Wear Radar

Apple Watch SEvsFitbit Versa

Apple Watch SE
Buy/Wait:good

Early in release cycle

Best for: iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.

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Fitbit Versa
Buy/Wait:bad

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Best for: Android or iPhone users who want a balanced smartwatch with solid Fitbit health tracking, multi-day battery, and a clean square watch design — without the premium price of a Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch.

Full details →
Apple Watch SEFitbit Versa
TierSmartwatchSmartwatch
PlatformiOS onlyiOS & Android
Battery18h6 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, irregular rhythm, crash detection, fall detectionspo2, hr, hrv, eda stress
ReleasedSep 19, 2025Sep 25, 2022
Cycle length1098 days730 days
Cycle advicegoodbad
Deals adviceneutralgood
Next modelApple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027)

Why buy each?

Apple Watch SE

Full watchOS at a lower price

Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.

Crash and fall detection

Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.

Aluminium in four colours

Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.

Fitbit Versa

Works with Android and iPhone

Rare for a smartwatch with real GPS and health sensors to work fully on both platforms — Versa 4 does.

Google Maps and Google Wallet on wrist

Turn-by-turn navigation and NFC payments without needing your phone in hand.

6-day battery and Fitbit health coaching

Sleep stages, daily readiness score, Active Zone Minutes, and SpO2 — all on a 6-day charge.