Fitbit Versa vs. Garmin Vivoactive 3

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The fitness tracker is one of the most popular gadgets nowadays. They can track an array of functions of our body accurately and display the information to you comprehensively.

Fitbit and Garmin are two of the most popular brands. While Fitbit is a go-to for most users, Garmin tends to be more exclusive to professional athletes.

However, Garmin does have a line of fitness trackers which caters to the everyday person – the Garmin Vivoactive series.

And the following article will be comparing two products from these two brands, so that you can decide which of the two fitness trackers would be the right fit for you.

Table of Contents

Model	Fitbit Versa	Garmin Vivoactive 3
Supported Application	Fitness Tracker	Email, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor
Brand	Fitbit	Garmin
Wireless Communication Standard	Bluetooth	802.11g/n
Color	Black	Black With Stainless
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth, GPS
Human Interface Input	Buttons	Touchscreen
Screen Size	3 Inches	1.2 Inches
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant	Water Resistant
GPS	True	Yes
Item Dimensions	1.98 x 3.98 x 9 inches	1.7 x 0.5 x 1.7 inches
Item Weight	5.12 ounces	1.41 ounces
Price	Check Price	Check Price

An Overview of the Fitbit Versa

While the Fitbit Versa is a good-looking and compact device, its appearance pales in comparison to its features.

With a battery that lasts for up to 4 days after 2 hours of charging, the device tracks your heart rate 24/7, tracks your sleep (and its stages), and visualizes your workout on its screen.

It also allows you to make contactless payments, store a ton of music, and even count the number of floors you have climbed or laps you have swum (it is waterproof to up to 50 meters deep).

You can also download many apps onto your Fitbit Versa from the Fitbit store. This device is not just for runners or joggers, as it has more than 15 exercise modes for you to select from.

The Fitbit Versa also allows you to record your workouts. You can sync it to your smartphone to get notifications on your Fitbit Versa, given that your phone is less than 30 feet away, and even send a quick reply to texts on an Android phone.

With the Fitbit Versa, you can use the smart-track option to select various sports or workouts.

The device is also great for logging and tracking periods and their symptoms.

Now that we know about the various characteristics of the Fitbit Versa, let us look into some of its pros and cons.

PROS

Large screen (measuring 1.34”) and a high-resolution display
Slim and light, measuring 11.2 millimeters and weighing 38 grams
Tracks activity automatically, without needing to be switched on
A list of more than 15 different exercises to choose from
Relatively more affordable

CONS

Setting up the device can be a hassle in the beginning
No internal GPS; needs to be connected to a smartphone to get GPS tracking

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Related Guide: SHIMANO M520 vs. M530 vs. M540

An Overview of the Garmin Vivoactive 3

Not only does the Garmin Vivoactive 3 feature various sensors (including an internal GPS), it also allows you to choose from 15 different exercising modes, such as swimming, running, yoga, etc.

Because it has an internal GPS, you do not need to be near your smartphone for it to operate properly.

However, you can still get your phone’s notifications on the Garmin Vivoactive 3 watch when the two are synced.

You can also use the fitness watch for contactless payment, through connected cards and banks, using the Garmin Pay option.

The Garmin watch is also highly customizable. There is an unlimited array of apps, widgets, and watch faces to choose from in the Connect IQ store.

The device is more like a regular watch in appearance than like a fitness tracker, which makes it wearable for all situations.

Using the Garmin Vivoactive 3, you can keep track of your personal level of fitness as well as monitor your stress levels.

The most appealing feature of this watch is its lengthy battery life. And the Garmin Vivoactive 3 can last for up to a week on one charging session.

However, keeping the watch in GPS mode will significantly shorten its typical battery life.

PROS

Has an internal GPS, no need to connect to a smartphone for GPS tracking
The long battery life of up to one week between charges
It features an array of sensors, such as a digital compass, an elevation sensor, a barometer, etc.
Very well synced with your smartphone; lets you check for updates and notifications and see the battery level of your phone
The side-swiping feature lets you use your thumb to navigate the screen, rather than your index finger

CONS

Needs to be upgraded in order to store music
Relatively low screen resolution (240 x 240 pixels) and a smaller screen (1.2”)

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Related Guide: Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x

Difference between Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Fitbit Versa?

When it comes to a comparison, it is clear to see that there are not many notable differences between the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and the Fitbit Versa.

At the same time, there are a few significant differences between the two, as well as some close similarities.

Range of Sensors

One of the biggest advantages the Garmin Vivoactive 3 has over the Fitbit Versa is its internal GPS.

It allows you to go on a run and be able to track your progress even if your phone is charging at home.

Suggested Guide: Garmin Instinct vs Vivoactive 3

Display Quality

However, the Fitbit Versa does have a better display, with a larger screen and a higher resolution.

It is also lighter and slimmer than the Garmin Vivoactive 3, though not by much.

User Friendliness

If you have not used a Fitbit product before, then the Fitbit Versa’s interface will be difficult to adjust to at first.

On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a relatively simple user interface, which makes the device easy to use from the get-go.

Price

While Fitbit has always catered to the casual fitness enthusiast, Garmin is known for building devices fit to be used by professionals.

Hence, it should come as no surprise that the Fitbit Versa is more economically priced than the Garmin Vivoactive 3.

User Demographics

Though the Fitbit Versa user interface takes some getting used to, it is still one of the most popular fitness trackers for casual users.

If you exercise for recreation but also want to properly track your stats and progress, then the Fitbit Versa is a good option for you. It has a sizable and high-resolution screen and is light and compact.

On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 watch is more suited to users who take their exercise more seriously and have an overall active lifestyle.

It features a range of useful sensors, including a built-in GPS, and has a very long-lasting battery.

Though its display is not as crisp as the one on the Fitbit Versa, it is more than adequate.

Related Guide: Garmin 66i vs Inreach Explorer Plus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the Fitbit Versa and Vivoactive:

Is the Fitbit Versa more affordable than the Garmin Vivoactive 3?

Yes, because the Fitbit range is targeted towards more casual users, the Fitbit Versa is priced lower than the Garmin Vivoactive 3 (which usually only produces trackers fit for use by professional athletes).

Does the Fitbit Versa go on sale?

While the Fitbit is less expensive than the Vivoactive 3, it almost never goes on sale.

The Garmin one, on the other hand, can often be bought at a lower price than the original.

Between the Fitbit Versa and the Garmin Vivoactive 3, which one is easier to use?

The Fitbit Versa is not easy to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, both devices are almost equally user friendly.

Who has a wider product range – Garmin or Fitbit?

Garmin doubtlessly has a wider range of devices and features which cater to professionals and fitness novices alike.

However, for the everyday fitness enthusiast, Fitbit has a limitless range of fitness trackers to pick from.

Can I use the Garmin Vivoactive 3 for tracking my swimming progress?

All Garmin watches are water-resistant, and therefore, a great choice for tracking one’s swimming progress.

Though, it is advised that you do not wear your Garmin Vivoactive 3 in extremely hot temperatures, such as in a hot tub or sauna.
The Fitbit Versa is also water-resistant for up to 50 meters deep.

Conclusion

Both the fitness trackers discussed above have a few advantages over one another, which might make the choice difficult for you.

However, when it comes to Fitbit Versa or Garmin Vivoactive 3, the main thing to consider is your individual requirements for a fitness tracker.

If exercise is a big part of your life, even if you are not a professional, then Garmin Vivoactive 3 is the way to go for you.

However, if you only need a fitness tracker to track your steps or weight loss, then going for the Fitbit Versa is wiser.

The former has a better range of sensors, while the latter is adequate and affordable.