Scott La Counte - Yout Got a Fitbit Versa 2! Now What?: Getting Started With the Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is merely one of the many Fitbits currently available. So before diving into how it works, this chapter will address what the difference is between all of them.

When people think about smart watches, one thing almost always comes to mind: Apple Watch. Apple dominates the smart watch category, and anytime someone considers buying a watch, they often wonder how it stacks up against the Apple Watch.

Before going into any of the specs, the first thing you have to understand is Apple Watch is for iPhone. If you are an Android user, then Fitbit makes sense. There are work arounds to use an Apple Watch with Android, and technically you could use the watch without any phone at all, but the bottom line is if you want to get the most out of the watch, then you need an iPhone. Fitbit works with Android and iPhone. That means if you switch brands, you can take your watch with you and have no problems at all.

Theres also the obvious price tag. Apple Watch Series 5 is twice as much as the Versa 2 ($199 vs $399). It should be pointed out, however, that many of the key Series 5 features are also on the Apple Watch Series 3, which is $199.

On paper, the specs look pretty closely the same, so what exactly are you paying more for?

If apps are your thing, then Apple Watch has them. Fitbit does have a library of popular apps (like Spotify), but its nowhere near the amount of Apple.

Two of the Series 5s biggest competitive advantages are GPS built-in (which means you dont have to pair your watch to your phone to keep track of your position) and local storage (which means you can download music and leave your phone at home). On the fitness side, Apple has an EGG heart rate monitor and fall detection.

Esthetically, the Apple Watch has two sizes and several different add-on bands. Fitbit also has add-on bands, but Apple has partnered with brands like Hermes to give it a more premium feel.

Fitbit has three advantages over Apple: sleep tracking, battery, and its premium (meaning you pay more) fitness service, which offers workouts and advice. In terms of battery life, Fitbit lasts for days; Apple Watch needs to be charged at the end of the day. Fitbit really shines when it comes to fitness. Apple, no doubt, is a stellar workout companion, but many critics feel that Fitbit has the fitness edge.

As mentioned, there are several options when it comes to Fitbit: Versa (lite edition); Ionic; Charge 3; Inspire HR; Inspire; Ace 2. There are other Fitbits from the past, but this is whats considered the current lineup. The Ace 2 is just for kids, so Im not going to cover it here.

When it comes to actual smart watches made by Fitbit, there are three: Versa 2, Versa (lite edition), and Ionic. An overview of the devices is below (prices may vary):

1. Versa (lite edition) ($159) Versa (lite edition) is basically the predecessor to the Versa 2. Its not a bad optionespecially if you find it on salebut since its only $40 cheaper, you probably will be better off sticking with the Versa 2. The following are the key features missing from the Versa (lite edition): floor climber, swim tracking, on-screen workouts, Amazon Alexa, voice replies, Fitbit Pay, Music Experience, and Always-On display mode.

1. Iconic ($249) The most expensive Fitbit smart watch is also one of the oldest of the current lineup (but not Fitbits first smart watch). What are you paying more for? Additional buttons, built-in GPS, and Adidas on-screen workouts. Unless you really need built-in GPS or find one at a deep discount, the Versa 2 will probably be the better product for you.

The other Fitbits are a little more limited in features and are more for pure fitness (though some do have more advanced features). An overview of the devices is below (prices may vary):

1. Charge ($149) While the next three trackers are not true smart watches, they still have features that make them feel pretty smartlike message notification. The most high-end of these more limited devices is the Fitbit Charge. The Charge is not much smaller than the Versa 2about half the size. It lacks the following key features: on-screen workout, Amazon Alexa, voice replies, apps, and Music Experience.

1. Inspire HR ($99) If you are looking for a lightweight watch, then the Inspire HR packs a big punch in a small package. Many of the Versa 2 features are built in. Some of the key features missing: floors climbed, on-screen workout, Amazon Alexa, quick replies, voice replies, apps, Music Experience, Fitbit Pay, and Always-On display.

1. Inspire ($69) The cheapest Fitbit is also the most limited. If you simply want step counting then the Inspire is a good option, but its missing many features. Among them: sleep tracking, breathing sessions, swim tracking, and heart rate tracking.

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