Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Which Is Better?

The Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 is a dilemma for many fitness enthusiasts. Both brands offer top-notch wearables with advanced features and appealing designs. They also share some similarities, making it difficult to pick a winner. However, they do have some differences in performance, design and pricing.

This post on Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 is to see which is the best smartwatch for you. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision. As such, we’ve detailed the features of both devices and compared them. You’ll also get to know the various fitness apps you can install on these gadgets.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Design and Build

The question of which design is better, Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 boils down to personal taste. Both devices boast impressive designs and great build quality.

The Fitbit Sense 2 showcases a square-shaped watch face with a curved display resolution that integrates with the watch’s edges. It also comes in two stylish color options, lunar white and black. Both give the smartwatch a sleek and modern appearance. Even better, the watch strap offers versatile options with both silicone and leather variants. This ensures its suitability for any occasion.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 8 maintains its iconic square-shaped design. This design has been a staple since the first-generation Apple Watch. The Series 8 comes in a variety of colors, including silver, space gray, and gold.

One of the unique features of the Apple Watch Series 8 is its modular design. This allows you to easily customize and swap bands to suit your preferences.

Overall, both devices are exceptional in the areas of design and build. So in the Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 comparison, we can’t determine a clear design winner.

We call it a draw.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple 8 Watch: Battery and Charging Speed

When considering a smartwatch or fitness tracker, battery life is a crucial factor to consider. It’s no different when comparing the Apple Watch 8 vs Fitbit Sense 2.

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers up to 18 hours of screen time on a single charge. While impressive, it falls significantly short when compared to the Fitbit’s impressive 6 days of battery life.

However, the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a low-power mode that can potentially extend its battery life. On the other hand, the Fitbit Sense 2’s remarkable battery life may diminish if you enable power-intensive features. Examples of these features include the always-on display, blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2) and GPS.

Both devices enable fast charging. The Fitbit Sense 2 takes approximately two hours to fully charge. Buy with a 12-minute quick charge and you can have sufficient battery life all day.

In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 8 boasts superior charging speed. It requires only 45 minutes to reach 80%. The smartwatch fully charges in 75 minutes.  

In a Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 comparison, the Apple Watch 8 takes the lead for fast charging. However, for overall battery life, the Fitbit Sense 2 is ahead of the Apple Watch Series 8.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Blood Oxygen

For checking blood oxygen (SpO2) levels, we have to give it to Apple.

Maintaining the proper balance of blood-oxygen saturation is crucial for good health. Low levels of blood oxygen may indicate Hypoxemia. This is a condition related to chronic health issues like asthma and heart disease.

While most individuals don’t need continuous monitoring of their blood oxygen levels, it’s beneficial for those with health conditions. As such, both the Apple Watch and the latest Fitbit smartwatches offer a blood oxygen monitor. These health sensors detect blood-oxygen saturation.

However, when compared, Apple’s solution stands out for its flexibility and ease of use. The Apple series 8 allows on-demand blood oxygen readings, taking only 15 seconds at any time of the day. On the other hand, Fitbit measures blood-oxygen levels only during sleep. You’ll also need to remember to switch the clock face for it to take a reading.

What’s more, you must have a Premium subscription to track trends over time in the Fitbit Health Metrics dashboard. In contrast, the Apple 8 Watch provides immediate access to blood oxygen readings without any subscription requirement.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Setting Goals

Apple Watch does not offer customizable goals for steps or other metrics, except for calories burned. On the other hand, Fitbit provides the flexibility to set specific goals for various metrics. These include steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, floors climbed and your hourly activity goal.

This feature allows you to tailor your fitness tracking according to your individual preferences and objectives. As such, in comparing Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8, the former wins in the area of goal-setting.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Sleep Monitoring

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need good sleeping habits. Scientists have linked weight gain and poor metabolism to sleep deprivation. This makes quality sleep an important part of any health, fitness, and weight-loss strategy. Furthermore, sleep loss can lead to an increased risk of diabetes and obesity. As such, aiming for 8 hours of sleep per day is ideal.

However, achieving 8 hours of sleep may be unrealistic for many, especially individuals with busy schedules. 6 to 7.5 hours of sleep per night is a more realistic goal. To achieve this, a smartwatch with long battery life to track the amount of sleep you’ve gotten is helpful.

The Apple Watch 8 battery life isn’t so great. Therefore, you’ll need to charge it overnight.  However, there’s a feature that reminds you to charge it before bedtime. Fitbit Sense 2 has longest-lasting batteries that can last up to a week between charges.

Also, many users find Fitbit’s sleep tracking more detailed. Fitbit tracks Sleep Stages using movement and heart-rate patterns. This estimates sleep stages through heart rate variability (HRV) fluctuations.

So, in a Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 battle for sleep tracking, Fitbit wins.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Heart Rate Monitoring

Heart-rate monitoring is an essential aspect of both the Apple Watch and Fitbit devices. These smartwatches utilize a technology called “photoplethysmography” to measure heart rate. This method involves green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the underside of the wristband.

These light sensors help detect changes in blood volume and capillary size under pressure. When your heart beats, your capillaries expand and contract. This causes changes in blood volume that the LEDs can reflect upon the skin to detect.

Fitbit smartwatches continuously monitor your heart rate 24/7 and store the data at various intervals. As such, it captures heart rate information every second during exercise tracking and every five seconds at other times.

On the contrary, the Apple Watch checks your heart rate every ten minutes during the day. However, it provides continuous feedback when the workout app is active, allowing constant monitoring during exercise sessions. Additionally, the Apple Watch 8 supports external heart-rate monitors for added flexibility.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Fitness Tracking Capabilities

Comparing the Apple Watch Series 8 vs Fitbit Sense 2 in terms of fitness tracking, the former takes the win. The Fitbit Sense 2 can monitor 40 different workouts. The Apple Series 8 is much more versatile as it can keep track of more than 60 workouts.

What’s more, the Apple 8 Watch sets daily markers and baselines using rings. On the other hand, Fitbit utilizes active zone minutes to help users achieve their fitness goals.

Additionally, the Series 8 leverages the iPhone’s Workout app to access data like heart rate zones, pace, and customized intervals. It also allows you to delve into advanced data, such as run cadence and running power.  Moreover, the Apple Series 8 allows you to compete against your past workouts.

Fitbit Sense 2 offers a similar experience, presenting heart rate zones and analyzing pace while providing a daily readiness score. This score assesses your previous activity, stress levels, rest, and recovery. Consequently, this helps to determine the average level of intensity for your daily workout.

In a Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 fitness tracking debate, the latter wins.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Fitbit Sense 2: Smart Features

Both wearables offer remote interaction with your phone. This allows you to receive notifications, answer calls on your wristwatch, and utilize voice commands. Additionally, they both support Near Field Communication (NFC). This enables convenient and contactless payments. However, there are some notable distinctions between the Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8.

With some features, the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t require constant proximity to your smartphone. Essentially the Apple Watch series features cellular support. It goes even further by offering international roaming capabilities, making it convenient for travelers. 

However, you can only unlock the Series 8’s full potential when you pair it with an iPhone. This is because of its optimization for iOS.

In contrast, the Fitbit Sense 2 supports both Android and iOS equally. While it may not have the same cellular capabilities as the Series 8, it offers more flexibility. This is because it is compatible with different phone systems. Additionally, the Sense 2 provides two options for contactless payments: Fitbit Pay or Google Wallet.

As such, in a Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 debate, both watches possess incredible smart features. However, the Fitbit Sense 2 is the best if you want a smartwatch that is versatile with Android and IOS.

What Fitness Apps Can You Install on Both Watches?

Both Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 allow you to install several fitness apps. These apps have all it takes to ensure that you reach your fitness goals faster. Some of these fitness apps include:

• Nike Training Club: This app provides a wide range of guided workouts, including strength, cardio, and endurance. It also includes mobility routines, with tips from Nike trainers.
• Strava: Strava is a popular app among runners and cyclists, offering GPS tracking, route tracking, and performance analytics.
• MyFitnessPal: MyFitnessPal is a comprehensive app for tracking nutrition and calories, helping users maintain a healthy diet.
• Fitbod: Fitbod offers personalized workout plans based on your fitness goals, available equipment, and previous workouts.
• Peloton: The Peloton app provides guided workouts, including cycling, running, strength training, and more.
•  7-Minute Workout: This app offers quick and effective workouts that you can do in just seven minutes. This makes it an ideal choice if you often have busy schedules.
• Yoga Studio: For yoga enthusiasts, Yoga Studio provides a library of yoga classes with different durations and difficulty levels.
• Runtastic: Runtastic is a comprehensive running app that tracks your runs, provides detailed statistics, and offers training plans.
• Seven: Seven is a science-backed workout app that focuses on seven-minute high-intensity workouts.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Which Should You Buy?

The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a higher price tag that’s $100 more than the Fitbit Sense 2. It’s a more comprehensive smartwatch with a broader range of features. Regardless, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a great option if you want a cheaper smartwatch.

When deciding which watch suits you best, you should consider the phone you’ll be using it with. The Fitbit Sense 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, it cannot call or text from the watch when paired with an iPhone. In contrast, the Series 8 only works with iOS-enabled phones.

So, Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8? It depends on your budget and phone.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8 FAQs

There are several questions that you may have regarding Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that people have regarding these smartwatches.

Does Fitbit Sense 2 Allow Text Messages?

When paired with your smartphone, Fitbit watches receive notifications. The notifications include text messages, emails, app alerts and more. With your Fitbit smartwatch, you can connect your phone via Bluetooth and the Fitbit app. This enables you to monitor notifications from your phone.

So when you receive a text message on your smartphone, a notification will also appear on your Fitbit smartwatch. You can then read the message. Even better, you might be able to respond using quick pre-set replies and voice-to-text dictation.

Is the Fitbit Sense 2 Accurate?

Fitbit is a well-established fitness wearable brand that puts considerable effort into ensuring the accuracy of its devices.

However, like all fitness trackers and smartwatches, the accuracy of the Fitbit depends on individual factors and usage conditions. Factors such as proper fit, placement, and personal physiological differences can influence the accuracy of heart rate monitoring.

Similarly, there could be some discrepancies during step counting and sleep tracking. This could be a result of the user’s movement patterns and sleeping habits.

However, it is important to note that Fitbit continuously updates its devices and algorithms to improve accuracy and user experience.

Is the Apple Watch 8 Waterproof?

The Apple Watch 8 series is water resistant but not waterproof. In particular, the series 8 is water resistant up to a depth of 50 meters.

Apple specifically recommends against submerging it in water for long periods. As such, you can use the Apple watch when swimming in a pool. However, it’s not ideal for scuba diving and water skiing.

Apple also recommends against regularly using the Apple 8 series in the shower. This is because the exposure of the watch to soaps, shampoo, etc., can weaken its water-resistant feature.

In terms of water resistance, is it better to use the Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8? They’re pretty much the same in this area. Like the Apple Watch 8, the Fitbit Sense 2 is water-resistant up to a depth of 50 meters.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Apple Watch 8: Bottom Line

Both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 8 are impressive fitness wearables. Each has its own set of fantastic features and designs. The Fitbit Sense 2 stands out with its exceptional battery life. The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts new health-tracking capabilities and a revamped app. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities.