Charge 5, Versa 3, or Sense?

[gleen41]

I used to have a fitbit ionic a few years ago. Overall I liked it, but my first one had issues after about 10 mo and the replacement Fitbit sent me lasted a little less than that. I liked the watch though and keep reading good reviews for the charge 5 and versa 3. Trying to decide which one to go with though. The main things I want it for are heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and alarm clock (vibrating on wrist). I do work out a lot and I like the kcals burned, but "tracking" my work outs isn't as important to me as my resting heart rate and sleep. So, I think all 3 would be give me what I want, but what I am going for is what is the best quality one with fewest issues. I'd like to be able to have this thing for at least a couple years and not run into issues like I did with the ionic.

[Guy_]

Hi @gleen41 - have you considered the Versa 2 which may give you what you need.

[alexthecat]

@gleen41 there is a quiz here that might help you decide which device is right for you. 

[Guy_]

Hi @alexthecat  - unfortunately for the requirements given you don't have the options to select the right watch, it's a trick quiz, you'll always end up with one of the 3 listed in the title which won't meet the criteria.

[LSid]

My Versa 3 stopped tracking my sleep and heartrate at night about a week ago. I have had it almost 2 years without this problem but I see it is common and my husband bought it for me specifically to track my sleep. I have tried getting help through Fitbit but the last exchange I had I was told someone would contact me and I am still waiting. I've tried everything that has been recommended without luck. If I don't get any results this coming week I will buy a different product. I hate to because I have used this fitbit everyday since I got it and really do like it but I need help with this.

[LZeeW]

@gleen41   The Versa 3 is most similar to the Ionic.  It sounds like you want fairly basic features.  The Sense and the Charge 5 have additional sensor hardware that is necessary for the ECG app and the EDA scan.  Sounds like you will be spending money for features you don't want or need.

BTW, if you still have your Ionic squirreled away, I think you qualify for a refund due to the Ionic recall. 

[Guy_]

@LZeeW- Apart from GPS, the Versa 2 is probably much closer to the Ionic.

The Versa 2

• also supports music on board
• has strong vibrations for notifications etc that are similar
• The heart rate is as accurate as the Ionic
• normally has an accurate floor count
• has slightly better battery life than the Ionic
• has a bigger screen than the Ionic
• has a reliable charger clip
• has a microphone

[LZeeW]

@gleen41  @Guy_   Information about transferring personal music won’t be applicable later this year.  You need software called Fitbit Connect to transfer personal music.  A different user got an email saying that Fitbit Connect was going to be discontinued and shut down.

No more personal music transfer.

[Jaclyn.54027557]

I had this same worry when my ionic died after 4+ years. it was my best watch. I then eventually went for the versa 3 and was SO excited to be "upgrading". needless to say, it was a total letdown, it didn't track my calories during my workout correctly, so they replaced the pebble, then I had endless replacements on the straps, and eventually I threw in the towel and switched to Garmin. my Garmin has not given me one day's issue (much like my amazing ionic) fitbit dropped the ball in the watch strap design on the versa 3 and the tracking technology.  as heartbreaking as the move to Garmin was I will never look back, it has been incredible, I went for the venu 2 plus

[abdul2961]

I've had the versa 3 for 1 and half years...the strap recently broke but I have  not had any issues. The connection initially was finiky but as long as you keep watch and phone close no issues.

I personally mainly use it as a fitness tracker ....no calls or Google assistant.

Love the design. Beautiful amoled screen that easy to read in sunlight while training. The side button definitely is hit and miss but mostbof the time you hardly touchit.the battery life is great full 2 days on heavy usage....anything with GPS.

The Fitbit app is really got as well and give great metrics and analysis

What I hate it no music which they deliberately took out.

They also removed a very good training app that was free and now paid for.contrast to Garmin that has a similar for free

Based on what I use and your requirements go for the charge 5 has more sensors and longer battery life and chaeper.

If you have your phone anyway no need for calls and there very few apps on the store. No reason to pay more at all....also wait for the specials don't pay full price

As an alternative look at the Garmin venu 2 and 2s

Has the same features with music and longer battery life

Fitbit will probably release a versa 4 soon might as well wait a bit or get the versa 3 at around 170usd and will be great value.

Overall tracker is good but only if you get on special.dont pay full price