The Versa arrives in April for $200 (£200, AU$300) -- that's $50 less than the entry-level Apple Watch. It's fully compatible with all of the apps designed for its more expensive predecessor, the Fitbit Ionic, which debuted just five months ago.
Fitbit Versa is the company's third attempt at a full-on smartwatch, and the company may have finally nailed a good design at a really good price. The Versa will release alongside the Fitbit Ace, a new $100 (£80, AU$130) fitness tracker that's designed for kids.
While Fitbit OS may not be the most optimized experience for an iPhone user – Apple Watch naturally takes that cake – Fitbit has stuck with its multi-platform approach, which means the Versa is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows. At launch, there will be a few fragmented smartwatch experiences, depending on what smartphone OS you use or where you live.
It lacks the GPS of the Ionic, but in my brief time with the watch it also seems more comfortable and easier to use. The Ionic felt fine on my wrist, but was angular and much larger than the Apple Watch.
I couldn't tell how it feels with different bands, but the whole watch is a lot more low-key than the Ionic, in a good way. But Fitbit is clearly looking at the Versa as a way of addressing the design shortcomings of the Ionic.