If you’re in the market for a wearable fitness device, two top options are the Garmin Venu and the Fitbit Versa 3.
Circle vs Square: Wearable Smartwatch Screens
If you prefer a smartwatch to look like a watch, then Venu’s circular face is your winner. With its 1.2” AMOLED display, this watch face is Garmin’s first entry into the “always-on” screen category. This feature is excellent—despite its misleading name— because the default actually has a Do Not Disturb mode that goes into effect for whatever you set as your sleep window. AMOLED is basically the default option in elite smartwatches these days, and Garmin’s adoption of the feature signifies this trend.
The Versa 3’s screen is larger than the Venu. It measures 1.58″ and also has an AMOLED display. This watch is square, so it looks more like an Apple product than a Rolex, but maybe that’s what you prefer.
Both wearables offer hundreds of transferable watch-faces. These are easy to install and switch out depending on mood, season, day, or workout partner. A key difference between the two? Buttons. The Fitbit, like Apple devices, removed the button for a haptic touchscreen and side controls. The Venu offers two buttons. If you need to feel a click, this is a big differentiator.
Which Smartwatch Has Better Battery?
Each wearable smartwatch presents some of the most impressive battery ranges on the market, depending on mode and usage. Garmin Venu users reported that they were able to push their watch— in Always On mode— to nearly three days before needing a charge. Fitbit Versa 3 users said almost the same. When opting to conserve battery and disabling the Always-On functionality, Versa 3 users said a single charge could last close to a week.
Some Garmin wearers complained that after a few weeks, the charging cord stopped plugging in effectively, and they had to replace it with a new one. On the other hand, Fitbit Versa 3 users raved about the device’s fantastic charging power. Needing only 12 minutes to pump out 24 hours’ worth of power and 30 to get to a full charge, the Versa is an ideal smartwatch for those who don’t want to be tied to extensive charging requirements.
What can I track with my wearable?
This is actually one of the spaces where there is less difference than you might expect across all wearable devices. As technology advances, each company piggybacks off one another. Whether working out, running, biking or swimming, each of these devices is going to give you the information you need. Just depends on what specifics you want or want to avoid.
Offering ready-to-track workouts for 20 activities, the Versa 3 is an elite workout companion. Crucially this is the only Fitbit in this price range offering GPS. Fitbit Premium subscribers also get a well-stocked library of guided workouts. The Versa 3 also uses a metric called Active Zone Minutes tracking when your heart rate reaches an “Active Zone” instead of just counting steps.
When paired with Garmin Connect Mobile, the Garmin Venu helps users track their hydration intake with notifications to remind them to stay hydrated. In addition to logging cups, Garmin users have the added bonus of using the wearable tech to monitor their stress levels using the Garmin Health Stats screen. If the device identifies elevated stress, there are guided breathwork exercises to help reduce and control stress.
Final Thoughts
With so many similarities, the difference between these two wearable smartwatches comes down to user experience and comfort. While a power player in the wearable space, Garmin still has some growing to do in the smartwatch game. Fitbit has a dynamic line of smartwatch options. The Versa 3 simply is the best Fitbit and smartwatch for most users. Whether you are looking for an entryway into wearable technology or looking for an upgrade from your current option, the Versa 3 is for you. Combining the necessary features you’re looking for in a smartwatch with comfort, cutting edge technology, and extra perks, the Versa 3 is our recommendation for the smartwatch you want.
