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Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 (2021): Comparing Fitness-Focused Smartwatches

Fitbit recently took the wraps off new wearables focused on health and fitness, among which are the Sense and Versa 3.

Put simply, the Sense is the new priciest, flagship option with Fitbit’s most advanced features and sensors to match. Meanwhile, the Versa 3 is the latest addition to the company’s most popular lineup, coming with significant upgrades over its predecessor.

Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 Comparison Chart

ModelFitbit SenseFitbit Versa 3
 Amazon productAmazon product
PriceAmazon productAmazon product
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Always OnYesYes
MaterialAluminum, stainless steelAluminum
Water ResistanceUp to 50 metersUp to 50 meters
GPSYesYes
Speaker and MicrophoneYesYes
Voice AssistantGoogle Assistant, AlexaGoogle Assistant, Alexa
MusicSpotify playback controls, Deezer, PandoraSpotify playback controls, Deezer, Pandora
NotificationsReplies (Android only), calls, texts, calendar events, Gmail, FacebookReplies (Android only), calls, texts, calendar events, Gmail, Facebook
Fitbit PayYesYes
ECGYesNo
SpO2YesYes
EDAYesNo
Skin Temperature SensingYesNo
Stress TrackingYesNo
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Menstrual Cycle TrackingYesYes
Battery LifeOver 6 days or up to 12 hours with GPS onOver 6 days or up to 12 hours with GPS on
Fast ChargingYes, 12 minutes for one full day’s worth of batteryYes, 12 minutes for one full day’s worth of battery
ColorsCarbon/Graphite, Lunar White/Soft GoldMidnight/Soft Gold, Black, Pink Clay/Soft Gold

Design and Build Quality

The two look similar across the board.

Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 Design and Build
The Sense (left) and Versa 3 (right) have AMOLED displays, more than six hours of battery life, and built-in GPS.

At first glance, it’s hard to tell the two apart. After all, they each sport a square aluminum watch face with curved corners and AMOLED screen. On top of that, they’re equally polished and sleek.

Speaking of similarities, both have the same water resistance of up to 50 meters and battery life of more than six days as well. They also support fast charging that can provide one day’s worth of battery life in only 12 minutes, according to Fitbit.

The two have built-in GPS and GLONASS too, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise in the Sense’s case. On the other hand, this represents a welcome improvement for the Versa 3 since one of the biggest complaints about the Versa 2 is it only supported connected GPS. That meant you always had to take your phone with you if you wanted to track outdoor workouts such as running.

Fitness Tracking

Either smartwatch can track steps, calories burned, floors climbed, and distance traveled.

Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 Fitness Tracking
Both the Sense (left) and Versa 3 (right) feature automatic workout detection.

The Sense and Versa 3 have the basics down pat. They can track your steps, distance traveled, floors climbed, calories burned, and even your active minutes.

Both also pack more than 20 exercise modes to choose from, and they have SmartTrack to boot, which automatically detects your workout and keeps track of it.

Health Tracking

Under the hood, the Sense has more sensors for health tracking.

Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 Health Tracking
Only the Sense (in photo) has an ECG and EDA.

In terms of health-focused features, the Sense sets itself apart from the Versa 3 in many ways.

While the two can track sleep, menstrual cycle, heart rate, and SpO2 (blood oxygen), only the Sense has an ECG or electrocardiogram. Moreover, it has an EDA or electrodermal activity sensor to monitor your stress and record your skin temperature.

Smart Features

Both wearables are as smart as the other.

Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3 Smart Features
On either the Sense (left) or Versa 3 (right), you can use Fitbit Pay, as well as Google Assistant or Alexa.

When it comes to smart features, the two are similar. Both can store songs and podcasts from Deezer and Pandora, and they can be used for playback controls for Spotify as well. They also support notifications for calls, texts, calendar events, and apps such as Gmail and Facebook. You can send quick replies or voice replies via their microphone too, but this feature is exclusive to Android.

Both have NFC, and that means they’re compatible with Fitbit Pay. Voice assistant support is also in the mix, and you can use either Google Assistant or Alexa.

Verdict

Except for the health-tracking features, the differences are few and far between.

Amazon product

Clearly, the Sense is the more feature-packed smartwatch here, specifically in the health-tracking department. That’s thanks to its ECG and EDA. However, if those don’t really matter to you, the Versa 3 can go a long way. It’s more affordable, and it’s on pretty much the same level when it comes to tracking activity and basic health metrics such as steps and floors climbed.

FAQs

📌 What’s the difference between the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3?

The Sense has more health-focused features and sensors than the Versa 3, namely an ECG (electrocardiogram) and EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor.

📌 Which is better, the Fitbit Sense or Versa 3?

The Sense is better than the Versa 3 because it has more sensors and it can track more metrics. However, the latter is more affordable, making it the better pick if you don’t need the additional health-related monitors.

📌 When is the release date of the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3?

The Sense and Versa 3 are up for preorder already and are scheduled to be available in September.

📌 Does the Fitbit Versa 3 have a built-in GPS?

Yes, the Versa 3 has onboard GPS, building on its predecessor, the Versa 2, that relied on connected GPS.

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Vincent Lanaria

Senior Editor, researcher and writer passionate about running, cooking, and how technology mixes with the two.