Google Fitbit Air Active Band vs Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men: which is safer?

These two grade almost identically. Pick on price and preference; neither has a PFAS edge.

Google Fitbit Air Active Band

Fitbit

Google Fitbit Air Active Band

PFAS grade

Excellent 85/100

Overall grade

Excellent 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Elastomer band, likely rubber or silicone

Confidence

45%

PossibleContact dermatitis or skin sensitization from elastomer additives

PossibleBacterial or mold growth in crevices

TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men

TomTom

Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men

PFAS grade

Excellent 85/100

Overall grade

Excellent 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

On watch case and band

Confidence

35%

PossiblePolymer case and band degradation

PossibleBacterial or mold growth in seals and band

Where these two actually differ

  • We flag Contact dermatitis or skin sensitization from elastomer additives and Bacterial or mold growth in crevices on the Fitbit and not on the TomTom.
  • We flag Polymer case and band degradation and Bacterial or mold growth in seals and band on the TomTom and not on the Fitbit.
  • The Fitbit is Elastomer band, likely rubber or silicone where the TomTom is On watch case and band, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
  • These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More waterproof fitness trackers & cases: see the full ranking