The Fitbit Sense represents the company's most advanced health-focused smartwatch to date, combining comprehensive wellness tracking with smartwatch functionality. As Fitbit's premium offering, it goes beyond basic fitness tracking to monitor stress levels, heart health, skin temperature, and sleep quality. This review explores whether the Sense delivers enough value to justify its premium price tag and how it compares to competitors in the smartwatch market.
Fitbit Sense: At a Glance
The Fitbit Sense stands as the flagship model in Fitbit's lineup, designed for health-conscious users who want comprehensive tracking in a stylish package. Released as a premium health-smartwatch hybrid, the Sense offers advanced sensors that monitor everything from electrodermal activity (stress) to skin temperature variations.
With its sleek aluminum case, vibrant AMOLED display, and up to 6+ days of battery life, the Sense balances functionality with aesthetics. It's positioned as a complete health companion that not only tracks your activities but also provides insights into your overall wellbeing.
Key Specifications
- 1.58" AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 3
- Aluminum case with stainless steel bezel
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- 6+ day battery life (12 hours with GPS)
- Built-in GPS and NFC
- ECG, EDA, skin temperature sensors
- SpO2 monitoring during sleep
- Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa & Google)
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The Fitbit Sense offers comprehensive health monitoring in an elegant package.
Check Price on AmazonDesign and Build Quality
The Fitbit Sense features a square face with rounded corners, giving it a modern yet approachable aesthetic. At 40.5mm across and just 12.35mm thick, it's one of the smaller smartwatches on the market, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The watch face is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, though some users report it can still be susceptible to scratches and cracks if dropped.
The stainless steel bezel not only adds a premium look but also serves a functional purpose as part of the electrical sensors used for ECG and EDA readings. The haptic side button (rather than a physical one) contributes to the device's 50-meter water resistance rating, allowing you to wear it while swimming or showering.
The Sense comes with both small and large infinity bands in the box, and the quick-release mechanism makes it easy to swap bands. Fitbit offers a variety of band materials including silicone, woven, leather, and metal options for customization.
Display and Interface
The 1.58-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and sharp text that remains visible even in bright sunlight. The touchscreen is responsive, though some users note that the lack of a physical button takes some getting used to. The haptic button on the left side provides tactile feedback when pressed and can be customized for different functions.
Navigating the Fitbit OS is intuitive: swipe down for notifications, up for widgets, left for apps, and right for quick settings. The always-on display option lets you check the time without raising your wrist, though it significantly reduces battery life.
With hundreds of watch faces available through the Fitbit app, you can customize the look to match your style or prioritize the health metrics most important to you. Some specialized faces, like those that display SpO2 data, may consume more battery but provide valuable information at a glance.
Advanced Health Monitoring Features
Stress Management with EDA Sensor
The electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor is one of the Sense's standout features. By measuring small electrical changes in your skin's sweat level, it can detect stress responses. To use this feature, you place your palm over the watch face for a 2-minute session while following guided breathing exercises.
After completing an EDA scan, the Sense provides a stress management score based on your heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity. This holistic approach to stress monitoring helps you identify patterns and take proactive steps to manage your mental wellbeing.
Heart Health Monitoring
The Fitbit Sense offers comprehensive heart monitoring capabilities:
- ECG App: Assess your heart for atrial fibrillation by holding the corners of the watch for 30 seconds
- 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking: Continuous monitoring using Fitbit's PurePulse 2.0 technology
- Heart Rate Variability: Measures the time between heartbeats to assess stress and recovery
- High/Low Heart Rate Notifications: Alerts you when your heart rate is outside your normal range
The ECG feature provides medical-grade heart rhythm assessment that can be shared with healthcare providers, making the Sense a valuable tool for those monitoring cardiac health.
Sleep Tracking and Analysis
Sleep tracking is where the Fitbit Sense truly excels. The device monitors your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM), restlessness, and breathing rate to generate a comprehensive Sleep Score each morning. The Sense also tracks:
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) during sleep
- Skin temperature variations
- Breathing rate
- Snoring and noise detection (with Fitbit Premium)
The Smart Wake feature can gently wake you during a light sleep stage within 30 minutes of your set alarm time, helping you feel more refreshed. These detailed sleep insights help you understand your sleep quality and make adjustments to improve your rest.
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While health monitoring is the Sense's primary focus, it doesn't skimp on fitness tracking capabilities. The watch can track over 20 exercise types, with these standout features:
- Built-in GPS: Track pace and distance without your phone
- Active Zone Minutes: Earn credit for time spent in target heart rate zones
- Automatic Exercise Recognition: Detects and records workouts even if you forget to start tracking
- On-screen Workouts: Follow guided routines directly on your wrist
- Cardio Fitness Score: Estimates your VO2 max to track fitness improvements over time
The Sense's GPS accuracy is generally reliable for straight routes, though some users report slight discrepancies on routes with many turns or in areas with tall buildings. The Active Zone Minutes feature provides a more holistic approach to activity tracking than simple step counting, encouraging intensity rather than just movement.
Smartwatch Functionality
Beyond health and fitness tracking, the Fitbit Sense offers several smartwatch features:
- Smartphone Notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app alerts on your wrist
- Voice Assistants: Built-in Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Music Control: Control Spotify, Deezer, or Pandora from your wrist
- Fitbit Pay: Make contactless payments without your phone or wallet
- App Gallery: Download additional apps and clock faces
While the notification system works well, its functionality is somewhat limited compared to Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. Android users can send quick replies to messages, but iPhone users can only view notifications. The app selection is also more limited than what you'll find on watchOS or Wear OS devices.
The voice assistant integration is a welcome addition, allowing you to set timers, check the weather, or control smart home devices directly from your wrist. However, you'll need your phone nearby as the Sense doesn't offer cellular connectivity.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the Fitbit Sense's major advantages over competitors is its impressive battery life. With typical use, you can expect:
- Up to 6+ days with standard use
- 2-3 days with the always-on display enabled
- Approximately 12 hours when using continuous GPS
The magnetic charger attaches easily to the back of the watch and can provide a full day's charge in just 12 minutes, making it convenient to top up while you shower. A complete charge from empty takes about 1-2 hours.
This extended battery life means you can wear the Sense continuously for sleep tracking without worrying about nightly charging, a significant advantage over the Apple Watch's daily charging requirement.
Fitbit Sense vs. Competitors
| Feature | Fitbit Sense | Apple Watch Series 7 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 |
| Price | $249.95 | From $399 | From $249.99 |
| Battery Life | Up to 6+ days | Up to 18 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Health Sensors | ECG, EDA, Skin Temp, SpO2, HR | ECG, SpO2, HR | ECG, BIA, SpO2, HR |
| Stress Monitoring | Yes (EDA sensor) | Limited (HRV only) | Yes (BIA sensor) |
| Sleep Tracking | Comprehensive | Basic | Advanced |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa & Google Assistant | Siri | Bixby & Google Assistant |
| Cellular Option | No | Yes | Yes |
Fitbit Sense vs. Other Fitbit Models
| Feature | Fitbit Sense | Fitbit Versa 3 | Fitbit Charge 5 |
| Price | $249.95 | $199.95 | $149.95 |
| Form Factor | Smartwatch | Smartwatch | Fitness Tracker |
| ECG App | Yes | No | Yes |
| EDA Stress Sensor | Yes | No | Yes |
| Skin Temperature | Yes | No | No |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes | No |
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Check Price on AmazonPros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive health tracking with unique stress monitoring
- Excellent sleep analysis with detailed metrics
- ECG app for heart rhythm assessment
- Impressive 6+ day battery life
- Built-in GPS for phone-free workouts
- Sleek, comfortable design
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- Voice assistant integration
Cons
- Many advanced features require Fitbit Premium subscription
- Limited smartwatch functionality compared to Apple Watch
- GPS can be slow to connect initially
- Screen susceptible to scratches and cracks
- No cellular connectivity option
- Limited third-party app selection
- EDA scan requires 2 minutes of sitting still
User Feedback and Common Experiences
After analyzing hundreds of verified buyer reviews, several common themes emerge about the Fitbit Sense experience:
"The sleep tracking is phenomenal. I've learned so much about my sleep patterns and how they correlate with my daily energy levels."
Most Appreciated Features
- Sleep Tracking: Users consistently praise the detailed sleep analysis
- Battery Life: Many users report getting the full 6+ days with standard use
- Stress Management: The EDA scan and stress score receive positive feedback
- Design: The comfortable fit and sleek appearance are frequently mentioned
Common Complaints
- Premium Subscription: Frustration that many advanced features require the $9.99/month Premium subscription
- GPS Connection: Some users report slow GPS connection times
- Durability: Reports of screen scratches and cracks despite Gorilla Glass protection
- Charging Cable: Complaints about the proprietary charger and its durability
Long-term users note that the Sense provides valuable health insights that have helped them make meaningful lifestyle changes. Many appreciate the holistic approach to health monitoring rather than just focusing on fitness metrics.
Fitbit Premium Subscription
The Fitbit Sense comes with a 6-month free trial of Fitbit Premium, which costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year after the trial period. While the Sense provides valuable data without a subscription, Premium unlocks additional features:
- Detailed sleep score breakdown and insights
- Daily Readiness Score to optimize your workout schedule
- Guided programs for fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness
- Advanced stress management tools
- Health Metrics dashboard with trend analysis
- Snore & Noise detection during sleep
- Wellness reports that can be shared with healthcare providers
Whether Premium is worth the cost depends on how deeply you want to analyze your health data. Many users find that the free features are sufficient, while others appreciate the additional insights and guided programs that Premium provides.
Setup and Daily Use
Setting up the Fitbit Sense is straightforward. After charging the device, you'll need to download the Fitbit app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device. The process takes about 15-20 minutes, including downloading any available updates.
For daily use, the Sense is designed to be worn 24/7 to collect comprehensive data. The watch automatically tracks steps, heart rate, and sleep without any input required. For specific workouts, you can start tracking from the exercise app on the watch.
The Fitbit app serves as the hub for all your data, providing detailed insights and trends over time. The app interface is intuitive and well-organized, making it easy to navigate between different health metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fitbit Sense waterproof?
The Fitbit Sense is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming, showering, and water activities. However, Fitbit recommends drying the band after water exposure and avoiding exposing it to soaps, shampoos, and lotions as these can cause long-term damage to the device.
How accurate is the Fitbit Sense's heart rate monitoring?
The Fitbit Sense's heart rate monitoring is generally accurate for resting and moderate activity levels. During high-intensity workouts, there may be some lag or discrepancies compared to chest strap heart rate monitors. For most health tracking purposes, the accuracy is sufficient, though it shouldn't be relied upon as a medical device for those with serious heart conditions.
Can I reply to text messages on the Fitbit Sense?
Text message reply functionality depends on your smartphone. Android users can send quick replies or voice-to-text responses directly from the Sense. iPhone users can only view notifications but cannot reply due to Apple's limitations. The Sense does not support typing custom messages on the watch itself.
Does the Fitbit Sense work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, the Fitbit Sense is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones. However, some features like quick replies to messages are only available when paired with Android phones. The Fitbit app works similarly on both platforms, providing access to all your health and fitness data.
Can I store and play music directly on the Fitbit Sense?
The Fitbit Sense can store and play music from Deezer or Pandora (with premium subscriptions to those services), allowing you to listen to music without your phone nearby. For Spotify users, the Sense only offers remote control of music playing on your phone; it cannot store Spotify tracks locally. You'll need Bluetooth headphones paired directly to the Sense to listen to music.
Final Verdict: Is the Fitbit Sense Worth It?
The Fitbit Sense represents the most comprehensive health tracking smartwatch in Fitbit's lineup. With its unique stress management tools, ECG functionality, skin temperature monitoring, and detailed sleep analysis, it offers valuable insights for health-conscious users.
At $249.95, the Sense delivers excellent value compared to premium competitors, especially considering its superior battery life and comprehensive health features. However, the reliance on a Fitbit Premium subscription for advanced insights may increase the long-term cost of ownership.
The Sense is ideal for:
- Health-focused individuals who want comprehensive tracking
- Those interested in stress management and mental wellbeing
- People who prioritize sleep tracking and analysis
- Users who want a smartwatch with extended battery life
However, if you're primarily looking for smartwatch functionality like extensive app support, cellular connectivity, or advanced messaging features, you might be better served by an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Overall, the Fitbit Sense strikes an impressive balance between health tracking and smartwatch features, making it a compelling option for those who want to take a more active role in monitoring their overall wellbeing.
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