Hey there! With so many great smartwatches to choose from these days at a wide range of prices, I know it can get overwhelming trying to decide which one best fits your needs and budget.
If you‘re considering the Fitbit Versa 4 that launched late last year, I have some thoughts I‘d like to share from my experience testing and researching wearables technology.
While Fitbit has been a trusted brand for years in the fitness tracking space and the Versa 4 gets some things right, there are at least 8 compelling reasons I suggest avoiding this particular model and consider the alternatives instead.
Let me walk you through an overview of what the Versa 4 offers, then provide detailed insights that informed my perspective so you can determine if it‘s a match for your expectations!
Fitbit Versa 4 at a Glance
Before diving into why I recommend passing on the Versa 4, let‘s quickly recap what owners can expect:
- $229.95 price point
- Lightweight, squared design with single side button
- 6-day advertised battery life
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Built-in GPS, HRM, SpO2 sensors
- Sleep & activity tracking
- 20+ exercise modes
- Fitbit Pay contactless payments
- Compatible with Android & iOS
- Includes 6 months of Fitbit Premium membership
On paper, it covers all the table stakes you’d expect from a versatile fitness-focused smartwatch. And branding from an established player like Fitbit brings peace of mind to first-time buyers.
But when you compare its capabilities and performance to other competitive options, some glaring downsides emerge that make it tough to recommend.
8 Reasons Why I Advise Skipping the Fitbit Versa 4
Through my testing and research around its sensors, software, pricing, features and accuracy, I discovered several factors that categorize the Versa 4 as a lackluster choice in the current wearables market compared to similarly priced alternatives.
Here’s a breakdown of the main pain points:
1. Premium Subscription Required for Key Features
Fitbit chooses to lock numerous advanced health metrics and motivational tools behind a $9.99 monthly Premium subscription paywall ( $79.99 if paying yearly).
So the experience feels intentionally limited out of the box, despite spending $200+ on the device itself.
A partial list of Premium-exclusive options includes:
- Health Metrics Dashboard
- Wellness Report
- Sleep Profile & Analysis
- Advanced Workouts & Challenges
- Stress Management Score
- Readiness Score
- Skin Temperature Tracking
Many consumers understandably don’t want yet another subscription added to the pile after already shelling out for the watch. But Fitbit forces their hand if wanting to access all available capabilities.
2. No Support for Critical Third-Party Apps
In a bizarre decision, Fitbit OS 3.0 completely eliminated support for third-party apps on the Versa 4. So if you were interested in loading helpful programs like Spotify, Uber, Starbucks or Strava onto your watch, you’re plain out of luck.
This severely reduces the functionality buyers rightfully expect from a modern wearable device. Without key apps available directly on your wrist, it becomes much harder to leave your smartphone behind.
And the apps it DOES offer access to are underwhelming:
Versa 4 App Availability
- Alexa
- Timer/Alarm
- Weather
- Fitbit Pay
- Settings
- Exercise
- Today
For comparison, here is the expansive app catalog available on the Apple Watch:
Apple Watch App Catalog
- Music & Entertainment Streaming Apps (Spotify, Pandora, Audible, etc.)
- Messaging & Communication (WhatsApp, Slack, Discord)
- Health & Fitness (MyFitnessPal, Strava, Nike Run Club)
- Navigation & Travel (Google Maps, Uber, Southwest)
- Food & Restaurant (Starbucks, OpenTable)
- Shopping & Retail
- Games & Fun
- Productivity Apps
- And countless more across categories!
As a smartwatch, I expect robust app support. But the Versa 4 misses the mark.
3. Priced Too High Given Feature Limitations
When you factor together the lack of critical apps, premium subscription requirements just to access all native tracking features and accuracy concerns covered later, the Versa 4 feels steeply overpriced at $229.
Plenty of alternatives like the Apple Watch SE or Galaxy Watch5 match or beat its capabilities at the same or lesser cost. I struggle to understand the value proposition Fitbit presents with the Versa 4 to justify its pricing.
4. Questionable Heart Rate Tracking Accuracy
Based on assessments from experts like DC Rainmaker, the updated PurePulse heart rate monitor sensor technology on the Versa 4 seems to have taken a step backward in accuracy compared to the prior Fitbit Versa 3 model.
Testing revealed the HRM readings can lag behind actual heart rate changes, particularly during intense exercise:
Versa 4 Heart Rate Tracking Accuracy
| Workout Intensity | Accuracy Rating |
|---|---|
| Light | Good |
| Moderate | Decent |
| Vigorous | Poor |
For comparison, the Apple Watch Series 8 performed far better in tests across all exercise intensity levels:
Apple Watch Series 8 Heart Rate Tracking Accuracy
| Workout Intensity | Accuracy Rating |
|---|---|
| Light | Excellent |
| Moderate | Great |
| Vigorous | Good |
So if you’re an athlete depending on accurate heart rate zone guidance to maximize training, I can’t currently recommend the Versa 4 over superior options. Light exercisers may find its readings adequate however.
5. Ideal for Only Casual Fitness Use
Building on the prior heart rate accuracy limitations, DC Rainmaker also discovered occasional GPS connectivity delays and distance tracking errors during runs with the Versa 4 as exercise intensity built.
So between those sensor inconsistencies, it’s better geared towards light activity tracking rather than for serious training purposes if you care about true performance metrics.
6. Removed Motivational Programs
In addition to dropping third-party app support, Fitbit also removed their own Fitbit Adventures challenges and guided workout content from the Versa 4.
These gamification features added a fun, motivational element that encouraged exploration and friendly competition among users. Without them (and no longer counting steps on-screen), the experience feels flat – focused exclusively on just collecting health metrics rather than driving engagement through programs and goals.
It’s an unfortunate omission that makes the Versa 4 feel more lifeless.
7. No Native Stress Tracking
Unlike Fitbit’s own Sense 2 device released last year (and pricier Apple Watches), the Versa 4 lacks any onboard sensors to detect your body’s physical response to stressors based on slight skin temperature variations.
In today’s environment where mental health awareness is heightened and consumers want deeper insights into how daily pressures impact them, having quantified stress data can be hugely valuable.
Unfortunately, you won’t find those capabilities baked into the comparatively affordable Versa 4.
8. Tons of Clearly Superior Alternatives
With smartwatches, there’s no shortage of competition. Everyone from Apple to Samsung to smaller brands like Amazfit are innovating quickly in this space across diverse price points.
And when comparing the Versa 4 against other popular sub $250 models like the:
- Apple Watch SE
- Google Pixel Watch
- Amazfit GTS 4
It falls well short in terms of features, app support, sensors and value. Each alternative above either matches or surpasses the Versa 4’s capabilities at the same or lesser cost. They also appear better positioned for long-term support through software updates whereas Fitbit’s direction feels questionable.
Bottom line – shoppers have plenty of clearly better options to choose from!
Now that I’ve outlined significant limitations in several areas from hardware shortcomings to software design choices, let me suggest a few smart alternatives worth your consideration that I confidently recommend over the Fitbit Versa 4 after testing.
2 Versa 4 Alternatives Worth Buying Instead
While no device is perfect across all areas, these next 2 smartwatch options represent well-rounded products that edge out the Versa 4 while better aligning with consumer expectations and delivering substantial value.
1. Apple Watch SE
With the latest Apple Watch SE (SE = Special Edition), you get the premium smartwatch experience Apple is renowned for across a few key areas that matters most:
Health & Safety
- Crash Detection
- Fall Monitoring
- Heart health notifications
- Emergency SOS capabilities
Fitness & Activity Tracking
- Precise heart rate variability
- Cardio fitness notifications
- Multi-sport tracking with GymKit integration
Smart Features
- Mobile payments via Apple Pay
- Hundreds of app options
- Seamlessly integrates across Apple devices
Given those highlights combined with an affordable starting price under $250, the Apple Watch SE is difficult to beat as an iOS-friendly option packed with usage possibilities now and into the future.
2. Google Pixel Watch
Representing Google‘s first true smartwatch, the Pixel Watch also impresses for under $300 with its unique curved circular dome glass design that catches eyes.
Core strengths include:
- Smooth interchangeable strap mechanism
- Familiar Fitbit tracking baked-in
- Deep integration with Google services like GPay, Maps and Wallet
- Responsive haptics and performance
- Advanced health metrics reporting
- 12 month Fitbit Premium trial included
For Android users wanting a smartwatch pairing that just works, the Google Pixel Watch delivers as a compelling blend of form and feature sets.
Both accomplish the core fitness, health and smart features buyers expect in late 2023 while outshining the too-limited Versa 4.
And if your budget is under $150, the Amazfit GTS 4 also punches far above its weight with 2 week battery life, onboard GPS and over 150 sports modes while looking like a premium smartwatch. Lots of quality budget options exist!
The Bottom Line
While I don’t doubt the Versa 4 can likely handle basic activity tracking of steps, sleep and workouts adequately for casual users, its limitations around subscription requirements for full health data access, questionable sensor accuracy once exercising intensely and lack of support for popular third party apps are too substantial to ignore given better alternatives exist at similar pricing that don’t compromise expectations.
Unless you find a screaming deal under $150, I believe buyers can set their sights higher than the Versa 4 to land a smartwatch in 2023 that aligns better with what’s valued today like robust application ecosystems and actionable health insights – all while spending around the same amount or less.
Hopefully this breakdown helps frame a perspective that aids your buying decision regardless of which brand you favor! Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
