Fitbit Sense 2 vs Garmin vivosmart 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Fitbit Sense 2 & Garmin vívosmart 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Fitbit Sense 2 rather than the Garmin vívosmart 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The Fitbit Sense 2

  • The Fitbit Sense 2 features an ECG sensor for detecting signs of irregular heart rhythms and supporting proactive cardiac monitoring, whereas the Garmin Vivosmart 5 does not include ECG functionality.
  • Fitbit Sense 2 includes an EDA stress sensor to identify real-time physiological stress responses and support guided stress-management routines, while the Garmin Vivosmart 5 uses heart-rate-based stress estimates without an EDA sensor.
  • It comes with a built-in microphone and speaker to enable Bluetooth phone calls directly from the wrist for hands-free communication, whereas the Garmin vivosmart 5 lacks microphone and speaker hardware.
  • The Fitbit Sense 2 supports on-device voice assistant integration for setting reminders, controlling smart devices, and quick information access, while the Garmin vivosmart 5 does not support any voice assistant features.
  • Fitbit Sense 2 has a larger AMOLED touchscreen display for easier reading of notifications, health metrics, and workout data at a glance, compared to the Garmin vivosmart 5’s smaller, band-style display.
  • It includes skin temperature variation tracking during sleep to help identify changes related to illness, recovery, or environment, whereas the Garmin vivosmart 5 does not track skin temperature.
  • The Fitbit Sense 2 supports on-watch apps and a broader smartwatch-style interface for managing health data, settings, and smart features directly on the device, while the Garmin vivosmart 5 focuses on a more limited fitness-band interface.
  • Fitbit Sense 2 features a smartwatch form factor with a larger battery capacity and more onboard processing for advanced health analytics and real-time feedback, whereas the Garmin vivosmart 5 prioritizes simplicity with fewer advanced health sensors.

Maybe the Garmin vívosmart 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Fitbit Sense 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureFitbit Sense 2Garmin vívosmart 5
Display size1.58 in1.2 in
Physical buttonsSide button2 buttons
On-watch callingYesNo
MicrophoneYesNo
SpeakerYesNo
Voice assistantAlexaNo
ECGYesNo
EDA sensorYesNo
Skin temperatureYesNo
NFC paymentsFitbit PayGarmin Pay
App ecosystemFitbit appsConnect IQ
SubscriptionFitbit PremiumNone required
PriceCheck Sense 2 PriceCheck vívosmart 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Touchscreen interface: Both devices use a touchscreen for navigation, allowing users to swipe and tap through menus easily. This makes daily interactions faster and more intuitive without relying heavily on physical buttons.
  • Color display: Each model features a color display that improves readability of stats and notifications. Color visuals make health data easier to scan at a glance throughout the day.
  • Optical heart rate sensor: Both wearables continuously monitor heart rate using optical sensors. This enables all-day heart tracking for workouts, rest, and general wellness insights.
  • SpO2 tracking: Both devices support blood oxygen saturation tracking. This helps users gain insights into breathing patterns and overall respiratory health, especially during sleep.
  • Sleep tracking: Each device tracks sleep duration automatically. This allows users to understand how long they sleep and identify patterns over time.
  • Sleep stages: Both models break sleep into stages such as light, deep, and REM. This adds context to sleep quality beyond just total hours slept.
  • HRV tracking: Heart rate variability tracking is available on both devices. HRV data helps reflect recovery, stress levels, and overall nervous system balance.
  • Stress tracking: Both devices monitor stress levels throughout the day. This allows users to recognize periods of elevated stress and adjust habits accordingly.
  • Respiration rate: Each wearable tracks breathing rate. This provides additional insight into physical exertion, recovery, and sleep health.
  • Activity tracking: Both devices automatically track daily movement. This ensures everyday activities contribute to fitness data without manual input.
  • Step counting: Each model tracks steps taken throughout the day. Step data helps users stay aware of daily movement and activity goals.
  • Calorie tracking: Both devices estimate calories burned. This supports users who want to manage weight or understand energy expenditure.
  • Active minutes: Both devices track time spent in elevated activity zones. This encourages users to focus on meaningful movement rather than just total steps.
  • Automatic activity detection: Each device can detect certain activities automatically. This reduces the need to manually start workouts for common movements.
  • Smartphone notifications: Both devices display notifications from a connected phone. This allows users to stay informed without constantly checking their phone.
  • Alarm & timer: Both include alarms and timers. These features are useful for daily routines, reminders, and workouts.
  • Water resistance: Each device is rated at 5 ATM. This makes both suitable for swimming and everyday water exposure.
  • Battery rechargeable: Both models use rechargeable batteries. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries and supports daily use.
  • Health app ecosystem: Both integrate with dedicated health platforms. These apps centralize health, activity, and sleep data for long-term tracking.
  • Android & iOS support: Both devices are compatible with Android and iOS phones. This ensures broad smartphone support regardless of platform choice.

Common Features

FeatureFitbit Sense 2Garmin vívosmart 5
Touchscreen interfaceYesYes
Color displayYesYes
Optical heart rate sensorYesYes
SpO2 trackingYesYes
Sleep trackingYesYes
Sleep stagesYesYes
HRV trackingYesYes
Stress trackingYesYes
Respiration rateYesYes
Activity trackingYesYes
Step countingYesYes
Calorie trackingYesYes
Active minutesYesYes
Automatic activity detectionYesYes
Smartphone notificationsYesYes
Alarm & timerYesYes
Water resistance5 ATM5 ATM
Battery rechargeableYesYes
Health app ecosystemYesYes
Android & iOS supportYesYes
Price Check Sense 2 Price Check vívosmart 5 Price

FAQ

Is Fitbit Sense 2 a smartwatch while Garmin vivosmart 5 is a fitness band?
Yes, Fitbit Sense 2 is designed as a full-featured smartwatch with a larger screen, advanced health sensors, and smart features, whereas Garmin vivosmart 5 is a slim fitness band focused primarily on health and activity tracking.

Do both Fitbit Sense 2 and Garmin vivosmart 5 have built-in GPS?
No, neither device has built-in GPS, so both rely on a connected smartphone for GPS-based activity tracking during outdoor workouts.

Can both devices track heart rate continuously throughout the day?
Yes, both Fitbit Sense 2 and Garmin vivosmart 5 provide continuous optical heart rate monitoring for all-day health and fitness tracking.

Do both support blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring?
Yes, both devices support SpO2 tracking, typically measured during sleep to provide insights into respiratory health.

Is ECG available on both devices?
No, ECG functionality is available on Fitbit Sense 2, while Garmin vivosmart 5 does not support ECG measurements.

Do both devices track stress levels?
Yes, both track stress, but Fitbit Sense 2 uses additional sensors like EDA for stress detection, while Garmin vivosmart 5 relies on heart rate variability–based stress metrics.

Can both Fitbit Sense 2 and Garmin vivosmart 5 track sleep stages?
Yes, both devices track sleep stages such as light, deep, and REM sleep to help users understand sleep quality.

Do both devices support smartphone notifications?
Yes, both Fitbit Sense 2 and Garmin vivosmart 5 can display notifications from a connected Android or iOS smartphone.

Is music storage available on either device?
Music storage is not available on Garmin vivosmart 5, while Fitbit Sense 2 focuses on music controls rather than offline music storage.

Do both devices support contactless payments?
Fitbit Sense 2 supports contactless payments through Fitbit Pay, while Garmin vivosmart 5 does not include NFC payment support.

Are both devices water resistant for swimming?
Yes, both devices are rated at 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and everyday water exposure.

Do both devices require a subscription for full functionality?
Garmin vivosmart 5 provides most features without a subscription, while Fitbit Sense 2 offers additional insights through an optional Fitbit Premium subscription.

Can both devices be used with Android and iPhone?
Yes, both Fitbit Sense 2 and Garmin vivosmart 5 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.

Which device has longer battery life?
Garmin vivosmart 5 generally offers longer battery life due to its smaller display and simpler feature set, while Fitbit Sense 2 has shorter battery life because of its larger screen and advanced sensors.

Which device is better suited for advanced health monitoring?
Fitbit Sense 2 is better suited for advanced health monitoring due to features like ECG, EDA stress sensing, and skin temperature tracking, while Garmin vivosmart 5 focuses more on core health and fitness essentials.

Quick Deal Access
Scroll to Top