Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Sense: How Do They Compare?
Key Points
- Fitbit was founded in 2007 by James Park and Eric Friedman.
- Fitbit Charge 5 has a smart wake feature that wakes you with a quiet vibration on your wrist.
- Alphabet, Inc. (Google LLC) purchased Fitbit in 2021.
- 20 exercise modes are available on the Fitbit Charge 5.
- Fitbit has over 29 million users located in more than 100 countries.
- More than 120 million Fitbit devices have been sold.
- Fitbit was originally named Healthy Metrics Research, Inc. before it was changed to Fitbit.
Fitbit is the leading company in the world of smart wearable technologies. That’s because the company has produced some of the most popular and effective activity trackers available on the market today. Fitbit users can buy accessories that are compatible with their trackers to provide additional features.
The Fitbit range is one of the most popular wearable device brands out there, with a vast number of options for users to choose from. In this article, we will compare the Fitbit Charge 5 to Fitbit Sense. Read on to learn more about these two top-selling wearables and how they stack up against each other.
Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Sense: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit Sense | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is? | A fitness tracking watch developed by Fitbit | A smartwatch developed by Fitbit which allows you to make calls and answer calls, and also check your heart rate and stress levels |
| Year Released | 2021 | 2020 |
| Display Size | 1.04-inch | 1.58-inch |
| Price | $149.95 | From $209 |
| Compatibility | iOS 12.2 or later, Android 8.0 or later | iOS 12.2 or later, Android 7.0 or later |
| Weight | 33.1 grams | 45.93 grams with a small band; 48.2 grams with a broadband |
Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Fitbit Sense: What’s the Difference?
Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense are both amazing fitness-tracking wearables. However, there are some differences between them.
Price
Fitbit Charge 5 is currently listed at $149.95 on Fitbit’s official website. Fitbit Sense starts from $209 on Amazon, making it more expensive than Fitbit Charge 5.
The price difference between Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense is justified because the latter offers more smart functions, such as Spotify, Alexa integration (which allows you to control your smartwatch with your voice), and quick replies.
Features
- Daily readiness and stress management score
- Health Metrics dashboard, track SpO2, heart rate variability, skin temperature variation
- Built-in GPS
- 24/7 heart rate tracking and Active Zone Minutes
The Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense have several shared features, such as an EDA sensor, integrated GPS sensor, ECG function, and changeable clock faces.
Both Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense support FitPay which enables contactless payments by simply holding your watch over the card scanner.
1. Smart Features
However, Fitbit Sense has more features than the Charge 5. One of the advantages Fitbit Sense has over the Charge 5 is that it offers more smart features.
2. Alexa and Google Assistant
With Fitbit Sense, you can also use Alexa, an AI assistant. With it, you can use your voice to control your phone and connect it with your other Alexa-supported devices. If you use Fitbit Sense, you can ask Alexa random questions, ask it to make calls, create a to-do list, and even stream music.
Apart from Alexa, Fitbit Sense also allows you to use Google Assistant, which allows you to perform similar functions to Alexa, such as setting Alarms or creating a note. Unlike Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Charge 5 doesn’t support Alexa.
3. Spotify
Fitbit Sense also allows you to use Spotify. With Spotify, you can easily listen to your favorite music on your Fitbit Sense. However, the Fitbit Charge 5 doesn’t allow you to stream music on Spotify.
4. Quick Replies
Fitbit Sense allows you to send quick replies. Its microphone also allows you to send voice messages. Quick replies and voice messages are not possible on the Fitbit Charge 5.
Health Functions
Fitbit Charge 5 and Sense offer several similar health functions. Both watches have an ECG heart rate monitor and an EDA sensor which helps you check your heart rate and notify you of unusual patterns or atrial fibrillation. They also help you measure your stress rate.
With Fitbit Premium, Fitbit Charge 5 has a Daily Readiness Score feature which helps you measure your recovery rate after each workout routine. With this feature, you’ll know whether your body is ready for the next workout or if you still need to rest a little.
Battery Life
- EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which may indicate your body's response to stress and a built-in skin temperature sensor logs yours each night so you can see when it varies.Band Size :…
- Assess your heart for atrial fibrillation –a heart rhythm irregularity- and easily share results with your doctor (The Fitbit ECG app is only available in select countries. Not intended for use by…
- An on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks yours each night so you can see how it varies. You can also see your nightly blood oxygen levels at a glance with our collection of clock faces.Maximum…
- High & low heart rate notifications alert you if yours seems above or below your average
- Battery lasts 6 plus days plus, fast charging gives you a full day’s charge in just 12 minutes (Varies with use and other factors; up to 12 hours with continuous GPS)
Both Fitbit Charge 5 and Sense can last several days after a full charge. Fitbit Sense can last 6 days after a full charge. Fitbit Charge 5 offers a longer battery life as it lasts up to 7 days after a full charge.
So, Fitbit Charge 5 has the advantage in terms of battery life because it offers an extra 24-hour battery life more than the Fitbit Sense.
Design
Fitbit Charge 5 is the first watch in the Charge series to have an AMOLED color touchscreen. It also has a more luxurious appearance compared to its predecessors. As a fitness tracker, it has a slim appearance and a rectangular shape. It is available in 3 colors — black, lunar white, and steel blue.
Fitbit Sense is a stylish smartwatch. It has a more elegant appearance than the Fitbit Charge 5 which looks like a regular fitness tracker. Fitbit Sense has a stainless steel casing which gives it a refined, elegant, and luxurious appearance. Just like the Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Sense is available in three colors — silver, graphite, and lunar white.
Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense also differ in terms of weight. Fitbit Charge 5 weighs 33.1 grams while Fitbit Sense weighs 45.93 grams with a small band. Their weight difference makes Fitbit Sense a lighter option to carry around.
Sensors
Both Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense have integrated GPS sensors that offer a high level of accuracy. However, Fitbit Sense also has a connected GPS sensor which allows it to extract GPS location from your smartphone.
Fitbit Charge 5 also uses PurePulse as its main pulse sensor while Fitbit Sense uses PurePulse 2.0 technology which is more accurate and has more advanced features.
Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Sense: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Both Fitbit Charge 5 and Sense offer exceptional health-tracking features. With both watches, you can check your heart rate and stress levels. The Fitbit Charge 5 has a longer-lasting battery and it is more affordable than the Fitbit Sense, but it doesn’t have as many features.
The Fitbit Sense offers health and fitness tracking features, as well as smart features such as Alexa, and quick replies, and it even allows you to stream music on Spotify. Hence, due to its extra smart features, we recommend the Fitbit Sense due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fitbit Charge 5 water resistant?
Yes, Fitbit Charge 5 is water-resistant (up to 50 meters). You can swim and shower with your Fitbit Charge 5 as long as the water level is not over 50 meters.
Where can I buy Fitbit Charge 5?
You can buy Fitbit Charge 5 on Fitbit’s official website or popular e-commerce stores such as Amazon.
What are the benefits of Fitbit Sense?
With Fitbit Sense, you can check your heart and stress rate, stream music on Spotify, answer calls, send text messages, and track your steps.
How much is the Fitbit Charge 5?
Fitbit Charge 5 is currently listed at $149.95 on Fitbit’s official website.
Does Fitbit Sense support contactless payments?
Yes. Fitbit Sense has Fitbit Pay which can be used for contactless payments. With Fitbit Pay, you only need to hold your watch over the card reader in stores, and the payment will be automatically processed.
