Fitbit Sense vs. Oura Ring: Which Wearable Fits Your Lifestyle?
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Chapter 1: Introduction
This comparison is going to be quite unconventional. Typically, I align similar devices against each other, such as computer to computer or phone to phone. Today, however, I’m contrasting two vastly different wearables: the Fitbit Sense and the Oura Ring. Despite their differences, both aim to monitor health and fitness.
Having been a smartwatch enthusiast for years—starting with a Pebble and transitioning through various models like the Apple Watch, Fitbits, Fossils, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2—I’ve always craved a watch that does more than just tell time. Inspired by characters like Max Smart and Penny Gadget, I was eager for a device that combined functionality with style.
However, smartwatches come with their drawbacks. Fitbits and silicone bands often irritate my skin, while Apple Watches can be distracting. Additionally, wearing a smartwatch to bed is uncomfortable for sleep tracking, which I value highly. Plus, I dislike wearables that require daily charging just for sleep monitoring. While I have several traditional watches I adore, they often sit unused since smartwatches have taken precedence.
Enter the Oura Ring. This device has intrigued me for a while due to its aesthetic appeal and its promise of discreet health monitoring. Initially, I hesitated to buy one because I’m not a fan of rings and they can be pricey. However, while shopping for the Fitbit Sense, I realized the price was comparable. If I could invest in the Sense, why not the Oura?
Recently, my reluctance to wear rings became more pronounced. After getting married last year, I’ve struggled to adjust to wearing a ring. With the pandemic limiting my outings, it's been easier to forgo wearing one. However, as life returns to normal, I’ll need to adapt. If I’m going to wear a ring, it might as well be one that provides health insights, making it a more valuable accessory.
The impetus for comparing these two devices stems from their similar sensors aimed at tracking health metrics. The Fitbit Sense includes features like an oxygen sensor, heart-rate tracking, and a skin temperature sensor. Likewise, the Oura Ring boasts similar capabilities. Yet, they differ significantly in their approach: the Sense prioritizes fitness tracking, while the Oura focuses on sleep monitoring. This comparison will explore both their similarities and differences.
So, let’s get started... FIGHT!!!
Chapter 2: Pricing and Design
When it comes to pricing, both devices fall in the higher-end range. The Fitbit Sense is priced at $329, though sales occasionally drop it to around $249. This package includes the watch itself, a magnetic charger, and a silicone band. Fitbit offers additional bands ranging from $29 to $50, and various third-party options are available too.
On the other hand, the Oura Ring starts at $299 for the silver or black titanium finishes. You can also opt for a gold or matte black variant at $399, or even a diamond-studded edition for a staggering $999. It comes in two designs: the Heritage with a flat top and the Balance with a pointed top. Each ring includes its own charging station.
Fitbit watches generally come with bands in both small and large sizes, while the Oura Ring requires you to select your size based on the finger you plan to wear it on. Oura recommends using a free sizing kit to ensure the best fit, as their sizes may vary slightly from standard US sizes.
For my review, I tested the graphite Sense and the glossy black Heritage ring (though I initially intended to order the silver Balance).
Winner: It's too early to declare a victor; both devices are similarly priced, but we'll see if they justify the investment.
Chapter 3: Aesthetic Appeal
If you've owned Fitbit's Versa or Versa 2, the design of the Fitbit Sense will feel familiar. It has an aluminum squircle shape, reminiscent of a vintage TV screen, with a slightly larger display that curves with the device. The Sense sports a redesigned silicone band that’s easier to swap out with a simple snap mechanism.
One of my favorite updates is the charger—gone is the cumbersome clip charger from the Versa 2, replaced by a sleek magnetic puck similar to other major smartwatches. The Sense also replaces the side button with a capacitive one, which has received mixed reviews.
The watch face is framed in stainless steel, which also serves as the ECG sensor, allowing you to measure your heart’s electrical activity. Overall, the Sense appears polished and premium, often mistaken for an Apple Watch at first glance.
In contrast, the Oura Ring embraces minimalism. It lacks a display, meaning it looks like any regular ring to anyone else. Constructed from lightweight titanium, it feels almost plastic-like, which might surprise some users. The interior features a clear polycarbonate, showcasing the sensors within.
While the Oura's simplicity is appealing, I wish it provided some form of feedback, such as haptic alerts for activity reminders. Oura claims the ring lasts 4-7 days on a charge, while the Fitbit advertises around 6 days. My personal experience has shown the Fitbit lasts 3-4 days, and I usually get 4-5 days from the Oura.
Winner: It's difficult to choose; the Fitbit Sense appears more premium, but the Oura Ring's minimalist design has its own charm.
Chapter 4: Sensors and Functionality
On paper, the Fitbit Sense and the Oura Ring appear comparable in terms of sensors, both tracking heart rate and skin temperature. However, they operate differently. The Fitbit is fundamentally a fitness tracker, logging steps, workouts, sleep, and more. It includes sensors for blood oxygen levels, improved heart rate tracking, and features for ECG and EDA measurements.
In contrast, the Oura Ring is not designed primarily as a fitness tracker. While it logs activity, it does so intermittently, focusing more on resting metrics rather than strenuous activity. This makes it a suitable complement to devices like the Apple Watch, syncing data with health apps for comprehensive monitoring.
While the Fitbit sends reminders for hydration and movement, I found myself ignoring many of these notifications. Despite its advanced sensing capabilities, the reminders often felt generic and not tailored to my specific activity levels.
Using the Oura Ring offers a different experience; it provides insights into rest and recovery rather than just exercise metrics. While the Fitbit collects continuous data, the Oura’s approach feels more holistic, emphasizing overall well-being.
Winner: The Fitbit Sense has a more robust set of sensors and an interactive interface, giving it the edge in this category.
Chapter 5: The App Experience
Both wearables come with companion apps compatible with Android and iOS, syncing data via Bluetooth and providing a dashboard for health metrics.
For those who love data, the Fitbit app is a treasure trove. It presents comprehensive details on everything from steps to sleep quality. However, many features are locked behind a $9.99 monthly subscription, which some users might find frustrating.
Conversely, the Oura app is entirely free post-purchase and offers a straightforward interface. While it may not provide as much information as the Fitbit app, its simplicity appeals to users seeking a less cluttered experience.
Winner: The Fitbit app is more feature-rich, while the Oura app offers a cleaner, more focused experience, making it a close second.
Chapter 6: Sleep Tracking
The Oura Ring excels in sleep tracking. While both devices gather heart rate and temperature data during sleep, the Oura's non-intrusive design allows for a more comfortable night’s rest. It provides insights into sleep quality and readiness for the day ahead, allowing for a more tailored approach to health.
In contrast, the Fitbit's sleep metrics can be overwhelming, with numerous graphs and statistics that may complicate the user experience.
Winner: Oura Ring takes this category, thanks to its comfortable design and insightful metrics.
Chapter 7: Workout Tracking
While the Oura Ring shines in sleep metrics, the Fitbit Sense dominates in workout tracking. The Oura does not monitor heart rate during exercise, making it less effective for active users looking for detailed workout data.
In practical usage, I conducted a lawn mowing session wearing both devices. The Fitbit Sense recorded significantly more detailed metrics regarding steps, calories, and heart rate, while the Oura Ring provided less relevant data.
Winner: Fitbit Sense is the clear victor in workout tracking, offering continuous heart rate monitoring and real-time statistics.
Chapter 8: Conclusion
Recently, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for traditional watches, spurred by my experience with the Fossil Hybrid HR, which combines classic aesthetics with essential smart features. This shift has made me appreciate the Oura Ring for its ability to track vital metrics without the bulk of a smartwatch.
Though I still enjoy the functions of a smartwatch—especially for alarms and notifications—the Oura Ring allows me to wear a stylish ring while gaining health insights. If your focus is on fitness tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring, the Fitbit Sense is undoubtedly the better choice.
In conclusion, both devices serve their purpose effectively, each catering to different health tracking needs. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize fitness tracking or restful insights. Either way, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with your selection.
The first video titled "I Tried the 3 Best Smart Rings... This is Best!" offers insights into the performance and features of various smart rings, including the Oura.
The second video, "Oura Ring vs Fitbit- Which Is Better? (The Ultimate Comparison)," provides a detailed comparison of the Oura Ring and Fitbit devices, helping viewers make informed decisions.