Fitbit have done a lot well with the creation of the new Versa 2.
Not too big and not too small, it’s a middle of the road fitness tracker that’s able to do a little bit of everything for both Android and iPhone users.
The Versa 2 is part of Fitbit’s smartwatch range and has more features built in that you’d find on a pure fitness tracker like Fitbit’s other models, like the Charge.
JOE has been using the Versa 2 for the last number of weeks and we’ve found there’s a lot to like about Fitbit’s latest offering.
Fitbit has a wealth of experience in the field of fitness wearables to lean on, but an area which has historically been a weakness for the company is its screen technology and software.
The good news on this front is, Fitbit has traded the original Versa’s LCD panel for an AMOLED screen and the result is the best upgrade this device has over its predecessors. It turns what was once a weakness into a real gem for Fitbit.
A clear, vivid screen which was visible at all times, even under direct sunlight. Our one qualm would be the overlarge bezels which give the screen a stamp-like impression at times.
The Versa 2 is aimed at users keen on fitness and health rather than those seeking productivity from a wearable and it is a worthy extension of Fitbit’s excellent fitness tracker range.
Its sleep tracking feature is one of our favourite things about it, giving you a score each night out of 100 for the quality of your sleep and suggesting improvements. After weeks of use we found ourselves routinely checking my score and trying to improve it.
It also uses machine learning to wake you up in the morning at an optimal time of your sleep cycle by deciding to wake you when you’re in REM/light sleep rather than deep sleep.
In terms of fitness tracking, it has all your standard bells and whistles, including seven exercise tracking modes; running, cycling, swimming, treadmill, weights, interval timer and a generic workout tracking mode.
Each of them worked well when we used them but it’s also important to note that some of the more complicated fitness features are locked behind a paid subscription service, Fitbit Premium.
Something that has to go in the negative column is the fact the Versa 2 does not have GPS and relies on the connection to your phone for tracking your exercise with GPS, meaning if you’re out for a run, you’ll be lugging your phone along with you.
Other additions to the Versa 2 include built in voice support for Alexa and the ability to change songs from Spotify.
An update coming in December will also allow you to store three faces on your watch that you can jump between independently of your phone. At the time of writing, you need to use the app on your smartphone to change the watch face, which is a little bit pedestrian for 2019.
The Fitbit Versa 2 is the best Fitbit currently available and is available from €199 on the Fitbit website.
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