Fitbit Versa 2 vs. Fitbit Versa Lite: Which should you buy?
Second generation
Fitbit's second-generation smartwatch: the Versa 2, sports a lighter, sleeker design than the Versa Lite and has a ton of cool new features like a built-in mic and Amazon Alexa. Plus, a variety of health and fitness tracking features and smart tech like voice replies (Android only) and music storage. It also has a faster processor, an AWOLED screen, Fitbit Pay, and a 5+ day battery life.
For
- Extensive health & fitness tracking
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Mic & Amazon Alexa built-in
- Fitbit Pay
- 5+ day battery life
- AWOLED screen
- Music experience (can store 300+ songs)
- Customizable
- Swimproof (-50m)
Against
- No built-in GPS
- Pricey
First generation lite
The Fitbit Versa Lite is a lighter, sleeker version of Fitbit's first-generation smartwatch: the Fitbit Versa 1. It comes in a variety of different colors and has cool health and fitness tracking features, an LCD screen, some smart tech, and a 4+ day battery life.
For
- Health & fitness tracking
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Fun colors
- Customizable
- Swimproof (-50m)
Against
- No mic or Amazon Alexa built-in
- 4+ day battery life
- No Fitbit Pay
- LCD screen
- No built-in GPS
Which should you buy?
So, should you buy the Fitbit Versa 2 or the Fitbit Versa Lite? We think that you should definitely go with the Fitbit Versa 2! You get all of Fitbit's latest and greatest features like the built-in mic and Amazon Alexa, along with all of their health and fitness tracking, a 5+ day battery life, an AWOLED screen for sharper blacks and more vibrant colors, and an assortment of smart tech. Read on for a thorough break down as to why we think the Versa 2 is the way to go and how exactly they're different.
Header Cell - Column 0 | Fitbit Versa 2 | Fitbit Versa Lite |
---|---|---|
Item Dimensions | 1.56 x 1.59 x 0.47 in | 1.94 x 4 x 8.9 in |
Weight | .16 oz | .54 oz |
Battery Life | 5+ days | 4+ days |
Screen | AWOLED | LCD |
Built-in Mic + Amazon Alexa | Yes | No |
Built-in GPS | No | No |
Health & Fitness tracking | Yes | Yes (limited) |
24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Fitbit Pay | Yes | No |
Music Experience | Yes | No |
Voice Replies | Yes | No |
Always On Display Mode | Yes | No |
As you can see from that comparison, you get a whole lot more for not that much more in the Versa 2 vs. the Versa Lite.
Built-in mic + Amazon Alexa
This is perhaps the most significant difference between the Versa 2 and the Versa Lite. One of Fitbit's coolest and most advanced features yet is the ability to talk to and use Amazon Alexa right on your wrist. You can ask Alexa questions, shop Amazon, set reminders & alarms, and get your health and fitness stats simply by using the built-in microphone to ask Alexa. She'll send you speedy text replies in return, and if you're an Android user, you can also use the mic to voice reply to your texts.
Updated tech and tracking features
Other significant and noteworthy differences between the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Fitbit Versa Lite are the differences in their health and fitness tracking. The Fitbit Versa 2 has swim tracking, can track floors climbed, and features on-screen workouts, unlike the Fitbit Versa Lite. You can track and view these features on the Versa 2's updated AWOLED screen, which translates to sharper blacks and more vibrant colors for the user.
The Versa 2 also moves quickly with Fitbit's fastest processor yet, and the design is actually lighter and sleeker than the Fitbit Versa Lite's. You also get Fitbit Pay and Fitbit's music experience which is the capacity to store 300+ songs. Plus, Fitbit's "always on-display mode," which means you can see real-time exercise stats and check the time with just a glance. The Versa Lite does not have any of those features, putting the Versa 2 way ahead in our opinion.
Let's talk battery life. The Fitbit Versa 2 features a 5+ day battery life vs. the Fitbit Versa Lite which only has a 4+ day battery life. The difference that 24 hours can make is substantial, and the Versa 2 is more convenient for travelers and campers who might have to wait that extra day until their next charging opportunity.
Customization
You can fully customize both the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Fitbit Versa Lite. The Versa Lite comes in five different colors, and you can take your personalization even further with the hundreds of Versa Lite compatible watch bands on Amazon. The Versa 2 comes in six different colors with the option to upgrade to special edition. Meaning, you get one additional designer watch band with your purchase and a free 3-month trial of Fitbit Premium which personalizes your health and fitness guidance. Amazon is also exclusively offering the Fitbit Versa 2 in bordeaux and copper rose. You can find hundreds of Versa 2 compatible watch bands on Amazon, so you can pick the perfect aesthetic for any occasion.
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To sum it up
We think you should definitely spring for the Fitbit Versa 2 vs. the Fitbit Versa Lite. It offers so much more with it's lighter, sleeker design. Its extensive, with upgraded health and fitness tracking features, Fitbit Pay, Fitbit's Music Experience, AWOLED screen, Fitbit's fastest processor, 5+ day battery life, and a microphone and Amazon Alexa built right in. For not a whole lot more, you get a lot more, which is why the Fitbit Versa 2 wins best overall.
Nicolette is a freelance writer for iMore. She's been hooked on Apple products since she got the very first iPhone in 2007 and made the switch from PC to Mac in 2008 after inadvertently dousing her laptop with a hefty dose of water. A dedicated creative, Nicolette has had the pleasure of working with some of the top websites, studios, and brands in the industry throughout her career, and enjoys writing about all things: Apple, health, fitness, audio, and home. With over a decade of high-level experience as a health and fitness professional, Nicolette specializes in tech pertaining to the field. If she’s not working, you can find her sipping a glass of wine, enjoying a concert, or hanging with her family.