Is the Sense good enough against the Garmin Venu SQ?

[Tomtomato]

Garmin have just announced the Venu SQ, which is cheaper than the Fitbit Sense and seems to be doing a lot too.

I don't think it looks as good as the Versa/Sense watches, but it does have:

• offline music playing from Spotify (and other services) or MP3s
• onboard GPS
• All day SpO2 tracking (not just during sleep)
• sleep monitoring
• respiration tracking
• compatibility with a range of external sensors (ANT+) like chest traps or bike sensors
• emergency notification with location tracking to set contacts
• smart phone notifications
• mobile payments 
• proper physical buttons
• and it's 25% cheaper
• Access to the data doesn't require a monthly subscription!

Luckily, this will push Fitbit to step up their games, and improve the Sense quickly.

[SunsetRunner]

Fitbit has far better sleep tracking than Garmin and the UI on the Sense is nicer and more colourful than Garmin.  Garmin has arguably better GPS and fitness tracking but no EDA or ECG.  I own a Garmin Fenix 6S as well as a Sense and the Sense looks nicer with a better display but the Garmin is much better at tracking activities.

[Tomtomato]

Yes, no EDA or ECG but not sure the value of those based on reviews.

The UI and watch design is better on the Fitbit but when it comes to proper tracking and value for money, Garmin seems to take the lead. Maybe Fitbit is more focusing on the smartwatch market now...

First time in 5 or 6 years that I am considering switching away from Fitbit...

[NeilFinny]

---

@SunsetRunner wrote:

Fitbit has far better sleep tracking than Garmin and the UI on the Sense is nicer and more colourful than Garmin.  Garmin has arguably better GPS and fitness tracking but no EDA or ECG.  I own a Garmin Fenix 6S as well as a Sense and the Sense looks nicer with a better display but the Garmin is much better at tracking activities.

---

I've being interested in trying other brands but how does i work on a day to day basis.

Do you wear fit bit at night, and garmin just when running?

Both at the same time.

It seems by swapping and changing you leave gaps in your information?

[t.parker]

@NeilFinny I was using Fitbit all time while the sports watch only during activities to provide me with more data and better analytics (on the right wrist). For some activities, I had to take Fitbit off as it wasn't durable enough (it would end up damaged). Eventually, Fitbit died and I switched to use another watch. You may always wear both watches but to be honest, it isn't very comfortable. For me, activity tracking is the most important thing. Everything else is just nice bonus.

[Tomtomato]

I don't think it would make sense to use different devices from different brands, since the data can't be shared/aggregated.

I do like my Versa 2 as it's tracking sleep, activities, HR during the day etc. I wouldn't want to switch to another device just to do a run or go cycling.

I think Fitbit is starting to lag behind on the fitness tracking front, but also not quite there yet to compete with smartwatches either (maybe on physical design and battery, but not on functionality). So it's a bit in between two categories currently.

They seem to be pilling up new sensors, without really exploiting the data fully (for instance SpO2). New stress sensor seems gimmicky.

I do not like the idea of buying an expensive device, and then have to pay a monthly premium subscription on top of it to see some of its data. Other brands don't seem to do that.

[Rich_Laue]

Garmin seems to be targeting a different group than Fitbit is targeting. 

Yes I'm aware that there is some overlap. 

[datalore]

Rich_Laue you are exactly right; Fitbit and Garmin are 2 different products for 2 different markets. Garmin is the leader in fitness tracking and neither Apple or Fitbit can compete in that market; nor do they want to really. If you're training for a marathon, triathlon, or a 5K swim you should get a Garmin. There is some overlap, but in general they compete in different markets and target different users. I will say Fitbit has the best sleep tracking in the industry, but it's up to each person to decide what they want to track and how they want to track it. 

[SunsetRunner]

https://www.androidauthority.com/garmin-venu-sq-review-1155779/

[Tomtomato]

Well, I am pretty sure Fitbit is on the fitness tracking business. Hence the company name...

Pretty sure the Venu SQ is a direct competitor to the Versa 3 or Sense.

[jrode]

To try to argue that Garmin and Fitbit are not competitors is silly. Garmin makes several watches (Vivoactive, Venu, probably another I'm forgetting) that are in their lineup for the sole purpose of competing with Apple and Fitbit.

There are plenty of people, like myself, who want accurate tracking without the excess training features of top end Garmin wearables that cost $700.

[WaterCat]

Keep in mind that there are three Venus...

• Venu: Round, AMOLED display, includes Music (3.4GB storage), tons of sensors including gyroscope and barometric altimeter.
• Venu SQ Music: Square, Color LCD display - not quite as brilliant as the Venu or Sense, Music, but loses the gyroscope and altimeter.
• Venu SQ (no music): Venu SQ without the 3.4GB / Music support.

And then the Vivoactive 4 line, which is like the Venu SQ but round and using a transflective display (a little more washed out looking, longer battery life) and no NFC (no Garmin/Fitbit Pay.)

It's a bit like trying to buy a BMW 3-Series... tons of choices still.

If you want to track hardcore workouts, Garmin's sensors are, IMHO, the best.  But the UI is confusing.  Fitbit generally makes doing common things intuitive; you really have to learn the Garmin U.I.