Get Fit with the Fitbit Ionic and New Fitbit Versa Smartwatches

Smartwatches have been around for a few years now but many users haven’t been able to bring themselves to jump on the bandwagon. Price has definitely been a factor when it comes to reluctance to adopt the technology but I think the bigger issue is that many users are concerned that they won’t get enough use out of these devices.

This is a classic scenario where it can help to understand your needs and the features of different types of devices. In the case of smartwatches, it’s important to note that these devices are at the intersection of fitness trackers and smartphone technology. That is, a smartwatch can provide in-depth information about your health and fitness while offering features that complement your smartphone. These devices come from a range of manufacturers, including big smartphone brands like Apple and brands more popular for their fitness trackers.

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen Fitbit venture into manufacturing smartwatches. With deep roots in fitness tracking, the company saw a natural fit with smartwatches and their two newest devices offer both style and a fair price point for users interested in trying a smartwatch with fitness-forward features. The Fitbit Versa and its more fully-featured sibling, the Ionic, are both fantastic options.

Fitbit Versa


Coming soon | $299.95

Fitbit just announced the newest addition to its smartwatch line: the Versa. This device offers a host of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate and sleep monitoring. It also has a Coach app offering guided workouts that are upgraded over time based on your feedback. Even better, the Versa has on-board memory, Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities allowing you to listen to your favourite workout playlist on the go.

The Versa also has a sleek design, making it a worthy competitor to devices like the Apple Watch. It features a lightweight, rounded square face that lies surprisingly flat to the wrist. Thanks to swappable bands, you can style the Versa in any way that suits you.

When it comes to complementing your smartphone, the Versa works with both iOS and Android devices. This is great for users who aren’t too tied down to any one operating system. Like other smartwatches, the Versa pairs with your phone to deliver notifications about things like text messages and emails. It even allows you to generate simple canned or customized responses to text messages and email.

In addition to its fitness-forward features and compatibility across both Android and iOS, what sets the Versa (and Fitbit smartwatches in general) apart is its impressive battery life. On a single charge, this watch can last up to four days!

Fitbit Ionic


Available now | $349.95

While the Ionic has been out for a while, it really is the big brother to the Versa when it comes to features. Most notably, the Ionic features GPS, which is an important feature for many runners and cyclists who like to track their distance. The Ionic also has the Versa beat when it comes to battery life, lasting for up to 5 days on a single charge

While it is more feature-rich, the Ionic is also bulkier than the Versa. Particularly for users with smaller wrists, this is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a smartwatch.

When it comes to Fitbit’s newest smartwatches, I don’t think you can go wrong. Their price points and features really stand out, especially for users who are focused on fitness but appreciate the smartphone functionality.

By Mike Agerbo

March 27, 2018