In many households, a quiet battle of the bands plays out on wrists every day. For one couple, it was a classic tech rivalry: he was a devoted Garmin user, while she swore by her Fitbit. To finally settle the debate, they put the latest models head-to-head, with the Garmin Venu 4 challenging her longstanding loyalty to Fitbit.
The Setup Showdown: Simplicity vs. Sophistication
The experiment began in early December 2025, with the writer's wife swapping her ageing Fitbit Versa 2 for the shiny new Garmin Venu 4. Initial impressions were positive, with the Garmin's premium build and sleek design winning immediate approval. However, the honeymoon period hit a snag during the setup process.
Configuring the Garmin proved to be a significant undertaking, consuming most of an afternoon and evening, with further tweaks needed in the following days. The culprit, according to the tester, is Garmin's Connect app. Described as vast and complex, the app's multitude of settings for activity tracking, sensors, and lifestyle logging made for a steep learning curve, especially for someone new to the Garmin ecosystem.
"Fitbit does this better, as do most brands," the reviewer noted, acknowledging that other platforms offer a more intuitive onboarding experience. A saving grace for the Venu 4 was its touchscreen interface, which was deemed far easier to use than the button-based navigation on other Garmin watches.
Features and Functionality: Where the Garmin Pulls Ahead
Once past the initial setup hurdles, the Garmin Venu 4 began to reveal its strengths. The depth of its fitness technology was a clear differentiator. While both trackers monitor activity, the Garmin delves deeper into how your body responds, offering more comprehensive data for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Customisation was another win. The ability to set a photo of a pet lizard as the watch face and receive WhatsApp notifications with images made the device feel more personal and integrated with daily life. A built-in torch was also highlighted as a surprisingly useful feature for evening dog walks.
The most tangible everyday advantage, however, was battery life. Where the Fitbit Versa 2 struggled to last four days, the Garmin Venu 4 consistently managed eight days on a single charge, despite its more advanced features and brighter display.
The Price of Premium: Is the Garmin Venu 4 Worth It?
All these advantages lead to the thorniest issue: cost. The Fitbit Versa 2 retails for around £150, with the newer Versa 4 available for a similar price. The Garmin Venu 4, however, carries a price tag of £469.99—a difference of over £300.
This gap forced the ultimate question: if spending her own money, which would she choose? Surprisingly, the longtime Fitbit user leaned towards the Garmin. The superior build quality, enhanced customisation, vastly better battery life, and more functional smartphone integration collectively justified the premium for her.
The final verdict acknowledged that for budget-conscious users seeking basic activity tracking, a Fitbit remains a solid recommendation. But for those who are more serious about fitness and can afford the investment, the Garmin Venu 4 delivers a noticeably more premium and capable experience that justifies its higher price point, ultimately winning over a convert from the rival camp.
