Versa 3 heart rate is inaccurate

[Super12]

Once again the Versa 3 heart rate monitor disappoints. Getting smoked in workouts this week and heart rate shows 80. DO NOT PURCHASE THE VERSA 3. Here comes the obligatory response saying there are many factors that can make heart rate monitor inaccurate, blah blah blah.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there, @Super12. Thanks for stopping by in the Community Forums. We‘re taking your comments and sentiments in regards to our products into consideration.

Note that you might notice slight variations between your heart-rate reading on your new Fitbit devices compared with your old ones due to improvements in the heart rate sensor and algorithm.

Differences between heart-rate readings on your device and on exercise equipment are likely due to wrist or hand position. Make sure the back of your device is in contact with your wrist and that your band is snug.

Yes, several factors can affect heart rate, including air temperature, stress level, alcohol or caffeine intake, immune response to illness, and medication use (source).

Exercising in cold weather can make it more difficult for your device to track your heart rate, as environmental conditions can affect skin perfusion (the amount of blood that flows through your skin). Spikes in your heart rate during sleep may be caused by sudden movements (for example, waking up and getting out of bed), or a weak signal due to wrist placement. 

As with all heart-rate tracking technology, accuracy is affected by personal physiology, device location on your arm, and type of movement. For a more accurate heart-rate reading:

• Wear your Fitbit device on top of your wrist, and make sure the back of the device is in contact with your skin.
• When you’re not exercising, wear your device a finger’s width above your wrist bone.

• During exercise, wear your device a bit tighter and higher for an improved fit. The band should be snug but not constricting (a tight band restricts blood flow, potentially affecting the heart-rate signal). Many exercises such as bike riding or weight lifting cause you to bend your wrist frequently, which could interfere with the heart-rate signal if the watch is lower on your wrist.
  
  

To resolve common issues, see our troubleshooting steps in What factors can affect my heart-rate reading on my Fitbit device?

If the above doesn't help, the best way to get help for this problem is to chat with us online or give us a call. Click here to get connected.

We hope your issue is solved soon. 

[Windwhacker]

I share your concerns.  In the course of HIIT training I reach a self induced near death experience at 160+ for up to five minutes.  My good old Versa sticks at 105 to 115 and will not go above that level.  At other times I might be licking a stamp and cause heart rate to jump to 140. ( I exaggerate slightly to make the point).  I know I shouldn't expect absolute accuracy but accuracy within a meaningful range would be a reasonable expectation.  

[Super12]

Yes, same experience. I can be sitting on my rear doing absolutely nothing and push a button on the remote control and this dumb device has my heart rate through the roof. Hahaha! Oh well.

Did you notice the canned response from the moderator?! I know it won't get fixed but it makes me feel better to vent.

[SunsetRunner]

Yes, unfortunately Sense and Versa 3 have an HR sensor that, at this present stage, is not fit for purpose and this is true since the release. Despite the complains from users and practically all the reviewers who indeed tested the devices, Fitbit is not fixing it and this probable means that the problem is hardware. Fitbit is ignoring the problem and it is still selling the devices. My opinion is that moderators have been instructed to answer in this way so we shouldn't shoot the messengers.