The Garmin Venu SQ and the Fitbit Versa 3 were both presented in autumn of the previous year and are now among the most popular smartwatches on the market. Although quite similar outwardly, the models differ in many areas. But which watch is the better?
While the Fitbit Versa 3 was expected to be presented for a long time last year, the Garmin Venu SQ was a surprise within the industry. Both watches represent a new generation of compact and lightweight smartwatches but still impress with a long list of different functions.
The Garmin Venu SQ can be placed in a row with the large Garmin Venu and the Garmin Vivoactive 4. Although outwardly different, the technical and functional features of the three watches are practically identical except for a few details.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is the successor to the equally popular Fitbit Versa 2 and the sister model of the Fitbit Sense presented simultaneously. The two smartwatches – Versa 3 and Sense – are also very similar, but the Sense also offers some interesting health functions (EKG measurement).
Before taking a closer look at the Venu SQ and the Versa 3, we want to compare the two watches with one another concerning the most important technical data. An important note: The Garmin watch is available in two versions: the Venu SQ and the Venu SQ Music. As the name suggests, the music version also offers an integrated music player.
General
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Garmin Venu SQ | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | Fitbit | Garmin |
| Model | Versa 3 | Venu SQ |
| Release date | Sep 2020 | Sep 2020 |
| Shape | Rectangular, Curved | Rectangular, Curved |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, altimeter, optical heart rate sensor, device temperature sensor, SpO2, Ambient light sensor | Compass, accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, Ambient light sensor |
| Display | AMOLED – Touch Display | LCD touch display |
| Compatibility | Android + iOS | Android + iOS |
| Colors | Black, Midnight blue/gold, Pink/Gold | Black, Gold, Rose-gold |
At first glance, the angular design of both watches is immediately noticeable. The Fitbit Versa has a square watch case and the Garmin Venu a more rectangular one. The size and weight of the watches are very similar, which is why both devices are very comfortable to wear in everyday life and during sports.
Both models are available in different colors, and bracelets in different materials can also be combined with the Versa 3 using a quick-release fastener. Speaking of wristbands – there must also be cause for criticism with the Fitbit watch. Many users like me criticize the bracelet’s clasp because it can only be thread the strap itself through the two buckles with great difficulty.
The control button on the Versa 3, which was placed on the wrong side, namely on the left, turned out to be just as disadvantageous in practice. This means that the button can only be operated correctly with the thumb when the watch is on, which is not really comfortable.
Garmin took the classic and, therefore, better way. The bracelet, which can also be changed using a quick-release fastener, has a conventional metal buckle, including a pin, which puts the watch on very easily. And the two buttons are exactly where they should be, namely on the right-hand side.
Display
It is the small screens of the two clocks where there are clear differences for the first time. The Versa 3 is equipped with an almost 1.6-inch AMOLED display, which offers a very nice and high resolution and reproduces colors richly and clearly. The operation by swiping and typing works satisfactorily, even if there are sometimes small delays.
The Garmin Venu SQ is equipped with a touch-sensitive LCD that appears to be darker overall, and text and symbols are a bit thinner and more pixelated. The Versa Amoled display is certainly better and more beautiful to look at here. Nevertheless, both displays are easy to read in practically all lighting conditions, and I was able to see data and information on both watches well when I did sports, where I don’t wear glasses.
Technical Specifications
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Garmin Venu SQ | |
| Display Resolution | 1.58 ″ 336 x 336 px | 1.3 ″ 240 x 240 px |
| Dimension | 40.5 x 40.5 x 11.5 mm | 40.6 x 37.0 x 11.5 mm |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance Depth | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Weight | 41 grams | 37 grams |
Activity Monitoring
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Garmin Venu SQ | |
| Pedometer | Yes | Yes |
| Calories Count | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Chronograph | Yes | Yes |
| Date & Time Display | Yes | Yes |
| Language | English | English |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Of course, both models also offer a wide range of different functions for sport, training, and fitness. For this purpose, 23 different sport profiles are preinstalled on the Venu SQ and 20 sport modes on the Versa. If the right one is not there, additional profiles can be created using the apps.
Various training programs, training plans, and workouts, including animated exercise instructions, can also be found on both devices or apps. It must be added here, however, that the majority of these programs at Fitbit are only accessible with the premium subscription, which is free for the first six months.
The running training plans for the distances of 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon completed with a dedicated coach are particularly popular with the Garmin Venu Sq.
Both watches offer different setting options in the individual sport profiles. In this way, you can determine which should be shown on display during a workout. These configurations are beneficial, although Garmin offers more options and has made them more user-friendly overall. Depending on the sport, more or less the same performance values are recorded by the two smartwatches. The following data is made available after running training.
- average and maximum heart rate
- Heart rate ranges
- distance
- Pace
- Duration
- Calorie consumption
- steps
- height
In other sports, the Versa 3 cannot quite keep up with the Venu SQ. The Garmin watch provides additional information on the cadence when cycling or provides information on swimming style and several strokes when swimming. Data that is not offered by the Fitbit watch.
The issue of Vo2max and fitness level was solved very nicely and user-friendly by the Fitbit Versa 3. The cardio fitness function is also offered, which shows in the form of diagrams and informative comments how high your personal values are, what potential for improvement there is and how your data looks about other users of the same age group.
Garmin offers something similar with its own VO2max app and the sport age function, but Fitbit has solved this much better, in my opinion. A feature that Garmin has since copied from Fitbit is the training intensity map. After completing an outdoor training session with GPS activated, the recorded route is highlighted with additional information on both watches. So you can choose whether you want your HR data or pace to be displayed in color for the route. This way, you can see which sections of the route your heart rate or pace were particularly high.
Fitbit Versa 3 has an integrated microphone, loudspeaker, and voice assistant (Google and Alexa); the range of functions is naturally somewhat larger.
With the Versa 3, for example, you can reply to incoming messages either with ready-made answers or voice messages. Garmin only has a few preset answer options, so-called quick replies.
You can also make calls with the Versa, provided the watch is connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. And that is surprisingly good quality. With the voice assistant, weather information and data on the traffic situation can be conveniently called up or set simple reminders.
So far, the Versa 3 is clearly ahead of the game if it weren’t for the music function, which is now a trendy feature.
The Garmin Venu SQ Music offers a full-fledged music player to listen to your own albums and playlists that have been transferred to the watch offline. In addition, the watch is also compatible with Spotify and Deezer.
With the Versa 3, it is currently impossible to transfer and save music files, although an internal 2.5 GB memory would be available. It is still open whether we will submit this function via update. In fact, the music function of the Versa is currently only controlled by the music player on the smartphone. Regardless of the mobile phone, the watch cannot play any pieces of music.
Third-party apps can also be installed on both watches. Garmin offers IQ Connect and Fitbit the in-house app store.
Otherwise, there are the usual apps such as calendar, weather, and payment services such as Garmin Pay and Fitbit Pay. Of course, it is also possible to change the watch faces on both watches, whereby Fitbit certainly offers a larger selection of more beautiful display designs.
Connectivity Features
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Garmin Venu SQ | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Voice assistant (Google, Alexa) | – |
| Mobile Payment | Fitbit Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Notification | Calls Messages Upcoming appointments | Calls Messages Upcoming appointments |
| Battery Backup | up to 6 days | up to 6 days |
| Charging port | Proprietary charging cable | Proprietary charging cable |
Conclusion!
It is challenging to judge whether the Garmin Venu SQ or the Fitbit Versa 3 is the better smartwatch. On the one hand, the watches are very similar in technical and functional terms. On the other hand, there are definitely arguments in favor of the Garmin and the Fitbit watch.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a smart fitness watch whose focus is on daytime activities and health. It also brings a fashionable style factor with its design and interchangeable bracelets in different materials. For us, the Garmin Venu SQ is the likable all-rounder with its strengths, especially in sports and training, which is why motivated amateur athletes looking for a compact watch will enjoy it.
No matter how you decide – you will definitely get a great smartwatch with many functions and at a perfect price.
