Fitbit Sense vs Fitbit Versa 3: Which is better?

When selecting the most effective Fitbit, it’s truthful to ask “ought to I purchase the Fitbit Sense vs the Fitbit Versa 3?” The fashions are remarkably related, though there are some key variations beneath the floor.

Whereas Fitbit made its identify with extra bracelet-styled health trackers, the Versa 3 and Sense present the producer embracing a smartwatch-like design. They’re each simply among the many finest health trackers (opens in new tab) you should purchase proper now and in addition characteristic in our round-up of the most effective Fitbits (opens in new tab).

That stated, they’re not fairly on the identical degree because the likes of the most effective Garmin watches (opens in new tab) or the Apple Watch Collection 7 (opens in new tab) – the interface on Fitbits remains to be app-based, and there are very restricted third-party connections on the watches. However what the fashions lack in fancy options they make up for with a low value and lengthy battery life.

So, with out additional ado, right here’s an intensive breakdown of the Fitbit Sense (opens in new tab) vs Fitbit Versa 3 (opens in new tab) – which can come out on high?

Which is cheaper?

Each the Fitbit Sense and the Versa 3 are perched atop the Fitbit pyramid when it comes to options, so that they characterize essentially the most premium fashions out there from the corporate.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is available in at $229.95, though it may be discovered retailing for round $80 much less for those who do some digging. In the meantime, the Fitbit Sense will set you again $299.95, however once more, you could find it for significantly much less (we not too long ago noticed it on sale for $219.)

Which is extra correct?

In our testing throughout quite a lot of exercises, each the Sense and the Versa 3 have been equally as correct.

Since each provide GPS, we have been in a position to run with out having a telephone linked. Each picked up our location inside seconds, and each tracked steps and distance inside just some metres of one another. It’d be truthful to say {that a} devoted operating watch (just like the Garmin Forerunner 255 (opens in new tab)) could be extra correct, however it could even be much more costly.

Fitbit Sense worn on a wrist

Fitbit Sense step depend (Picture credit score: Lloyd Coombes)

Each even have water resistance, and in testing with a pool swim, each tracked lengths constantly with no points with performance (though working a touchscreen machine with moist arms is a problem on each fashions).

Which seems higher?

The Fitbit Sense and the Versa 3 look very related. Each provide a 1.58-inch OLED display screen with colour assist, which is simple to learn in daylight. The bezel across the show is slim, too, and there are not any bodily buttons – though there’s a touch-sensitive part on one facet. The display screen is roofed in Gorilla Glass to make the complete factor extra sturdy.

For those who’re upgrading from a smaller Fitbit Encourage 2, chances are you’ll be stunned at how large it’s. The Versa 3 weighs in at 27.21g, whereas the Sense is barely heavier at 31.75g. When testing them out, we discovered this distinction to be negligible.

They each provide swappable straps which clip on and off with ease, and whichever one you go for they arrive with no metallic transferring items. The thought is that this helps the “Infinity Band” last more.

Image of Fitbit Versa 3 during testing

Apps on the Fitbit Versa 3 (Picture credit score: Future/Lloyd Coombes)

So, what’s totally different? Apart from the slight distinction in weight, the one indicator of whether or not you’ve a Fitbit Sense or Versa 3 in your arms is the colour possibility. The Sense is available in tender gold, silver stainless-steel, and graphite stainless-steel.

The Versa 3 is a bit more various, with 4 choices; black, gold (with midnight blue strap), gold (with pink strap), and thistle (basically gold with a purple/grey strap).

The 2 are so related, although, that it’ll come down to non-public desire.

Which mannequin gives extra options?

The Fitbit Sense has two sensors above what’s supplied by the Fitbit Versa 3: the EDA and ECG scans.

The previous, in primary phrases, tracks the electromagnetic present of your pores and skin, which is affected by energetic sweat secretion. That is influenced by your nervous system, so in principle the upper the studying the upper your stress ranges. To get a studying, you merely place your palm over the display screen of the machine and wait.

Fitbit Sense meditation promps

Fitbit Sense with a meditation immediate (Picture credit score: Fitbit)

An ECG is a manner of figuring out atrial fibrillation, also called an irregular heartbeat. Whereas it’s pretty uncommon to search out EDA sensors in wearables, ECG sensors are frequent throughout different units. Neither of those options can be found on the Versa 3.

Apart from the above, the 2 fashions provide an analogous array of monitoring options. You’ll be able to monitor steps, blood oxygen ranges, coronary heart fee, distance, energy burned, sleep, and lots extra on both machine, with all the things feeding again into the superb Fitbit app so you may learn your knowledge at a look.

Each additionally embody six months of Fitbit Premium, a further subscription that provides personalised coaching, resting, and food plan choices to your Fitbit.

Which is best for monitoring exercises?

Each Fitbit fashions permit for loads of exercise sorts, with over twenty out there proper out of the field on every.

Meaning there’s an possibility for the fundamentals like strolling, operating, and biking, in addition to extra gym-based exercises like weights, stairclimbers, and circuit coaching and sports activities ones like tennis, golf, and extra.

Once more, there’s nothing to select from between the 2 when it comes to the quantity or number of exercises.

Which has higher battery life?

Once more, it’s just a little robust to select a winner right here. As a result of each share the identical chassis with presumably the identical battery dimension (Fitbit doesn’t denote the dimensions of the inner battery), the precise battery life depends on which of the options you’re utilizing.

For those who’re taking common ECGs on the Fitbit Sense, for instance, you’ll see the battery life drop decrease than the Versa 3 with normal use.

Verdict

Given the pretty slimline variations between the Fitbit Sense and the Fitbit Versa 3, it’d be truthful to say the Sense comes out on high when it comes to options – the EDA and ECG scans make it essentially the most feature-packed Fitbit round.

That’s maybe oversimplifying issues, although – for those who’re not searching for both of these options, it can save you $80 and be simply as pleased with the Versa 3.

After all, it could simply come down to paint choices, notably if a reduction brings the pricing of each fashions nearer collectively. In any case, each the Fitbit Sense and the Fitbit Versa 3 are glorious health trackers.

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