1. The Ultimate Showdown in Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker
When it comes to health and fitness, activity monitors and wearables have become essential tools for tracking and improving our well-being. Two of the leading brands in this space are Fitbit and Apple, each offering their own set of features and benefits. If you’re in the market for a new smart health and fitness tracking device, then the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 are two models that you may be considering. In this comprehensive product review, we’ll compare Fitbit Sense 2 and apple watch — the key features, performance, and design of both devices to help you make an informed choice on which one is the best fit for your health and fitness goals.
While this article focuses on the high-end Apple Watch Series 10 vs Fitbit Sense 2, we’ve also reviewed the mid-tier Apple Watch Series 8 vs Fitbit Versa 4 for those considering more budget-friendly options. Explore that review here.”
2. Top Highlights
Before we dive deep into the detailed review, here is a highlight of the key fitness tracking features for the two devices.
2.1 Fitbit Sense 2: Highlight of the Key Fitness Tracking Features
As one of the latest additions to the Fitbit family, the Fitbit Sense 2 stands out as a cutting-edge fitness tracker designed to provide comprehensive health and wellness insights. This advanced device is packed with features that cater to both fitness enthusiasts and those looking to monitor their overall well-being.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is designed to be your ultimate health companion, snugly fitting around your wrist. It comes packed with a variety of sensors to monitor your heart rate, SpO2 levels, ECG, stress, and sleep patterns. Additionally, it tracks your location to measure distance and speed during your activities.
This fitness tracker is waterproof, making it perfect for swimming. It boasts a vibrant full-color touchscreen and offers over 40 exercise modes. You can pair the Sense 2 with both iPhone and Android devices, and it works seamlessly with the free Fitbit app and the subscription-based Fitbit Premium service, which includes a six-month trial membership.
With a battery life of up to six days, the Sense 2 ensures you stay on top of your health metrics without frequent charging. While it may not be a full-fledged smartwatch, it still displays incoming text messages, phone alerts, and specific app notifications. Plus, it supports Fitbit Pay and Google Pay, along with navigation through Google Maps and Apple Maps
2.2 Apple Watch Series 10: Highlight of the Key Fitness Tracking Features
The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to build on Apple’s legacy of integrating advanced health and fitness features into a sleek, user-friendly device. Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, or just looking to monitor your overall health, the Series 10 offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help you stay active and informed.
The Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch yet, making it more comfortable to wear. It features the largest and most advanced display of any Apple Watch, with a 30% larger screen and wide-angle OLED technology for a brighter, sharper display.
As a fitness tracker, the Apple Watch Series 10 excels with improved auto-detection of your activities and new performance metrics. It also introduces offline maps for hiking, making it a versatile companion for outdoor adventures. For swimmers, the water-resistant smartwatch can now track strokes and count laps in the pool, enhancing your training sessions.
One of the most anticipated features of the Apple Watch Series 10 is its new sleep apnea detection capability. Although this feature is still awaiting FDA clearance, Apple plans to roll it out in over 150 countries in late September 2024.
Once launched, the sleep apnea tracking feature will use the watch’s accelerometer to measure breathing disturbances, while also monitoring your heart rate and wrist temperature. It will analyze and compile this data into a report every 30 days. If signs of sleep apnea are detected, the watch will send you an alert, allowing you to share the report with your doctor for further evaluation.
3. Detailed Review of Apple Watch Series 10 vs Fitbit Sense 2
In the sections that follow, we take a scenic route to explore in detail 8 must-know features to consider when choosing a smartwatch for tracking your health and fitness goals.
Here are the top 8 features to consider:
- Design and Build: Which One Wins the Style Game?
- Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities: What are they truly built for?
- User Experience and Interface: How Easy and Convenient Are They to Use?
- App Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Software Offerings Do They Provide?
- Battery Life and Charging: Which Smartwatch Reigns Supreme?
- Connectivity Options: How Do They Keep You Connected on the Go?
- Water Resistance: How Well Do They Endure in Every Environment
- Pricing and Value for Money: Is It Worth the Investment?
Gear up, let’s get started on our adventure.
If you’re curious about how the Apple Watch Series 8 compares to Fitbit Versa 4 in terms of fitness tracking and smartwatch features, check out our comprehensive review here.
3.1 Design and Build: Which One Wins the Style Game?
When it comes to design and aesthetics, both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer sleek and stylish options to cater to different preferences.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 features a slim and lightweight design with a square-shaped watch face that is both modern and minimalist. It’s aluminum casing gives it a premium and classy feel, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The Sense 2 has soft curves that add to its elegant look, and it includes a physical button for easier navigation.
With interchangeable straps available in various colors and materials, you can personalize the Sense 2 to match your style effortlessly. The vibrant 1.58-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, ensuring good visibility even in bright light. Additionally, the Sense 2 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities.
Apple Watch Series 10
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 showcases a more sophisticated and polished design. It is the thinnest Apple Watch yet, making it more comfortable to wear. The Series 10 features the largest and most advanced display of any Apple Watch, with a 30% larger screen and wide-angle OLED technology for a brighter, crisper display.
Its rounded corners and seamless design create a refined look. With options for aluminum and titanium casings, as well as a wide range of bands, including new finishes like jet black and various titanium options, the Series 10 offers unparalleled versatility and elegance. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities. We discuss the water-resistance feature for both devices in more detail later in this review.
Ultimately, the choice between the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 in terms of design and aesthetics is subjective and depends on your personal style preferences. Both devices offer a blend of functionality and style, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
3.2 Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities — What are they truly built for?
Moving on from design and aesthetics, let’s dive into the core of what these smartwatches are truly built for — health and fitness tracking. Both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer an impressive array of features designed to help you achieve your fitness goals and monitor your overall well-being.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is designed to be a comprehensive health and fitness tracker, offering a wide range of features to help you monitor and improve your well-being. Here are the key features packed in this device:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The Sense 2 continuously tracks your heart rate, providing real-time data and insights into your cardiovascular health. It can alert you if your heart rate goes above or below your normal range.
- SpO2 Monitoring: This feature measures your blood oxygen levels, which can be crucial for understanding your respiratory health and detecting potential issues early.
- ECG App: The built-in ECG app allows you to take an electrocardiogram directly from your wrist, helping to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm irregularity.
- Stress Management: The Sense 2 includes an EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor that measures your body’s response to stress. It provides guided breathing exercises and mindfulness sessions to help you manage stress effectively.
- Sleep Tracking: With advanced sleep tracking capabilities, the Sense 2 monitors your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM) and provides a sleep score to help you understand the quality of your sleep. It also tracks your sleeping heart rate and restlessness.
- Fitness Tracking: The device offers over 40 exercise modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. It automatically detects and tracks your workouts, providing detailed metrics such as distance, pace, and calories burned.
- GPS and Location Tracking: The built-in GPS allows you to track your outdoor activities without needing your phone. It records your routes, distance, and speed, making it ideal for runners and cyclists.
- Menstrual Health Tracking: Women can use the Sense 2 to track their menstrual cycles, log symptoms, and receive predictions for their next period and fertile window.
- Hydration and Nutrition Tracking: The Fitbit app allows you to log your water intake and meals, helping you stay on top of your hydration and nutrition goals.
Apple Watch Series 10
In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 10 takes health and fitness tracking to the next level with its advanced features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The Series 10 offers continuous heart rate monitoring with high and low heart rate notifications. It also includes irregular rhythm notifications, which can alert you to potential heart issues.
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring: The built-in SpO2 sensor measures your blood oxygen levels, providing insights into your respiratory health and overall wellness.
- ECG App: Similar to the Sense 2, the Series 10 includes an ECG app that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). The data can be shared with your doctor for further analysis.
- Sleep Apnea Detection: One of the standout features of the Series 10 is its ability to detect sleep apnea. Using the accelerometer, heart rate sensor, and wrist temperature sensor, it monitors breathing disturbances and provides detailed reports.
- Sleep Tracking: The Series 10 offers comprehensive sleep tracking, monitoring your sleep stages and providing insights into your sleep patterns. It also includes features like Wind Down and Sleep Mode to help you establish a bedtime routine.
- Fitness Tracking: With automatic workout detection and a wide range of exercise modes, the Series 10 tracks your workouts with precision. It includes advanced metrics for runners, cyclists, and swimmers, such as cadence, stride length, and swimming strokes.
- GPS and Offline Maps: The built-in GPS tracks your outdoor activities, and the new offline maps feature allows you to navigate without your phone, making it perfect for hiking and exploring new trails.
- Water Depth and Temperature Sensing: The Series 10 includes sensors to measure water depth and temperature, making it ideal for swimmers and divers.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: The Mindfulness app offers guided meditation sessions and breathing exercises to help you manage stress and improve your mental well-being.
- Menstrual Health Tracking: Women can track their menstrual cycles, log symptoms, and receive predictions for their next period and fertile window through the Health app.
- Hydration and Nutrition Tracking: The Health app allows you to log your water intake and meals, helping you maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
Whereas the two devices offer very similar capabilities, here are some distinct differences in the health and fitness tracking capabilities of the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10:
Fitbit Sense 2 Differentiating Features
- Stress Management: The Sense 2 includes an EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor specifically designed to measure your body’s response to stress. It offers guided breathing exercises and mindfulness sessions to help manage stress effectively.
- Battery Life: The Sense 2 boasts a significantly longer battery life of up to 6 days, which is ideal for continuous health monitoring without frequent charging.
- Menstrual Health Tracking: While both devices offer menstrual health tracking, the Sense 2 integrates this feature directly within the Fitbit app, providing predictions and logging capabilities.
- Hydration and Nutrition Tracking: The Fitbit app allows users to log their water intake and meals, helping them stay on top of their hydration and nutrition goals.
Apple Watch Series 10 Differentiating Features
- Sleep Apnea Detection: The Series 10 has a unique feature for detecting sleep apnea using its accelerometer, heart rate sensor, and wrist temperature sensor. This feature is pending FDA clearance but is expected to roll out soon.
- Advanced Workout Metrics: The Series 10 offers more detailed metrics for specific activities, such as cadence and stride length for runners, and stroke detection and lap counting for swimmers.
- Offline Maps: The Series 10 includes offline maps, which is a valuable feature for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need navigation without their phone.
- Water Depth and Temperature Sensing: This feature is particularly useful for swimmers and divers, providing real-time data on water depth and temperature.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: The Mindfulness app on the Series 10 offers guided meditation sessions and breathing exercises, similar to the Sense 2, but with a more integrated experience within the Apple ecosystem.
Before we wrap up this section, it’s clear that both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer robust health and fitness tracking capabilities, each with unique features tailored to different needs and preferences. These differences highlight how each device caters to specific user requirements, making them both strong contenders in the health and fitness tracking space.
Whether you prioritize stress management and long battery life with the Sense 2, or advanced workout metrics and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem with the Series 10, both devices provide valuable tools to help you stay healthy and active.
If you’re curious about how the Fitbit Versa 4 compares to the Apple Watch Series 8 in terms of fitness tracking and smartwatch features, check out our comprehensive review here.
3.3 User Experience and Interface: How Easy and Convenient Are They to Use?
Now that we’ve explored the health and fitness features of the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10, let’s turn our attention to the user experience and interface of these smartwatches. After all, a seamless and intuitive user interface can greatly enhance the overall usability and convenience of a device.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 boasts a user-friendly interface, with a responsive touchscreen and simple navigation. The watch’s operating system, Fitbit OS, provides a straightforward and easy-to-navigate layout, allowing users to effortlessly access their apps, notifications, and settings. The always-on display feature ensures that important information is readily available at a glance without needing to lift your wrist.
Additionally, Fitbit’s user community and app provide a wealth of resources and support to help users make the most of their device. The Sense 2 also introduces new customizable widgets, making it easier to personalize the watch face with the information that matters most to you.
Apple Watch Series 10
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a seamless interface that is renowned for its sleek design and smooth performance. Powered by Apple’s watchOS, the Series 10 delivers a seamless user experience with a combination of touch gestures, the digital crown, and voice commands through Siri. The customizable watch faces allow users to personalize their device to suit their preferences and needs.
Furthermore, the integration with other Apple devices and the Apple ecosystem ensures a seamless transition between devices and a unified user experience. The Series 10 also introduces new haptic feedback for more intuitive navigation and a redesigned Control Center for quicker access to essential functions.
When it comes to user experience and interface, both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 excel in different ways. The Fitbit Sense 2’s user-friendly interface and the availability of the Fitbit community create a great user experience for fitness enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a sleek and seamless interface that integrates effortlessly with other Apple devices, providing a unified and polished user experience.
3.4 App Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Software Offerings Do They Provide?
Getting a little deeper into this aspect of ease of use and convenience, let’s now examine another crucial aspect of these smartwatches as fitness tracking devices: the app ecosystem and compatibility. A smartwatch’s software offerings can greatly enhance its functionality and user experience, so it’s important to assess what each device has to offer.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 comes with its own app store, providing access to a range of third-party apps and watch faces. While it may not have the extensive selection seen in the Apple Watch app store, Fitbit’s app ecosystem still offers popular options like Spotify, Strava, and Uber.
Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with Fitbit’s own suite of health and fitness apps, making it an excellent choice for those focused on wellness tracking. The Sense 2 also introduces new apps for mindfulness and stress management, expanding its wellness offerings.
Apple Watch Series 10
As for the Apple Watch Series 10, it benefits from Apple’s renowned app store, which boasts a vast selection of apps across various categories. From productivity apps to health and wellness apps, the Apple Watch app store has something for everyone. Plus, being part of the Apple ecosystem, the Series 10 offers seamless integration with other Apple devices, allowing users to easily access their favorite apps and services. The Series 10 also introduces new apps for mental health tracking and medication reminders, further enhancing its health-focused capabilities.
When it comes to app ecosystem and compatibility, the Apple Watch Series 10 undoubtedly has the upper hand due to its extensive app store and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. However, the Fitbit Sense 2 still holds its ground with a sufficient selection of apps and strong integration with Fitbit’s wellness-focused apps.
In the next section, we will explore the battery life and charging capabilities of these smartwatches. Battery life is a crucial factor to consider, especially for those who rely on their smartwatches throughout the day. Stay tuned to find out how the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 compare in this aspect.
3.5 Battery Life and Charging: Which Smartwatch Reigns Supreme?
Now that we’ve discussed the user experience and interface of the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10, let’s dive into an important aspect that can make or break a smartwatch: battery life and charging capabilities. After all, no one wants a device that needs to be constantly plugged in or dies in the middle of the day.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 boasts an impressive battery life, offering up to 6 days of usage on a single charge1. This is a significant advantage for those who want a smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyle without constantly needing to be tethered to a charger. Plus, with the Sense 2’s fast charging feature, you can get enough power for a full day in just 12 minutes of charging. This makes it incredibly convenient for users who are always on the go.
Apple Watch Series 10
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a slightly shorter battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. While this may not be as impressive as the Sense 2, Apple has made strides in improving the charging speed. With its fast-charging capability, you can get 80% battery life in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the Series 10 introduces a new low-power mode, which can extend the battery life up to 36 hours, making it more versatile for longer use.
In terms of battery life and charging capabilities, the Fitbit Sense 2 takes the lead with its longer battery life and faster charging time. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Apple Watch Series 10’s battery life, although shorter, is still sufficient for most users’ daily needs, and the new low-power mode adds extra flexibility.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll explore the smartwatches’ additional features, such as connectivity options and water resistance capabilities. These factors play a vital role in determining the ultimate winner in this comparison between the Fitbit Sense 2 versus Apple Watch Series 10.
If battery life is your top priority, you may also want to see how the Apple Watch Series 8 compares with Fitbit Versa 4 in our in-depth review here.
3.6 Connectivity Options: How Do They Keep You Connected on the Go?
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is crucial, and fitness tracking devices play a significant role in ensuring you’re always in touch. Let’s compare the connectivity options of the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 offers robust connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support. It allows you to connect to your smartphone for notifications, music control, and app updates. The Sense 2 also supports Fitbit Pay, enabling contactless payments directly from your wrist. While it doesn’t have cellular connectivity, the Sense 2’s integration with your smartphone ensures you stay connected without needing to carry your phone everywhere.
Apple Watch Series 10
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 excels in connectivity options. It comes in both GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models, allowing you to choose the level of connectivity that suits your needs. The cellular model enables you to make calls, send texts, and stream music even when your phone isn’t nearby.
Additionally, the Series 10 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for Apple Pay, ensuring seamless connectivity and convenience. The integration with the Apple ecosystem further enhances the connectivity experience, making it easy to switch between your Apple devices.
When it comes to connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 10 takes the lead with its cellular option and extensive integration within the Apple ecosystem. However, the Fitbit Sense 2 still offers solid connectivity features that cater to most users’ needs.
3.7 Water Resistance: How Well Do They Endure in Every Environment?
Water resistance is a vital feature for those who lead active lifestyles or enjoy water-based activities. Let’s examine the water resistance capabilities of the Fitbit Sense 2 versus Apple Watch Series 10.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is designed to be water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. This means you can confidently wear it while swimming in pools or open water, and it can withstand the pressure of each stroke. The Sense 2 also features a water lock mode, which prevents accidental touches when the device is submerged. This ensures that your activities are accurately tracked without any interruptions.
Similarly, the Apple Watch Series 10 is water-resistant up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:20102. This makes it swim-proof and capable of handling various water activities, including swimming and snorkeling. The Series 10 also includes features like automatic stroke detection and swim tracking, providing detailed insights into your swimming performance. Additionally, it is IP6X dust resistant, adding an extra layer of durability for outdoor adventures. The Series 10 also introduces new sensors for water depth and temperature, making it ideal for divers.
Both the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer excellent water resistance capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. However, the Apple Watch Series 10’s additional features like automatic stroke detection, swim tracking, and water depth and temperature sensing give it a slight edge for those who are serious about their water-based workouts.
Before we dive into the final comparison of price and value for money, take a moment to reflect on what we’ve covered so far. We’ve compared the health and fitness tracking capabilities, user experience, battery life, app ecosystems, connectivity options, and water resistance of the Apple Watch Series 10 vs Fitbit Sense 2.
By now, you might already have a preference forming in your mind. Are you leaning towards the Apple Watch Series 10 with its seamless integration and advanced health tracking capabilities or are drawn towards Fitbit Sense 2 with its impressive battery life and wellness-focused features? Consider which aspects are most important to you before we add pricing and value for money into the mix.
3.8 Pricing and Value for Money: Is It Worth the Investment?
Now that we’ve assessed the health and fitness capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 10 vs Fitbit Sense 2, it’s time to consider another crucial factor: pricing and value for money. Smartwatches and fitness trackers can be a significant investment, so it’s important to determine whether the features and capabilities of each device justify their price tags.
Fitbit Sense 2
Starting with the Fitbit Sense 2, it offers a competitive price point compared to other high-end smartwatches on the market. With its robust health and fitness tracking features, built-in GPS, and a vibrant AMOLED display, the Sense 2 provides excellent value for money. It’s a versatile device that caters to fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a stylish and reliable smartwatch without breaking the bank. The Sense 2 is priced around $249.95, making it an affordable option for many users.
Apple Watch Series 10
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 sits at a higher price range, which is expected for an Apple product. However, Apple’s reputation for quality and innovative technology may justify the premium price tag for some users. With its advanced health monitoring features, larger display, faster processor, rich app ecosystem and the added convenience of cellular connectivity, the Series 10 offers a high-end experience for those willing to invest in it. The Series 10 starts at approximately $399 for the GPS model and goes up for the GPS + Cellular model and different case materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Apple Watch Series 10 and Fitbit Sense 2 depends on your budget and the specific features that matter most to you. Both devices offer great value for money in their respective categories, so it’s important to consider your priorities and investment capacity before making a decision.
We now head to the final section of this comprehensive product review, where we’ll wrap up our comparison and provide our verdict on the ultimate showdown between the Apple Watch Series 10 vs Fitbit Sense 2. Drum roll, please…
4. Conclusion: The Perfect Smartwatch That Suits Your Lifestyle
In this ultimate showdown between the Apple Watch Series 10 vs Fitbit Sense 2, we’ve delved into the various aspects that make these smartwatches stand out. From design and features to app ecosystems, compatibility, pricing, and value for money, we’ve covered it all.
Ultimately, the decision of which smartwatch to choose comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize fitness tracking and value for money, the Fitbit Sense 2 may be the ideal choice for you. With its lightweight design, comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, and seamless integration with the Fitbit app, it offers a compelling package.
On the other hand, if you’re an Apple enthusiast seeking cutting-edge technology and seamless integration with your existing iOS ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 10 may be worth the investment. With its advanced health monitoring features, expanded display, faster processor, and cellular connectivity option, it offers a premium and feature-rich experience.
Regardless of your choice, both smartwatches provide reliable and feature-rich companions on your wrist. We encourage you to carefully consider your priorities, budget, and desired features before making a final decision.
If you have already decided which device will be the right partner for your health and fitness journey, follow the link below to buy your device from Amazon.
Buy your new Apple Watch Series 10 from Amazon now.
Buy your new Fitbit Sense 2 from Amazon now.
We hope this comprehensive review of smart health and fitness tracking devices has provided you with valuable insights that empower you to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize fitness tracking, seamless integration with your smartphone ecosystem, or cutting-edge technology, both devices have their strengths and cater to different user preferences.
If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable smartwatch comparison, read our take on the Apple Watch Series 8 vs Fitbit Versa 4 here.