Fitbit Sense vs Fitbit Versa 4 – Which Should You Buy?
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When choosing a fitness smartwatch, it’s important to consider how the features align with your health goals, daily routine, and budget. Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 4 are two popular options that appeal to different types of users. The Fitbit Sense is designed for those who want advanced health tracking, including stress management and ECG. The Fitbit Versa 4 focuses on everyday fitness and ease of use, offering solid value at a more accessible price. This article highlights the key differences between them to help you make an informed decision.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Fitbit Sense | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.58″ AMOLED, Always-On Option | 1.58″ AMOLED, Always-On Option |
| Build Material | Aluminum case, stainless steel ring | Aluminum case |
| Sensors | ECG, EDA, SpO2, skin temp, HRM, GPS | SpO2, skin temp, HRM, GPS |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 days | Up to 6 days |
| Charging Time | ~40 minutes to 80% | ~40 minutes to 80% |
| GPS | Built-in GPS | Built-in GPS |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant + Alexa | Google Assistant only |
| Music Control | Yes (Spotify control only) | Yes (Spotify control only) |
| OS Compatibility | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
| App Support | Fitbit App Gallery | Fitbit App Gallery |
| Advanced Health Tools | ECG, EDA, High/Low Heart Rate Alerts | No ECG, No EDA, Limited Heart Alerts |
| Smart Features | Notifications, Calls, Voice Assistant | Notifications, Calls, Voice Assistant |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
Both watches feature a sleek aluminum case with a 1.58-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and optional always-on display. The Fitbit Sense adds a stainless steel ring, which isn’t just aesthetic – it’s also used for the EDA sensor. The Versa 4 keeps a simpler design, slightly lighter and focused on fitness rather than health diagnostics.
Health Monitoring
Fitbit Sense leads with advanced health tools like ECG for heart rhythm analysis and an EDA sensor to measure stress responses through skin conductivity. It also provides skin temperature tracking and SpO2. Versa 4 retains essential health features like SpO2 and heart rate monitoring but lacks ECG and EDA sensors, making it less comprehensive for users focused on health diagnostics.
Fitness and Exercise Tracking
Both models include built-in GPS, over 40 exercise modes, automatic workout tracking, and daily readiness scores when paired with Fitbit Premium. Versa 4 performs just as well in tracking workouts and GPS accuracy as the Sense, making it a solid fitness companion. There is no major difference in step tracking, active zone minutes, or distance accuracy.
Sleep and Stress Management
The Fitbit Sense includes detailed sleep stages, sleep score, and advanced stress management tools like EDA scans and guided mindfulness sessions. Versa 4 also tracks sleep stages and provides a sleep score, but omits the deeper stress tracking capabilities found in the Sense. If managing stress is a top priority, Sense offers more actionable insights.
Battery Life and Charging
Both offer up to 6 days of battery life under typical use and support fast charging, with about 1 day of use from a 12-minute charge. There is no meaningful difference in power performance or endurance between the two. Daily GPS workouts may reduce battery life equally in both models.
Smartwatch Features
Fitbit Sense supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to choose their preferred voice assistant. Versa 4 supports only Google Assistant. Both watches can handle call notifications, app alerts, calendar sync, and quick replies (Android only). Neither device allows full music storage, but both support basic Spotify controls.
Software and Ecosystem
Both run on Fitbit’s modern OS with access to the Fitbit App Gallery. The user interface is smooth and easy to navigate on both devices. Both are compatible with iOS and Android. Fitbit Sense may receive slightly more support due to its premium positioning, but Versa 4 enjoys the same core software updates.
FAQ
Is the Fitbit Sense better than the Versa 4 for health tracking?
Yes, the Fitbit Sense includes ECG and EDA sensors for more advanced heart and stress monitoring, which the Versa 4 does not offer.
Can you make phone calls from the Fitbit Sense or Versa 4?
You can answer calls from both devices if your phone is nearby via Bluetooth, but you cannot make standalone cellular calls since neither watch has LTE.
Does the Fitbit Versa 4 have ECG or stress tracking?
No, Versa 4 lacks ECG and the EDA sensor, so it cannot perform stress scans or heart rhythm assessments like the Sense.
Do both watches support Google Assistant?
Yes, both support Google Assistant, but only the Fitbit Sense also offers Amazon Alexa as an alternative.
How accurate is the GPS on both watches?
GPS accuracy is similar between the two and works well for outdoor workouts such as running or cycling, though syncing with your phone can improve accuracy.
Do either of the watches have music storage?
No, neither Fitbit Sense nor Versa 4 allows onboard music storage, but both can control Spotify from a connected smartphone.
Can I use the Fitbit Versa 4 without a Fitbit Premium subscription?
Yes, but some advanced features like Daily Readiness Score and in-depth sleep metrics require Fitbit Premium.
Are the bands interchangeable between Fitbit Sense and Versa 4?
Yes, both watches use the same quick-release band mechanism, so you can swap bands between them easily.
Which is better for casual users focused only on fitness?
Fitbit Versa 4 is more cost-effective and includes all essential fitness tracking features, making it a better fit for casual users.
Is there a big difference in battery life between the two?
No, both offer similar battery performance, typically lasting up to 6 days depending on usage and settings.