If you are trying to decide between the Fitbit Sense and the Garmin Venu, this (Fitbit Sense vs Garmin Venu) guide will help.
Summary Table
The following table compares the Fitbit Sense and Garmin Venu, displaying a side-by-side comparison of their features, functions, and specifications. By scanning through the table, you can easily determine which device is best suited to your needs.
| FITBIT SENSE | GARMIN VENU | |
| Display | 1.58”, OLED, 336 x 336 pixels | 1.2”, AMOLED, 390 x 390 pixels |
| App | Fitbit App | Garmin Connect App |
| Changeable Band | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Tracking | Calories burned, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep | Blood oxygen levels, calories burned, heart rate, sleep |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer, Heart Rate Monitor, built-in GPS, ECG | Heart Rate monitor, onboard GPS, SpO2, accelerometer |
| Mobile Payment | Fitbit Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Notifications | Calls, text messages | Calls, text messages |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Battery Life | 6+ days | 5 days |
| Water-Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
 Buy on Amazon |  Buy on Amazon |
Display and Design
The Fitbit Sense is equipped with a 1.58-inch OLED display that has a resolution of 336 x 336 pixels. It is easy on the eyes and the bands can be changed to match your outfits. If you prefer rectangular watches, then the Fitbit Sense is a great option.
On the other hand, the Garmin Venu features a 1.2-inch always-on display that uses AMOLED technology to produce high-quality graphics with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels. The watch’s bands can also be customized to match your style. If you prefer round watches, then the Garmin Venu is a great option.
Location Tracking
The Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense are smartwatches that come with a built-in GPS. This means that you don’t need to rely on your smartphone’s GPS to track your activities such as running, cycling, or walking.
Other options that come with a built-in GPS include the Garmin Venu Sq, Garmin Forerunner 45, and Garmin Forerunner 35.
If you’re looking for a Fitbit alternative with onboard GPS, you can choose from the Fitbit Versa 4, Sense 2, Fitbit Sense, or Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 6.
Water Resistance Rating
Garmin and Fitbit have the same water resistance rating and are waterproof up to 5 ATMs. This rating means they can withstand splashes, dives, and submersion of up to 50 meters underwater. You can wear them in the pool, shower, or beach.
Communication
Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense have built-in speakers and microphones, allowing you to answer calls right from your wrist. Garmin has dedicated buttons to answer and end calls and is compatible with voice assistants, making communication fast and easy.
Fitbit Sense lacks the voice assistant compatibility feature, but with the latest firmware update, it will be compatible with Google voice assistant. Both smartwatches can also reply to text messages, but you need to pair Fitbit Sense with your smartphone for this feature.
Compatibility
Fitbit Sense is compatible with most smartphones and tablets. You must have the Fitbit App on your phone or tablet to access Fitbit services and products.
It is also important that you ensure that the device is compatible with running on Android 10 and above or Apple 13+ and above.
For Garmin, you will need a smartphone or tablet that is running on Android 6 and above or Apple 9 and above.
Tracking
Fitbit Sense and Garmin Venu are two fitness trackers that focus on improving your health. Both devices feature a Pulse Oximeter, which checks your blood oxygen levels. Additionally, they come with ECG sensors that track and categorize atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm.
Although the Fitbit Sense is quite expensive, it has a problem with its ECG sensor, as it does not provide accurate health data. However, Fitbit has acknowledged this issue.
When it comes to tracking calories burned, both Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense can monitor your workouts and track your calories burned 24/7. They can also track your sleep, with Garmin Venu automatically starting to monitor your sleep as soon as you fall asleep. Sleep stats on both devices include sleep movements, length of sleep, and sleep stages.
Venu and Sense can monitor the number of floors or stairs you climb using a 3-axis accelerometer. If you’re looking for the best smartwatch for hiking, both devices are good options as they can also monitor elevation.
Companion App
The companion app is key, Fitbit and Garmin watches would not be 100% functional if their companion apps weren’t there. Sense uses the Fitbit App as its companion app while Venu uses the Garmin Connect App as the companion app.
Battery Life
Fitbit Sense and Garmin Venu smartwatches have good battery life. However, Fitbit Sense has a slightly better battery life.
With a full charge, the Fitbit Sense can track your walking, cycling, and other activities for up to 6+ days. Garmin Venu, on the other hand, can last up to 5 days on a full charge.
The Garmin Venu has a battery life of 7.5 hours when in smartwatch mode with music playback.
On the other hand, the Fitbit Sense has a battery life of up to 12 hours when in GPS mode. Garmin Venu has a longer battery life than the Fitbit Sense when in GPS mode.
Which Smartwatch should I Buy: Fitbit Sense or Garmin Venu?
If you’re in the market for a wearable device, both Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense are worth considering. If cost is a major factor, then Garmin Venu is the more affordable option.
If you’re looking for a small smartwatch that is both water-resistant and has built-in GPS, then both Fitbit Sense and Garmin Venu are suitable options. You can use them while swimming, taking a shower, cycling, or running without any issues.
However, if you prioritize ECG accuracy, then Garmin Venu would be the better choice instead of Fitbit Sense.
Finally, if battery life is a significant concern, then Fitbit Sense is the way to go since it can conserve the charge for up to 6+ days.