Fitbit Blaze vs Versa: Which Fitbit Should You Buy?
Choosing the right fitness tracker can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, how do you decide which one best suits your needs and lifestyle? Today, we’re diving headfirst into a comparison that will help you make that crucial decision.
We’re putting two popular Fitbit models head-to-head: the Fitbit Blaze and the Fitbit Versa. Both offer a range of features designed to help you track your activity, monitor your sleep, and stay connected. But which one comes out on top?
This comparison will break down the key differences between the Fitbit Blaze and the Versa, covering everything from design and features to battery life and price. Get ready to discover which Fitbit is the perfect match for you and your fitness goals!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Blaze | Versa |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| GPS (Connected) | Yes | Yes |
| On-Screen Workouts | Yes | Yes |
| SmartTrack (Automatic Exercise Recognition) | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications (Calls, Texts, Calendar) | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Swim Tracking | No | Yes |
| Fitbit Pay (NFC) | No | Yes (Special Editions) |
| Display | Color Touchscreen | Color Touchscreen |
| Battery Life (Typical Use) | Up to 5 days | Up to 4+ days |
| Interchangeable Bands | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Display
- Fitbit Blaze: Features a modular design with a stainless steel frame and interchangeable bands. It has a color touchscreen display, but the screen is smaller and less vibrant compared to the Versa. The design is slightly bulkier.
- Versa: Boasts a sleek, modern design with a more rounded square shape and a larger, brighter color touchscreen display. It offers a more streamlined and comfortable fit, making it ideal for all-day wear.
- Winner: Versa
Fitness Tracking
- Fitbit Blaze: Tracks basic fitness metrics like steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep. It lacks built-in GPS, relying on connected GPS via your smartphone.
- Versa: Provides similar fitness tracking capabilities as the Blaze, including heart rate monitoring and sleep stages. It also uses connected GPS.
- Winner: Tie
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Fitbit Blaze: Equipped with PurePulse heart rate technology for continuous heart rate tracking during workouts and throughout the day.
- Versa: Also includes PurePulse heart rate tracking, providing similar heart rate data and insights.
- Winner: Tie
Smartwatch Features
- Fitbit Blaze: Offers basic smartwatch features such as call, text, and calendar notifications. It also has music controls.
- Versa: Provides a wider range of smartwatch features, including app notifications, quick replies (Android only), and Fitbit Pay (depending on the edition).
- Winner: Versa
Battery Life
- Fitbit Blaze: Typically offers a battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge.
- Versa: Provides a similar battery life of up to 4+ days, depending on usage.
- Winner: Tie
Swim Tracking
- Fitbit Blaze: Does not have swim tracking capabilities or a water-resistant design.
- Versa: Water-resistant up to 50 meters, enabling swim tracking and making it suitable for pool workouts.
- Winner: Versa
Music Experience
- Fitbit Blaze: Offers music control to play, pause, skip, and adjust volume of music playing on your connected phone.
- Versa: Includes the ability to store and play music from Deezer and Pandora (paid subscriptions required), offering a more standalone music experience.
- Winner: Versa
Price
- Fitbit Blaze: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Versa: Typically priced slightly higher than the Blaze, reflecting its enhanced features and design.
- Winner: Blaze
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Versa |
| Features (Overall) | Versa |
| Swim Tracking | Versa |
| Battery Life | Blaze |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Heart Rate Tracking: Both the Fitbit Blaze and Versa offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring, allowing you to track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. This data helps you understand your cardiovascular health and optimize your exercise efforts.
- Activity Tracking: Both devices track steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, providing comprehensive activity data to help you reach your fitness goals. They also automatically recognize and record certain exercises with SmartTrack.
- Sleep Tracking: Both smartwatches automatically track your sleep duration and sleep stages, providing insights into your sleep quality. You can see how long you spend in light, deep, and REM sleep.
- Notifications: Both the Blaze and Versa receive notifications for calls, texts, and calendar events, keeping you connected to your phone without having to take it out. You can also customize which apps send notifications.
- Music Control: Both watches allow you to control music playback on your smartphone, enabling you to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume. This is useful for workouts and everyday activities.
- Interchangeable Bands: Both the Blaze and Versa have the option of different bands, allowing you to customize the look of your smartwatch to match your style. You can easily swap bands to match your outfit or activity.
Fitbit Blaze Vs Versa Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Fitbit Blaze boasts a more angular, classic watch design with a stainless steel frame. Its modular design allows you to easily swap bands. The Versa offers a sleeker, more modern aesthetic with a curved, rounded square display. It also features a lightweight, aluminum unibody construction. Both are comfortable to wear, but personal preference dictates which design is preferred. Consider your style and comfort level when choosing between the Blaze’s more rugged feel and the Versa’s refined look. The build quality of both is generally very good, though the Blaze’s replaceable frame might feel more durable to some.
Fitness Tracking Features
Both the Blaze and Versa excel at basic fitness tracking, including steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep monitoring. The Versa adds more advanced features, such as on-screen workouts and swim tracking, which the Blaze lacks. The Blaze offers Connected GPS, using your phone’s GPS, while the Versa includes built-in GPS in some models. Both track heart rate accurately. If advanced fitness tracking and dedicated swim tracking are priorities, the Versa is the better option. Consider the specific workout types you engage in and the importance of on-device GPS.
Smartwatch Functionality
The Versa surpasses the Blaze in smartwatch capabilities. It offers more app support, including the ability to store and play music (depending on the model). It also has more advanced notification features, allowing for quick replies (Android only). The Blaze provides basic notifications, but its smartwatch features are more limited. Both allow for call, text, and calendar notifications. If you want a more robust smartwatch experience with app integration and music storage, the Versa is the superior choice. Consider your daily digital needs.
Battery Life
The Versa generally offers better battery life than the Blaze. You can expect about 4+ days of battery life from the Versa, depending on usage, compared to the Blaze’s 5+ days. This increased battery life is a significant advantage for those who don’t want to charge their device frequently. Consider your typical usage patterns and how often you’re willing to charge your device. The difference might not be significant for some, but it’s a key factor for others. Both devices charge via proprietary chargers.
Price and Value
The price of both watches can fluctuate depending on the model and retailer. Typically, the Versa is competitively priced, often offering more features for the same or a slightly higher price than the Blaze. The Blaze, being an older model, can sometimes be found at a discounted price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Consider the features you need and your budget when making your decision. Evaluate the value proposition of each watch based on its capabilities and price point, relative to your needs.
Ease of Use and Interface
Both watches are relatively easy to use, with intuitive interfaces. The Versa has a more modern interface and a brighter, more vibrant display. The Blaze uses a slightly older interface, but it’s still user-friendly. The Fitbit app is the same for both devices, providing a central hub for tracking your data and customizing your settings. Consider your preference for screen brightness, color quality, and the overall user experience. Both devices sync seamlessly with the Fitbit app, making data analysis straightforward.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy fitbit blaze If…
- You prefer a more classic, slightly bulkier design.
- You prioritize a longer battery life.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need swim tracking.
Buy versa If…
- You want a sleeker, more modern design.
- You want swim tracking capabilities.
- You want access to Fitbit Pay (Special Editions).
- You value the smaller, lighter design for all-day wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Fitbit Blaze and Versa?
The Versa offers a more modern design, better smartwatch features (app support, music storage), and improved fitness tracking capabilities, including swim tracking and some built-in GPS. The Blaze has a more classic design and offers Connected GPS. The Versa generally has longer battery life. Both track fitness and sleep.
Does the Fitbit Versa have GPS?
Some models of the Fitbit Versa have built-in GPS. The original Versa does not. The Versa 2 and Versa 3 include GPS. This is a crucial distinction if you need accurate, on-device tracking for runs, walks, or other outdoor activities without your phone.
Can I make calls on either watch?
Neither the Fitbit Blaze nor the standard Versa models allow you to make or receive calls directly on the watch. They can receive notifications about incoming calls, and you can answer or reject them from the watch. You will still need your phone nearby to actually talk.
What is the battery life like on each device?
The Versa generally offers better battery life, typically lasting 4+ days on a single charge, depending on usage. The Blaze offers about 5+ days. Factors such as GPS usage, screen brightness, and the number of notifications received can impact battery life on both devices.
Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both are good for basic fitness tracking. However, the Versa is better for more advanced tracking, with on-screen workouts and swim tracking. The Versa also offers built-in GPS in certain models. The Blaze has Connected GPS. The Versa is generally the better fitness tracker overall.
What apps are available on the Fitbit Versa?
The Versa supports a variety of apps through the Fitbit app gallery, including apps for music, news, weather, and more. This app support significantly enhances the smartwatch functionality compared to the Blaze, which has limited app integration capabilities. The app selection is constantly updated.
Is the Fitbit Blaze waterproof?
The Fitbit Blaze is splash-proof, meaning it can withstand sweat, rain, and splashes, but it is not fully waterproof. The Versa is water-resistant up to 50 meters, meaning you can swim with it. This is a significant advantage for swimmers and those who want to track their swimming metrics.
Final Verdict
The Fitbit Versa ultimately offers a more compelling package than the Blaze. With its superior smartwatch features, enhanced fitness tracking capabilities (including swim tracking), and generally better battery life, the Versa provides a more modern and versatile experience. While the Blaze remains a capable device, the Versa’s improvements make it the better choice for most users.
Winner: Fitbit Versa