Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Fitbit Versa 3: which one suits you?

Overview

How does the Apple Watch Series 6 respond to the Versa 3, one of the world's most popular smart fitness watches? Although Fitbit was born as a company focused solely on exercise and health, it soon included in its catalog a number of new smart devices that can be paired with your cell phone. Whether you're a Fitbit fan, an Apple fan, or someone simply looking for the best alternative, we put the Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Fitbit Versa 3 to the test. Which one is right for you?

Specifications

Design and screen

Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Fitbit Versa 3 offer similar rectangular screens with rounded edges. The Apple Watch Series 6 is available in two sizes, 44mm or 40mm, depending on your preference, while the Versa 3 is only available in one size, which is closer to Apple's 44mm design. Both devices are flawless on the wrist and are miles away from the crude smart watches of the past. In addition, each watch offers an always-on display so you can quickly see the time or some information.

The Apple Watch Series 6 case is available in three different materials: Aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. Depending on the material you choose, you can select from several colors, including silver, space gray, graphite, gold, titanium, space black, blue and red. On the other hand, the Versa 3 is only available in aluminum and is offered in black and light gold. Both watches offer interchangeable straps so you can bring your look to life according to the occasion.

Although the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Versa 3 are well designed, in this case we give the advantage to the Apple Watch Series 6, thanks to its more extensive selection of materials and colors. On the other hand, we think you'll find that both watches are physically well designed.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 6

Exercise and health monitoring functions

Exercise is the essence of Fitbit, so how does the Versa 3 compare to the Apple Watch Series 6? Both devices will track typical information throughout the day, such as counting your steps, miles walked and calories burned. Both watches also have advanced sensors to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen level. The Apple Watch Series 6 also allows you to monitor your heart rate and take ECG (electrocardiogram) readings.

When it's time to relax, both watches offer sleep tracking modes as well as guided breathing sessions to help you find your Zen. For those who wish to monitor their menstrual health, both watches have integrated software to record symptoms and track cycles. Although both devices are strong in tracking daily statistics, Apple adds some high-tech tracking features to the heart that make the watch an attractive option.

There is also no need to worry about swimming in a pool, as both devices are waterproof and can be submerged up to 50 meters. Whether you want to track your laps in a pool or just jump in the shower without taking off your watch, both devices will allow you to do so without a problem. The Apple Watch even offers a clever trick for getting the water out of your speakers when you're done swimming.

The Fitbit currently offers a Fitbit Premium Membership option, which allows you to receive health coaching, training and other private consultations. These two smart watches are similar in this category, so let's declare a tie. We applaud the Apple Watch's ability to track your heart health, but Fitbit Premium offers an attractive subscription for health-conscious users.

Winner: Tie

Battery life

Although the Apple Watch Series 6 has an 18-hour battery life, you'll probably want to charge it every night to make sure it lasts all day. However, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers up to six days of battery life. Although you won't always have an actual usage time of almost a week, you'll see a significant increase compared to the Apple Watch.

When it's time to charge, both phones use reasonable wireless charging solutions. Overall, it's not hard to see the winner here. While the Apple Watch Series 6 will last you a day or two, the Versa 3 could give you up to half a week.

Winner: Fitbit Versa 3

Special Features

We've already mentioned some of the special health features of the Apple Watch Series 6, such as the integrated blood oxygen sensor and the ability to perform ECGs - but it doesn't stop there. The Apple Watch also includes some safety features like fall detection and an international emergency call when you're in trouble. Leveling up to an LTE model can also allow you to stay connected without your cell phone; this can be good for those who don't want to carry their iPhones around with them wherever they travel.

If you have family members without their cell phones, Apple's Family Setup feature allows you to set up Apple Watch devices almost as stand-alone devices with parental controls. The Apple Watch also allows you to pay with Apple Pay using the side button, but the Versa 3 includes something similar, which they have called Fitbit Pay.

Both devices can display your cell phone notifications, but only the Apple Watch allows you to view and respond to iMessages. Although both the Apple Watch and the Versa 3 offer applications, Apple has the advantage with more options available for you to browse. On the other hand, you'll find almost everything you need in the Fitbit Shop without any problem. Just pay attention to the storage as the Apple Watch includes 32GB and the Fitbit Versa 3 only has 4GB.

Fitbit has a few special features of its own, including fast charging, so you can charge your watch with the equivalent of a day's worth of battery power in just 12 minutes. Additionally, the Versa 3 allows users to switch between integrated virtual assistants, whether they are Google or Alexa.

While both watches are attractive, the Apple Watch Series 6 includes more features than the Versa 3, adding some capabilities you might consider necessary. Additionally, the LTE model option is great for those who want to leave their iPhone at home when they go out of town or just want to charge one less device for a change.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 6

Price and availability

The Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $400 for the 40mm aluminum version with GPS; the 44mm variant costs $30 more, while adding the cell phone feature will cost you another $100. Apple's more expensive material options, stainless steel and titanium, start at $700 and $800, respectively. If you choose the cell phone model, you will still need to sign up for monthly service with your local wireless provider. The Fitbit Versa 3 is much more affordable than the Apple Watch Series 6, priced at only $230.

Overall winner: Apple Watch Series 6

The Fitbit Versa 3 is a solid device and offers excellent value, but the Apple Watch Series 6 provides an experience that feels more refined and includes more features. Some of the favorite features offered by the Series 6 over the Versa 3 include its wider variety of materials, including stainless steel and titanium, safety features such as fall detection, a more vivid experience in the app store, and the ability to opt for the LTE cell phone model.

If you have an iPhone and the money, there should be no question about which watch to buy - the Apple Watch Series 6. Are you limited to a budget? Check out the more affordable Apple Watch SE.