Should you upgrade from the Fitbit Versa 2 to the Fitbit Versa 3?
- Built-in GPS
- Improved heart-rate technology
- Active Zone Minutes feature
- Google Assistant & Alexa Built-in
- Fitbit Pay included
- More expensive
- Old bands won't work
All of the upgrades we've been holding out for are here. The new Fitbit Versa 3 offers built-in GPS as well as Active Zone Minutes, which was first released on the Charge 4. It also offers improved heart-rate monitoring technology, more voice assistant options, and a built-in mic/speaker so you can hear voice assistant responses and take calls.
Still a classicFitbit Versa 2
- Activity/health tracking
- Heart-rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- Fitbit Pay included
- Lacks built-in GPS
- No speaker
- No Active Zone Minutes feature
When you're seeking a wearable with a good blend of health/activity tracking and smartwatch features, look no further than the Fitbit Versa 2. It doesn't have built-in GPS or a speaker, but you'll have everything else you need to get the job done, like heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, Amazon Alexa, Fitbit Pay, and more.
Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2 What has changed?When a new edition gets released, it's important to understand what has changed so you can decide if it's a worthy upgrade. Upon comparing the Fitbit Versa 3 and the Fitbit Versa 2, it's clear that there were many improvements. Were you waiting for a Versa smartwatch with built-in GPS? Check. Perhaps you've been holding out for more accurate heart rate data? Check. You also get Active Zone Minutes, a mic and built-in speaker, and more voice assistant options with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A recent update enables Google Assistant as well as audible replies, voice calls, and more.
If these updates don't jump out at you, then you might be content with basic health/activity tracking. Fortunately, the Fitbit Versa 2 is one of the best fitness trackers for casual users and is still a great smartwatch. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you've been in the game for a while now, the Versa 2 is still an excellent pick for the right type of user.
The Fitbit Versa 3 checks every single box
As you might expect, everything you already know and love about the Fitbit Versa 2 is also available on the new Fitbit Versa 3. Some of the tried-and-true features include multiple goal-based exercise modes, heart-rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, female health tracking, and Fitbit Pay.
You'll enjoy a familiar but improved design that includes a larger display area, softer lines, increased comfort, better responsiveness, as well as quicker, more effortless interactions. The 40mm aluminum case comes in Soft Gold and Black.
We can't forget to mention the new infinity band system, which is geared toward superior flexibility and comfort. The quick-release functionality makes it easy to change your watch bands. Unfortunately, this means that any old Fitbit Versa bands you might own will not be compatible with this new model.
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Fitbit Versa 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.58-inch AMOLED, 336x336 | 1.4-inch AMOLED, 300x300 |
| Dimensions | 40x40x12mm | 40x40x12mm |
| Sensors | GPS + GLONASS, optical heart rate sensor, gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, altimeter, SpO2, ambient light sensor | Optical heart rate, accelerometer, altimeter, SpO2, ambient light sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Battery life | 6+ days | 5+ days |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Onboard GPS | ||
| Fitbit Pay | ||
| Microphone | ||
| Speaker | ||
| PurePulse 2.0 | ||
| Active Zone Minutes |
Battery life and charging are also better on the Fitbit Versa 3. You get an extra day of battery life for a total of six days with typical use. When you need to charge your watch in a hurry, the new fast-charging feature provides you with a full day of battery life after being on the charger for only 12 minutes.
Another selling point for the Versa 3 is the improved heart-rate monitoring with PurePulse 2.0 technology. The company states that this feature is designed to deliver the most advanced heart rate technology yet. You'll also receive high and low heart rate notifications thanks to this perk. Active Zone Minutes are also present, which was a new feature that rolled out with the Fitbit Charge 4 release. It alerts you with a buzz to let you know when you've achieved your personalized target heart rate zone during an activity.
The Fitbit Versa 2 is efficient at handling the basics
If you're familiar with the Fitbit Versa 2, you know it boasts a sleek and unique squircle design. Just like its successor, this smartwatch has a stunning AMOLED display that's easy to navigate. It also comes in a 40mm aluminum case that's available in Carbon, Mist Grey, and Copper Rose. These bands work on the company's old system, which are the same bands used on all previous models. The Fitbit Versa 2 offers up to five days of battery life.
Those who want basic and seamless health/activity tracking will likely appreciate the overall ease of use that comes with the Fitbit Versa 2. You'll have goal-based exercise modes, automatic workout detection, on-screen workouts, heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and female health tracking. Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Versa 2 is GPS. It's not quite as convenient as you'll need to have your phone to utilize connected GPS here.
It might be a fitness-focused watch, but there are some other neat features you'll enjoy on the Versa 2. One example is Amazon Alexa built-in, which lets you use the built-in microphone to speak directly to your watch. Whether you want to set a reminder or voice a text reply, it's a helpful feature to have. However, there's no speaker, so you'll need to look at your screen to read voice assistant responses. Other perks include smartphone notifications, Fitbit Pay, and music storage. It's not the newest kid on the block, but it's still one of the best Fitbit smartwatches you can buy.
Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 2 Should you upgrade?
By now, you've probably caught on to the fact that the Fitbit Versa 3 is a solid upgrade pick. It's not overly expensive in comparison to its predecessor, either. If you've been waiting for some of these new features and can afford to treat yourself, it will be worth it.
To recap, users can expect more accurate heart rate data, additional voice assistant options, a mic/speaker for calls and voice assistant responses, Active Zone Minutes, and built-in GPS. It's definitely a worthwhile upgrade for those who value the new features.
With that in mind, there are still many users who might prefer the predecessor. The Fitbit Versa 2 is ideal for various types of people. Whether you're a beginner or you prefer to work with a simpler fitness smartwatch, this wearable will likely remain a favorite among Fitbit users for the foreseeable future. It'll also be more affordable as the Versa 3 becomes the newer choice.
After all, there's a reason why it continues to hold its position as one of the best smartwatches on the market right now. It's worth noting that with the new release coming up, the Versa 2 is now available at a reduced price. All of the health/activity tracking you need at a discounted price? Not a bad deal.
More to loveFitbit Versa 3
Upgrades in all the right places
$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at Walmart
As if the line of Versa smartwatches wasn't already beloved, the new edition makes things even better. The much-needed upgrades are all here: built-in GPS, Active Zone minutes, mic/speaker, improved heart-rate monitoring, and more voice assistant options.
Still a classicFitbit Versa 2
Affordable basics
$179 at Amazon$130 at Best Buy$179 at Walmart
If you don't consider the upgrades to be all that fascinating, then you'll probably be more than happy with the Versa 2. It's great for covering basic health/activity tracking need with features such as heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, female health-tracking, and more.