Fitbit Sense 2 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
The Verdict
Both smartwatches compete at the same price point with notably different strengths. Fitbit Sense 2 features a larger 1.58-inch AMOLED display at 336x336 resolution and comprehensive health monitoring including ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and sleep tracking. Battery endurance reaches 6 days 12 hours with GPS enabled. Garmin Vivoactive 5 counters with superior longevity, delivering 11 days in smartwatch mode and 21 hours with GPS active. Its smaller 1.2-inch display packs higher pixel density at 390x390 resolution and includes WiFi connectivity absent on Fitbit. Health tracking covers SpO2, heart rate, and sleep but omits ECG and skin temperature sensors. Fitbit excels for users prioritizing advanced health insights and larger screen real estate, while Garmin suits those wanting maximum battery life and expanded connectivity options. The Vivoactive 5's WiFi support enables independent music streaming and app updates without a phone nearby. Fitbit's ECG capability gives it a medical edge for detecting irregular heart rhythms. Neither is objectively superior, your choice depends on whether advanced health features or extended battery life matters more to your routine.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Fitbit Sense 2 if…
- →Continuous EDA sensor for all-day stress tracking
- →ECG and skin temperature tracking
- →Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Buy the Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…
- →Bright AMOLED display looks stunning and is readable in sunlight
- →11-day battery with AMOLED is best-in-class for lifestyle watches
- →Lightweight at 36 g — one of the lightest feature-rich smartwatches
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Fitbit Sense 2
Pros
- Continuous EDA sensor for all-day stress tracking
- ECG and skin temperature tracking
- Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear
- Up to 6 days of battery life
- Built-in GPS with Google Maps and Wallet support
Cons
- Removed third-party apps and music storage from original Sense
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Requires Fitbit Premium for advanced insights
- Limited smartwatch functionality compared to Wear OS
- Single physical button, no rotating crown
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Pros
- Bright AMOLED display looks stunning and is readable in sunlight
- 11-day battery with AMOLED is best-in-class for lifestyle watches
- Lightweight at 36 g — one of the lightest feature-rich smartwatches
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Wheelchair mode and Body Battery energy monitoring for accessibility
Cons
- No multi-band GPS — less accurate than Forerunner or Fenix in dense areas
- No built-in maps for trail navigation
- No cellular option — phone dependent for notifications
- Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple/Samsung
Full Specifications
| Spec | Fitbit Sense 2 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Fitbit OS | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 37.6 g | 36 g |
| Case material | Aluminum case | Aluminum bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 6 days, 12 hours with GPS | Up to 11 days (smartwatch), 21 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 1.58 inch | 42mm (1.2 inches) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 336 x 336 | 390 x 390 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | Garmin custom processor |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Fitbit products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Fitbit Sense 2 or the Garmin Vivoactive 5.