Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2 (Which is Better?)

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Fitbit has solidified its position as the best manufacturer of fitness trackers, activity bands, and fitness technology in general. That’s why it’s only fair to compare two of the top Fitbit models to see which is the best. Today we’re comparing Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2. They’re both the top of the line, but which is best for helping you get fit and lose weight?

It’s very much a battle of activity band vs smartwatch. Our Fitbit Charge 4 review found that it nearly all the same features as the Fitbit Versa 2 but with one important difference: it includes a GPS and yet is more affordable. Let’s dig deeper to see which Fitbit is right for you. We also just compared Fitbit Charge 4 vs 3 vs Special Edition if you want to see more about the Charge line.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2 At a Glance

	Fitbit Versa 2	Fitbit Charge 4
Size	1.6 x 1.6 x 0.5 inches	9.7 x 1.1 x 0.5 inches
Weight	1.34 ounces	1.05 ounces
Change Straps?	Yes	Yes
Screen	1.4-inch AMOLED	1-inch monochrome
Active Zone Minutes	Yes (after update)	Yes
Built-In GPS	No (needs smartphone)	Yes
Battery Life	5 days	7 days
Music?	Yes (about 300 songs)	No
Waterproof	Yes (50 meters)	Yes (50 meters)
App Store	Yes	No
Sleep Monitoring	Yes	Yes
Step Counting	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate	Yes	Yes
Notifications	Yes	Yes
Exercise Tracking	Yes	Yes
Swim Tracking	Yes	Yes
VO2 Tracking	Yes	Yes

Like we said before, the Charge 4 has nearly all the same things as the Versa 2. While our Fitbit Versa 2 review found that it was more like a smartphone so you get access to an app marketplace and it has a better screen. However, the Charge 4 has its own GPS, better battery life, and is at a better price point.

Let’s keep going further to see which one is right for you.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs Charge 4: Features

There are lots of similarities here. They basically track the exact same metrics and have many of the same features. However, there are some significant differences and we’ll cover those. Let’s start with similarities first.

Both of these fitness trackers track your calories, steps, active time, movement, and heart rate. That’s common to all Fitbit models, so nothing surprising there. Both are wonderful sleep trackers and will ensure you get all the Fitbit sleep information. For those who don’t know, Fitbit Sleep Score analyzes your sleeping patterns and shows you where there can be improvements.

You’ll also find that they both measure your SpO2 both while awake and sleeping. The core features are basically the same. So, how do they differ?

They both use the same algorithms except when it comes to Active Zone Minutes. This feature awards you for getting a higher heart rate. This came standard on the Fitbit Charge 4. It eventually came to Versa 2 as an update. So while they are even here, Charge 4 did have it first.

Both can also track many metrics with sports such as time, heart rate, and calories burned. However, outdoor sports are much easier to track with Charge 4 due to the built-in GPS. Versa 2 can track outdoor exercise as well, but you’ll need to bring your smartphone for the GPS functionality. You can have your phone in your belt or bag and it’s usually fine, but the GPS signal accuracy might suffer slightly.

Versa 2 does have a feature that Charge 4 lacks: guided workouts. You can see guided workouts and it will show you what to do next. It’s a wonderful feature for those trying something new. Charge 4 lacks this as it doesn’t have a proper screen for showing images.

It’s very close with Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2. The main difference would be the built-in GPS with Charge 4 and the guided workouts with Versa 2.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2: Design

While the features were nearly identical, these fitness trackers are polar opposites when it comes to design. Charge 4 takes on the iconic Fitbit fitness tracker look while Versa 2 is more like a smartwatch with fitness-oriented features.

The Fitbit Charge 4 has a relatively large 1-inch screen (large when compared to some other activity bands). The screen is greyscale and low resolution, which is again common for this type of product. The screen will light up whenever you raise your wrist. This conserves battery life.

Direct sunlight can be a problem as it might be hard to read. You can go through the menus both with a virtual button found on the left side or by using the touchscreen functionality.

Versa 2, on the other hand, has a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display with full color. It’s a smartwatch and it comes with all the apps and features you’d expect. Use the touchscreen to select apps or move between menus. There’s also a button on the left side. It’s easy to use and looks great.

Both offer customization. You can use Fitbit swappable straps and switch out the default straps for other colors, materials, or designs. It’s your choice and most straps will work with them.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2: Battery Life

Fitbit is a brand known for fantastic battery life and neither of these disappoint. The Charge 4 is definitely the winner by lasting 7 days, but the Versa 2 is no slouch and it lasts for 5 days. That’s really impressive when you compare it to other top smartwatches that barely last a full day.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs Charge 4: Smart Features

What else can these Fitbits offer aside from fitness tracking? Our Fitbit Charge 4 review found that it does have a few smart features. It has alerts for phone calls along with notifications for text messages and calendar updates. However, messages are hard to read and the text scrolls by. It’s not ideal. While it can’t play music, it can connect to Spotify and help you skip, pause, or choose tracks.

Versa 2 has more smart features (no surprise considering it’s a smartwatch). You can directly upload MP3s from your computer and Versa 2 can play them directly. The uploading might take a while, but it’s nice to have the songs there whenever you want to hear them.

What about voice commands? Versa 2 comes with Alexa and responds to your voice. It doesn’t have a speaker so Alexa will respond with text, but it’s still a great way to control your device. Versa 2 also has an app marketplace. It’s limited compared to Android and Apple, but you get all the basics.

Final Thoughts

Both of these fitness trackers are basically equal when it comes to the tracking aspect. They monitor your steps, breathing, calories, and so on, but there are a few differences. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that is fitness oriented with a great battery life, then Versa 2 is the way to go. If you’d prefer to have a built-in GPS, then try Charge 4. In either case, both of these fitness trackers are amazing and show the strength of the Fitbit brand.