Fitbit Sense 2 vs Versa 4: Which one should you buy?

Frequently ranked among the best smartwatches you can buy, the Fitbit Sense and the Versa 3 boasted detailed fitness tracking, reliable sleep monitoring, and the company’s exemplary companion app. Now, Fitbit offers upgrades to both lineups including smarter design and exciting new features. While the new Versa 4 and Sense 2 still have a lot in common, their differences are worth sorting through to find out which is the right fit for you. Read more in our Fitbit Sense 2 vs Versa 4 comparison.

We were already fans of the Versa 3 and original Sense and this year both lineups sport significant design improvements. Most prominently, each adds a much-appreciated physical button. This is a major upgrade in terms of usability, considering how finicky we found the inductive button on the previous models. In addition to being clickable, the buttons are also relocated slightly up the body of the watch for smoother interaction.

Beyond the button, the bodies of both the new Sense 2 and Versa 4 are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, with lower centers of gravity. Fitbit suggests this redesign will aid users’ comfort during all-day wear, as well as when sleeping with the devices. At a glance, they continue to look almost identical.

For getting the most out of the devices while they’re on your wrist, both models also received internal overhauls. New hardware and an upgraded processor should translate to faster load times and snappier interactions. Meanwhile a newly designed operating system with customizable tiles means more personalized organization and easy access to the information users want front and center. On the new Fitbit OS, you can quickly swap between fitness stats, workout modes and more.

Our verdict: Fitbit Versa 3 review | Fitbit Sense review

Deviating from the Versa 4, the Fitbit Sense 2 showcases a newly designed way to collect EDA and ECG readings. Instead of a metal strip running along the edge of the device like in the original Sense, metal is now integrated into the glass face of the watch. This metal interface provides a more refined look and easier interaction between users and the device.

The easiest way to wrap your head around the Sense 2 vs the Versa 4 is to consider the latter a pared down version of the former. All existing and new features found on the Versa 4 are also available on the Sense 2. Meanwhile, many of the advanced health tracking sensors and tools are only available on the Sense 2.

Both smartwatches still pack large AMOLED screens, speakers with Bluetooth call and Assistant support, and a refreshed OS. Both track your activity and heart rate and offer familiar features such as run/walk detection and built-in GPS. For fitness tracking enthusiasts, Fitbit now pushes more than 40 exercise modes including everything from dancing to HIIT to CrossFit. Fitbit Premium users can also tap into their Daily Readiness Score for workout and recovery guidance and a personalized Active Zone Minutes goal.

For deeper insight into your overnight stats, both the Versa 4 and Sense 2 spotlight Fitbit’s new Sleep Profile. Analyzing your key sleep metrics against those typical for your age and gender, Fitbit will generate your monthly sleep profile. This includes an adorable animal phenotype, plus personalized guidance on how to improve your sleep quality. This new tool is only accessible with a Fitbit Premium subscription, but luckily both new smartwatches come with a free six month subscription at purchase.

Dig deeper: Fitbit is changing the way we think about sleep

The most exciting new feature to hit both models is support for Google Maps and Google Wallet. Though not available at launch, these two Google favorites will be available on Fitbit smartwatches by the end of the year. That means access to turn-by-turn directions on your wrist and the convenience of digital payments everywhere Google Pay is accepted.

The devices also share specs in terms of battery life and charging. Fitbit claims both lineups can last more than six days on a single charge, mirroring the claims of the original Sense and Versa 3. When you do need to top off, either device is able to grab a full day’s worth of battery in 12 minutes.

Similarities in the devices’ feature sets stop short at advanced health sensors. Fitbit’s original Sense stood out as a powerful health monitoring tool and the latest generation is even more involved than ever.

Headlining the device is a new continuous Body Response sensor for all-day stress management. Using your heart rate, heart variability, skin temperature, and continuous, all-day EDA metrics, the Sense 2 can help identify stress triggers and alert users to changes in their bodies. It also offers a Check-in button where you will find mindfulness tools like guided breathing and more.

This new feature is in addition to the device’s electrocardiogram (ECG) app, where users can take on demand AFib assessments to keep tabs on signs of the condition. Both the Sense 2’s EDA sensor and ECG boast FDA clearance. Neither is available on the Versa 4.

• Fitbit Versa 4: $229
• Fitbit Sense 2: $299

Fitbit is pricing the Versa 4 at $229 and the Sense 2 at $299. These list prices also include half a year of free access to Fitbit Premium to test out some of the features otherwise hidden beyond a paywall.

That’s a $70 upcharge for detailed health monitoring that may or may not be necessary for you personally. Both are available to pre-order and go on sale sometime “this fall.”  This pricing is competitive compared to the latest devices from Samsung and Apple, keeping Fitbit squarely in the smartwatch conversation. It is certainly going to be a busy launch season.

The two devices do distinguish themselves from each other in color options. The Versa 4 is available in graphite with a black band, platinum with a band in Aegean Blue, or Copper Rose with a band in either Rosewater or Beet. The Sense 2 on the other hand, is available in graphite with a graphite band, platinum with a lunar white band, or pale gold with a band in Blue Mist.

Both devices are also compatible with tons of alternative straps sold separately. These can be found on Fitbit’s website or from third-party retailers. Additionally, both new models are compatible with Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 straps, so hang on to any old favorites.

As we saw in the last generation of these devices, Fitbit’s top smartwatches exhibit a lot of common features. In the newest models, the Sense 2 and Versa 4 still share similar design aesthetics as well as many internal specs. Only advanced health tracking tools are setting the Sense 2 apart.

For most people, the Versa 4 brings enough to the table. With design improvements like a physical button, new sport modes, and future support for Google’s top apps, the Versa 4 is a very powerful wearable. Add in six free months of Fitbit Premium and it’s a great upgrade or first entry into the Fitbit ecosystem.

However, if you’re deep into health tracking or if you have any prominent health concerns, the Sense 2 might be worth the extra cash. As mentioned, the Sense 2 offers ECG, EDA, and cEDA readings, all of which can help users gain a more holistic understanding of their wellness. The all-new Body Response feature is also only available on the Sense 2. In short, the Sense 2 is the best health-focused device available from one of the most reliable names in tracking.

Deciding between the Sense 2 vs the Versa 4 comes down to your specific needs. If your goal is to track your fitness basics, the Versa 4 offers great value at a good price. The Sense 2 is only the right pick if you are looking to strap into the best health monitoring Fitbit has to offer.

What if neither device is right for you? If you’re an iPhone user, we still suggest the Apple Watch Series 7 for the best smartwatch experience available. For the top Wear OS device you can buy, we direct shoppers to the recently released Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. There are also plenty of options from Garmin worth considering.

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Will you be upgrading to the Sense 2 or Versa 4? Let us know in the poll below.