I've tested a lot of smartwatches, but the Versa 4 is the only Fitbit I'd recommend
Fitbit Versa 4 Review: The Best Affordable Smartwatch?
I've tested numerous smartwatches – from well-known brands like Garmin and Fitbit to lesser-known budget options. My experience has shown a wide range in performance, design, and target user. Some promised the world but delivered very little. This review focuses on my experience with the Fitbit Versa 4, a model I consistently recommend for its balance of functionality, simplicity, and affordability.
I've used several Fitbits, including the Versa 3 and Charge 3, but the Fitbit Versa 4 stands out. This is my go-to recommendation for anyone seeking a practical, user-friendly, and budget-conscious smartwatch. But what makes it so good?
Why the Fitbit Versa 4 is My Top Pick
The Versa 4 excels in several key areas. First, it's incredibly comfortable to wear. Its lightweight and slim design makes it ideal for all-day use. The soft, breathable silicone strap adds to the comfort, and the overall aesthetic is surprisingly stylish, reminiscent of the Apple Watch design, without the premium price tag.
The controls are intuitive, combining a responsive touchscreen with a physical command button. The screen itself is a standout feature, boasting a bright and vibrant AMOLED display that surpasses what you'd expect from a watch at this price point.
For everyday life, the Versa 4 shines. It seamlessly delivers notifications for texts, social media likes (Instagram, for example), and calls directly to your wrist. Android users can even reply to texts using quick replies or voice dictation. Unfortunately, this text reply feature isn't available for iPhone users; they can only view and dismiss notifications. For comprehensive text interaction, an Apple Watch would be a better choice.
In terms of fitness tracking, the Versa 4 provides a comprehensive suite of features. It includes heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, stress tracking, and built-in GPS. While the GPS accuracy isn't the best I've encountered, it's perfectly adequate for general fitness tracking and casual use, not intensive long-distance training requiring pinpoint precision. I've successfully used it for runs just over 10 kilometers. Battery life is another strong point, typically lasting five to six days on a single charge. Extend this to even longer if you forgo GPS-enabled workouts.
The Versa 4 is also waterproof for swimming, with water resistance up to 50 meters. It accurately tracks basic swimming metrics such as duration and calories burned.
Fitbit's sleep tracking remains a standout feature across its devices, and the Versa 4 is no exception. It provides a detailed sleep score each morning, breaking down your sleep into light, deep, and REM stages. It even assigns a "sleep animal" based on your sleep patterns – a fun, engaging way to visualize your sleep quality. For me, comprehensive sleep tracking is crucial in a smartwatch, regardless of cost, and the Versa 4's in-depth tracking is highly impressive.
One minor drawback is the need for a Fitbit Premium subscription to access certain advanced features. This subscription unlocks a stress management score, personalized workouts, and other enhanced functionalities. While the basic features are excellent without the subscription, the Premium features add extra value for those who want a more personalized fitness experience.
Where to Buy the Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 is widely available from various retailers. Pricing can vary, so it's advisable to compare prices before purchasing.
Here are some common retailers and their listed prices (please note that prices are subject to change and may vary based on promotions and sales):
- Amazon: Prices vary, but often around $199.95 or less on sale.
- Walmart: Prices vary, but often around $224.95 or less on sale.
- Best Buy: Prices vary, but often around $199.95 or less on sale.
Keep an eye out for sales, as the Fitbit Versa 4 frequently goes on discount.
Shop the Fitbit Versa 4 at Popular Retailers
from Mashable
-via DynaSage
