Apple Watch SE 2 vs Fitbit Sense 2
For everyday smartwatch shoppers, the Apple Watch SE 2 from Apple and the Fitbit Sense 2 from Fitbit are two of the obvious candidates. Of the 4 areas we compared, the Fitbit Sense 2 wins 3. If one area explains the result, it’s health & fitness sensors. Keep the price gap in mind throughout: $51 separates the Apple Watch SE 2 from the Fitbit Sense 2 at launch.
At a glance
- Display Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Battery Life Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch SE 2 wins
- Price Apple Watch SE 2 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors1.4
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- Smart Features & Connectivity5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Fitbit Sense 2 has 700% more rated battery life
Not a close call. The Fitbit Sense 2 lists 6 days and the Apple Watch SE 2 lists 18 h. That’s a substantial gap. Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both.
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The Fitbit Sense 2 has an always-on display
Having an always-on display gives the Fitbit Sense 2 one more thing the Apple Watch SE 2 can’t match. With the Fitbit Sense 2, a glance is enough; with the Apple Watch SE 2, the screen has to wake up first.
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The Fitbit Sense 2 has an ECG app
Not every buyer will care, but the Fitbit Sense 2 gives you an ECG app and the Apple Watch SE 2 doesn’t. An ECG app can record a single-lead reading that you can share with your doctor, where regional approval allows it.
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The Apple Watch SE 2 has a cellular option
The Fitbit Sense 2 doesn’t offer this at all, so if you need a cellular option, the choice is made for you. Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom.
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The Fitbit Sense 2 has blood-oxygen readings
It’s a simple yes-or-no difference: the Fitbit Sense 2 includes it, the Apple Watch SE 2 does without. The Fitbit Sense 2 can take blood-oxygen readings; the Apple Watch SE 2 can’t.
Design & Size
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Display
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
The Fitbit Sense 2 wins the display section decisively. The Fitbit Sense 2 answers with an always-on display. An always-on display lets you read the time without raising your wrist or tapping the screen, the way a traditional watch works. For display, the Fitbit Sense 2 is the one to beat.
Always-on display
Apple Watch SE 2: no Fitbit Sense 2: yes Always-on modes use some battery, but for many people the convenience is worth it.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
Here the Fitbit Sense 2 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Fitbit Sense 2 adds an ECG app. The Fitbit Sense 2 offers ECG; the Apple Watch SE 2 doesn’t. That’s a meaningful gap if heart health is a concern for you. Net result: the Fitbit Sense 2 leads this part of the comparison.
ECG
Apple Watch SE 2: no Fitbit Sense 2: yes An ECG reading on a watch isn’t a diagnosis, but it can be a useful record to discuss with a professional.
Blood oxygen
Apple Watch SE 2: no Fitbit Sense 2: yes Blood-oxygen readings can add context to sleep tracking and to training at altitude.
Battery Life
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
For battery life, the verdict is easy: the Fitbit Sense 2 leads, and not by a little. The Fitbit Sense 2 pulls ahead with 700% more rated battery life. The Fitbit Sense 2 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends. The takeaway: on battery life, the Fitbit Sense 2 is the stronger watch.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch SE 2: 18 h Fitbit Sense 2: 6 days Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch SE 2 leads
In the smart features & connectivity category, the Apple Watch SE 2 is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Apple Watch SE 2 scores with a cellular option. With the Apple Watch SE 2, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Fitbit Sense 2 depends on it for connectivity. So if smart features & connectivity tops your list, lean toward the Apple Watch SE 2.
Cellular option
Apple Watch SE 2: yes Fitbit Sense 2: no A cellular option lets the watch take calls, receive messages and stream music without your phone nearby.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Retina LTPO OLED (not always-on) | Color AMOLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 368 x 448 | N/A (not specified) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | N/A (not specified) |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | Yes (winner) |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes (winner) |
| Skin temperature | No | Yes (winner) |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS) | Built-in GPS + GLONASS |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 6 days (winner) |
| Charging | 0 to 80% in about 1.5 h | N/A (not specified) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S8 | N/A (not specified) |
| Storage | 32 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| Cellular option | Yes (winner) | No |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | iPhone and Android |
| Software | watchOS | Fitbit OS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249 (winner) | $300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
In launch price, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the clear budget pick, coming in $51 (20%) below the Fitbit Sense 2. If $51 isn’t a stretch, the Fitbit Sense 2 gives you 700% more rated battery life and an always-on display.
These are US launch prices, recorded September 2022; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch SE 2 if…
- you want a cellular option
- you’d rather keep $51 in your pocket
- you already know your way around Apple’s products
Choose the Fitbit Sense 2 if…
- you want the longer rated battery life (6 days vs 18 h)
- you want an always-on display
- you want an ECG app on your wrist
- you want blood-oxygen readings
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d rather have a cellular option on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 comes out ahead on rated battery life, with 6 days compared with 18 h on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Is the Apple Watch SE 2’s display better than the Fitbit Sense 2’s?
On display specs, the Fitbit Sense 2 leads thanks to an always-on display.
Is the Apple Watch SE 2 cheaper than the Fitbit Sense 2?
At launch, the Apple Watch SE 2 undercut the Fitbit Sense 2 by $51. These figures are as of September 2022, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Whenever Apple and Fitbit go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Fitbit Sense 2 are no exception. Here’s what matters most to me: the Fitbit Sense 2 offers 700% more rated battery life. Then there’s an always-on display, another point for the Fitbit Sense 2. The Apple Watch SE 2’s strongest argument is a cellular option.
I’d steer smart features & connectivity fans toward the Apple Watch SE 2 and display fans toward the Fitbit Sense 2.
My pick: the Fitbit Sense 2, unless you know that a cellular option would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.