Google Pixel Watch vs. Fitbit Sense 2: The Pixel Watch has the smarts but the Sense 2 is the better fitness tracker

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Google's acquisition of Fitbit in 2021 signaled a new focus on fitness trackers for the massive tech company. Despite taking over a wearable lineup that included premium smartwatch lines like the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa, Google released its own namesake wearable in 2022 called the Google Pixel Watch.

Right around the same time, Fitbit released the Sense 2, a next-generation version of its flagship. Despite the fact both watches technically come from the same company, they each offer a different enough experience that one might be better for some users over the other. 

Below, we break down the specifics of both devices to help you decide which, if either, is right for you. If you want a more in-depth look at either model and want to learn more about our experience testing them, make sure to check out our Google Pixel Watch review and Fitbit Sense 2 review in full.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Specs at a glance

Google Pixel Watch vs. Fitbit Sense 2: Design

The Google Pixel Watch features a more conventional and straightforward watch design, with a circular display and case. The bezel is more subtle than the Sense 2's, as it's partially hidden by the rounded edges of the screen.

The Pixel Watch comes in four different case and band color combinations, with the primary options for the former being black, champagne, or stainless steel. You won't trick anyone into thinking it's an actual analog watch, but it is more subtle than the oblong or rectangular designs of most Fitbit devices.

The Sense 2 follows the trend of notable Fitbit shapes with its "squircular" case and flat display. That is, it has a mostly square shape but rounded edges that almost give it a sort of circular feel. And instead of a protruding crown like the Pixel Watch, the Fitbit Sense 2 has a button embedded into the side for a more consistent and futuristic look.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Fitbit Sense 2: Smartwatch performance

The Pixel Watch relies on Wear OS for most day-to-day tasks, which makes it about as good of a smartwatch as you can get. There is one caveat, however: if you're an iPhone user, you're better off looking at the Fitbit device (or better yet, an Apple Watch) since Wear OS is an Android-based operating system that works best with Android devices.

Conversely, the Sense 2 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, meaning that any smartphone user who can download the Fitbit app will be able to interface with the watch. And this would be great news if we hadn't found the Sense 2 to be such a middling option in terms of its smartwatch capability.

For starters, the Sense 2 has no third-party app support, meaning most users are essentially stuck with whatever comes on the device. This includes a lot of the built-in health and tracking features (which are great), along with Google Maps and Google Wallet, but does not include Google Assistant.

The strange silver lining here is that there is voice assistant support on the Sense 2, but only for Amazon Alexa. And while that may make up for the lack of Google Assistant, relying on digital services from multiple providers always promises a clunkier experience in the long run.

This is why the Google Pixel Watch provides a far superior smartwatch experience. Wear OS delivers a seamless experience that makes navigating the watch's apps, interacting with its notifications, and general daily use intuitive and easy. It acts as a natural extension of your smartphone in a far better way than the Sense 2. 

Google Pixel Watch vs. Fitbit Sense 2: Health and fitness tracking

When it comes to health and fitness tracking, the Sense 2 is the clear winner. Fitbit has been perfecting health and fitness tracking over several models and iterations of its smartwatches, so it's no surprise Google's first smartwatch has some catching up to do (even if it does own Fitbit). 

What is surprising is just how bad the Google Pixel is at tracking fitness, even without comparing it to anything else. The watch relies on GPS to start tracking workouts, and instead of taking time to ensure it's actually connected, the Pixel often just starts tracking anyway. 

This results in inaccurate readings which might simply be a minor annoyance when analyzing individual workouts, but worthless and perhaps even a net negative if you're looking for insights over time. This is especially true for anyone intending to use it to train for a specific event or race. The Pixel Watch's inaccuracies in pace and distance render it useless for this use case.  

The Sense 2 handles not just fitness tracking seamlessly, but health tracking as well due to unique insights and metrics available via the Fitbit App. With features like in-depth sleep tracking, real-time stress detection, menstrual cycle logging, and more, it's able to fulfill most basic wellness monitoring needs with ease.

Plus, its tracking capability is just far more accurate. We found the GPS to sync quickly before starting a workout and the tracking itself was often within a negligible difference each time we used it. Fitness tracking is a highlight with the Sense 2 while it's a major disappointment in the Pixel Watch. 

The Fitbit app is also available for use with the Google Pixel Watch, but functionally, the Pixel just can't beat Fitbit at its own game.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Fitbit Sense 2: Battery life

The Google Pixel Watch's battery life isn't anything special for a smartwatch, requiring a nightly recharge with regular use. This is similar to other devices such as the Apple Watch Series 8 and shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone used to dealing with those kinds of devices.

On the other hand, the Fitbit Sense 2's battery boasts a six-day maximum. However, do keep in mind that there's a lot less you're able to do with the watch considering its lack of smarts. During our tests, we often got close to six days of battery life, though we mostly used the bulk of the battery on tracking workouts.

Which should you buy?

When asking whether you should opt for the Google Pixel Watch or the Fitbit Sense 2, consider a second question: Do you want a "smart" watch or a sporty one? Despite their similarities as wearables, watches, and Google properties, the Pixel Watch and Sense 2 fall into entirely different categories than you might expect.

If you're an Android user who wants a premium smartwatch experience with an easy-to-use operating system and third-party app support, then we recommend the Pixel. Just know that it doesn't offer much in the way of reliable or accurate fitness tracking. 

If you want an iPhone-friendly experience, then it's easy to justify picking the Sense 2 instead. However, it's important to remember that you're limited to the Fitbit App and whatever functionality you can squeeze out of Amazon Alexa on the watch itself. It's not nearly as powerful of a smartwatch and mostly offers a basic experience.

And finally, if you're more or less OS-agnostic, and you just want a really good fitness and wellness tracking experience, the Sense 2 is what you seek. The Pixel falls far below our expectations for any device with fitness-tracking capabilities, let alone one that's related to the Fitbit family of devices.