Fitbit Sense vs Garmin Forerunner 965
The Verdict
Both smartwatches excel in health tracking but serve different priorities. Fitbit Sense delivers excellent ECG capabilities, SpO2 monitoring, and skin temperature tracking in a lighter 45.9g package at $299, making it ideal for casual fitness enthusiasts. Garmin Forerunner 965 targets serious athletes with superior battery longevity (23 days smartwatch mode vs 6+ days), a larger 454x454 AMOLED display, and more rugged construction with titanium bezel and 10 ATM water resistance. Processing power and sports-specific features heavily favor Garmin's proprietary system. However, Fitbit Sense offers better value for general wellness monitoring without the premium $599 price tag. Choose Fitbit Sense for everyday health tracking on a budget; select Forerunner 965 if you're a dedicated runner or athlete needing extended battery and advanced GPS features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Fitbit Sense if…
- →Most comprehensive health sensor suite at launch — EDA, ECG, SpO2, skin temp
- →6+ day battery outlasts Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch
- →Built-in GPS for phone-free outdoor workouts
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- →23-day battery life in smartwatch mode for serious endurance athletes
- →First Forerunner with AMOLED display — bright and easy to read
- →Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for highly accurate outdoor tracking
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Fitbit Sense
Pros
- Most comprehensive health sensor suite at launch — EDA, ECG, SpO2, skin temp
- 6+ day battery outlasts Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch
- Built-in GPS for phone-free outdoor workouts
- Stress management score with EDA sensor is unique
- NFC for Fitbit Pay contactless payments
Cons
- Fitbit OS app ecosystem is very limited compared to watchOS/Wear OS
- Capacitive button is unreliable and frustrating to press
- Many advanced features require Fitbit Premium subscription ($10/mo)
- Google acquisition created uncertainty about Fitbit OS future
Garmin Forerunner 965
Pros
- 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode for serious endurance athletes
- First Forerunner with AMOLED display — bright and easy to read
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for highly accurate outdoor tracking
- Advanced running metrics: running power, VO2 max, race predictor
- Garmin Pay NFC and music storage for offline playback
Cons
- No ECG sensor
- No cellular connectivity
- Garmin OS app ecosystem is very limited compared to Wear OS or watchOS
- Expensive at $599 for a running-focused device
Full Specifications
| Spec | Fitbit Sense | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Fitbit OS | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 45.9 g | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 6+ days | Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm (1.58 inches) | 1.4 inch |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 336 x 336 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Fitbit custom processor | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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 or the Garmin Forerunner 965.