Fitbit Versa 4 vs Versa 3: Which Should You Buy?

Introduction

Fitbit released the Versa 4 in late 2022 as the successor to the popular Versa 3. While the update appears modest at first glance, there are several important differences that could influence your purchase decision. This comprehensive comparison breaks down everything you need to know.

Quick Specs Comparison

| Feature | Versa 4 | Versa 3 | |---------|---------|---------| | Release Date | September 2022 | August 2020 | | Price | $199.95 | $199.95 (original) | | Display | 1.58" AMOLED | 1.58" AMOLED | | Battery Life | 6+ days | 6+ days | | GPS | Built-in GPS | Built-in GPS | | Water Resistance | 50m | 50m | | ECG | Yes | Yes | | SpO2 | Yes | Yes | | Storage | No onboard storage | 2.5GB |

Design and Display

Both watches feature identical 1.58" AMOLED displays with 336x336 pixel resolution. The physical design is nearly identical, with slight refinements in button placement on the Versa 4. Neither watch has rotating bezels or mechanical buttons—all navigation is done through the touchscreen and a single physical button on the left side.

Key Difference: The Versa 4's button is slightly more accessible and responsive, but this is a minor improvement that most users won't notice.

Health and Fitness Features

Heart Rate Monitoring

Both watches use PurePulse 2.0 technology for continuous heart rate monitoring. Our testing showed nearly identical accuracy between the two models, with both performing well during exercise and at rest.

Sleep Tracking

Fitbit's sleep tracking is identical across both models, including Sleep Stages, Sleep Score, and Sleep Profile features. No difference here.

Blood Oxygen (SpO2)

Both watches feature blood oxygen monitoring during sleep and on-demand during the day. Accuracy is comparable.

ECG

Both models offer FDA-cleared ECG functionality for detecting atrial fibrillation. Performance is identical.

Stress Management

Both watches offer stress tracking using the new Daily Readiness Score (introduced to Versa 3 via update). The Versa 4 has this feature out of the box.

Key Differences

1. Google Maps Integration

Versa 4: Full Google Maps integration Versa 3: Basic turn-by-turn directions

This is the biggest feature difference between the two watches. The Versa 4 offers proper Google Maps with street-level navigation, while the Versa 3 has a more basic navigation system.

2. On-device Storage

Versa 4: No onboard storage Versa 3: 2.5GB storage for music

The Versa 3 allows you to store up to 2.5GB of music directly on the watch for offline playback. The Versa 4 removes this feature, requiring you to stream music from your phone (Spotify, Deezer, Pandora) or use Bluetooth headphones connected to your phone.

3. Built-in Microphone

Versa 4: No microphone Versa 3: Microphone for calls and voice assistant

The Versa 3 includes a microphone for taking Bluetooth calls and using voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa). The Versa 4 removes this functionality entirely.

4. Watch Faces and Apps

Versa 4: More curated app selection Versa 3: Full app gallery

While both watches support third-party apps, the Versa 4 has a more limited selection available at launch. However, Fitbit has committed to expanding the app ecosystem over time.

5. Interface Refinements

Versa 4: Improved notification handling Versa 3: Standard notification system

The Versa 4 includes slight interface improvements that make handling notifications and quick replies smoother. However, this is a minor refinement rather than a game-changing feature.

Performance and Battery Life

Both watches use nearly identical internal hardware, and our tests showed virtually no difference in performance. The user interface is equally responsive on both devices, and apps load at similar speeds.

Battery life is identical: both watches last approximately 6+ days on a single charge under normal use conditions. GPS usage reduces this to about 5 hours on both models.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Versa 4 If:

• You want the best navigation experience (Google Maps)
• You prefer streaming music over offline storage
• You're a new Fitbit user who wants the latest model
• You value the updated design refinements

Buy Versa 3 If:

• You want onboard music storage
• You need the microphone for calls or voice commands
• You want access to the full Fitbit app gallery
• You find a good deal on a discounted model

Consider Neither If:

• You want the best health tracking (consider Pixel Watch or Apple Watch)
• You need advanced smartwatch features
• You're on a tight budget

Price and Value

At launch, both watches are priced at $199.95, making them comparable in terms of initial cost. However, the Versa 3 can often be found on sale for $150-170, while the Versa 4 typically sells at full price.

Value Winner: Versa 3 (when discounted)

Given that the Versa 4 removes onboard storage and the microphone while only adding Google Maps, the Versa 3 actually represents better value, especially when you can find it on sale.

Verdict

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a modest upgrade over the Versa 3, adding Google Maps while removing onboard storage and the microphone. For most users, the Versa 3 is actually the better choice, especially when you can find it at a discount.

However, if navigation is your priority and you don't mind streaming music instead of storing it locally, the Versa 4 is a solid choice.

Recommendation: Buy the Versa 3 if you can find it for $170 or less. Otherwise, the Versa 4 is worth considering if Google Maps is important to you.

Winner: Fitbit Versa 3 (for most users)