When comparing Fitbit Versa vs Garmin Vivoactive 3, there’s always a lot of contention from cyclists who love either option. This is because they each come with their own pros and cons.
Fitness trackers have become ubiquitous in today’s age due to how effective and versatile as they are. There’s a wide variety of options to choose from to suit people of different preferences and needs. So, you’re really spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a new model right now.
However, Garmin and Fitbit are light years ahead of the competition, hence we’re reviewing their latest and apparently best models.
Compare Fitbit Versa to Garmin Vivoactive 3
To ensure that we provide you with a fair comparison of the best fitness trackers, we’re comparing two of the best from the best brands on the market; Fitbit Versa vs Garmin Vivoactive 3. Fitbit Versa is a tracker in every sense of the word. While Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a watch that comes with built-in GPS.
Without further ado, here’s our comparison of Fitbit Versa vs Garmin.
1. Fitbit Versa 3 Review
First up, we have the Fitbit Versa 3 which is a beautifully designed device. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg because its features are even better.
It has a long-lasting battery that can go for up to 4 days on a 2-hour charge. Has a screen that shows your workouts, tracks different stages of your sleep, and tracks your heart rate all day and night.
You can also use this device to listen to and store music and make contactless payments. It’ll tell you exactly how many laps you’ve swum and how long a distance you’ve climbed.
It’s also waterproof for up to a distance of 50 meters deep. There’s also the Fitbit Versa app which you can use to benefit from 15 different exercise modes and other jogging and running tools.
2. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review
Next in our Garmin vs Fitbit Versa, we’re taking a look at the Garmin Vivoactive 3 device.
It comes with a lot of great features such as internal GPS, 15 different exercise modes that include yoga, running, biking, and swimming, as well as an ability to connect to your phone. This way, you can get notifications and operate the settings straight from your smartphone.
You’ll also enjoy features like contactless payment when you activate Garmin Pay, and the Connect IQ store provides you with a wide variety of apps, watch faces, and widgets to choose from.
You can also use this device to track your fitness over time and make sure that you’re not racking up too much stress as that affects your health too.
Smart Features
An easy way to determine what the best option is between Fitbit Versa vs Garmin Vivoactive 3 is to consider its smart features. You want a smartwatch that’ll make your life and your fitness activities easier.
Both the Fitbit and the Garmin devices are compatible with iOS and Android devices. They allow you to get notifications and manage messages straight from your smartphone.
The Fitbit Versa takes it to the next level by including built-in Amazon Alexa which you can use to use voice search to look for stuff on the Internet. Fitbit is thinking of introducing Google Assistant in the future, but there’s no voice assistant features on the Garmin device.
Premium Features
It’s important to note that Fitbit has an all-new business model where they offer you a Fitbit premium membership.
This gives you access to all of the app’s top features, including dynamic workout-based performance stats, cutting-edge sleep tools, fitness and health insights, and guided workout programs.
With Garmin, you get all of this and more for free. Even the Garmin Coach training plans are free when you purchase a Garmin watch.
Apps
Another consideration to make when comparing the Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Fitbit Versa is the number of apps that each option supports. This will determine your ability to keep up with details like daily and weekly activity information as well as performance stats.
When it comes to ease of use, the Fitbit app comes out on top. You get on the home screen as soon as you open it and it’s easy to use. Here you instantly see the daily stats at the top of the screen and close to the bottom you can view things like your sleep and exercise patterns.
You may also track things like sleep and performance metric history by looking at your previous activity on the screen. This is part of what makes this device super easy to use for beginners. It’s because everything is on the home page and you don’t have to worry about going through navigating through different menus and tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the Garmin vs Fitbit reviews debate:
Is Fitbit Versa or Garmin Vivoactive 3 easier to use?
The Fitbit Versa has been known to be a bit difficult to work with especially for inexperienced users, But with practice, you’ll find that it becomes easier over time and both devices are fairly simple when you get the hang of them.
Is Fitbit Versa cheaper than Garmin Vivoactive 3?
Fitbit vs Garmin: which is more affordable? The Fitbit Versa is the more accessibly priced upfront and it’s geared more towards beginners. While Garmin Vivoactive is designed for professional athletes and is thus pricier.
Can I get a Fitbit Versa at a discount?
You’ll hardly ever see the Fitbit on sale despite it being the cheaper option. But, you can always get a good deal on the Garmin if you keep a lookout for one.
Does Garmin make more products than Fitbit?
You have a lot more options to choose from with Garmin because they make devices for novices and professional athletes alike. But, the Fitbit is a favorite for everyday use because it has a wide range of fitness features to like.
Can Garmin Vivoactive 3 track swimming?
For the most part, Garmin manufactures their watches to be water-resistant which means that you can wear them while swimming. But the Garmin Vivoactive is apparently not that great in hot temperatures. So you can’t wear it in the sauna or hot tub. The Fitbit Versa, on the other hand, is only water-resistant for a distance of up to 50 meters deep.
Conclusion
When you compare Fitbit to Garmin, you’re obviously comparing the best fitness tracker devices on the market. The easiest way to pick between the two is to consider what your individual needs are. So, think about the sport or physical fitness activity that you engage in the most to determine which one meets your individual needs and preferences.
If you exercise regularly, then the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is perfect because it’s very comprehensive. But, if you’re planning to start a weight loss journey and you want to track your cycling progress and your steps, then you’ll want to opt for the Fitbit Versa 3.