Like most people who jumped on the wearable tech bandwagon, my story with Fitbit began innocently enough—motivated by a workplace wellness challenge and a steep discount. But what started as a fun way to count steps and track sleep turned into a multi-year relationship full of highs, lows, busted screens, dead batteries… and one drawer overflowing with accessories I’ll never use again.
The Beginning: Fitbit Charge 2 (aka the Gateway Gadget)
My first Fitbit was a Charge 2, and I’ll admit—it was pretty cool at the time. I remember signing up for some corporate fitness thing and scoring the device at a discount. Once I strapped it on, I was hooked. Tracking my steps became a daily obsession. It buzzed when I moved, rewarded me with digital confetti when I hit goals, and gave me just enough motivation to walk an extra block or two after dinner.
From Winning to Whining: The Fitbit Versa Era
A few years later, I upgraded—or rather, won—a Fitbit Versa at a Christmas party. The timing was great, and I liked the upgrade to a full-color touchscreen and music control features.
But then… reality hit. One day while working on a project, the Versa took a hit and cracked. That was the beginning of the end.
Still loyal (and maybe a bit stubborn), I bought myself a Versa 3 in 2022. A sleek upgrade with better sensors and voice control. Unfortunately, it didn’t survive a surprise encounter with water. I brought it back to life (kind of), but most of the functions never worked properly again.
For a $300+ device, you’d hope for some resilience—but nah. Fitbit seemed to be built for yoga classes and boardrooms, not real life.
The Hidden Cost: Accessories, Bands & Screen Protectors Galore
Let’s not forget the drawer full of wristbands, bumpers, screen protectors, chargers, and cases. I’ve spent more on accessories than I care to admit—all to protect a product that rarely lived up to its durability promises.
That’s the irony of wearables: the more you try to protect them, the more disposable they seem.
The Final Straw: Google’s Acquisition
When Google took over Fitbit, things didn’t improve. More tracking, more forced account integrations, and less control. I didn’t sign up to be a beta tester for data mining.
So when the Versa 3 finally gasped its last breath, I decided it was time to move on.
The New Chapter: Garmin Venu Sq2
My new wrist companion is the Garmin Venu Sq2, which I picked up on sale after reading some solid reviews. It’s built tougher, has better battery life, and seems focused on performance over hype. Plus, it looks and feels like it was made for active people—not just casual steppers.
Let’s see if this one can outlast the 2.5-year average lifespan of my Fitbit lineup.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from a Longtime Fitbit Fan
I don’t regret owning Fitbits. They served their purpose and got me moving more than I probably would have without them. But after three devices, multiple accessory investments, and a mountain of frustrations, I’ve officially ended my Fitbit era.
Fitbit, it was fun—but we’re through.
Stay tuned for a follow-up post after a few months with the Garmin. I’ll share whether it lives up to the hype—or ends up in the same drawer graveyard.