Apple Watch Series 6 vs Fitbit Sense 2
The Apple Watch Series 6 and the Fitbit Sense 2 are direct rivals in the everyday smartwatch class, one from Apple and one from Fitbit. The Fitbit Sense 2 wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in battery life. One more thing to weigh: a launch price difference of $99, with the Fitbit Sense 2 as the lower-priced option.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Health & Fitness Sensors Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Battery Life Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch Series 6 wins
- Price Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors5.7
- 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
-
The Fitbit Sense 2 has 700% more rated battery life
It’s a lopsided result (6 days for the Fitbit Sense 2, 18 h for the Apple Watch Series 6) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
-
The Apple Watch Series 6 has a cellular option
You won’t find this on the Fitbit Sense 2. With the Apple Watch Series 6, it’s part of the package. With the Apple Watch Series 6, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Fitbit Sense 2 depends on it for connectivity.
-
The Fitbit Sense 2 has skin-temperature sensing
Some features are nice extras; for some people, skin-temperature sensing is a deal-breaker. Only the Fitbit Sense 2 has it. Temperature data is most useful over weeks, so it rewards people who wear their watch to bed.
Design & Size
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | 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, stainless steel, titanium | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.29 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Display
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t display. Neither watch gives you a reason to choose it on display.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
On health & fitness sensors, the difference is modest, and it favors the Fitbit Sense 2. The Fitbit Sense 2 answers with skin-temperature sensing. Skin-temperature sensing tracks nightly changes that can help with recovery insights and cycle tracking. The takeaway: on health & fitness sensors, the Fitbit Sense 2 is the stronger watch.
Skin temperature
Apple Watch Series 6: no Fitbit Sense 2: yes The Fitbit Sense 2 includes a temperature sensor, which feeds into its health trends; the Apple Watch Series 6 does without.
Battery Life
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
The Fitbit Sense 2 dominates the battery life section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. Here the Fitbit Sense 2 offers 700% more rated battery life. The Fitbit Sense 2 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends. Net result: the Fitbit Sense 2 leads this part of the comparison.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch Series 6: 18 h Fitbit Sense 2: 6 days Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 6 leads
The Apple Watch Series 6 does a little better in the smart features & connectivity section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Fitbit Sense 2. The Apple Watch Series 6 gives you a cellular option. Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom. Bottom line for smart features & connectivity: the Apple Watch Series 6 has the edge.
Cellular option
Apple Watch Series 6: 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 Series 6 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Color AMOLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 368 x 448 | N/A (not specified) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | N/A (not specified) |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | No | Yes (winner) |
| GPS | Built-in GPS/GNSS | Built-in GPS + GLONASS |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 6 days (winner) |
| Charging | Magnetic charging cable | N/A (not specified) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S6 | 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 Series 6 | 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, stainless steel, titanium | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.29 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $399 | $300 (winner) |
“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
The price gap is wide: $99 at launch, which is 33% of difference between the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 6. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Fitbit Sense 2 does, and it keeps $99 in your pocket.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of September 2022. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 6 if…
- you like leaving your phone at home on runs
- you trust Apple and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Fitbit Sense 2 if…
- you want the longer rated battery life (6 days vs 18 h)
- you track sleep and recovery trends closely
- you’re working to a firm budget and $99 matters
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless your top priority is a cellular option.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 does better here. It lists 6 days for rated battery life, while the Apple Watch Series 6 lists 18 h.
Is the Apple Watch Series 6 cheaper than the Fitbit Sense 2?
Going by launch prices, the Fitbit Sense 2 costs $99 less than the Apple Watch Series 6. Prices as of September 2022; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Fitbit Sense 2. I just have opinions about the numbers. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 700% more rated battery life, and that goes to the Fitbit Sense 2. The Fitbit Sense 2 also scores with skin-temperature sensing. Fairness check: the Apple Watch Series 6 does come with a cellular option.
If your days lean on smart features & connectivity, I’d pick the Apple Watch Series 6; if they lean on health & fitness sensors, the Fitbit Sense 2.
My pick: the Fitbit Sense 2, with one exception: if you care more about a cellular option than anything else, go for the Apple Watch Series 6.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.