Fitbit Sense 2 Review – Fitness and health focused smartwatch
The Fitbit Sense 2 stands out as a health-centric smartwatch, offering a suite of advanced features designed for users keen on tracking their well-being. Its sleek and lightweight design, weighing just 0.8 ounces, is complemented by a robust selection of sensors that monitor everything from heart rate and skin temperature to stress levels via cEDA (continuous ElectroDermal Activity) sensors.
Perfect fitness companion. Lightweight and slim, you can hardly feel that it is there. It is packed with all your usual fitness sensors and an operating system with an easy to use interface. Above all, it has an amazing battery life and is aimed at users focused on tracking their health and wellness stats and managing their health data across the board.
We love it for these features…
One of the Sense 2’s key selling points is its emphasis on mental health, with stress management features that leverage the cEDA sensor to provide insights into your stress levels, making it a unique option for those looking to monitor and manage stress. Additionally, it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 6 days, depending on usage, which is significantly longer than many of its competitors, reducing the frequency of charges needed.
The device also features GPS/GLONASS for precise location tracking, making it ideal for outdoor fitness enthusiasts who want to track their runs, hikes, or bike rides without carrying their phone. Despite its focus on health and fitness, the Sense 2 maintains a slim profile and is comfortable to wear day and night, including while sleeping to take advantage of its sleep tracking capabilities.
We also love that the device’s interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate through features and view their health data on the go.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Health Monitoring: Offers a wide range of health tracking features, including an FDA-approved ECG app, stress management, and sleep tracking.
- Long Battery Life: The 6+ days battery life is impressive, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Built-in GPS: Allows for precise tracking of outdoor activities without needing a phone.
- Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming and wearing in the shower, enhancing its versatility.
- Fitbit Ecosystem: Integration with the Fitbit app provides in-depth analysis and insights into health and fitness data.
Companion App Gallery
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We are not so hot on these features…
However, the Sense 2 is not without its limitations. The lack of music support and the requirement for a subscription to unlock its full set of features may deter some users. There is no onboard music storage capability and it does not control music playing on your phone directly from the watch. The former would have been useful to leave your phone behind during workout while the latter offers the convenience of changing tracks or playlist and controlling the volume.
Furthermore, while it supports both Android and iOS, the removal of third-party app support compared to its predecessor limits its functionality as a smartwatch. Apart from Google, there are no third party apps to speak of. It does however support Google Maps for turn by turn directions and Google Wallet for speedy and secure purchases. Remember that Fitbit was acquired by Google in 2021 to help with the Google Pixel Watch range.
The biggest drawback in our books is the need for a Fitbit Premium subscription plan to unlock the full range of features and detailed insights. This is truly a point of contention when many smartwatches practically gives this away for free. While it does offer more information, the cost adds up over time.
Cons:
- Limited Third-Party App Support: Compared to competitors like Apple Watch, it offers fewer apps, which might limit its utility for some users.
- No Music Storage: Lacks the ability to store music directly on the device, a feature available on many other smartwatches.
- Daily Readiness Score Requires Subscription: Some advanced features, including the Daily Readiness Score, require a Fitbit Premium subscription for full access.
- Design: While sleek, the design may not appeal to all users, especially those looking for a more traditional watch appearance.
Colour Options
Fitbit 2 is available in black, silver or gold aluminium cases. The fancy names for these shades are Graphite Aluminium, Platinum Aluminium and Soft Gold Aluminium. This is paired with 24mm silicon band as standard but you can get sports, woven, soft fabric or leather bands to go with your watch.
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Final Thoughts
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an excellent choice for health-conscious users and those interested in detailed stress and sleep tracking. Its comprehensive health features, coupled with long battery life, make it a compelling alternative to more general-purpose smartwatches.
However, potential buyers should consider the trade-offs in smartwatch features and the subscription requirement for full functionality. For those prioritizing health monitoring over smartwatch capabilities, the Fitbit Sense 2 offers a balanced mix of features that support a holistic approach to wellness.
Specifications:
- Display: High-resolution, AMOLED touchscreen
- Weight: Light, specifics depend on the band used
- Battery Life: Up to 6+ days on a single charge
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Health Monitoring: Heart rate monitoring, EDA (Electrodermal Activity) for stress management, skin temperature sensor, SpO2 (blood oxygen levels)
- Fitness Tracking: Built-in GPS, 20+ exercise modes, automatic exercise recognition, Daily Readiness Score
- Sleep Tracking: Comprehensive sleep analysis including sleep stages and sleep score
- Smart Features: Voice assistant support, notifications for calls, texts, and apps, Fitbit Pay for contactless payments
- Compatibility: Works with iOS and Android devices
- Sensors: Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG app & EDA Scan app, gyroscope, altimeter, 3-axis accelerometer, ambient light sensor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and NFC
