Are you torn between the timeless style of a Fossil smartwatch and the fitness finesse of a Fitbit? You‘re not alone. As two of the most popular brands in the booming smartwatch market, Fossil and Fitbit offer compelling but very different takes on the modern wearable.
In this comprehensive comparison, we‘ll pit Fossil vs Fitbit in a battle royale and dive deep into the design, specs, features, performance, and value of each brand‘s flagship smartwatches. By the end, you‘ll have all the insights you need to decide which watch deserves a spot on your wrist. Let‘s get ready to rumble!
Tale of the Tape: Fossil and Fitbit Background
Before we jump into the blow-by-blow product details, it‘s important to understand the history and positioning of each brand.
Fossil Group (NASDAQ: FOSL) is a global fashion designer and manufacturer founded in 1984. The Richardson, Texas-based company is known for its wide selection of watches, jewelry, handbags, and accessories. Fossil entered the smartwatch market in 2015 to fuse its iconic style with cutting-edge tech. As of 2021, Fossil held 4.1% of the global smartwatch market share.
Fitbit (NYSE: FIT) is a pioneer in the fitness tracking space, having launched its first device in 2009. The San Francisco-based company‘s mission is to "empower and inspire you to live a healthier, more active life." Google acquired Fitbit for $2.1 billion in January 2021, though it still operates as a separate brand under the Google umbrella. Fitbit commanded 4.0% of the global smartwatch market in 2021.
So while both companies compete in the smartwatch arena, they come from very different worlds. Fossil‘s heritage is in fashion and traditional watchmaking, while Fitbit‘s DNA is in digital fitness tech. Keep this context in mind as we size up their smartwatch contenders.
Flagship Faceoff: Fossil Gen 6 vs Fitbit Versa 4
To see how Fossil and Fitbit stack up, we‘ll compare the specs and performance of their latest and greatest smartwatches: the Fossil Gen 6 and the Fitbit Versa 4. Here‘s how they measure up:
| Spec | Fossil Gen 6 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $299 | $229 |
| Display | 1.3" AMOLED | 1.58" AMOLED |
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 336 x 336 |
| Dimensions | 44mm x 44mm x 12mm | 40.5mm x 40.5mm x 12.4mm |
| Weight | 55.3g | 38g |
| Processor | Snapdragon 4100+ | N/A |
| RAM | 1GB | N/A |
| Storage | 8GB | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~24 hrs | 6+ days |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Yes |
| SpO2 | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | No |
| Mobile Payments | Google Pay | Fitbit Pay |
| Music Storage | Yes | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| OS | Wear OS | Fitbit OS |
Right off the bat, there are some notable differences. The Fossil Gen 6 boasts a higher-res display, more powerful processor, extra storage, and onboard music capability. But the Fitbit Versa 4 fights back with a bigger screen, much longer battery life, lighter weight, and lower price.
In terms of health sensors, both pack GPS, optical heart rate, and blood oxygen (SpO2) tech. However, neither offers the advanced ECG sensor found in pricier smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.
From a software perspective, the Fossil runs on Google‘s feature-rich Wear OS platform, while the Fitbit uses its own lightweight, fitness-focused operating system. The Fossil has the Google Pay and Google Assistant advantages, but Fitbit provides Alexa support and its own NFC payment solution.
Style & Substance: Design and Build Quality
Looks may be subjective, but there‘s no denying that Fossil and Fitbit smartwatches have drastically different aesthetics.
The Fossil Gen 6 follows the classic stylings of an analog watch with a circular stainless steel case, rotating crown, and interchangeable 22mm bands. With a 44mm case diameter and 12mm thickness, it has substantial wrist presence. Fossil offers several finishes and band options from leather to metal to silicone.
The Fossil Gen 6 has a timeless, traditional look. (Source: PCMag)
On the other hand, the Fitbit Versa 4 has a square aluminum case with gently rounded corners and tapered silicone bands for a sleeker, sportier vibe. Measuring 40.5mm across and 12.4mm thick, it‘s more compact and understated. The color options also skew more casual.
The Fitbit Versa 4 has a modern, streamlined design. (Source: PCMag)
Both watches have bright AMOLED touchscreens with always-on display options, though the Fitbit‘s is larger for easier at-a-glance viewing. The Fossil‘s panel packs more pixels (416 x 416 vs 336 x 336) for slightly sharper visuals.
In terms of construction, the Fossil feels hefty and premium while the Fitbit is incredibly lightweight and comfortable. The two are evenly matched on durability with 5 ATM water resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass screen protection.
"The Fossil Gen 6 is built like a tank with great fit and finish, while the Fitbit Versa 4 almost disappears on the wrist," notes Andrew Martonik of Digital Trends. "Which design approach you prefer likely depends on if you prioritize fashion or function."
Smarts & Software: UI and Apps
When it comes to software and user experience, Fossil has a clear advantage by virtue of its Wear OS foundation. You get access to the full Google ecosystem:
- Standalone Google Play app store
- Google Pay for NFC payments
- Google Maps for navigation
- Native Google Fit fitness tracking
- Google Assistant voice commands
- Syncs with Android and iOS devices
However, some critics find Wear OS "a bit cluttered and disjointed" compared to Apple and Samsung‘s tightly integrated wearable platforms.
"It offers a lot of capabilities, but the interface isn‘t as intuitive or cohesive as it could be," says Victoria Song of The Verge. "Fossil doesn‘t add much on top of the stock experience either."
Still, the Fossil Gen 6 and Wear OS offer the widest third-party app selection of any smartwatch outside of Apple. And the user experience is snappy thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 4100+ processor and 1GB RAM.
In contrast, Fitbit OS keeps things simple with a streamlined, fitness-first interface:
- Syncs with Android and iOS via Fitbit app
- On-watch navigation via touchscreen and side button
- Supports notifications and basic smartwatch functions
- Includes 20+ exercises along with stress, sleep, and health tracking
- Offers guided breathing and mindfulness sessions
- 50+ watch faces plus third-party clock faces
While the app selection is more limited (around 500 apps while Wear OS has over 5,000+), everything is well integrated with Fitbit‘s excellent companion app. You can view trends, earn badges, and challenge friends.
"What it lacks in advanced smart features and app diversity, Fitbit makes up for with unmatched fitness analysis," explains Steven Winkelman of PC Mag. "Casual users will also appreciate the Versa 4‘s simplicity."
Workout Wars: Health and Fitness Features
As a brand born and bred in the fitness world, Fitbit easily takes the crown for health and workout features. The Versa 4 comes equipped with Fitbit‘s latest sensors and algorithms:
- Multi-path optical heart rate sensor
- Multi-day battery life for 24/7 tracking
- 40+ exercise modes
- Built-in GPS
- Active Zone Minutes
- Cardio Fitness Level & Score
- Daily Readiness Score
- Detailed sleep tracking & Sleep Score
- Irregular heart rhythm notifications
- Guided breathing sessions
- Menstrual health tracking
The Versa 4 uses your personal metrics to generate a Daily Readiness Score, which indicates if your body is primed for a workout or needs recovery. During exercises, you‘ll receive real-time stats and intensify level based on your heart rate zone.
"Fitbit offers the most holistic approach to tracking your activity, workouts, stress, and sleep," says Angela Moscaritolo of PC Mag. "It gives you easy-to-digest data and concrete recommendations to help you improve."
The Fossil Gen 6 provides basic fitness tracking through Google Fit, including:
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Workout detection for walks, runs, bike rides
- GPS tracking
- Guided breathing
- Cardio fitness estimates based on VO2 max
- Sleep tracking (via third-party apps)
But the experience is far less comprehensive and actionable compared to Fitbit. "Fossil/Wear OS can log a workout, but Fitbit excels at helping you understand the meaning behind your metrics," says Lexy Savvides of CNET.
What‘s more, the Fossil watch‘s middling battery life makes it difficult to consistently monitor your progress 24/7. "Fossil really needs to work on stamina to keep up with Fitbit‘s stellar 6-day battery," notes Savvides.
Bonus Round: Fossil and Fitbit Alternatives
While we‘ve focused on comparing Fossil and Fitbit smartwatches, it‘s worth widening our lens to consider a few category-leading alternatives.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 (starting at $399) is the 800-pound gorilla of the smartwatch world with a staggering 30.1% market share in 2021. It ticks all the boxes:
- Sleek square design with always-on display
- Unmatched app support and Siri smarts
- Robust fitness tracking with GPS and advanced health sensors
- 18-hour battery life
- Tight integration with iPhone and iOS
However, the Apple Watch only works with iPhones. "If you‘re in the Apple ecosystem, it‘s a no-brainer," says Lisa Eadicicco of CNET. "But it‘s a no-go for Android users."
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (starting at $279) is the top smartwatch for Android phones. Running on Wear OS, it offers:
- Sporty round design with touch bezel navigation
- Bright OLED display
- Wide selection of apps and watch faces
- ECG, heart rate, and BIA sensor
- Fall detection and emergency SOS
- 2-3 day battery life
"If you want maximum smart features and a great display in a traditional watch design, the Galaxy Watch 5 delivers," says Florence Ion of Ars Technica. "Just note that some features only work with Samsung phones."
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus (starting at $449) is heaven for hardcore fitness enthusiasts thanks to Garmin‘s pedigree in sports watches. Standout features include:
- Rugged round design with stunning AMOLED display
- Built-in GPS, barometric altimeter, and compass
- Advanced exercise performance metrics and recovery advisor
- Detailed sleep tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring
- On-screen animations for strength training and Pilates
- 9-day battery life
"If fitness is your top priority and you want the best tools to monitor and optimize your performance, it‘s hard to beat the Venu 2 Plus," notes Michael Sawh of Wareable. "Just be prepared to pay a premium for all those perks."
The Verdict
After going 12 rounds with the Fossil Gen 6 and Fitbit Versa 4, which smartwatch has its arm raised in victory? The judgement comes down to two key factors: your priorities and your phone.
If you want a stylish smartwatch that can keep up with your mobile lifestyle, the Fossil Gen 6 and Wear OS are a great fit, especially for Android users. The traditional watch design, Google app support, and built-in GPS/NFC/speaker deliver a well-rounded wearable experience beyond fitness.
"The Fossil Gen 6 is a jack-of-all-trades that nails the smartwatch basics while looking darn good doing it," concludes Martonik. "Just be prepared to charge it daily."
However, if health and wellness tracking are your main smartwatch attraction, it‘s impossible to beat Fitbit‘s laser focus on fitness. With best-in-class exercise, sleep, and recovery tools, a streamlined interface, and week-long battery, the Versa 4 is a fantastic workout partner for casual and serious athletes alike.
"Fitbit has refined its formula for a near-perfect fitness smartwatch with the Versa 4," proclaims Winkelman. "The hardware and software work together seamlessly to help you lead a healthier lifestyle."
As for iPhone owners, it‘s honestly hard to recommend either Fossil or Fitbit when the Apple Watch integrates so much more smoothly with iOS. "You‘ll get a better overall experience with an Apple Watch, even if you sacrifice some battery life and design options," argues Eadicicco.
At the end of the day, the Fossil vs Fitbit fight ends in a split decision. Fossil wins on smarts and style while Fitbit dominates on fitness and function. Choosing between the two comes down to which strengths matter more to you (along with your smartphone allegiance and budget).
Hopefully this expert analysis has helped you pick a victor in your own smartwatch showdown. No matter which wrist rocket you strap on, you‘ll be well equipped to track your wellness and stay connected on the go.
May the best watch win!
