Fitbit and Apple are known for their top fitness trackers, with the Fitbit Sense 2 and Apple Watch 8 among the best available. Both offer advanced tools like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress management, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors.
In this Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 comparison, I’ll walk you through the key differences and similarities to help you decide which one suits your needs. Let's dive into the verdict!
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: The Verdict
Fitbit Sense 2 Wins
Please note that my decision is based on a thorough comparison of all features, including fitness tracking, battery life, build quality, app variety, and design, rather than just the smart features and connectivity.
After careful consideration, the Fitbit Sense 2 takes the crown as the winner in this race. With its long battery life, advanced stress and sleep tracking, and lower price point, it outshines the Apple Watch Series 8, especially for those who prioritize wellness tracking and budget. The Sense 2 is an excellent choice, particularly for Android users. Its seamless integration with a range of devices and a wealth of health-focused features is what really makes it stand out.
With this in mind, the Apple Watch Series 8 remains a fantastic option, especially for Apple users who value the ecosystem’s superior functionality. It offers a range of smart features, health tracking, and flawless integration with other Apple devices. If you're already an Apple user, the Watch Series 8 could still be a compelling choice.
For a more detailed breakdown of these smartwatches, read on to explore their specific strengths and weaknesses across different categories.
Best Overall: Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is a versatile smartwatch that offers a wide range of features, including built-in GPS, robust fitness tracking, and compatibility with various health apps. Its long battery life and stress management tools make it an excellent choice for those looking for a comprehensive health and wellness device. If you want a smartwatch that covers all your fitness and health needs, the Sense 2 is the top pick.
Best Budget-Friendly: Fitbit Sense 2
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly smartwatch, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a solid choice. Priced at $299, it offers a lot of great health and fitness features without breaking the bank, especially when compared to the $399 Apple Watch Series 8. It’s perfect if you want key tools like ECG and stress monitoring but are trying to save some cash.
Best Fitness Tracking: Fitbit Sense 2
When it comes to fitness tracking, both watches are great, but the Fitbit Sense 2 is especially geared towards fitness buffs. With its Active Zone Minutes and Daily Readiness Score, it focuses on making sure your workouts and recovery are on point.
Best Health Monitoring: Fitbit Sense 2
For health monitoring, both watches offer reliable tools, but Fitbit Sense 2 stands out with its stress management features, thanks to its continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor. It’s awesome for keeping track of stress and improving mindfulness. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch 8 excels with advanced heart health features and period tracking.
Best Battery Life: Fitbit Sense 2
Battery life is where the Fitbit Sense 2 really shines. It can last up to six days on a single charge, while the Apple Watch Series 8 needs daily charging, clocking in around 18 hours. So if you’re always on the go, Fitbit’s long-lasting battery is a major plus.
Best Smartwatch Features: Apple Watch 8
When it comes to pure smartwatch capabilities, the Apple Watch Series 8 leads the pack. It offers a wide array of apps, seamless integration with Apple services like Apple Pay, and advanced features like call handling and notifications. While the Fitbit Sense 2 is excellent for health tracking, it lacks third-party app support, giving Apple the edge in this category.
Best for Durability and Outdoor Use: Apple Watch 8
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Apple Watch 8 also offers better durability with IP6X dust resistance and water resistance up to 50 meters. It’s perfect for those who want a rugged device for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities. The Fitbit Sense 2 is also water-resistant but lacks the dust resistance rating, giving Apple the edge in extreme environments.
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Detailed Comparison
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Design and Build Quality
Both the Fitbit Sense 2 and Apple Watch Series 8 have stylish, square watch faces with rounded edges. They are dustproof and water-resistant, making them durable for everyday use, but the Apple Watch Series 8 has a slightly more robust design with its dust resistance rating and stainless steel option.
Apple Watch Series 8
- Display: OLED, 41mm or 45mm case size
- Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
- Dustproof: IPX6 rating
- Build: Aluminum or stainless steel options
- Physical Button and Digital Crown
Fitbit Sense 2
- Display: AMOLED, 40.5mm case size
- Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
- No official dust resistance rating
- Build: Aluminum only
- Physical Button (improved over previous models)
Key Difference: The Apple Watch 8 offers more customization options with different materials and sizes, while the Sense 2 sticks to a smaller form factor.
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Display and User Interface
Apple Watch Series 8
- Screen Size: 1.9 inches, 396 x 484 pixels, 329 ppi
- Features: Always-on display, digital crown, and touch interface
Fitbit Sense 2
- Screen Size: 1.58 inches, 336 x 336 pixels, 299 ppi
- Features: Always-on display, touchscreen interface
Key Difference: The Apple Watch 8 has a larger, higher-resolution display, which makes reading notifications and interacting with apps easier. The Sense 2’s smaller screen could appeal to those preferring a more compact design.
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Health and Fitness Tracking
Both devices offer extensive health tracking, including:
Shared Features:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2)
- Sleep tracking
- Skin temperature measurement
- Built-in GPS
However, each watch has its own strengths in certain areas:
Apple Watch Series 8:
- Crash Detection and Fall Detection
- More workout modes (over 60)
- Detailed fitness data through the Workout app (cadence, heart rate zones)
- Third-party app support for fitness tracking
- Use of health data through Apple’s native Health and Workout apps
Fitbit Sense 2:
- Continuous Electrodermal Activity (cEDA) for real-time stress tracking
- Daily Readiness Score for optimized workout recommendations
- Body Response sensor for mental health tracking
Key Difference: While the Apple Watch 8 excels in offering more workout modes and enhanced fitness app support, the Sense 2 focuses on stress and mental health tracking, making it more suited for those prioritizing overall wellness.
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Smartwatch Features and Connectivity
The Apple Watch Series 8, as a full-fledged smartwatch, has more "smarts" compared to the Sense 2:
Apple Watch Series 8:
- Cellular connectivity (optional)
- Third-party app support (Spotify, Google Maps, etc.)
- Respond to texts, make calls, stream music
- GPS + Cellular models available
- Exclusive to iOS
Fitbit Sense 2:
- No cellular connectivity
- Limited third-party app support
- Text notifications only (no response support for iPhone users)
- Compatible with Android and iOS
Key Difference: The Apple Watch 8 dominates in the smartwatch category with cellular options, app integration, and communication features, while the Sense 2 is more focused on health tracking with limited smartwatch functionalities.
2 Great Alternatives to Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8
1. Aether X Limited Edition Designer Smartwatch
Ultimate luxury smartwatch
The limited edition Aether X smartwatch is a luxury watch with a modern design and advanced health features. It has a metallic body, a genuine red patina leather strap, and a variety of health-tracking features, including 45 sports modes, sleep tracking, and stress management. Only 10,000 pieces will be available, and the watch comes with free shipping and up to 25% off.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Best for Samsung users
Starting at $299 for the 40mm version and $329 for the 43mm version, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a top-tier smartwatch, especially for Android and Samsung users. It excels in health tracking with features like body composition analysis and snoring detection.
Designed to help you reach your fitness goals, it offers personalized workout guidance and sleep coaching. Its stylish, large display and smart features make it a versatile companion for everyday life. This smartwatch provides both style and practicality.
Conclusion
In short, if you're all about health tracking and want a watch that lasts for days, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a solid pick, especially if you're budget-conscious. But if you're after a more complete smartwatch experience with loads of apps, fitness features, and better phone integration, the Apple Watch Series 8 takes the crown. Choose the one that matches your lifestyle and don't overpay for features you won't use.