Fitbit Charge 3 vs Versa 2: Which is Better for You?

The world of smartwatches can be quite deep to delve into. You’ve definitely come across Fitbit since you’re looking for the perfect smartwatch. Fitbit has taken the smartwatches market by storm after releasing its most popular models: Charge 3 and Versa 2.

Both models were released in 2018, with Versa 2 being launched at the beginning of the year and the Charge 3 near the end of it. Since both operate on Fitbit OS 3.0, this makes their common characteristics plentiful, especially when it comes to fitness tracking features.

However, other features set them apart, which makes the decision hard to make. Since the two models are almost equally good, we’ve rounded up their similarities and differences to ease the process for you.

Fitbit Charge 3 vs. Versa 2: Short Answer

The Fitbit Charge 3 should be your choice if you seek a traditional watch with fitness tracking features, yet equipped with battery life so long that you won’t worry about having to recharge it every now and then.

If you can’t let go of smartwatch features, including their larger, colorful designs, however, then the Fitbit Versa 2 is your go-to, since it provides features beyond fitness ones and has the right number of both fitness tracking and smartwatch features.

Fitbit Charge 3 vs Versa 2: Specs Comparison

Fitbit Charge 3 vs. Versa 2 – Full Comparison

Display

At first glance, you can simply tell that the two devices look poles apart visually. Their outer appearance is one of the distinguishing aspects that set them apart.

Firstly, the sizes of both devices are variant, with Versa 2 being of a bigger size. Its display size is 40×40 mm. However, Charge 3 is relatively smaller, with a display size of 34.50×19.90 mm.

Most importantly, the color display isn’t the same on both devices. Charge 3 offers a monochrome touchscreen, meaning it only shows the display in black and white colors. However, Versa 2 has a color display.

As for the similarities, both models are compatible with the idea of adjustable straps.

Winner: Tie, depending on your personal preference.

Fitness Tracking

The two models more or less share the same fitness and health-tracking abilities. Features include sleep tracking, optical heart sensors, and female health tracking. 

In addition, both of them are water-resistant up to 50 meters. They are suitable for swim-tracking, which is a major plus for swimmers!

What they’re not ideal for, however, is outdoor activity tracking, because they lack built-in GPS, which we cover next.

Furthermore, both allow you to set goal-based workouts and they serve as your fitness pal, reminding you to exercise, encouraging you to complete several steps, and notifying you when you exceed a specified distance, time, or even calorie count.

You also get to choose from 19 workouts on the Fitbit application, and there’s an automatic workout detection feature that tracks your exercising even if you forget. 

However, Versa 2 has one extra feature, which gives you metrics on the spot after finishing your workout and lets you view your past workouts through the watch face, mainly due to its larger display screen. Furthermore, since it allows for third-party app installation, you can track your workouts on a different application if you prefer.

Winner: Fitbit Versa 2

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking can be a deal-breaker for hardcore athletes. While both models do incorporate GPS, none of them include built-in GPS.

They both have a connected GPS, which means both will require a smartphone to connect to Bluetooth to be able to track. Therefore, you will not be able to distance yourself from the smartphone as much as you would like to.

Winner: Tie

Battery Life

The battery life could be a major determinant of your final decision. Charge 3 has a battery life that can last up to one week without the need to be charged. Conversely, the battery of Versa 2 lasts for only five days.

There are several reasons justifying this difference in battery life. One of them is the absence of Always-On-Display in Charge 3 which helps the battery stay longer.

Another reason is the monochrome display of the Charge 3, which consumes less battery power versus the color display of the Versa 2.

Lastly, the size of the screen itself is much smaller in Charge 3 than it is in Versa 2. The difference in the display size also plays a role when it comes to battery power consumption; larger screens certainly require significant power to operate.

Winner: Fitbit Charge 3

Third-Party Application Support

Charge 3 is more of a fitness tracker than a smartwatch with variable smart functions, while the Versa 2 tends to be a hybrid between both.

For that reason, Versa 2 gives you the option to install third-party applications. On the other hand, this is not an option with Charge 3.

However, don’t raise your expectations too high regarding the application access, since the number of applications available for installation is still quite low since most applications are not compatible with the Fitbit OS system.

Winner: Fitbit Versa 2

Smart Functions

While both devices incorporate basic smart functions, including notifications on messages and calls, along with access to quick replies through your smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 has more to offer in terms of smartphone functions.

With Versa 2, you can reply to messages received through voice messages! However, the only downside is that you can’t listen to voice messages on Versa 2.

Winner: Fitbit Versa 2

Internal Music Storage

Even if you’re looking for a smartwatch just for tracking your fitness life, you still need music, don’t you? Music beats can keep you excited in your workout and even push you forward.

In that case, Versa 2 is your best pal. It has a built-in memory of around 2.5 GB, enough for you to store as many songs as you want. Also, Versa 2 is compatible with music applications, including Deezer and Spotify.

Charge 3, on the other hand, doesn’t offer this advantage. If you’re someone whose music plays a vital role in their fitness life, Versa 2 is your ultimate choice.

Winner: Fitbit Versa 2

Voice Control

The last aspect that sets both devices apart is voice control. Versa 2 has Alexa voice control integrated into the smartwatch. However, Charge 3 doesn’t have this feature.

Nevertheless, this extra feature is neither a dealbreaker nor one that makes Versa 2 better than Charge 3. It is also not a point of purchase criterion, and if so, then only the minority would consider this feature.

Winner: Tie

What We Like and What We Don’t Like About Fitbit Charge 3 and Versa 2:

Fitbit Charge 3

Fitbit Versa 2

Final Thoughts

Deciding which smartwatch is right for you should have become simpler at this point. Weighing in the pros and cons of each should sort out which works better for you.

If you’re looking for a compact fitness tracker and your top concern is fitness, Charge 3 is your best bet.

However, if you’re not ready yet to depend on a smartwatch more than a smartphone, yet want to enjoy the health and fitness tracking features, Versa 2 should be your pick.