Apple Watch Series 8 vs Fitbit Sense 2
The Apple Watch Series 8 and the Fitbit Sense 2 are direct rivals in the everyday smartwatch class, one from Apple and one from Fitbit. Scoring each area separately, the Fitbit Sense 2 comes out on top 1 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in battery life. The launch prices sit $99 apart, with the Fitbit Sense 2 on the more affordable side.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Health & Fitness Sensors Tie
- Battery Life Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch Series 8 wins
- Price Fitbit Sense 2 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- 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 Apple Watch Series 8 gives up a lot on rated battery life: 18 h, compared with 6 days on the Fitbit Sense 2. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
-
The Apple Watch Series 8 has a cellular option
Some features are nice extras; for some people, a cellular option is a deal-breaker. Only the Apple Watch Series 8 has it. A cellular option lets the watch take calls, receive messages and stream music without your phone nearby.
Design & Size
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | 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 | 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
This is a tie in all but name. On display, both deliver about the same. On display alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the health & fitness sensors section; the two are too close to separate. In short, health & fitness sensors is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Battery Life
Fitbit Sense 2 leads
The Fitbit Sense 2 is the clear pick if battery life is what you care about most. 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. On battery life alone, the Fitbit Sense 2 gets the nod.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch Series 8: 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 8 leads
This area is close, with the Apple Watch Series 8 just ahead of the Fitbit Sense 2. The Apple Watch Series 8 adds a cellular option. With the Apple Watch Series 8, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Fitbit Sense 2 depends on it for connectivity. For anyone who cares most about smart features & connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the safer choice.
Cellular option
Apple Watch Series 8: yes Fitbit Sense 2: no Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | 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 8 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) | Built-in GPS + GLONASS |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Fitbit Sense 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 6 days (winner) |
| Rated life in low-power modeManufacturer rating | 36 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Charging | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min | N/A (not specified) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | 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 Series 8 | 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 | 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 8 | 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 Fitbit Sense 2 undercut the Apple Watch Series 8 by $99 at launch, which works out to 33%. Less money, more wins: the Fitbit Sense 2 beats the Apple Watch Series 8 on value by a clear margin and saves $99.
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 Series 8 if…
- you want a cellular option
- 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’re working to a firm budget and $99 matters
- you’re comfortable with how Fitbit does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d trade the rest for a cellular option.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 last longer on a charge than the Fitbit Sense 2?
The Fitbit Sense 2 does better here. It lists 6 days for rated battery life, while the Apple Watch Series 8 lists 18 h.
Which costs less, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Fitbit Sense 2?
Going by launch prices, the Fitbit Sense 2 costs $99 less than the Apple Watch Series 8. Prices as of September 2022; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Apple or Fitbit? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Apple Watch Series 8 versus the Fitbit Sense 2. The Fitbit Sense 2 earns my vote first and foremost with 700% more rated battery life. Don’t write off the Apple Watch Series 8 entirely: it has a cellular option.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is built for people who weigh smart features & connectivity heavily, and the Fitbit Sense 2 for people who weigh battery life.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Fitbit Sense 2, unless what you want most is a cellular option.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.