Fitbit’s first attempt to build a smartwatch was with the Ionic.
But while that model was an epic failure at its best, it was a strong starting point for the brand to add true smartwatches to its family of wearables.
Today, Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 carry the day. And they’re by far the most popular builds in the Fitbit family.
On the surface, Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 look almost identical. And it’s only until you put them to rigorous testing that you realize the differences between the two.
So in this Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 guide, we’ll look at exactly how each version compares so that you can choose the right one for you.
The biggest difference between Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 is that Sense features two additional health monitoring technologies: an ECG sensor and an electrodermal tracker. So if your interest is in monitoring and improving your health, Sense is more than likely the right smartwatch to buy.
Fitbit Versa 3, on the other hand, appeals to those of us who need a stylish smartwatch for everyday use.
With features such as everyday activity tracking and sleep quality analysis, the Fitbit Versa 3 also stands up to some good at $100 less than the asking price of Fitbit Sense.
Fitbit Sense Vs Fitbit Versa 3 Comparison Chart
The following table is a summary of Fitbit Sense Vs Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatches and fitness trackers.
| Fitbit Sense | Fitbit Versa 3 | |
 |   | |
| Voice Assistant | Google Voice Assistant | Google Voice Assistant |
| Storage | 4GB (Memory card slot included) | 4GB (Memory card slot not included) |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 plus days | Up to 6 plus days |
| Display Type and Size | AMOLED screen, 1.58 inches | AMOLED screen,1.39 inches |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 Meters | Up to 50 Meters |
| Weight | 33.1 grams | 28.5 grams |
| Stress Monitor | Included via EDA Sensor | Not included |
| Fitbit Premium | Included with a 6-month free trial | Not included |
| Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Fitbit Sense Vs Fitbit Versa 3: Differences and Similarities
Here’s how Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 compare to each other in detail:
Design and Display
Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense are physically identical, differentiating between them is possible but a little bit hard since both have the same shape and seem to be of the same size.
Fitbit versa 3 measures 39.95 x 39.84 x 12.15mm while Fitbit Sense measures 40.48 x 40.48 x 12.35mm.
Sense has a display of 336 x 336 which is 1.58 inches while versa 3 features a display of 336 x 336 with 1.39 inched screen.
Sense is slightly heavier than Fitbit Versa 3. Both watches have stainless bodies. You can change the band/strap on both activity trackers.
OS, Apps, and Assistant
Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense both operate on Fitbit OS and that is because they are both parts of the Fitbit family.
Smartwatches have a variety of clock faces to choose from. Versa 3 and Sense come with an on-screen app and notifications as well as customizable widgets.
You can access these widgets by swiping the screen upwards. You are also able to answer calls from the watches as long the phone you use is android with the help of Alexa or Google.
Battery and Charging
Both Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense come with batteries that can last you 6-plus days on complete charges.
When you use features like GPS, and always-on displays often the battery life will reduce to about 4 days or worsen.
Both smartwatches come with the same type of chargers that support quick charging. It takes them both 40 minutes to charge to completeness.
Related – Learn how to recharge a smartwatch.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Our expectations on any Fitbit watch are to count steps, track sleep, elevation, and track exercise and calories burnt and that’s what the Fitbit Versa 3 offers.
With Fitbit Sense, you will be able to monitor your temperature, monitor stress, and heart rate.
The watch uses a built-in temperature sensor, EDA for stress, and ECG heart rate. In addition, Sense offers Fitbit Premium which unlocks more data on scores.
You get in-depth results on workouts, heart rate variability, heart rate, sleep patterns electrodermal activities, resting heart, and breathing rate. Lastly, with $10 per month or $80 a year, you can own a Fitbit Premium Account.
Connectivity and Sensors
Outlook wise the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 resemble each other but on the inside things are different.
Altimeter, GPS, PurePulse 2.0 HR, speaker, SpO2 sensor, microphone, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, and the 50 Meter water resistance capability are the similarities you will find on both fitness trackers hence they are Fitbits good for swimming.
Sense is staffed with more features. Some of the additional features include multipurpose electrical sensors.
Temperature sensor for monitoring your skin temperature and a multipath optical HR sensor.
Price
After reading the above, it is obvious that Fitbit Sense comes at a pricier amount than the Fitbit Versa 3.
Fitbit sense comes at £299.99, $329.95, and AU$399.95 while Fitbit Versa 3 comes at £199.99, $229.95, and AU$499.95.
Fitbit Sense Sensors
Fitbit Sense comes with ECG, HRV, Wellness, and EDA as additional sensors. Below we discuss the mentioned sensors.
Wellness Sensors
Both fitness trackers are capable of measuring Heart Rate Variability, Heart Rate, Skin Temperature, and Oxygen Saturation.
The Sense which is more expensive goes ahead and adds EDA to the list. EDA helps in measuring electrodermal activities.
ECG Sensors
To record electrodermal activities the ECG App must be installed. The App is available in the Fitbit OS app store.
Once installed open the app and place your index and thumb fingers on the top bottom and right of Fitbit Sense. Hold for about 30 seconds to activate the feature.
EDA Scans Sensors
The other sensor you will find in Fitbit Sense and not find in Fitbit Versa 3 is the EDA sensor. To perform an EDA scan. Place your palm on the display and patiently wait till 2 minutes are over an EDA response will be recorded. This is possible with the help of changes in the skin.
Heart Rate Variability Sensor
Sense can measure your heart rate’s variability through its built-in pulse sensor. The higher the variability value the better.
Why Choose Fitbit Sense?
You may want to consider Fitbit Sense if you want more details about your health. The wellness tracker incorporates ECG and EDA sensors to closely monitor your health.
It is a smartwatch you will go for especially when you want to upgrade to Fitbit Premium.
Why Choose Fitbit Versa 3
If you consider a fitness tracker that can monitor your usual activities, analyze them and give you stats at no cost then consider Fitbit Versa 3.
An example of data the watch will track is sleep and blood oxygen. Although the tracker isn’t a health powerhouse like Sense it still can give you important health data at an affordable price.
You fail to mention that with Sense you cannot download music but have to either use Spotify or Deeza or alternatively take your phone with you if you wish to go for a walk and listen to music which in my view is a retrograde step.
I like to download my own “Playlists” and listen via my watch, not have to take my phone everywhere. This was a feature on Ionic and, as I understand it also on the Versa 3.