Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Fitbit Sense 2: Which should you buy?

Falling under the same Google umbrella, the latest Pixel Watch 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 directly compete for a place on shoppers’ wrists. They’re also both in their second generation, though one smartwatch seems to be improving its line while the other feels like a step backward. Find out more in our Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Fitbit Sense 2 comparison.

Starting with what the two devices have in common, both the Sense 2 and Pixel Watch 2 are technically Fitbit devices. That means a large percentage of overlap in terms of health and fitness features. Both devices pack the top tools of the brand’s platform including activity tracking, detailed sleep monitoring, ECG, SpO2, heart rate tracking, and Body Response (cEDA) sensors that continuously monitor users’ stress levels. Both devices also feature temperature sensors for additional health insights. Notably, each also comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium trial at purchase for even more tools and insights.

Beyond these basics, the Pixel Watch 2 pulls ahead of the Sense 2 in features. For fitness tracking, the Google smartwatch adds pace and heart rate training tools to help users maximize performance during workouts. It also features the company’s most advanced heart rate sensor for optimal accuracy, as well as onboard music storage and music streaming. Coming soon, the watch will even utilize AI to provide personalized guidance based on users’ tracked wellness stats. Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

As far as what the watch has to offer in terms of smart features, the Pixel Watch 2 is a much more powerful device than the Fitbit Sense 2. While the Sense lineup gained some Wear OS-inspired tiles and design features, it’s still limited to a Fitbit OS. The Pixel Watch 2 is a full-blown Wear OS device with all the accompanying perks and services. Users will find everything from Google Home to Google Maps, Calendar, Gmail, and Google Assistant. They’ll also find the Google Play Store for access to a broad library of third-party apps like Peloton, WhatsApp, Strava, and much more. The Sense 2, meanwhile, features a select few Google apps and zero third-party apps.

Likewise, while both watches support on-wrist phone calls, texting, and notifications, only the Pixel Watch 2 features Wi-Fi support and comes in an LTE variant. The Pixel Watch 2 also offers a handful of safety features not found on the Sense 2, including Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and Safety Check. It also adds plenty of smartphone integration tools, especially for users with a Pixel phone. In short, it’s a much more powerful device beyond tracking wellness stats.

At its launch, the Sense 2 was the most attractive Fitbit smartwatch to date. It features the company’s staple rounded square design with a 1.58 AMOLED display on a slimmed-down, lighter watch case. The device also reinstates the line’s physical button, eliminating the unreliable capacitive groove of the original Sense. For strapping onto users’ wrists, the Sense 2 ships with comfortable sport bands in a variety of colors. It’s also compatible with those of the previous generation as well as Versa 3 bands. In short, it’s a good-looking watch with a smart design. Square watches in general typically offer more room for data and scrolling menus.

On the other hand, the Sense 2 isn’t especially unique looking. In fact, it looks fairly Apple-esque with its square form factor. The Pixel Watch 2 meanwhile boasts a unique, pebble-like design that’s 41mm in diameter. The round case is also highly reflective. Though the domed glass over the device’s colorful AMOLED display makes us nervous in terms of durability, it carries the same aesthetic as the original Pixel Watch and remains one of the most unique design features on the wearables market.

Like the Sense 2, the Pixel Watch also takes its own cues from Cupertino. The watch features a single physical button and a rotating digital crown with the same general functionality as that of the Apple Watch. The crown makes navigating the device’s Wear OS 4 very efficient and adds interest to the minimalist watch case at a glance. To further the clean lines of its design, the Pixel Watch 2 features a proprietary band mechanism that incorporates the device’s bands into its case. During our review of the original Pixel Watch, we found the bands tricky to swap out. However, the impact is undeniably seamless.

Where the Fitbit Sense 2 maintains a lead over Google’s offerings is battery life. Despite its Fitbit integration, the Pixel Watch 2 falls quite short of our expectations when it comes to Fitbit devices and battery. The watch lasts just 24 hours between charges. This is devastating compared to the Sense 2’s nearly week-long battery life claim. During our review, the device lasted roughly 3.5 days with all its features enabled.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Fitbit Sense 2: Price and colors

• Google Pixel Watch 2 (Bluetooth + Wi-Fi): $349 / €349 / £349
• Google Pixel Watch 2 (LTE): $399 / €399 / £399
• Fitbit Sense 2: $299 / £269 / €299

The Sense 2 launched at $299, a surprising jump from its predecessor’s launch price. Though the device is cheaper than the Pixel Watch 2, it offers far fewer features. The single Sense 2 variant is available in Graphite, Platinum, or Soft Gold. Fitbit pairs these with bands in Shadow Grey, Lunar White, and Blue Mist.

The Pixel Watch, meanwhile, is available in Wi-Fi-only and LTE variants starting at $349. For just $50 more than the Fitbit Sense 2, users add tons of smart features and safety tools. For another $50 shoppers can add LTE connectivity. Pixel Watch 2 case colors include Matte Black, Polished Silver, and Champagne Gold, with bands in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Hazel.

We can’t in good conscience recommend the Fitbit Sense 2 to anyone shopping for a smartwatch. Fitbit has consistently rolled back key features of the lineup including third-party app support, music storage, and Google Assistant. During our review period, we also found existing features like GPS tracking unreliable. The one real advantage of the Fitbit Sense 2 is its fantastic battery life. Simply put, the device doesn’t offer enough functionality to warrant its price tag.

With that said, the Fitbit Sense 2 is the only option of the two compatible with iPhones. iOS users looking for a Fitbit device are left with the brand’s original lineups. If you fall into that camp, we recommend the band-style Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.95 at Amazon). If your heart is set on a watch, we suggest the original Fitbit Sense ($168 at Amazon) over the newer generation.

Meanwhile, the added sensors of the Pixel Watch 2 have closed the gap between the two lines in terms of health features. The Pixel Watch 2 now supports Fitbit’s most advanced health monitoring, including sleep tracking, temperature tracking, and stress management. It’s also a much more powerful smartwatch with Wear OS 4, packing upgraded Google apps as well as the Google Play Store.