Fitbit Versa review

As fans of the larger, more expensive Ionic, we appreciate that for the Versa Fitbit hasn’t cut back many features to allow for the smaller watch size and much-cheaper price-tag. The lack of built-in GPS affects only the determined phone-free runner, and most of us run with our smartphone anyway so the Versa can use the GPS on the phone. The new Female Health Tracking functions are helpful to 50% of the population, and it will be interesting to see what insights these bring to the Versa user and health professionals in general. While it's not the most accomplished smartwatch it remains one of the best activity trackers. While new apps are being added all the time, Fitbit's place in the smartwatch arena is its superior fitness, health and activity tracking features, and the Versa looks like it will win over more people to the Fitbit smartwatch world.

Fitbit Versa Review

For its second smartwatch, Fitbit is taking a more casual approach. As its name implies, the Versa is versatile in design, with myriad customizable clock faces, straps, and color options. It's versatile in functionality as well, capable of tracking all of your typical fitness metrics, as well as fielding your texts, calls, and app notifications. It even has its own solid app library. And at $199.95, the Versa is one of the more affordable fitness tracker-smartwatch hybrids on the market. If that wasn't enough, it's also one of the first to natively support female health tracking both in app and on-device. That makes it our Editors' Choice for smartwatches. Sleek and Chic You'd be forgiven for thinking the Versa is the Apple Watch at first glance. From the "squircle" display to the modular straps, the resemblance is uncanny—and that's a good thing. Where the Fitbit Ionic's blocky design leans sporty, the Versa's rounded corners make for a sleeker, friendlier look and feel. It's wat...

The Fitbit Versa offers just the right blend of smartwatch and fitness tracking features for a reasonable price.

Sleek, lightweight design with lots of style options; Accurate fitness tracking; Guided workouts with Fitbit Coach; Stores music on-device; Long battery life; Supports female health tracking

Swapping straps isn't easy; Thick bezel

Fitbit Versa review: New look, better price, same limits

Fitbit’s first smartwatch, the Fitbit Ionic, was Fitbit at its most unapologetically Fitbit. Though a massive improvement on the Blaze, it was a little expensive and boasted a sportish look that wasn’t necessarily for everyone - even if fitness tracking experience was as rock-solid as these things come.

If its predecessor was the wearable that showed that Fitbit had the chops to make it in the smartwatch market, this is the one that you’ll actually probably want to buy.

Great form-factor; Solid fitness tracking;

Limited app functionality; No GPS;

Fitbit Versa review: Lacks GPS, but comes loaded with other features

The Fitbit Versa slips into a more affordable middle ground, but in doing so it loses some key sports functionality, while also struggling with truly extended battery endurance.

Compact design; Fitbit ecosystem and app; Lots of straps and colour choices;

Battery life isn't amazing; No GPS limitations; Bulky battery charging;

Fitbit Versa review review

Solid four-day battery life; Design has wider appeal than Ionic; Good exercise- and health-tracking for casual users;

Slightly erratic HR tracking and recording; Connected GPS rather than built-in GPS;