Who reigns supreme? Comparing Garmin Venu 3 & 3S vs Fitbit Sense 2 & Versa 4

Garmin has been busy in the last few weeks with a slew of annoucements. Amongst these was the release of Venu 3, and a smaller version of the same dubbed 3S. These newcomers, fresh off the production line, offer a blend of advanced features and robust performance. On the other side of the ring, Fitbit’s Sense 2 and Versa 4 have been in the market for over a year. They offer a balanced mix of functionality and affordability for those focused on health tracking.

The question now is, how do these devices stack up against each other? Whether you’re a fitness aficionado looking for the next piece of high-tech gear or a casual user seeking a reliable smartwatch, this comparison will provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.

The Garmins can be purchased on the company’s website and Amazon. The Fitbits can be picked up on Amazon (Versa 4, Sense 2).

Jump to

Hardware & design
Technical specs
Functionality
The bottom line

Garmin Venu 3 & 3S vs Fitbit Sense 2 & Versa 4: Hardware & design

Look & feel: A comparative analysis

The most obvious visual difference between these devices is the shape. The Garmin’s adopt a round face, which might appeal to those who prefer a traditional watch look. Fitbit’s Sense 2 and Versa 4, however, opt for a square design, which gives them a more modern, tech-savvy appearance.

Each Garmin model features two physical buttons, adding a tactile element to the user interface. The Fitbit models simplify things with just one physical button each. Of course, coupled with this is a full colour, touch sensitive display that you can also use to navigate the menus.

When it comes to the build, Garmin opts for stainless steel for both the Venu 3 and Venu 3S, lending a premium feel to these devices. The Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4, on the other hand, are constructed from aluminium. While this makes them lighter, it doesn’t offer the same high-end touch as stainless steel.

The Garmin Venu 3 measures 45 x 45 x 12 mm, making it the largest of the bunch, whereas its sibling, the Venu 3S, is slightly more compact at 41 x 41 x 12 mm. Both Fitbit models are uniform in size at 40mm, offering a more streamlined option.

Quality display

As far as display technology, all of these timepieces feature AMOLED displays, but they differ in size and resolution. The Garmin Venu 3 boasts a 1.4-inch display with a resolution of 454×454 pixels, offering the crispest visuals among the contenders. The Venu 3S follows closely with a 1.2-inch display and a 390×390 pixel resolution. The Fitbit models both have 1.58-inch displays but lag in resolution at 336×336 pixels.

Mind you, which ever device you buy it will not weight down your wrist. The Garmin Venu 3 is the heaviest of the bunch at a mere 47 grams, followed by the Venu 3S and both Fitbit models at 40 grams. The weight difference is pretty minimal, but it is something to be aware of.

When it comes to water resistance, all models are on par, each offering 5 ATM water resistance. That should suffice for everyone apart from those into deep see diving.

Under the hood

Both sets of devices come from reputable companies, which have been in the game for quite some time now. So it’s no surprise that each of these smartwatches is equipped with an array of sensors, including an ambient light sensor, SpO2 monitor, a skin temperature sensor, optical heart rate sensor, ECG, accelerometer, gyroscope, and altimeter. The Fitbit models take it a step further by incorporating cEDA (electrodermal activity sensor) capabilities.

When it comes to satellite connectivity, all these devices have built-in support, a significant upgrade from early generations that relied on Connected GPS for accurate outdoor exercise tracking. This older technology required the use of a smartphone for optimal functionality. Fitbit users also have the flexibility to choose between built-in satellite connectivity and Connected GPS. The latter can help with extending battery life.

Battery life

Garmin’s prowess in battery longevity is evident in the Venu 3 and Venu 3S models, which offer up to 14 and 10 days of battery life, respectively in smartwatch mode. This extended battery life is particularly advantageous for users who lead active lifestyles and may not have the luxury of frequent charging. It’s also beneficial for those who utilize sleep tracking features, as the device can be worn for extended periods without the need for a recharge.

In contrast, the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 offer just over 6 days of battery life. While this is still respectable and above the industry average for smartwatches, it falls short when compared to Garmin’s offerings. For users who prioritize longer periods between charges, Garmin’s Venu 3 and Venu 3S clearly have the upper hand.

It’s worth noting, these figures are with out the always-on display option. Switch this on and the battery life will reduce by about a half on all models.

Finally, the Garmins also outperform the Fitbits when it comes to GPS tracking. Fitbits offer about 12 hours in this mode, and the Garmins about twice as much.

Garmin Venu 3 & 3S vs Fitbit Sense 2 & Versa 4: Technical specs

Here’s a table illustrating the technical specs differences and similarities between the two Garmin Venu 3 series and high-end Fitbits.

Garmin Venu 3 & 3S vs Fitbit Sense 2 & Versa 4: Functionality

Both Garmin and Fitbit smartwatches come equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors. These cover pretty much everything you’d expect as far as general 24/7 fitness and health tracking.

While Fitbit has traditionally been the go-to brand for sleep tracking, Garmin’s Venu 3 has significantly leveled the playing field. The device introduces new features like nap tracking and a Sleep Coach, which provides personalized sleep recommendations based on various factors such as your sleep history, heart rate variability (HRV), and physical activity levels. In fact, we would probably say that Garmin has an edge in this department now.

Garmins also offer advanced sports analytics

What’s important to note is that Garmin’s Venu 3 models go beyond basic fitness tracking to offer advanced sports performance analytics. This will be particularly beneficial for runners, cyclists and such. For example, for runners these devices feature metrics like ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation, providing a detailed analysis of your running form.

Garmin also offers a range of training features, including adaptive training plans and real-time coaching, which adjust based on your performance and recovery data. These advanced features make Garmin’s latest models a compelling choice for those who are serious about improving their athletic performance. They straddle the line between fitness and sports watches.

The Fitbits offer an extra in terms of general health tracking – but there’s a catch!

Fitbit devices, on the other hand, also offer an extra. This comes in the form of an electrodermal (cEDA) sensor which continuously measures stress levels throughout the day. This offers insights that go beyond what can be gleaned from heart rate data alone.

On the flip side, there’s something called Fitbit’s Premium Membership. It offers an enhanced experience for users willing to pay a monthly fee of $9.99 or an annual sum of $79.99.

This subscription unlocks a suite of advanced functionalities, including a Daily Readiness Score that recommends workouts based on a variety of metrics such as sleep history and heart rate variability (HRV). Subscribers also gain access to an extensive library of workout videos, in-depth sleep analyses, and stress management insights. Additionally, the membership provides a comprehensive Wellness Report that collates various health metrics, including SpO2 and skin temperature.

While the Premium Membership does offer a more personalized and detailed health and fitness experience, the concept of placing essential features behind a paywall is a point of contention. It’s worth noting that Garmin, by contrast, does not employ this type model. Garmin provides all its advanced features, including sports performance analytics and training plans, without requiring an additional subscription. This approach ensures that once you’ve purchased a Garmin device, you have full access to its capabilities without incurring extra costs, making it a more transparent and consumer-friendly option.

Smartwatch features

All of these are fitness watches. If you are after a proper smartwatch experience, you are better off with an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch or similar.

But that’s not to say there is no smartwatch functionality. For example, when it comes to wireless payments all these devices have you covered. Additionally, the Garmin Venu 3 supports voice assistants like Bixby and Siri. Fitbit offers moderate compatibility with Alexa and includes a built-in speaker for voice responses, albeit with limited audio quality.

However, it’s worth noting that both Fitbit models represent a step back in certain areas compared to their predecessors. Specifically, the Versa and Sense lines have discontinued support for third-party apps earlier this year. Furthermore, these Fitbit models lack any form of music storage or even basic controls for music playback on your phone. This is a significant drawback for Fitbit, especially when compared to Garmin’s models, which offer no such limitations on music storage.

Garmin Venu 3 & 3S vs Fitbit Sense 2 & Versa 4: The bottom line

Garmin’s newly released Venu 3 and Venu 3S, priced at $450, have made a strong entry into the smartwatch market with their advanced sports analytics and impressive battery life. In contrast, Fitbit’s Sense 2 and Versa 4, priced at $300 and $230 respectively, serve as reliable options, particularly for health tracking. However, Fitbit’s value proposition is somewhat diluted by its Premium Membership, which places some features behind a paywall at an additional cost of $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually. Nonetheless, you still get plenty of features even without the Membership.

Garmin’s Venu 3 and Venu 3S are notable for their comprehensive sports performance analytics, especially for runners. These features position these watches as compelling choices for those who are serious about their athletic pursuits.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Fitbit’s devices excel in health metrics. But they have limitations in areas such as third-party app support and music storage, which could be significant drawbacks depending on user needs.

In terms of hardware aesthetics, Garmin’s stainless steel build and choice of display sizes offer a more traditional, premium watch feel. Fitbit, by contrast, opts for an aluminium construction and a square design, catering to those who prefer a modern, tech-savvy look.

When all factors, including price, are considered, Garmin’s offerings appear to provide a more well-rounded package for those willing to invest in a premium device. Fitbit, on the other hand, remains a strong option for those primarily focused on health tracking.

The Garmins can be purchased on the company’s website and Amazon. The Fitbit’s can be picked up on Amazon (Versa 4, Sense 2).

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