more with Fitbit activity tracking
- Track your heart rate and get insight into your sleep
- Save time with things like Google Wallet for contactless payments, turn-by-turn directions using Maps, and event notifications from Calendar
- Stay connected and productive wherever you go; respond to messages, manage your inbox, and make calls right from your wrist
- Keep core tracking available with the watch: activity and sleep records are central to the device’s everyday use. Buyers may reasonably expect access to the measurements their watch records.
- Charge for optional coaching: personalized plans, recommendations, and guided content are distinct from displaying measurements. A subscription can fund ongoing services, but the value should be clear to the people asked to pay.
- Make the hardware and service boundary explicit: buyers should be able to tell before purchase which features work without a subscription, which require Premium, and whether those features are supported for their device, country, and language.
- Offer bundles without making them the only practical route: Google’s AI Pro and Ultra inclusion gives some subscribers access, but it does not replace a straightforward standalone choice for watch owners who do not want an AI plan.
These are policy options, not changes Google has announced. The key question is whether the paid features provide enough value to justify a recurring fee without making the watch’s basic health tracking feel incomplete.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
- Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
- Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
