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Despite being a dedicated lifter and rugby player for well over a decade, I routinely dismissed the notion that I needed to log my workouts, measure my heart rate, or know exactly how many calories I burned on the StairMaster. However, I eventually realized the error of my ways in the spring of 2023 when I embarked on the 75 Hard Challenge—a transformative mental toughness program that requires you to complete two 45-minute workouts daily. By going all-in on being as #disciplined as possible, I figured it was finally time to bite the bullet and invest in one of the best fitness trackers.
As a lifelong Apple user who used to carry around a chunky iPhone 3G in high school, I stayed loyal and splurged on an Apple Watch Series 8. It didn’t take long to see why so many gym-goers and even some of my personal training clients sang its praises. From its stylish design to its array of tech capabilities to its compatibility with my other devices, I was immediately hooked.
RELATED: Apple Watch Series 6 Review
Fast forward to the summer of 2024 and it’s almost unfathomable to think of not tracking a resistance training session or paying close attention to my heart rate. However, after relying on my trusty Series 8 for a little over a year, I put the apple back in the proverbial cart to make room on my wrist for a device that almost could pass for an Apple Watch: the Fitbit Versa 3.
But just because it boasts a similar aesthetic doesn’t necessarily mean it measures up to what many consider the king of the smartwatch community. In this Fitbit Versa 3 review, I’ll highlight some of my favorite features and point out some potential drawbacks so you can decide whether to join the Fitbit community for a fraction of the price of the newest Apple Watch.
Our Team Takes Fitness Tracking Testing to the Next Level
The GGR team features fitness professionals with decades of combined training experience. Our eclectic group of experts includes certified personal trainers (CPTs), CrossFit Level 1 trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and an Olympian weightlifter who puts all of us to shame whenever he gets his hands on one of the best Olympic barbells.
Although we each have different performance goals and are at different stages of our respective fitness journeys, most of the squad uses some type of fitness tracker or smartwatch on a daily basis. So, whenever we have an opportunity to test something from Fitbit, Garmin, Oura, Whoop, or another manufacturer, we hold them to high standards by scoring them on a 1-5 scale on factors such as:
- Aesthetics and design
- Adjustability
- Tech capabilities
- Value
Fitbit Versa 3
Fitbit Versa 3
Product Highlights
- Smart watch with fitness tracking capabilities
- Track activity, sleep, and 24/7 heart rate
- Features voice assistant: Google or Alexa
- 4 colors available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Includes 6-month Fitbit Premium membership
- Built-in GPS for phone-free workouts
- 6-day battery life with a full charge
- Tracks your sleep
Cons
- Full functionality—like readiness score—requires Fitbit premium
- Requires a Google account
- Customer reviews found the watch not durable
- Reviews state the battery life is not accurate
Bottom Line
The Fitbit Versa 3 tracks your activity, sleep, and 24/7 heart rate. To get all the available data you will have to subscribe to FitBit Premium. Fitbit advertises the watch with a 6 day battery life, but customers reviews state that isn’t accurate. Customer reviews also complained that the watch was not durable.
A Quick Look at the Fitbit Versa 3
Part of a long lineage of activity trackers, the Fitbit Versa 3 hit shelves in September 2020, one year after the release of the Fitbit Versa 2. It boasts impressive smartwatch features like an always-on display, a built-in GPS, 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, and skin temperature and sleep tracking. Priced competitively against contenders like the Apple Watch SE and Fitbit Sense (also released in September 2020), the Versa 3 offers a lot of bang for your buck for about $200.
Before You Buy
- The Versa 3 comes with a charging cable and two watch bands to accommodate users with wider wrists.
- A fully-charged Versa 3 has six days of battery life, with Fitbit claiming it takes just 12 minutes of charging for 24 hours of battery life.
- The Fitbit app is available on the Apple App store for iPhone users and the Google Play Store for Android users. You’ll need to download it to get more insight into health tracking metrics and other data.
- The Versa 3 includes a six-month Fitbit Premium trial that must be activated within 60 days of activating your device.
- While you can still buy the Versa 3 on Amazon, the Versa 4 has new features like a physical side button and 40 exercise modes.
Is the Fitbit Versa 3 Worth It?
For around $200, the Fitbit Versa can give you valuable insight on everything from your blood oxygen saturation while you sleep to how many active zone minutes you total throughout the day. Like many of the best smartwatches, it provides real-time notifications for text messages and phone calls, has Bluetooth connectivity, and allows you to control your Spotify playlists and music selection. Plus, it supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
As someone who’s grown to appreciate activity tracking, I think this versatile Fitbit device is worth the cost—especially if you’re looking to stay within a reasonable budget.
Great for:
- Anyone who wants to diligently track their workouts
- Cardio lovers who’d rather use the built-in GPS than bring their phone
- Individuals who want to monitor health metrics such as heart rate, sleep score, and SpO2 (blood oxygen levels)
Not recommended for:
- People who like using a physical button to unlock a touchscreen
- Users who want a stress tracker or electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Individuals who don’t want to have to spend more time on their phone to get data only available on the Fitbit app
Fitbit Versa 3 Specs
| Price | $198 |
| Display | 1.58” AMOLED touchscreen |
| GPS | Yes |
| Metrics tracked | 20+ exercise modes, active zone minutes, mindfulness, sleep, distance, steps, calories, oxygen saturation (SpO2), skin temperature variation, heart-rate variability, resting heart rate, breathing rate, and more |
| Water resistance | Waterproof up to 50 m |
| Workout programs | Fitbit App (free) or through Fitbit Premium subscription ($9.99 per month) |
| Battery life | 6+ days; lithium-polymer battery |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Using the Fitbit Versa 3
I’ll admit I had a little anxiety about ditching my Apple Watch for a new wearable. I’ll also admit I was eager to see if a Fitbit smartwatch could really convince me to leave the iOS life behind.
Although I’m still in love with my Series 8, I’ve enjoyed using the Versa 3 over the last month or so. While the slightly smaller screen, hit-or-miss haptic side button, and oddly designed charger have given me some slight headaches, there’s plenty to like about it. For one, the battery life is far superior than an Apple Watch or even the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which lasts up to 40 hours. In addition, it pairs with my iPhone to give me real-time notifications and voice assistant capabilities—two convenient features I appreciate.
From a fitness tracking perspective, I like that you can choose from 20-plus exercise modalities, including strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and rowing. The Versa 3 also provides heart-rate notifications during your workouts to let you know the heart-rate zone in which you’re working—a valuable feature that can help you maintain the right intensity level.
However, is the Versa 3 truly one of the best Fitbit models for the money? I’ll share my experience using it to track my workouts and sleep and provide feedback on key factors like the design and value below:
Setting Up the Fitbit Versa 3
Unboxing the Versa 3 almost made me do a double take since it looks almost exactly like my Apple Watch. Unfortunately, I found the smaller watch band to be a bit too snug for my liking. Luckily, Fitbit makes it easy to swap out bands with a simple click of a button—a notable improvement over previous models that had a fiddlesome clasp.
Once I got the bigger band attached, I downloaded the free Fitbit app on the Apple App Store. I set up an account, providing standard demographic information such as my sex, height, weight, and age. Other than encountering some minor difficulties connecting the Versa 3 to my Wi-Fi network (I blame that on my Internet service provider more than the watch), it was easy to pair the watch with my iPhone and the Fitbit app.
Design and Aesthetics
Measuring 0.49 inches thick and weighing about 1.5 ounces with the large band, the Versa 3 has a simple design that doesn’t particularly stand out in any way. As I mentioned earlier, it has a very similar look to an Apple Watch—just a bit slimmer and smaller. For some, that may be a drawback. For others, the sleek, unassuming aesthetic will suit you just fine. (I’m in the latter category).
While I went with the black-on-black version, Fitbit gives you some flexibility to expand your color palette. The other options include a soft gold face with either a midnight blue, pink, or thistle (purple) band. You can also purchase different styles of bands on the Fitbit website so you can tailor your Versa 3 to your outfit. Fitbit also supports third-party watch faces, which gives you hundreds of customization options.
Although the overall aesthetic didn’t exactly blow me away, I was immediately impressed by the brightly colored touchscreen display. Everything was easy to read, even when I stood outside under the scorching Florida sun. The display measures 40.1 mm, which is slightly smaller than the 45 mm display on my Series 8. However, there’s some noticeable lag when scrolling, swiping, and clicking that I never experience on my Apple Watch.
My only gripe with the design is replacing a physical button you can easily push with an indented haptic side button on the left side that can be finicky. I often find myself having to push it a few times to register a “click”—a minor annoyance that I never deal with with my Apple Watch. Overall, while I wouldn’t call the Versa 3 the most attractive smartwatch, it earns a 4-out-of-5 rating for design and aesthetics.
Adjustability
As I mentioned in the set-up section, the Versa 3 comes with two watch bands. While the small one fits a wrist between 5.5 to 7.1 inches in circumference, the large one fits a wrist between 7.1 to 8.7 inches. I actually found the large band to be a bit too long, as I still had to go halfway up the band to get it to fit snuggly.
Whether you want to swap out a band for aesthetics or comfort, it won’t take long. Simply flip the Versa 3 over, find the band latches, and slide the flat button toward the band to release it. Then, just press the end of the new band into the slot until you hear a click and it locks into place.
Capable of being adjusted in a matter of seconds, I have to give the Versa 3 a rating of 4.5 out of 5 in this category.
Tech Capabilities
Even though it’s by no means a new model, the Versa 3 still gives you ample tech capabilities. Here’s an overview of what’s inside from an engineering standpoint:
Sensors and Components
- Optical heart-rate tracker
- Altimeter (tracks altitude changes)
- Three-axis accelerometer that tracks motion patterns
- Ambient light sensor
- Built-in GPS receiver that tracks your location during a workout
- Device temperature sensor
- Vibration motor
- Speaker
- Microphone
Lifestyle Applications
The Versa 3 is much more than a fitness and sleep tracker. You can use it for a number of lifestyle-related functions, including:
- Fitbit Pay to make contactless purchases
- Control Spotify on your phone, computer, or other Spotify Connect device
- Voice assistant to send text messages from your wrist
- Set alarms or timers
- Connect your phone’s calendar to the Fitbit app
My Experience With the Versa 3
I love that the Versa 3 gives you so much data, especially if you take advantage of the Premium subscription. I wore it for about a month during strength training sessions, HIIT workouts, walks, and general daily use.
Interestingly, I found the heart-rate monitoring gave vastly different results than my Apple Watch. I generally have a good idea of my heart rate based on my experience as a CPT and athlete, and using my Series 8 for over a year has allowed me to become even more in tune with that metric.
Yet when I wore the Versa 3 for some HIIT workouts, I was surprised to see my heart rate was in the 110 BPM region when I knew it was significantly higher (I was really out of breath!). That gave me some pause about trusting its accuracy, especially since I consistently track my metrics with my Apple Watch and am generally in the same ballpark during most workouts.
Another aspect I found to be somewhat helpful but also not entirely useful is getting buzz notifications that correspond to your heart-rate zone. While I think it’s a good idea in theory, I’m not sure it’s that useful when you’re working out, as it’s easy to overlook some buzzing on your wrist.
I do, however, like that Fitbit focuses on “Active Zone Minutes” more than steps or calories burned. This metric gauges how much time you spend in moderate, vigorous, and peak heart-rate zones, giving you a better idea of how much you really push yourself.
Furthermore, sleep tracking technology can give you better insight into how much time you spend in light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. You can take a look at your sleep score and history on the app, which may encourage you to change your nighttime routine for better rest and recovery.
While there are some flaws, the Versa 3 is a versatile piece of technology that provides more than enough tech capabilities for the average person. As such, it earns 4 out of 5 stars.
Value
Available on Amazon for around $200, the Versa 3 represents rock-solid value. It’s not nearly as expensive as an Apple Watch Series 9 ($399), Google Pixel Watch 3 ($349.99) or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99), but still offers quite an impressive array of tech capabilities and features that beginners and advanced users can rely on to support their overall health and wellness.
As a budget-conscious fitness enthusiast, Fitbit deserves a tip of the cap for creating a versatile smartwatch at a reasonable price. As an added bonus, you get six months of Fitbit Premium access for free with the Versa 3, opening the door to even more data tracking and health metrics like a Daily Readiness Score that gauges if you’re ready for a workout or need to focus on recovery.
While you can certainly go in a number of directions with wearables—including the ultra-affordable Fitbit Charge 4—this is a solid choice for the money, especially with the six-month free trial. As a result, I’ll give the Versa 3 a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for value.
RELATED: Fitbit Charge 4 Review
Warranty and Returns
The Versa 3 comes with a one-year limited warranty. Although you can’t purchase this smartwatch through Fitbit’s website anymore, you can buy it on Amazon, which offers a 30-day return/refund policy.
While I’d love to have a multi-year warranty, I can’t complain too much about having a full year of coverage. I’ll give the Versa 3 a 4-out-of-5 rating for warranty and returns.
Community
As a certified personal trainer (CPT), I can tell you that accountability is one of the biggest keys to living a healthy lifestyle. While some people have no problem with self-motivation, others need support. That’s one area where Fitbit shines, as the community dashboard on the Fitbit app allows you to invite family and friends or set up a group for competitions.
Unfortunately, none of my friends or family are current Fitbit users, so I didn’t immerse myself in this part of the app. But for those who want to involve others in their fitness journey, this is a great feature that can help you utilize the Versa 3 to its full potential. I’ll give a 4-out-of-5 rating for this category.
Fitbit Versa 3 vs Fitbit Charge 4
Fitbit Charge 4
Fitbit Charge 4
Product Highlights
- Built-in GPS
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- Sleep tracking capabilities
- Water resistant up to 5 ATM/50 meters
- Under $150
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Under $100
- Built-in GPS and cellular capabilities
- 1-year limited warranty and a 45 day money back guarantee
- 24/7 heart rate sensor
Cons
- Small display face at just 1 inch wide
- Takes hours to charge fully
- Use of GPS significantly cuts down on battery life
Bottom Line
The FitBit is a classic fitness tracker capable of tracking your workouts, and it comes with built-in GPS.
Trying to figure out which Fitbit to get? If you’re in the market for an affordable fitness tracker that won’t take a huge bite out of your budget, consider the Versa 3 or the Charge 4. The former boasts a typical smartwatch look that’s reminiscent of the Apple Watch. The latter looks more like a traditional Fitbit device with a slim, vertical screen that displays in grayscale rather than color.
Both devices allow you to track more than 20 exercises, along with key metrics like steps, distance, sleep, and heart rate. Both boast excellent battery lives and built-in GPS technology that allows you to leave your phone at home when you go on a run or bike ride.
However, the Charge 4 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles (or the look) of a true smartwatch. If you want to save money and don’t need all the extras, this is a great option.
If you’re looking for an affordable Apple Watch alternative, the Versa 3 is the way to go.
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Fitbit Charge 4 | |
| Price | $198 | $129.99 |
| Display | 1.58” AMOLED touchscreen | PMOLED grayscale (18.3 mm across) |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Metrics tracked | 20+ exercise modes, active zone minutes, mindfulness, sleep, distance, steps, calories, oxygen saturation (SpO2), skin temperature variation, heart-rate variability, resting heart rate, breathing rate, and more | 20+ exercise modes, time, steps, distance, calories, heart rate, oxygen saturation, sleep, and more |
| Water resistance | Waterproof up to 50 m | Waterproof up to 50 m |
| Workout programs | Fitbit App (free) or through Fitbit Premium subscription ($9.99 per month) | Fitbit App (free) or through Fitbit Premium subscription ($9.99 per month) |
| Battery life | 6+ days; lithium-polymer battery | 7 days; lithium-polymer battery |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Customer Service
The Fitbit forum has a ton of FAQs and information available to help users troubleshoot all types of issues. Although I’ve been able to figure things out on my own, having that available is certainly helpful.
My one issue is that the Versa 3 is grouped in with “Other Versa Smartwatches” instead of having a dedicated page. This can make it more challenging to find information on this specific model. Overall, I’ll give Fitbit a 4-out-of-5 rating for customer service.
Ordering the Fitbit Versa 3
With Google completing its acquisition of Fitbit in January 2021 and shifting the focus to the Pixel smartwatch family, the Versa 3 is no longer available on the Fitbit website. However, you can still order this model on Amazon.
Customer Reviews
The Fitbit Versa 3 has earned plenty of praise on Amazon, racking up a rating of 4.2 stars based on just over 26,000 reviews. Many customers appreciate its excellent display and battery life. Most importantly, many have found it valuable for improving their health.
“I bought it after having a stroke and the doctor wanted me to count my steps. I needed to reach 10,000 a day. So glad I purchased it and the premium plan. It has helped change my sleep, made me more aware of my day to day activity. I track my sleep and exercise as well as my water intake and of course my heart rate. I love the relax button to slow my breathing and calm down. I only take it off to shower and charge it. Absolutely LOVE my Fitbit!” a customer named Yolanda wrote in her 5-star review.
Another reviewer named Jessica VanLinter expressed a similar sentiment about how the Versa 3 has helped her take better control of her health and wellness.
“I love my Versa 3. This has been life changing for me to track everything in my day to day from food and water, workouts to walks, my sleep patterns, and my blood sugars! This has been an integral part to getting my unified health back on track. The Versa data is linkable to health accounts, and is shareable amongst families. And the app features that you can add at little to no cost are also great!”
However, several customers highlighted a variety of issues, including Bluetooth and syncing issues.
“Overall decent, but have not had a great experience with this Versa compared to previous versions. The day of the week and time often stall and I need to let my battery deplete in order to reset. I’ve also had to uninstall/reinstall the app several times. Hoping it’s just mine, but wanted to share,” a purchaser named Michael Wing wrote in his 3-star review.
Final Verdict of Our Fitbit Versa 3 Review
Is the Fitbit Versa 3 the best smartwatch available? Considering it was released almost four years ago, it would be disingenuous to give it that title.
However, can it be a useful tool that allows you to take your fitness game to the next level?
Absolutely.
For around $200, you get a well-designed smartwatch with a built-in GPS, a wealth of tracking technology, and more than enough features to keep you busy. Just remember that as much as you may want to know more about your health metrics, sleep quality, and workout performance, don’t get wrapped up spending too much time staring at another screen.
Full Rating
Fitbit Versa 3
The Fitbit Versa 3 tracks your activity, sleep, and 24/7 heart rate. To get all the available data you will have to subscribe to FitBit Premium. Fitbit advertises the watch with a 6 day battery life, but customers reviews state that isn’t accurate. Customer reviews also complained that the watch was not durable.
Product Brand: Fitbit
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 165
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.13
Fitbit Versa 3 Review: FAQs
Can the Fitbit Versa 3 respond to text messages?
Yes, you can use the voice assistant feature to send text message responses with the Versa 3.
Can you answer calls on the Fitbit Versa 3?
Yes, you can use the built-in speaker and microphone to answer calls on your wrist using the Fitbit Versa 3. I’ve done it several times with no issues.
How is the Fitbit Versa 4 different from the Versa 3?
The Versa 4 is almost identical to the Versa 3 other than a few minor differences, including a slightly better battery life, different color options, a physical side button, and the ability to track more than 40 types of workouts.
How long does the battery last on the Fitbit Versa 3?
Fitbit claims that the Versa 3 has a battery life of six days. This is accurate based on my experience, although it varies based on usage.
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Despite being a dedicated lifter and rugby player for well over a decade, I routinely dismissed the notion that I needed to log my workouts, measure my heart rate, or know exactly how many calories I burned on the StairMaster. However, I eventually realized the error of my ways in the spring of 2023 when I embarked on the 75 Hard Challenge—a transformative mental toughness program that requires you to complete two 45-minute workouts daily. » Read more about: Fitbit Versa 3 Review (2024): An Affordable Apple Watch Alternative » Read more
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