There's never been a better time to get a new smartwatch with the recent release of the fifth-generation Apple Watch. There's also never been a better time to get a new fitness tracker with the release of Fitbit's Versa 2. The two items have different features and a different general focus, so it's unclear which device should be on your wrist for your next marathon. Let's break down some of the key differences and help you figure out which one should get your hard-earned cash.
ContentsDesignThe batteryCapabilitiesPrecisionThe decisionAt first glance, it's almost too easy to mistake the Fitbit Versa 2 for an Apple Watch. The square shape and slim design combine with rounded edges, giving it a surprisingly familiar look to Apple fans. As far as Apple goes, the design is familiar to anyone who's seen the Apple Watch 4. Apple takes the design up a notch with different case materials, including aluminum, titanium, and white ceramic options, as well as a variety of straps available.
Compare that to Apple's 18 hours of battery life. You might be able to squeeze in a little more time if you always turn off the Apple Watch 5. If you find yourself far from a charger or forget to plug in the Versa 2 after a morning run, you won't wake up. with a dead unit. The Versa 2 is the winner for any fitness fanatic who appreciates battery life.
When it comes to abilities, this is where the units diverge. Capabilities are the meat and potatoes of any buying decision. There's no doubt that the Apple Watch is a smartwatch first and a fitness tracker second. However, both devices are capable and good enough for regular use. Swimmers will love the 50-meter water resistance on both devices. Any fitness fanatic who wants to run, bike or walk without a phone can grab any Apple Watch with LTE capability and leave the phone at home.
While both watches include optical heart rate monitors, Apple diverges from the Series 4 and 5 by including an ECG (electrocardiogram) monitor. Separately, the Versa 2 has Sp02 sensors to measure blood oxygen levels. Unlike the Apple Watch, the Versa has built-in sleep tracking capabilities, which is a welcome addition. It's just another way Fitbit is showing how serious it is with fitness tracking on the Versa 2. They look at your entire health cycle 24/7, not just your thirty to sixty minute workouts.
As a fitness-focused device, you can expect the Versa 2 to run away with this category. However, there's one important area where Apple wins the accuracy contest:GPS. Curiously, the Versa 2 lacks GPS capabilities and is an odd omission for a fitness-focused device. This forces you to carry around a smartphone every time you want to properly track your outdoor workouts.
The Apple Watch 5 has both GPS and a compass (the Watch 4 only has GPS), which allows for even more accurate fitness tracking. However, there's something to be said for the Fitbit's one-app approach to seeing all your workout info. Apple requires at least three apps:the Health app, the Watch app, and the Activity app.
Ultimately, the right fitness tracker for you is purely subjective. There are strong arguments for both sides. For example, Android users should definitely look at the Versa 2 because they can't connect with the Apple Watch. Users who value battery life will want to give the Versa 2 a tough look with nearly 400% more battery life than the Apple Watch 5.
The same can be said for the price. The Versa 2 is unarguably the best deal at $200, while the Apple Watch 5 starts at nearly double that. Anyone who appreciates customization and a large App Store filled with thousands of fitness apps should look to the Apple Watch. You can't go wrong either way, but the Apple Watch scores a narrow victory thanks to its deep feature offering.
Which fitness tracker do you prefer? Ring below and tell us why you chose one over the other.
