We begin by bringing you the Fitbit Sense vs Garmin Venu comparison table. The table below will let you understand the differences and similarities between the smartwatches fast and easily.
| 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 |
| Price | Under $250 | Under $150 |
| 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 |
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Display and Design
Fitbit Sense comes with a display that gives users easy time, its display is made OLED measuring approximately 1.58 inches.
The display gives graphics of 336 x336 pixels which is friendly to the eyes. On the other side, Garmin Venu comes with a display that measures 1.2 inches which feels a bit smaller.
The screen display is made always-on and it provides graphics of top-notch quality thanks to its AMOLED optical 390 x 390 pixels resolution.
Both watches are cool because they let you change their initial bands. This lets you customize the watch to match any of your day’s outfits.
Also if you mind much on shapes, then go for Fitbit Sense if you prefer rectangular gadgets or go for Garmin Venu when you prefer gadgets that are circular.
Location Tracking
Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense don’t share your smartphone’s GPS, instead, they both use their built-in GPS to keep track and map your routes and paces while you run, cycle, or walk.
Another alternative to Garmin Venu with built-in GPS is the Garmin Venu Sq, Garmin Forerunner 45, and Garmin Forerunner 35 among others.
If you want a Fitbit alternative with onboard GPS, go for either Fitbit Versa 3, Fitbit Charge 4, Fitbit Charge 5, or Ionic.
Water Resistance Rating
The Garmin and Fitbit come with the same water resistance rating. Both of these awesome activity trackers are waterproof up to 5 ATMs, for that they will be able to withstand splashes, dives, and submersion of up to 50 meters underwater.
They are both fitness trackers that can be worn while swimming or going to the shower. You can also head to the beach with either of the two smartwatches
Communication
Fitbit Sense and Garmin Venu feature onboard speakers and microphones. These built-ins make receiving and answering calls possible.
Garmin has dedicated answers and end call on its face and is compatible with voice assistants to make communication fast and easy.
Fitbit Sense lacks the voice assistant compatibility feature but when its firmware is updated to the latest version it will be compatible with Google voice assistant.
In addition, both smartwatches are able to reply to text messages. You will need to pair Fitbit Sense with your smartphone for this workout.
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 both try to answer your health queries. Both fitness trackers feature Pulse Oximeter which is responsible for checking blood oxygen levels.
There are also ECG sensors on both watches, the ECG sensor will track and categorize atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm.
Although Fitbit Sense comes at a fortune it has a problem with its ECG sensor. The sensor does not provide users with the correct health data.
Fortunately, Fitbit is aware of this and has responded to the situation by deciding to discontinue it.
Talking of the calories burned, Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense will track the number of calories burned while you work out and they do this 24/7.
All the watches will be able to track your sleep. Garmin Venu automatically starts keeping track of your sleep immediately when you fall asleep.
Sleep stats on both smartwatches include sleep movements, length of sleep, and sleep stages.
Last but not least, Venu and Sense will be able to monitor the number of floors or stairs you climb using the 3-axis accelerometer.
For those in search of the best smartwatch for hiking, Fitbit Sense, and Garmin Venu are both good options because they 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
Although the battery life in both of the smartwatches is about the same, Fitbit Sense comes with the best. On a complete charge, Fitbit Sense will be able to track your walking, cycling, and walking for up to 6+ days.
The Garmin Venu on the other hand will be able to stay with you for about 5 days on a complete charge. All watches drain charges abnormally when out of smartwatch mode.
When Garmin is on the smartwatch mode with music playback it can work only for 7 ½ hours, when on GPS mode only it will go for up to 20 hours and when it combines both GPS and music playback it only serves for 6 hours.
When Fitbit Sense has its GPS mode on it can serve for up to 12 hours. It is evident that Garmin Venu keeps charge for longer than Fitbit Sense when on the GPS mode.
Pros for Fitbit Sense
- Features an onboard GP.
- Good display, easy to read, and super responsive to touch.
- Straps are customizable
Cons for Fitbit Sense
- Reports from the ECG sensors are totally inaccurate.
- Poorer battery life than Garmin Venu with the GPS mode on.
- More expensive.
Pros for Garmin Venu
- Has a better battery life than Fitbit Sense with the GPS is on.
- Comes at a fair price.
- Bands are changeable
Cons for Garmin Venu
- The display is a bit small.
Which Smartwatch should I Buy: Fitbit Sense or Garmin Venu?
Garmin Venu and Fitbit Sense both stand a chance to be bought. If you are looking for a wearable that is cost-effective then you will opt for Garmin Venu because it comes at a much more affordable price.
If you are in search of the smallest Fitbit or the smallest Samsung smartwatch you can swim, take a shower with, go cycling or running with you can choose either of the watches because they are all water-resistant up to 50 meters and come with built-in GPS to monitor your location.
If ECG correctness is water what you consider then Sense isn’t the tracker for you, go for Garmin Venu instead.
Lastly, if you want something that will keep the charge for long choose Fitbit sense because it conserves charge for up to 6+ days.
