Quality of Fitbit devices is degrading

[GGShanker9]

Just wanted to take others opinion on the quality of the Fitbit devices. My first Fitbit device lasted 3 years, the second one 2 years and the third one (Versa2) 14 months. I am now afraid to buy next device as it may not last one year (If the same trend continues). 

I will decide to buy the next device based on the responses that I receive. Has any of your devices lasted for more than 2 years?

[DamonDiva]

I am almost at the 2 yr mark on my Versa 2 and I have been happy with  it so far. (I am at 22 month mark)  My Charge was still working when I upgraded and I passed it down to a friend. I believe I purchased that in 2017.  We also bought my husband's Ionic  in Aug 2018 and it is included in the new recall so he now has a Versa 3.   I am a bit unsure of this one because it looks like we lost the "Hourly Activity" view in the new Versa 3.

I hope this helps a nit - Good Luck to you.

[JimMangia]

Couldn’t agree more, with your opinion on Fitbit longevity and quality.

I received a Charge 2 as a Christmas gift from my wife, several years ago. It died approximately 2 years later.  Next up, for me, a Charge 3, which developed a screen issue after about 2-2/half years of service.

Of course, both Charge watches were long past warranty coverage, and while customer service was helpful in trying to fix the problem, it  wasn’t possible.  They did offer a 25% discount on a new purchase of “select” devices, but is was nonetheless aggravating to have to buy another product so soon.

After my Charge 3 bit the dust, I opted to use my 25% discount on a Versa 3—big mistake.  It’s classified as a smart watch, but isn’t great.  I really don’t care about paying for purchases, getting text messages, checking the weather etc. through my watch.

I like, and want reliable tracking of my exercise, sleep measurement and other basic features involving personal health monitoring.

While recording my workouts..be it walking, biking, weightlifting, the stupid watch continually goes into a “pause mode”, which of course, stops all monitoring of the exercise.

I see, Fitbit is now offering a new Charge 5, which interests me. I am thinking of calling customer service, to see if they’d make some kind of swap, as I am pretty sure my Versa 3 is less than a year old.  If not, I am likely looking to a competitor to buy a reliable tracker.

[stashu1117]

Most Fitbit don't last a year.  Save yourself the headache pay a little more and get yourself a quality smartwatch  (Apple, Garmin, Samsung).  Some are in the same ballpark price wise and they'll last you 10X longer.  I have 3 Garmins and they have all outlasted any fitbit.  I have tried tons of fitbits including Flex, Charge, Inspire, Versa.... multiple versions of these watches and they all have one thing in common - they are a piece of crap that may last until the 1 year warranty expires (key word is "may") if they do, they will not last much longer.  Under warranty, you may be offered 50% off to upgrade to new piece of crap.  After that maybe 25%.  Also, if you buy one it lasts 5 months before its replaced and the replacement only lasts a few months you are done, they alrady replaced it.  Fitbit is crap.  Customer Support is non-existient their job is to upsale you.  DON'T BUY FITBIT >> They are on a path to crash and burn help them get there.  Some smart company with a real product and Customer Supprt should offer a X% trade in on any fitbit product - tons of folks will latch on and help sink fitbit.

[JimMangia]

Thanks, for all the feedback!
After my Charge bit the dust, customer service did offer me 25% off a purchase —but NOT on the new or existing Charge models.. only by upgrading to Versa 3 ( their idea of a smart watch). Wasn’t thrilled, but did bite on the “deal.” It’s been several months and I am warming to the Versa, which means it’ll probably die soon. Lol.
Although the problem that I had (frequently) with the Charge..pausing itself while I was clocking a workout (biking, walking, weight training etc) still happens, although infrequently, with the Versa 3.
I was happy with the customer service response, but like the car salesman, when you try to work a better deal, they have to put you on hold, to “speak with someone in sales”, for approval. Which is BS, because they come back and say they can’t offer you the discount on the same model or upgraded version of what you currently own. It’s always an upsell to the next level $$ product. But Hey, you’re getting a 25% discount on the MSRP ..Wow …thanks ! Haaaa


Sent from my iPhone

[stashu1117]

And if you were to look around you'll find that Walmart, Best Buy are selling the same device for the price they offered you or lower.  They don't discriminate, thery screw everyone that buys their products.

[stashu1117]

Its just a matter of time when that one fails.  The heart monitor will stop, it'll turn to brick after upgrade, it won't connect, or the **ahem** thing will heat up and burn you.  It's always something but you can count on the 25% discount off of a price that no one pays.

[Porthos]

I shifted to Amazfit T Rex 2. Much better. 

[PaulWYB]

Im a die hard Fitbit fans from the beginning. But I have to say you are right. On average my Fitbit Sense / My old Versa etc all last only about 12 to 14 months then just either die or don't work properly. Im switching over to Samsung Galaxy Pro 

[SunsetRunner]

Totally agree. I'm on my 3rd Versa 2 inside of 3 years.  When I got the last one replaced under the 1 yr warranty they made me return it before they would replace. Needless to say it was sent back on their dime via pony express (not!). After 6 weeks and they still hadn't received it back they finally sent me a replacement.  Once my warranty (dumb me I bought the extended on my last one) runs out I've already decided to go to Samsung.  We bought my father-in-law one and he loves it!  My husband dumped his charge and went to Apple, yes we r a divided family!😄 He loves his also!  Fitbit is not the company it once was.

[mikedolce]

Like tie zone minutes.  But before long heartbeat measures stop consistently working.  Get worse with time.  Current Inspire 3 is 8 months old.  Started decline at 6 months.  Support on line is not helpful.  Looking for options