If you are thinking of buying a fitness tracker,
the Fitbit Versa 2 and Fitbit Versa 3 are likely to be high on your list of possible candidates, which is why we're here to help you choose the one that's right for you. It's not just about whether the new model is the best Fitbit. The Versa 2 is a few years older, but it has stood the test of time well and packs many features you'd expect to find in a modern smartwatch, including blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) tracking, music streaming, Amazon Alexa, and the ability to make contactless payments via NFC.
(Image credit: Fitbit) It's also a nice watch with a sleek stainless steel bezel, a choice of three colors, and a special-edition version with a woven jacquard strap in addition to the standard silicone one. It also offers onboard music storage that the new Versa 3 lacks, and it's cheaper, which can be a deal breaker if you're on a budget. However, it lacks some of
the most advanced tools of the Versa 3, especially when it comes to fitness tracking. More importantly, the Versa 3 has its own built-in GPS, which gives more accurate results than the Versa 2, which you have to piggyback on your phone to track location. If you're training for your first running event, maybe that's what tips the scales in favor of the Versa 3. Read on to find out all the most important differences between the two devices so you can make the right choice.
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3L: price and availability
The Fitbit Versa 2 launched in September 2019 and is currently available direct from Fitbit for €179.95 / €169.99 / €299.95AU. You can often find it cheaper at third-party retailers, but Fitbit also does its own sales, when you might be able to pick it up for even less. The Versa 3 became available for pre-order in August 2020 and began shipping in September of the same year. It costs slightly more than the previous model in the US and UK, and is significantly more expensive in Australia. As of this writing, the Versa 3 is available from Fitbit for €229.95 / €199.99 / €399.99AU, but you may be able to find a better price at a third-party store. We've rounded up the best deals below. When you buy either watch, you can also sign up for a free three-month trial of Fitbit Premium, which will give you additional features in the smartphone app, including access to more data. History, as well as meditation sessions led by Deepak Chopra. and additional training. .
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: design
- Same shape and basic materials
- Versa 3 has more modern lines
- Versa 2 has a special edition variant
Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 look pretty similar at first glance, but there have been several updates. For the Versa 3, the company introduced new design principles using curved shapes that it says are inspired by the human body. It's a more modern look overall, which can help tip the scales in your favor if design is one of your priorities.
(Image credit: Fitbit) Indeed, the Versa 3 looks almost identical to the Fitbit Sense that launched at the same time, but it has a significantly different set of features, including a sensor that detects changes in the conductivity of your skin, which used to estimate your stress level. Both Versa watches have a polymer case, with a sleek aluminum bezel and soft silicone strap as standard, although the Versa 2 is also available in a special version with an additional woven jacquard strap included. Whichever watch you buy, you'll get small and large bracelets in the box, and you can shop for alternative models if you want a change. The Versa 2 is available in three colors:
- Black with carbon aluminum
- Stone with fog gray aluminum
- Petal with Aluminum Copper Rose
The Versa 3 has five color options:
- Midnight with soft gold foil
- Black with black aluminum
- Pink clay with Soft Gold aluminum
- Thistle with Smooth Golden Aluminum
- Olive with Smooth Golden Aluminum
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: screen
- They both have an AMOLED screen
- Fitbit Versa 3 has higher resolution
Both watches share the same square-shaped AMOLED screen with rounded corners. The Versa 2 has a 300 x 300 pixel resolution, while the Versa 3 has a 336 x 336 pixel resolution, which means it can display more detailed graphics, sharper graphics, and more text at once (especially useful when receiving smartphone notifications).
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Health and Fitness Features
- Fitbit Versa 3 has built-in GPS
- Versa 3 offers breathing exercises
- Both have an SpO2 sensor
The biggest difference between the two watches is that the Versa 3 has its own built-in GPS, while the Versa 2 must use your phone's GPS receiver. This means that
Versa 3 owners can go for a run, bike ride or walk without their phone, while still monitoring your route, distance and speed during your workout. Watches with onboard GPS also tend to give more accurate results than those that rely on a smartphone connection, making the Versa 3 a better choice if you're training for an event like a 5k or 10k where every meter counts. . For a more relaxed exercise, the Versa 2 will be perfect. Both the Versa 2 and Versa 3 have 24/7 heart rate tracking, as well as all-day step tracking. They also have more than 20 dedicated training modes, as well as automatic tracking if they detect that you've started training without manually starting tracking.
(Image credit: Fitbit) They also track your sleep, giving you a report each morning on your sleep habits and quality in the Fitbit smartphone app. Both watches can also track your breathing rate, but only the Versa 3 also includes a pre-installed app that offers guided breathing sessions. Both the Versa 2 and Versa 3 offer blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, but it's worth noting that they only do this while you're sleeping, unlike some more advanced sports watches, which do allow you to do a spot check. whenever. It's not a medical tool, but it can be helpful in checking for signs of conditions like sleep apnea (which causes you to briefly stop breathing during the night), so it's worth a discussion with your doctor. The Fitbit app can generate reports that you can share with your GP.
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Smartwatch Features
- The Versa 2 can store music
- Versa 3 lets you receive calls
- Both support contactless payments
There are big differences between the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Versa 3 when it comes to the overall functionality of the smartwatch, which can make the new watch look more attractive.
Versa 2 and Versa 3 are compatible with Amazon AlexaBut Versa 2 also supports Google Assistant, making it the best option if you've outfitted your home with Google Home smart devices. There are also differences in the music. Both watches let you control your Spotify playlist from your wrist (as long as you have a Spotify Premium subscription), and the Versa 3 also supports streaming from Deezer.
(Image credit: Fitbit) However, while the Fitbit Versa 2 can store up to 300 songs, the Fitbit Versa can't. If you're not using a music streaming service, you can go for the Versa 2. Unlike the Versa 2,
the Versa 3 lets you take calls on your wrist and send callers to voicemail if you're in the middle of a workout, as long as your phone is within Bluetooth range. Both devices can receive app notifications and support contactless payments via Fitbit Pay, but it's worth checking that your bank is one of the supported ones. Apple Pay and Google Pay are much more compatible. You can download additional apps for any watch through the Fitbit app store, accessible through the smartphone app.