Are you considering purchasing a Fitbit but not sure which model to choose? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide. Two popular models, the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Versa 3, have distinct features that set them apart, however the Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 are quite similar with some varying features.
The Fit bit Charge 5 is more of a tracker/fitness watch, while the Versa 3 & Versa 2 provide a full on, smart-watch experience with a larger display and more ‘smart device’ features.
In this article, we will compare and contrast the key differences between the Fitbit Charge 5, the Fitbit Versa 3, and the Fitbit Versa 2, so you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit Versa 3 has a larger watch head display (larger overall in general) and has functionality for notifications on calls, text messages, work calendar, and from different apps. However, the Versa 3 doesn’t have the same modern, minimalist design the charge 5 provides – this is mainly where the two differ.
- The Fitbit Charge 5 also has almost double the GPS battery lifespan (5 hours per charge on the Charge 5) and ECG and eDA sensors (and it costs less).. However, it doesn’t have phone calls or voice assistant tech embedded in it.
- The overall lifespan of the Fitbit charge 5 and versa 3 are fairly similar – their battery keeps the watch running for nearly a week long.
- The Versa 2 costs less than the Versa 3 model, but are quite similar and only the Versa doesn’t have a GPS built-in or the ability accept/decline calls, and a few minor features regarding spotify playback.
These are pretty big features to weigh out when choosing.
To put it simply, the Fitbit Charge 5 feels more like a fitness watch when its on your wrist and less like an all-purpose device with smartphone-like capabilities.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fitbit Charge 5 - Fitness Tracker | Prime | View at Amazon | |
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Top | Fitbit Versa 2 - SmartWatch | PrimeEligible | View at Amazon | |
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Top | Fitbit Versa 3 - SmartWatch | PrimeEligible | View at Amazon |
…so, by choosing between these two – you’re really just choosing between smartwatch and a tracker, which Fitbit even categorizes as different devices (see side by side below):
The Versa, on the other hand, is more like a full, standard smart watch and behaves similar to an Apple Watch when it comes to notifications, phone calls, text messages, and similar functions.
What is Fitbit Charge 5?
Fitbit Charge 5 is a fitness tracker which helps you monitor your daily activities and achieve your fitness goals. It boasts a sleek and comfortable design, making it easy to wear all day long.
It comes with an EDA Scan app, which helps you manage stress levels by measuring your body’s response to stress and offers a stress management score, which can help you identify when you need to take a break and relax.
The Fitbit Charge 5 monitors your heart rate 24/7 helping you keep track of your heart health and exercise intensity and packs an oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor, which can detect changes in your blood oxygen levels, particularly during sleep.
You can leverage other features like sleep tracking and sleep stages, contactless payments, text and call notifications, allowing you to stay connected while on the go.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
What is Fitbit Versa 3?
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a smartwatch which tracks your daily activities and offers many features to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It has an impressive battery life and a boxy design that fits comfortably on your wrist.
Its built-in GPS allows you to track your outdoor activities, such as running, hiking, or cycling, without needing to bring your phone with you. It also has an active zone minutes feature, which monitors your heart rate during workouts and lets you know when you’ve reached your target heart rate zone.
You can use the sleep tracking function to monitor your sleep patterns with insights into the quality of your sleep and set a silent alarm to wake up without disturbing your partner.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Fitbit Versa 3 has extra features like voice control, music control, notifications, and more, giving you an immersive smartwatch experience.
Also see: 7 Best Minimalist Alarm Clocks to Wake up to (Stylish Tech)
What is Fitbit Versa 2?
The Fitbit Versa 2 is a well known fitness tracker with some smartwatch perks, offering a perfect balance of features for fitness enthusiasts. Although it lacks GPS and offline Spotify playback, it still provides excellent tracking abilities that make it one of the best fitness watches from Fitbit.
This wearable is a smartwatch that focuses on fitness tracking, offering a suite of features such as optical heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and 50m water resistance.
One of the major advantages of the Versa 2 is that it doesn’t try to replace your phone. It is a fitness watch that comes with some extra perks like message and calendar notifications, and the ability to control your smart home setup and play music from your phone during a workout.
However, there are some limitations to consider before purchasing the Versa 2. For instance, if you’re looking for a smartwatch with a built-in GPS or offline Spotify playback, this may not be the device for you (But the Versa 3 allows for this)
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Fitbit Charge 5 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Major Differences
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit Versa 3 |
| Music Storage | None | Deezer, Pandora |
| Weight | 29 grams | 40 grams |
| Display | 1.04-inch AMOLED | 1.58-inch AMOLED |
| Voice Assistant | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 to 9 days | Up to 5-6 days |
| Water-Resistant | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters |
| Altimeter | No | Yes |
| Colors | Black, white, blue, gold, platinum | Gold, black, pink, olive |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Display Resolution | 326ppi | 300ppi |
| Access to Apps | No | Yes |
| Tracking | Built-in GPS (lesser, 5 hour lifespa vs the versa 3) | Built-in GPS |
| Other Sensors | SpO2, ECG, skin temperature | SpO2, skin temperature (no ECG) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth |
| Tap-to-pay | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes, but no calls/messages | Yes, more |
| Compatibility | Android & iOS | Android & iOS |
As you can see from the table above, the Fitbit Charge 5 is more focused on fitness tracking, with features such as ECG and EDA sensors, while the Fitbit Versa 3 is more of a smartwatch, with access to apps (Charge 5 doesn’t have this), a larger display, and voice assistant capabilities. The Charge 5 also has a longer battery life and is more affordable, while the Versa 3 has an altimeter and music storage.
The Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Versa 3 are both first-rate fitness trackers that come with a wide array of features to provide an outstanding user experience. While they share similarities, their target audience is distinct. The Charge 5 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, while the Versa 3 caters to those seeking a more comprehensive smartwatch experience.
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Battery Life
The Fitbit Versa 3 has a strong Lithium-polymer battery which can reach 80% in 40 minutes and lasts more than 6 days based on usage. If you’re a fitness enthusiast who needs continuous GPS, the battery can last up to 12 hours. While on-wrist calls require more frequent charging, fast charging can give you a full day’s worth of charge in just 12 minutes.
The Fitbit Charge 5 also has a Lithium-polymer battery, which takes about 2 hours to fully charge and lasts up to a week. But with continuous GPS usage, the battery lasts up to 5 hours, and if you are a fan of the Always-on display mode, you might have to charge regularly.
Display and Size
The Fitbit Charge 5 features a brilliant OLED display with EKG and EDA sensors, 2x brighter than the previous model and boasts a screen height of 21.93 mm and a width of 14.75 mm. It’s available in two sizes to fit wrists from 130 mm to 210 mm in circumference.
The Fitbit Versa 3 has a larger boxy display, measuring 40.48 mm x 40.48 mm x 12.35 mm, but lacks the EKG and EDA sensors. It offers two band sizes to fit wrists from 140 mm to 220 mm in circumference.
Note: Both the displays are touchscreens.
Also see: Flip Phone vs Smartphone: Why I switched back to a Flip Phone
Connectivity and Notifications
The Fitbit Charge 5 connects seamlessly via Bluetooth and allows you to receive alerts for calls, texts, and other smartphone notifications.
You can also connect with apps like WhatsApp and Gmail, and sync your calendar for reminders. But you need to keep your phone nearby, up to 9 m away from the tracker to enjoy this feature.
The Fitbit Charge 5 lacks the voice assistant support, which is a bummer if you frequently use voice commands.
In contrast, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers more connectivity options, including Wi-Fi (802.11b/ g/n 2.4GHz) and voice commands through built-in Alexa and Google Assistant.
With voice commands, you can set alarms, check the weather, and perform other functions. But this feature is only available in a few languages and in certain countries. Like the Fitbit Charge 5, the Versa 3 also connects through Bluetooth and alerts you to incoming notifications when your phone is nearby.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Fitbit Versa 3 comes with advanced health tracking features, including 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking, Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) Monitoring, Skin Temperature Variation, Sleep Stages & Sleep Score, Snore & Noise Detect, Stress Management Score, measure breathing rate, Track heart rate variability (HRV), and Menstrual Health Tracking.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is better for tracking basic health and fitness metrics such as Automatic exercise tracking, Steps, distance & calories stats, SpO2 (Blood Oxygen) Tracking, ECG app for heart rhythm assessment, resting heart rate, Heart rate variability, breathing rate, Menstrual health tracking, Sleep tracking & sleep stages and offers a Wellness Report.
Other Features
The Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Versa 3 come packed with some additional features to enhance your overall experience.
If you are someone who likes to keep it simple yet effective, then the Fitbit Charge 5 would be a perfect fit for you. With its EDA mindfulness sessions and vibrating alarm, it helps you to track your health and mindfulness goals efficiently. If you often misplace your phone, the Find my phone feature would be practical too.
If you want a device that does much more than track your health and fitness, then the Fitbit Versa 3 should be your go-to. With its Cardio Fitness Score, guided breathing sessions, and a 6-month Fitbit Premium Membership, it provides a comprehensive analysis of your overall health and fitness journey.
Compared to the Fitbit Charge 5, which comes with only a dozen watch faces, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers hundreds of clock faces and the ability to store 5 favorites and download hundreds of apps.
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3: Key Differences Explained
| Features | Fitbit Versa 2 | Fitbit Versa 3 |
| GPS functionality | Phone GPS technology | Built-in GPS |
| Requires phone to be with you | Can function without a phone | |
| Less accurate GPS | More accurate GPS | |
| Health and Fitness Features | 24/7 heart rate monitoring | 24/7 heart rate monitoring |
| Sleep monitoring | Sleep monitoring | |
| Workout modes | Workout modes | |
| Automatic tracking during exercise | Automatic tracking during exercise | |
| Breathing app download required | Built-in breathing exercise feature | |
| Smart Home Integration | Compatible with Google Assistant | Not compatible with Google Assistant |
| No offline Spotify playback | Supports offline Spotify playback feature |
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Charge 5 - Fitness Tracker | Prime | View at Amazon | |
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Top
Top | Fitbit Versa 2 - SmartWatch | PrimeEligible | View at Amazon | |
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Top | Fitbit Versa 3 - SmartWatch | PrimeEligible | View at Amazon |
For fitness enthusiasts, a smartwatch can serve as an essential tool to track daily activities, monitor health metrics, and even serve as a personal coach. But when it comes to selecting a Fitbit smartwatch, the choice can be challenging. Should you pick the Versa 2 or splurge on the Versa 3? Here’s what sets them apart.
GPS
The most significant difference between the Versa 2 and the Versa 3 is GPS functionality. While the Versa 3 boasts a built-in GPS, the Versa 2 relies on your phone’s GPS technology to operate. Although both models support GPS, having a built-in GPS can provide more accurate tracking and can spare your phone’s battery. Plus, with the Versa 3, you can leave your phone at home and still track your route.
Health and fitness features
The Versa 2 and the Versa 3 are almost identical when it comes to health and fitness features. Both watches offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and workout modes. They can even detect your heart rate and movements automatically when you start exercising. However, the Versa 2 requires you to download a breathing app separately, while the Versa 3 comes with a built-in breathing exercise feature.
Smart home integration:
If you’re looking to control your smart home devices from your wrist, the Versa 2 might be a better option if (Google assistant specifically) is your preference. Since it’s compatible with Google Assistant, you can operate your smart home devices through voice commands.
However, if offline Spotify listening is a priority, the Versa 3 is the way to go. It supports offline Spotify playback, so you can leave your phone behind and still listen to your favorite tunes during your workout.
Who should use the Fitbit Versa 3?
The Fitbit Versa 3 is an excellent selection for health and fitness aficionados who are looking to monitor their physical activity, slumber quality, and heart rate. It is also suitable for individuals who wish to access their phone’s features on the go.
For example, the built-in GPS feature allows runners and hikers to track their routes and distances without having to carry their phone. The sleep tracking feature can help those who struggle with getting quality sleep, as it provides insights into sleep stages and trends.
For users who want to stay connected, the Versa 3 can receive notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts. The quick reply feature is especially useful for busy individuals who need to respond to messages quickly.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a device to help you monitor your fitness objectives with advanced heath tracking parameters, assess your sleep quality, and receive and respond to notifications, then the Fitbit Versa 3 is a great pick. Its features make it useful for a variety of users, from athletes to busy professionals.
Who should use the Fitbit Charge 5?
Fitbit Charge 5 is a superb selection for users who prioritize health and fitness monitoring, but desire a more inconspicuous and plain design. It’s perfect for those who want a no-fuss device that can seamlessly integrate into their daily routine.
For instance, the skin temperature sensor can help individuals track changes in their body temperature. The SpO2 sensor can also monitor blood oxygen levels, which can be useful for those who suffer from sleep apnea or other respiratory issues.
The Charge 5 offers personalized insights and guidance on stress management, breathing exercises, and more. This is perfect for busy individuals who want to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a low-profile and stylish device that can help you stay on top of your health and fitness goals, then the Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent choice. Its features are designed for people who want to take care of their well-being and be proactive.
Why use the Fitbit Versa 2 if the 3 is available?
If you’re in the market for a smartwatch that leans heavily towards fitness tracking, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a great option, you may choose it over the 3 because it has a lower price tag by roughly $30 or so depending on where you grab it from.
It’s a device that’s aimed squarely at users who prioritize health and activity tracking over productivity, and it’s one that strikes a balance between functionality and affordability.
With features like 24/7 heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, workout modes, and automatic tracking when you start to exercise, the Versa 2 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to keep tabs on their fitness levels without breaking the bank.
While the lack of a GPS chip means that serious runners and cyclists may want to look elsewhere, the Versa 2 is a great option for casual exercisers who want to keep track of their daily activity levels.
The Versa 2’s smartwatch features make it a great choice for anyone who wants to stay connected without constantly checking their phone. With message and calendar notifications, as well as the ability to control your smart home setup and play music from your phone, the Versa 2 offers some handy extras that other fitness trackers don’t.
Bottom line
The Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Versa 3 (and Versa 2) provide unique features which cater to different target audiences. The Fitbit Charge 5 is suitable for fitness enthusiasts and those who want to track basic health and fitness metrics, while the Fitbit Versa 3 offers a comprehensive smartwatch experience with advanced health tracking features.
All three devices come with different battery lives, displays, and connectivity options, making them suitable for different needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on your personal preference and requirements.
