Fitbit Versa 4 review: Why it's my favorite Fitbit

I’ve tested my fair share of smartwatches over the years, from Garmin to Fitbit, and even some no-name budget options that promised the world and delivered… not a whole lot. They all differ in terms of performance, design, and the kind of user they’re targeting.

I’ve tried a handful of Fitbits over the years, including the Versa 3 and the Charge 3, but one that has remained impressive over the years is the Fitbit Versa 4. It’s the model I keep recommending for anyone in need of something functional, but also simple and affordable.

So, what makes it the best Fitbit (in my opinion)?

Why I would choose the Fitbit Versa 4

First off, the Versa 4 looks and feels good on the wrist. It’s lightweight and slim, which is super important for a watch you're wearing on a daily basis. The silicon strap is soft and breathable, and the design is nifty, almost mimicking that of an Apple Watch. Controls are done both by a touchscreen and a command button, and the screen responsiveness is what you'd expect from a much pricier device. And the same goes for the bright, AMOLED display.

When it comes to lifestyle, this is my top pick. Get text notifications, Instagram likes, and voice calls direct through to your wrist. On Android phones, you can reply to texts directly from the watch using quick replies or voice dictation. However, if you’re an iPhone user, replying to texts isn’t supported, and you can only view notifications and dismiss them. For this feature, you'll need to look for an Apple Watch.

In terms of fitness features, the Versa 4 covers all the basics and then some. You get heart rate tracking, step counting, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, stress tracking, and built-in GPS. The GPS isn’t the most accurate I’ve used, but if your aim is general fitness rather than long distance exercise with detailed tracking, it’s perfectly fine for casual use. I've found the battery life can last for runs just over 10k. And speaking of battery life, typically the watch lasts around five to six days, longer if you skip the GPS workout.

It's waterproof for swimming, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. It can even track basic swim metrics like duration and calories burned.

Sleep tracking is one of the areas where Fitbit still does a great job. The Versa 4 gives you a sleep score each morning, along with breakdowns of time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. It even gives you a “sleep animal” based on your patterns. Sleep tracking is very important to me on any smartwatch, regardless of price. So I've remained impressed that the Versa 4 offers such in-depth tracking.

One of the only downsides to this Fitbit is the subscription fee required to unlock some of the more in-depth tracking features. The Fitbit Premium subscription unlocks a stress management score, personalized workouts, and more.

Where to buy the Fitbit Versa 4

The Fitbit Versa 4 is available at most retailers. At Amazon, you can find it listed for $199.95. At Walmart, it's $224.95. And at Best Buy, it is priced at $199.95. This model regularly goes on sale, so if you don't see it listed for less, remain patient.