The Fitbit Versa 2 adds an AMOLED display with optional always-on mode, Amazon Alexa, Spotify controls, a revised one-button design, and a longer claimed battery life than the original Versa. Both watches share core fitness features, use connected GPS rather than built-in GPS, and are discontinued, so check current listings and the condition of any used unit before buying.
Six differences between the Fitbit Versa and Versa 2
| Feature | Original Fitbit Versa | Fitbit Versa 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | LCD; no always-on mode | AMOLED with optional always-on mode |
| Voice and music | No Alexa; no Versa 2 Spotify app controls | Built-in Alexa and Spotify app controls for Spotify Premium subscribers |
| Design | Three-button design | Simplified one-button design with subtle case and finish changes |
| Claimed battery life | Up to 4 days | Up to 5+ days; up to 2 days with always-on display |
| GPS | Connected GPS; paired phone required | Connected GPS; paired phone required |
| Payments | Fitbit Pay was specified for the Special Edition; support varies by version | Fitbit Pay on all models, according to Fitbit’s launch announcement |
Battery figures above are Fitbit launch estimates, not guarantees. Fitbit’s 2018 original Versa announcement claimed up to 4 days; its 2019 Versa 2 announcement claimed up to 5+ days and up to 2 days with always-on mode. Actual battery life varies with settings and use.
1. Display: LCD versus AMOLED
The original Versa has an LCD, while the Versa 2 has an AMOLED display. Wareable’s comparison describes the AMOLED panel as offering deeper blacks and sharper contrast. The Versa 2 also adds an optional always-on display, which the original model lacks.
Always-on mode makes it easier to glance at the time without waking the screen, but Fitbit’s launch announcement says battery life with the mode enabled is up to 2 days. Keep it off if extending the time between charges matters more.
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- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
2. Alexa and music controls
The Versa 2 was Fitbit’s first smartwatch with Amazon Alexa built in and includes a microphone. Alexa requests appear as text on the watch rather than spoken replies because the watch has no speaker. The Fitbit Versa 2 manual says Alexa requires the Fitbit app to run in the background on the paired phone; open Alexa from the watch app or shortcut rather than expecting a wake-word response.
Fitbit also announced Spotify app controls for Spotify Premium subscribers on Versa 2. The original Versa launch announcement does not list Alexa or those Spotify controls. Both models have music functions, but availability of legacy apps and services can change; check current support for the service and region you use.
3. Design and buttons
The original Versa has three physical buttons; the Versa 2 uses a simplified one-button design. Fitbit describes the Versa 2 as having subtle updates to its materials, finish, and form. Wareable’s comparison notes a more curved case and the removal of the Fitbit logo from the front.
Rank #2
- Use Amazon Alexa Built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third party app may be required; Amazon Alexa not available in all countries)
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, Sleep Score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night; Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insights
- Control your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists plus store and play 300+ songs on your wrist (subscription required; Pandora is US only)
- With a larger display and an always on option, your information’s always a quick glance away (always on display requires more frequent charging)
- Track heart rate 24/ 7, steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes and floors climbed. Syncing range - up to 6.1 metres
These are design refinements rather than a wholly different shape. If tactile controls are important, the original Versa offers more buttons; if you prefer the simpler layout, the Versa 2 may suit you better.
4. Battery claims
Fitbit’s launch materials give different maximum estimates: up to 4 days for the original Versa and up to 5+ days for Versa 2. Fitbit separately says Versa 2’s always-on mode offers up to 2 days. These are manufacturer claims under stated conditions, not results from a side-by-side independent test, and your settings and usage affect battery life.
5. GPS and shared fitness features
Neither model is described in Fitbit’s launch materials as having built-in GPS. Both offer connected GPS, which uses a paired phone for location data. If you want to track an outdoor run without carrying your phone, choose a watch with built-in GPS instead.
Rank #3
- Use Amazon Alexa Built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third party app may be required; Amazon Alexa not available in all countries)
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, Sleep Score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insights
- Control your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists—plus store and play 300+ songs on your wrist (subscription required; Pandora is US only)
- With a larger display and an always on option, your information’s always a quick glance away (always on display requires more frequent charging)
- Track heart rate 24/ 7, steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes and floors climbed
Both models support exercise tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and water resistance up to 50 meters, according to Fitbit’s launch announcements. Fitbit listed 15+ exercise modes for the original Versa and 15+ goal-based exercise modes for Versa 2. These are product specifications from the manufacturer, not independent measurements.
6. Payments by model and edition
Fitbit announced Fitbit Pay on all Versa 2 models. For the original Versa, Fitbit’s launch announcement specified Fitbit Pay on the Special Edition. Current support information says only some original Versa versions include Google Wallet, so verify the exact edition and current payment support rather than assuming every original Versa can make contactless payments.
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Both watches are discontinued. The research for this comparison did not verify current retail or second-hand prices, so there is no reliable price ranking to give here. Compare current listings and inspect the specific unit’s condition before buying; older used devices may vary in wear and battery condition.
Rank #4
- Use Amazon Alexa Built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third party app may be required; Amazon Alexa not available in all countries)
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, Sleep Score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insights
- Control your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists—plus store and play 300+ songs on your wrist (subscription required; Pandora is US only)
- With a larger display and an always on option, your information’s always a quick glance away (always on display requires more frequent charging)
- Track heart rate 24/ 7, steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes and floors climbed
Choose the Versa 2 if you want Alexa, optional always-on display, or Fitbit Pay across all models as described in Fitbit’s launch announcement. Consider the original Versa if it is meaningfully cheaper and its condition and edition meet your needs. Neither is the right pick for phone-free GPS tracking.
FAQ
What is the difference between Fitbit Versa and Versa 2?
The Versa 2 adds an AMOLED screen with optional always-on mode, Alexa, Spotify app controls for Spotify Premium subscribers, a one-button design, and a higher claimed maximum battery life. Both share core fitness tracking and connected GPS.
Does Fitbit Versa 2 have GPS?
It has connected GPS, which uses a paired phone for location data. Fitbit’s cited materials do not describe it as having built-in GPS. The original Versa also uses connected GPS.
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Is Fitbit Versa 2 worth it over the original Versa?
It may be worth choosing if you want Alexa, always-on display, or Fitbit Pay on every model. If price is your priority, compare current listings and check the original Versa’s edition and condition before deciding.
How long does the battery last on each Fitbit Versa?
Fitbit claimed up to 4 days for the original Versa and up to 5+ days for Versa 2, with up to 2 days for Versa 2 when always-on mode is enabled. These are launch estimates; actual battery life varies.
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