Fitbit Versa 3 Review: Is It A Smartwatch Or A Fitness Tracker?

With built-in GPS and a few design changes, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a great wearable. However, like previous models, and with a very limited range of productivity apps, it’s more of a fitness tracker than a smartwatch.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

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Fitbit Versa 3: $284.50 at Amazon.com.au →

Fitbit Versa 3 Review
Fitbit Versa 3 Review

The verdict

Fitbit’s Versa lineup is at least, reliable. Fitbit has finally added integrated GPS that can track – in real time – the pace and distance of your walks, runs, bike rides or hikes if you choose to leave your phone at home. Although Fitbit has upgraded a few things, many features are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription plan which is disappointing.

Fitbit Versa 3 is available in 4 colours (Black, Green, Midnight/Soft Gold, Pink Clay/Soft Gold) ranging between 284.50 and $296 at the time of writing this review.

PRO: Health & Fitness Tracking, Smartwatch Features

  • Health and fitness tracking – Get valuable information regarding your health throughout the day. Fitbit Versa 3 offers a variety of tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, built-in GPS, SpO2 (oxygen saturation) monitoring, and activity tracking.
  • Smartwatch features – In addition to health & fitness tracking, Fitbit Versa 3 can also function as a smart watch. It accommodates things like receiving text and call notifications, control music and make payments using Fitbit Pay. It also allows for various other alerts though apps.
  • Built-in GPS – Versa 3 has integrated GPS that can track – in real time – the pace and distance of your walks, runs, bike rides or hikes if you choose to leave your phone at home. This is a great feature especially if you are an outdoorsy person.

PRO: Design Upgrades

  • Water proof – Fitbit Versa 3 is a great choice if you love swimming or water sports. It can resist water up to 50 meters so you don’t need to worry about it when taking a bath.
  • Battery – The Versa 3 offers very good battery that can last for up to 6 days.

CON: Limited apps and features

  • Limited ecosystem – While the Versa 3 offers a variety of app options, its ecosystem is not as extensive as its competitors Apple for example. This means you will find fewer options when looking for apps.
  • Limited features – many features are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription plan and it doesn’t support Spotify offline-play.
Fitbit Versa 3 Review
Fitbit Versa 3 Review

CON: Design Flaws

  • Poorly designed side button.
  • Integrated only with Alexa.
  • Performance lag – Laggy touch screen.

Where to buy the Fitbit Versa 3 in Australia

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker – smartwatch hybrid, the Versa 3 is a good option. For $284.50 it offers a good variety of health & fitness trackers as well as smartwatch features. On the contrary, it lacks performance and app variety with a limited ecosystem.

For most people, this would be a better choice than the previous model, but costs $100 more.  

If you are an Apple user, and / or love listening to your Spotify music offline, reconsider your choices. With just $50 more you could be getting an Apple Watch SE.

BEST VALUE LINK

Please use the above link if you intend to make a purchase. You’ll get the lowest price, and help support our Australia-based staff of writers, editors, and photographers.

$284.50 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members


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Posted by Nicholas Webb

Nicholas Webb is a Queensland-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest focused on connected home and streaming products.