Fitbit Versa 2 Review

Fitbit’s sequel to the popular Versa is affordable, lasts a long time, and doubles as an effective fitness tracker as well as a smartwatch, though a lack of built-in GPS is a detriment.

Quick Take

The Fitbit Versa 2 features six days of battery life, built-in Amazon Alexa compatibility, music storage, and fitness tracking features, including swimming and sleep monitoring. All of this at a price of $200 means that the Versa 2 is a home run.

Design

If there’s something familiar about the Versa 2’s design, you’re not wrong. It looks exactly like its rivals, the Apple Watch, as well as its Versa predecessor. The case is made from aluminum and available in a variety of colors, including Carbon, Mist Grey, and Copper Rose. There is one long button on the left side of the unit which controls all functions not relegated to its touchscreen, which replaces the three buttons that the original Versa had. The always-on AMOLED screen washes out in direct sunlight, but is colorful and high-resolution.

Overall, it is a comfortable watch to wear, especially when paired with its silicone strap or limited-edition woven polyester bands. And at 40 grams, it’s light enough to be worn throughout the day or even while sleeping.

Tracking

The Fitbit Versa 2 features fitness tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and other activities through heart rate, distance, steps, and stairs climbed. There are over 15 exercise modes, including customizable ones, that allow you to set fitness targets. The Fitbit app has always been a standout, with an easy-to-use interface for exercise metrics, and a social aspect that makes training fun and competitive.

There is no built-in GPS. Instead, the Versa 2 links to a smartphone to rely on its GPS. While this allows for the Versa 2’s low price and small size, it’s also slightly counter-intuitive, and it means you have to carry your smartphone with you at all times, even if you don’t want to deal with the extra weight of an additional device while hiking or running.

Features

Distance tracking: connects to smartphone GPS to track your route, distance, and location

Swim tracking: 50 meters of water resistance and the ability to track pool laps and times

Female health: lets the user log physical and emotional symptoms and other information during phases of their cycle

Alexa: built-in Amazon Alexa offers voice-activated services such as weather, music, and notifications

Sleep score: measures time, restfulness, and heart rate to determine your quality of sleep

Fitbit Pay: compatible with credit cards, allows for contactless payments

Battery life: up to six days

The Fitbit Versa 2 comes with three months of Fitbit Premium, whose standout strength is in sleep tracking, showing a sleep score based on deep and REM sleep. There are also nutrition plans included with the $10/month subscription, such as Understanding Calories, for logging meals.

Amazon Alexa compability allows the wearer to speak into the Versa 2 to control smart home devices, play music, and other basic functions. Spotify, Pandora, and other popular music apps are also supported. Since the Versa 2 has no built-in speaker, it can only display text messages, though smartphone compatibility in this case is an advantage.

Lastly, the battery life can last up to six days, and around two days with the always-on display. This is better than the Apple Watch. The Versa 2 has its own charger, which is not compatible with the outgoing Versa.

Verdict

With nearly best-in-class battery life, fitness tracking via the intuitive Fitbit app, and Alexa integration, the Versa 2 is a compelling buy for just $200. Though Fitbit is claiming that its next watches will have GPS, the fact that this Versa 2 works well with Android smartphones means that it is a great supplement to what you might already have.