Apple Watch Series 7 vs Fitbit Sense 2
Same class, different makers. The Apple Watch Series 7 (Apple) and the Fitbit Sense 2 (Fitbit) are built for the same kind of buyer. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Fitbit Sense 2 takes 2 of 4 areas against the Apple Watch Series 7, starting with battery life. Money matters here as well, since the Apple Watch Series 7 started out $99 above the Fitbit Sense 2.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Health & Fitness Sensors Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Battery Life Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch Series 7 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
The Fitbit Sense 2 doesn’t just edge this one; 6 days against 18 h is a lead you’ll feel. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
-
The Apple Watch Series 7 has a cellular option
Whether it matters depends on your habits, but only one of these two gives you a cellular option: the Apple Watch Series 7. Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom.
-
The Fitbit Sense 2 has skin-temperature sensing
Missing features are easy to overlook when you buy and hard to live without later. The Apple Watch Series 7 skips this one. 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 7 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 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) | 1.37 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Display
Too close to call
The display specs are close enough that neither gets the point. In short, display is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
Call it a small but real win for the Fitbit Sense 2 in this area. On its side, the Fitbit Sense 2 has skin-temperature sensing. Skin-temperature sensing tracks nightly changes that can help with recovery insights and cycle tracking. Prioritize health & fitness sensors, and the Fitbit Sense 2 is where you should land.
Skin temperature
Apple Watch Series 7: no Fitbit Sense 2: yes The Fitbit Sense 2 includes a temperature sensor, which feeds into its health trends; the Apple Watch Series 7 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. The Fitbit Sense 2 delivers 700% more rated battery life. Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both. Weighing only battery life, the Fitbit Sense 2 comes out ahead.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch Series 7: 18 h Fitbit Sense 2: 6 days The Fitbit Sense 2 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 7 leads
The smart features & connectivity numbers lean toward the Apple Watch Series 7, not dramatically but consistently. The Apple Watch Series 7 wins here with a cellular option. A cellular option lets the watch take calls, receive messages and stream music without your phone nearby. In short, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the better-equipped watch for smart features & connectivity.
Cellular option
Apple Watch Series 7: yes Fitbit Sense 2: no With the Apple Watch Series 7, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Fitbit Sense 2 depends on it for connectivity.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Color AMOLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 396 x 484 | 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 7 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | No | Yes (winner) |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) | Built-in GPS + GLONASS |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 6 days (winner) |
| Charging | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min | N/A (not specified) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S7 | 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 7 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 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) | 1.37 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | 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
Going by launch prices, choosing the Fitbit Sense 2 keeps $99 in your pocket: 33% of difference. Save $99 and get the stronger spec sheet? That’s the deal the Fitbit Sense 2 offers.
Launch prices (US) as of September 2022. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 7 if…
- you want a cellular option
- you trust Apple and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Fitbit Sense 2 if…
- you hate charging your watch every day (6 days vs 18 h)
- you track sleep and recovery trends closely
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($99 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 7 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having a cellular option matters more to you than the rest.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 7 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 Series 7.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 cheaper than the Fitbit Sense 2?
At launch, the Fitbit Sense 2 undercut the Apple Watch Series 7 by $99. These figures are as of September 2022, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Fitbit Sense 2 purely on what they offer. I think the Fitbit Sense 2 makes its strongest case with 700% more rated battery life. A second point goes to the Fitbit Sense 2 for skin-temperature sensing. Fairness check: the Apple Watch Series 7 does come with a cellular option.
Think about your week. Heavy on smart features & connectivity? The Apple Watch Series 7. More about health & fitness sensors? The Fitbit Sense 2.
My pick: the Fitbit Sense 2, and I’d only look at the Apple Watch Series 7 if you need a cellular option, which only the Apple Watch Series 7 offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.