Fitbit Versa 3 Review: 15 Things You Need to Know About This Smartwatch
If you’re thinking about buying a Fitbit Versa 3, you’ll definitely want to know what’s great and not so great about this Fitbit smartwatch.
In this detailed and skimmable Fitbit Versa 3 review, I discuss the design, features, accuracy, and a few alternatives you might want to consider. Ideally helping you decide if the Fitbit Versa 3 is the best smartwatch for you.
Review Notes:
I purchased a Fitbit Versa 3 from Fitbit.com at the retail price with my own money, and this review is based on my own personal experience wearing and using the Fitbit Versa 3.
My aim is for this to be the most comprehensive and honest Fitbit Versa 3 review on the internet.
Note: If you use a link below to make a purchase, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about affiliate links
Fitbit Versa 3 Review - What's New
In case you’re already familiar with the Fitbit Versa 2, here’s a brief summary of the features and capabilities that are new to the Fitbit Versa 3.
If you prefer, you can click the image below to watch my video about what’s new. You can also read my comparison of the Fitbit Versa 3 vs Versa 2
- Built-in GPS — Fitbit Versa 3 now has a built-in GPS sensor, which allows you to save phone battery or potentially even leave your phone at home.
- New Band — The new “Infinity Band” that comes with the Fitbit Versa 3 is made of a softer, more flexible material than previous Fitbit “Classic Bands” and it also has a new type of fastener that places the extra portion of the band between the wrist and the rest of the band (similar to an Apple Watch Sport Band).
- Easy to Change Bands — If you’ve ever tried to change the band on a Fitbit Versa 2, Versa, or Versa Lite, you’ll be happy to know that the Versa 3 has a new band attachment mechanism that makes it incredibly easy to change bands.
- New Charger + Quick Charging — There’s yet another new charger design, but this time it’s slim, attaches magnetically, and is capable of quick charging (just 12 minutes of charging provides 24 hours of battery life).
- Haptic Button — Fitbit has replaced the physical button found on previous Fitbit Versa smartwatches with a non-physical “button” that provides vibration feedback when pressed. It should improve the Fitbit Versa 3’s resistance to water, but it will likely take some getting used to.
- Updated User Interface — The user interface has been completely redone and features significantly more ability to customize what gets shown when you swipe up from the clock face (and in what order). There is also significantly more data available to view directly on the watch itself.
- New Shortcuts — Along with the new user interface, we finally get back the ability to swipe to the right from the clock face to reveal a set of six Quick Settings, including Always-on Display Mode, Sleep Mode, and Brightness Level. A new double “button” press provides quick access to four apps of your choice.
- New Blood Oxygen Measurement — Fitbit is now providing a blood oxygen percentage (average and mix/max), but requires you to use a specific clock face and wear your Versa 3 to sleep.
- New Mindfulness Tile — There’s a new Mindfulness Tile in the Fitbit App that allows you to track minutes and days of mindfulness over time, but only if you use their in-app Mindful sessions (most of which require Fitbit Premium).
- Updated Heart Rate Sensor — Fitbit claims a new and improved heart rate sensor and algorithm. Can a Fitbit finally provide real-time heart rate measurements that are as accurate as a chest strap or even an Apple Watch? Click here to learn about my experience with Fitbit Versa 3 heart rate accuracy
- Google Assistant (
Coming “Late 2020”) — In addition to Amazon Alexa, Fitbit is advertising compatibility with Google Assistant. However, it’s not available at launch, it’s claimed to be coming in “late 2020”, and I’m willing to bet it’s dependent on Google’s acquisition of Fitbit being approved. - Built-in Speaker ( Not Currently Used) — Fitbit Versa 3 now has a speaker, but it’s not currently used for anything (such as notifications, alarms, or Alexa responses). What the speaker will be used for is the next bullet point…
- Take Calls from Your Wrist ( Coming “Soon”) — Another feature that has been advertised, but is not available at launch, is the ability to take “quick” phone calls from your wrist using the built-in microphone and speaker (with your phone nearby). No timeline has been given for when this might be available.
- Limited Music Storage Options ( Potential Deal-Breaker!) — Fitbit has surprisingly removed the ability to transfer and store your own personal music files to the Versa 3 (something the Versa 2 can still do!). You still can’t store music from Spotify, so your only options to listen to music without your phone nearby are Pandora and Deezer.
- No Special Edition — Unlike with the Versa and Versa 2, there is no Special Edition of the Versa 3, so your only buying decision is which color you like best.
Fitbit Versa 3 Unboxing
Click the image below to watch my Fitbit Versa 3 Unboxing video.
In the video, I unbox the Fitbit Versa 3 (Soft Gold / Midnight) in real-time, and show you everything that’s included inside the box.
Fitbit Versa 3 Setup & Compatibility
Click the image below to watch my Fitbit Versa 3 Setup video.
In the video, I show you how to set up Fitbit Versa 3 in real-time, step-by-step.
To set up Fitbit Versa 3, you must use a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. You can’t set up Fitbit Versa 3 with any other phone, tablet, or computer.
Due to differences in device hardware and software, you may experience issues with setup, syncing, notifications, and more if your device isn’t fully compatible.
Fitbit Versa 3 Design
Style & Materials
- Style type: Watch
- Interchangeable bands:
- Case material: Aluminum
The style of the Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatch is that of a watch, where the width of the display is larger than the width of the band.
The Fitbit Versa 3 bands are interchangeable which means they can be swapped out for bands of different colors or materials. The band attachment mechanism is proprietary, so only bands that are designed for the Versa 3 or Fitbit Sense will fit.
The Fitbit Versa 3 case is made of aluminum.
Size & Weight
- Length: 1.59 inches (40.5 mm)
- Width: 1.59 inches (40.5 mm)
- Thickness: 0.49 inches (12.3 mm)
- Weight: 0.062 pounds (28 grams)
I used a digital caliper and a scale to measure the dimensions and weight of my own personal Fitbit Versa 3.
The size or dimensions of the Fitbit Versa 3 tracker (not including the band sections) is 1.59 inches in length (top to bottom), 1.59 inches in width (left to right), and 0.49 inches thick.
The weight of the Fitbit Versa 3 tracker (not including the band sections) is 0.062 pounds or 28 grams.
Water Resistance Rating
- Can be worn while swimming?
- Fully waterproof?
Like most other modern wearables, Fitbit Versa 3 is water resistant up to a point, but it is not waterproof.
You’ll often hear it referred to as swimproof. This is because Versa 3 is suitable for shallow water activities like swimming, but it is not suitable for all water activities.
The official Fitbit Versa 3 water resistance rating is that it is water resistant up to a depth of 50m (164ft) or a water pressure of up to 5 ATM.
This means you can wear it while swimming or snorkeling, but not while scuba diving or participating in high-velocity water sports like water skiing.
Fitbit does not recommend wearing your Versa 3 in a hot tub or sauna.
Click here for a more in-depth discussion of Water Resistance Ratings
Display
- Touchscreen:
- Color:
- Easy to read in bright sunlight?
- Adjustable font size?
- Screen Timeout Duration: 8, 10, 15, 20, 45, or 60 seconds
- Always-on option?
The Fitbit Versa 3 has a color touchscreen display that is easy to read in bright sunlight (especially if you set the adjustable brightness level to “Max”).
You can customize the Versa 3 screen to not timeout until after up to 60 seconds, however, this will decrease your battery life.
Clock Faces
- Customizable:
- 3rd Party:
- Any exclusive to Special Edition?
Fitbit Charge 4 has a total of 24 clock faces to choose from.
They are not customizable and there is no ability to use third-party clock faces.
There are no exclusive clock faces, so all 24 options are available whether you have the regular Fitbit Charge 4 or the Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition.
Interaction
- Touchscreen display:
- # of buttons: 1
- Voice control:
- Voice Assistant: Amazon Alexa (Google Assistant coming in late 2020)
The two main ways you can interact with the Fitbit Versa 3 are via a touchscreen display and a single button on the left side of the case.
The button is not a physical button, but rather an inductive button that provides haptic feedback (vibration) when pressed. This helps with water resistance.
Two other ways you can interact with the Fitbit Versa 3 are used to wake up the display. First, you can double-tap the screen to make the text appear. And, second, you can activate the display with a “wrist flip”.
The wrist flip functionality is actually a feature called “Screen Wake” that you can enable or disable in the Quick Settings (which can be accessed by swiping to the right from the clock face).
One final way to interact with Fitbit Versa 3 is via voice control. This is currently implemented with Amazon Alexa Built-in, and Google Assistant support should be available at some point in late 2020.
Click here to see my Fitbit Versa 3 hands-on video showing the user interface
Sensors & Components
- Optical Heart Rate:
- Altimeter:
- Relative SpO2:
- NFC for Payments:
- Built-in GPS:
Fitbit Versa 2 has an optical heart rate sensor that allows for 24/7 heart rate tracking.
It also contains an altimeter which is used to provide an estimate of the number of floors climbed per day as well as elevation gain during a workout.
All versions of the Fitbit Versa 2 include an NFC chip that makes it possible to use your tracker for contactless payments with participating banks and transit systems.
Fitbit Versa 2 does not have a built-in GPS sensor, but it does have a Connected GPS feature that can utilize your phone’s GPS, as long as your phone and Versa 2 are connected via Bluetooth.
Battery Life
- Battery life with no GPS usage: 6+ days
- Battery life with continuous GPS usage: Up to 12 hours
- Can Fitbit Versa 3 be turned off?
Fitbit Versa 3 has a stated battery life of “6+ days” assuming you don’t use the built-in GPS at all.
Fitbit Versa 3 also has a stated battery life of “Up to 12 hours” assuming you are continuously using the built-in GPS the entire time (like during a long hike, bike ride, marathon, etc.).
My actual GPS battery life usage for outdoor walks has varied between 7-11% per hour.
If you are using the built-in GPS occasionally – like for an hour-long workout each day – your battery life will decrease more significantly during your GPS-enabled workout, and then decrease less again once your GPS-enabled workout is finished.
Currently, Fitbit Versa 3 is not able to use your phone’s GPS, it can only use the built-in GPS.
Charger
- Charger type: Magnetic
- Connector type: USB Type-A
- Can it lay flat while charging?
- Does it have fast charging?
- Will the Versa 2, Versa, or Versa Lite charger work?
Fitbit Versa 3 comes with yet another proprietary charging cable that won’t work with any previous Fitbit Versa Family Smartwatch. It is, however, the same exact charger as used by the Fitbit Sense.
The Fitbit Versa 3 charging cable is a magnetic type of charger that will allow you to lay your device flat on a table while charging.
The other side of the charging cable has a USB Type-A connector that can be used with a compatible power source or wall adapter.
From end-to-end, the Fitbit Versa 3 charger measures 11 inches in length.
Fitbit Versa 3 has fast charging capabilities (with the included charging cable). Charging Fitbit Versa 3 for 12 minutes should give it 24 hours of battery life.
It takes approximately 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Colors
- # of colors: 3
- Case colors: Black, Soft Gold
Fitbit Versa 3 comes in three different color options: Black Aluminum with a Black band, Soft Gold Aluminum with a Midnight band, and Soft Gold Aluminum with a Pink Clay band.
There are two different case colors: Black and Soft Gold. This is important to know if you’re planning to get additional accessory bands, as you’ll want them to look good with the case color you have.
Bands
- Small size: 5.5″ – 7.1″
- Large size: 7.1″ – 8.7″
- Easy to change?
- Will Charge 3 bands fit?
- Will Charge 2 bands fit?
Fitbit Charge 4 has a total of 18 official bands to choose from in varying colors and materials (classic, sport, woven, and leather).
The Fitbit Charge 4 bands are extremely easy to remove and put back in.
Click here to watch my video that shows you how to change Fitbit Charge 4 bands
It is important to note that Charge 3 bands will fit the Charge 4, but Charge 2 bands will not fit the Charge 4.
The small size bands should fit wrists 5.5″ to 7.1″ in circumference.
The large size bands should fit wrists 7.1″ to 8.7″ in circumference.
Fitbit Versa 3 Features
Fitness Tracking Features
- Steps — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications, sets the screen brightness to dim, and disables the wrist flip screen wake so your display doesn’t turn on while you toss and turn in bed.
- Distance — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Total Calories Burned — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Floors Climbed — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Active Zone Minutes — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Reminders to Move — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
Heart Rate Features
- 24/7 Heart Rate — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Real-time Heart Rate — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Resting Heart Rate — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Cardio Fitness Score — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
Exercise Features
- Automatic Exercise Recognition — SmartTrack is an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Multi-sport Exercise Modes — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Swimming Exercise Mode — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Days of Exercise — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Workout Intensity Maps — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Built-in GPS — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Post-workout Summaries — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Heart Rate Zone Alerts — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
Sleep Features
- Automatic Sleep Tracking — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Set Silent Alarms — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Sleep Schedule — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Bedtime Reminder — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Sleep Stages — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Sleep Insights — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Sleep Score — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Estimated Oxygen Variation — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Sleep Mode — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications, sets the screen brightness to dim, and disables the wrist flip screen wake so your display doesn’t turn on while you toss and turn in bed.
- Smart Wake ( Coming “Soon”) — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
Smartwatch Features
- Timer & Stopwatch — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Call Notifications — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Accept/Reject Calls On-wrist — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Text Notifications — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Quick Text Replies (Android Only) — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Calendar Event Notifications — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- App Notifications — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Do Not Disturb Mode — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Weather App — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Fitbit Pay — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Spotify – Connect & Control App — Use your Fitbit Charge 4 as a remote for Spotify playing on another device. You can choose the music output, play, pause, shuffle, and skip content, and like songs from your wrist. The Spotify App cannot be accessed during a workout, and there is no music storage or offline playback. Requires Spotify Premium and is not available in all countries.
Wellness Features
- Weight Logging — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Water Logging — View your Sleep Score for the previous night in the stats list on your wrist. Requires your sleep data to sync with your device.
- Food Logging — Manage (add, edit, repeat, turn off, and remove) silent alarms on your wrist using the Alarms App.
- Guided Breathing Sessions — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
- Female Health Tracking — Let your Fitbit use your Sleep Stages to wake you within 30 minutes of your alarm when you’re in light or REM sleep.
Social Features
- Friends — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Groups — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Feed — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Challenges — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Solo Adventures — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
- Adventure Races — Set an automatic schedule or manually enable a sleep mode that turns off notifications.
Fitbit Versa 3 Accuracy
Fitness Tracking Accuracy
- Steps
- Distance
- Total Calories Burned
- Floors Climbed
Fitbit Charge 4 has an optical heart rate sensor that allows for 24/7 heart rate tracking.
It also contains an altimeter which is used to provide an estimate of the number of floors climbed per day as well as elevation gain during a workout.
All versions of the Fitbit Charge 4 include an NFC chip that makes it possible to use your tracker for contactless payments with participating banks and transit systems.
Fitbit Charge 4 also contains a built-in GPS sensor that allows you to leave your phone at home and still get real-time pace and distance during a workout, as well as a map of your route that you can view after syncing your exercise.
Fitbit Charge 4 does not have a microphone or a speaker, so it cannot accept any voice commands nor can it speak back to you.
Heart Rate Accuracy
- 24/7 Heart Rate
- Resting Heart Rate
- Heart Rate During Low-Intensity Exercise
- Heart Rate During High-Intensity Exercise
- Cardio Fitness Score
Fitbit Charge 4 has an optical heart rate sensor that allows for 24/7 heart rate tracking.
It also contains an altimeter which is used to provide an estimate of the number of floors climbed per day as well as elevation gain during a workout.
All versions of the Fitbit Charge 4 include an NFC chip that makes it possible to use your tracker for contactless payments with participating banks and transit systems.
Fitbit Charge 4 also contains a built-in GPS sensor that allows you to leave your phone at home and still get real-time pace and distance during a workout, as well as a map of your route that you can view after syncing your exercise.
Fitbit Charge 4 does not have a microphone or a speaker, so it cannot accept any voice commands nor can it speak back to you.
Sleep Accuracy
- Sleep Start Time
- Sleep End Time
- Sleep Stages
- Estimated Oxygen Variation
- Smart Wake
Fitbit Charge 4 has an optical heart rate sensor that allows for 24/7 heart rate tracking.
It also contains an altimeter which is used to provide an estimate of the number of floors climbed per day as well as elevation gain during a workout.
All versions of the Fitbit Charge 4 include an NFC chip that makes it possible to use your tracker for contactless payments with participating banks and transit systems.
Fitbit Charge 4 also contains a built-in GPS sensor that allows you to leave your phone at home and still get real-time pace and distance during a workout, as well as a map of your route that you can view after syncing your exercise.
Fitbit Charge 4 does not have a microphone or a speaker, so it cannot accept any voice commands nor can it speak back to you.
Fitbit Versa 3 Specs
Fitbit Versa 3 Alternatives
Fitbit Versa 3 is definitely on the list of the best Fitbit you can buy, but maybe you want something cheaper.
Or maybe you need more accurate heart rate tracking, or the option to store your own personal music.
If so, here’s a look at a few of the best Fitbit Versa 3 alternatives.
Fitbit Versa 2
- Price (MSRP): $179+
- Release Date: September 2019
- Battery Life: 6+ days
Fitbit Versa 2 is still a worthy alternative to the Fitbit Versa 3, and it comes with all of the essential fitness tracking features you’d expect from a Fitbit. If you don’t need built-in GPS and you want to store your own personal mp3s, then this is definitely the Fitbit to get.
Pros:
- Quite a bit cheaper
- Can store personal music
- Has a physical button
- Rose Gold case color option
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
- Difficult to re-insert band
- Not as customizable, fewer shortcuts
- No quick charging
Apple Watch SE
- Price (MSRP): $279+
- Release Date: September 2020
- Battery Life: 18 hours
Apple Watch SE is easily the Apple Watch that’s the best value for your money. With nearly all the features of the Apple Watch Series 6, for over $100 less. If you use an iPhone, don’t need an always-on display, and don’t mind charging your smartwatch every night, this is the one to get.
Pros:
- Can store personal music (via iTunes)
- Spotify control works with Free Plan
- Much larger selection of apps
- More customizable watch faces
Cons:
- Only compatible with iPhones
- Short battery life (less than 1 day)
- No always-on display option
- Sleep tracking is still inferior to Fitbit
Where to Buy Fitbit Versa 3
The retailers I’ve listed below are some of the most reputable places (in the United States) to buy a Fitbit Versa 3.
You can click on an image below to be directed to that store’s Fitbit Versa 3 listing.
- Fitbit — It’s often a safe bet to purchase directly from the company that makes the product, and Fitbit is no exception. They also offer a 45-day money back guarantee and free standard shipping.
- Amazon — If fast shipping is your priority, Amazon often can’t be beat. Just make sure your item says “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” or a 3rd party seller that is reputable and has excellent ratings.
- REI — I love buying electronics at REI because of their 90-day return policy and 10% member dividend. I even have the REI Mastercard and get an additional 5% member dividend. If you live near a store, in-store returns are a plus as well!
- Costco — Costco also has a great return policy and they often have a bundle that comes with an additional band for the same price (but be sure to check the additional band size!).
- B&H — B&H Photo Video is the #1 place to buy camera gear, but they also sell electronics, including Fitbits. If you want yet another credit card, you can use theirs and get the amount you paid for tax credited back to your card!
- Adorama — Adorama is another company that is more well know for selling camera gear, but also sells electronics, including Fitbits.
- Best Buy — If the lowest price is what you’re after, Best Buy has a price match guarantee. I personally try to buy from one of the above retailers first, but if you’re an Elite or Elite Plus member, buy your Fitbit Versa 3 from Best Buy.
- Walmart — If you like fast shipping and the ability to return in-store, Walmart might be your best bet. If you make an online purchase, as with Amazon, just be careful you’re actually buying from Walmart or a reputable 3rd party seller.
- Target — If you do more of your shopping at Target, you can get 5% back when you buy a Fitbit Versa 3 from Target with a RedCard.
- Kohl’s — Not the first place I’d think of to buy a Fitbit, but they do sometimes offer substantial Kohl’s Cash, which is obviously great if you shop there often.