Fitbit Versa 4 Review: Strong Fitness, Weak Smartwatch
The most surprising takeaway from the Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch is the stark divide between its polished fitness tracking experience and stripped-down smartwatch capabilities. Across platforms, users rate it an average of 7.8/10, praising battery life, comfort, and health metrics, while lamenting the loss of third-party apps, music storage, and occasional tracking glitches.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for casual fitness enthusiasts, less appealing for those wanting full smartwatch versatility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, comfortable design for 24/7 wear | No third-party app support |
| 6+ day battery life with fast charging | No music storage or control |
| Accurate GPS and heart rate for most workouts | Reports of step/sleep tracking failures |
| Bright, responsive AMOLED screen | Connectivity issues for some users |
| 40+ exercise modes with auto-recognition | Limited lifestyle features compared to competitors |
| Strong sleep tracking insights | Heart rate lag during high-intensity intervals |
| Reliable water resistance up to 50m | Strap durability issues for some |
Claims vs Reality
Fitbit markets the Versa 4 as “designed for fitness” with built-in GPS, 40+ exercise modes, and advanced health metrics. While many users agree it delivers on the comfort, battery, and core tracking, reports show gaps when the watch is pushed toward smartwatch territory.
One major claim is its “track more workouts than ever” promise. A Best Buy reviewer said: “It automatically knows when I’m engaging in exercise and starts to record the activity… battery life lasting up to 10 days depending on GPS usage.” This aligns with marketing, but Reddit user feedback points to limitations: “It is marketed as a tracker, yet it cannot track accurately, or sometimes at all, on any given day,” wrote one frustrated owner.
Similarly, Fitbit promotes “help from Google Maps and Wallet” for navigation and payments. While PCMag confirms these work, they require a nearby phone and lack map views. A Trustpilot comment noted: “Versa 4 is more like a fitness tracker with the screen of a smartwatch than an actual smartwatch… you cannot even control the music running on your phone.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery life is a standout. Officially rated for 6+ days, many users exceed this. A Best Buy reviewer shared: “Battery life is great, lasting up to 6 days depending on GPS usage.” Reddit user feedback mirrors this: “Battery life all week long!” The fast-charging feature — a day’s power in 12 minutes — appeals to travelers and busy professionals who can’t tether to a charger daily.
Comfort and design are equally praised. Multiple reviewers describe it as “light and comfortable you can wear it 24/7.” The slimmer form factor compared to Versa 3 makes it easier to sleep with, enhancing its already strong sleep tracking. Sleep metrics earn high marks, with one Reddit user calling it “just one word: superb.”
GPS performance generally satisfies casual runners and cyclists. A Best Buy reviewer noted: “Built-in GPS accurately tracks outdoor workouts, giving real-time pace and distance.” Even PCMag found quick GPS locks and useful post-workout maps.
Common Complaints
The lack of third-party apps and music control is the most consistent gripe. Fitbit removed Spotify, Pandora, and Deezer, leaving only clock faces in its gallery. A Reddit user commented: “They don’t let you download music on the watch anymore… starting with 3rd and 4th gen you can only get watch faces from their own gallery.”
Tracking glitches affect a subset of owners. The Fitbit Community shows frustration: “It’s not counting steps… no health metrics… won’t detect exercise even when I manually set it.” Trustpilot posts echo this with devices failing to track sleep or steps within months.
Heart rate lag during high-intensity workouts is another theme. PCMag measured discrepancies compared to chest straps, especially in fast HIIT sessions, where the Versa 4 underreported peaks by 30 bpm.
Divisive Features
The Daily Readiness Score divides opinion. Premium subscribers enjoy tailored workout/rest recommendations, but non-subscribers find it locked behind a paywall. Some see value — “Worth it compared to $24/month for Apple Watch apps,” according to Reddit — while others consider it an unnecessary upsell.
Always-on display, while visually appealing, cuts battery life significantly. Best Buy reviews note drops from 6+ days to 2-3 days, forcing trade-offs between convenience and longevity.
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Trust & Reliability
Durability stories vary. Many attest to scratch-resistant screens and secure straps, but strap latches occasionally fail, as one Fitbit Community user warned: “I just bought mine and can’t keep it on, the band keeps falling off.” Long-term reliability is mixed — some owners enjoy 12+ months of flawless function, while others report tracking failures within 3 months.
Trustpilot feedback raises concerns about quality control: “I have a very expensive watch with all the extra features… that does not work.” Multiple users suggest warranty replacements are needed more often than expected.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned by users include the Garmin Venu Sq 2, praised for more advanced sports metrics and longer battery (up to 9 days). While Garmin lacks some casual activity credit Fitbit offers (like counting non-step motions), it delivers sport-specific tracking. Apple Watch SE offers richer app ecosystems but shorter battery life, making it better for those prioritizing smartwatch functions over endurance.
Price & Value
The Versa 4’s official price is $199.95, with eBay resale ranging from $112 to $333 depending on condition and bundle. New sealed units appear frequently, suggesting strong resale liquidity. Buying tips from community members include seeking holiday sales or open-box deals from Best Buy, where savings of $20–$50 are common.
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FAQ
Q: Can I store music on the Fitbit Versa 4?
A: No. While previous generations allowed music storage, this feature is removed. You also cannot control phone music playback directly.
Q: Is GPS accurate without a phone?
A: Yes, built-in GPS performs well for most outdoor workouts, though some users note minor deviations compared to dedicated sport watches.
Q: How long does the battery last with always-on display?
A: Expect 2–3 days versus 6+ days with it off, based on multiple Best Buy and Reddit reports.
Q: Does it track swimming?
A: Yes, it’s water resistant to 50m with swim tracking, though some strokes may be miscounted as steps.
Q: Can I make calls from the watch?
A: You can accept and decline calls when paired via Bluetooth, but initiating calls from the watch is not supported.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a casual fitness enthusiast who values battery life, comfort, and solid GPS tracking over advanced smartwatch features. Avoid if you need rich app ecosystems, music control, or highly detailed athletic metrics. Pro tip from Reddit: “Ignore the negativity — if you want a polished tracker with great sleep insights, this is it.”
