The Verdict
Good for general fitness users who want HRV as part of broader health tracking. The Premium subscription unlocks the best HRV insights, which adds to the cost. Best for those already using Fitbit for steps and sleep.
Pros
- Affordable entry into HRV tracking
- Excellent app ecosystem
- Good sleep tracking
- Wide availability and support
Cons
- HRV features require Premium subscription
- Less advanced than dedicated HRV devices
- Google integration still evolving
- Limited raw data export
How It Measures HRV
Fitbit uses green LED PPG sensors to measure heart rate variability during sleep. The Sense 2 includes additional sensors for EDA (electrodermal activity) stress tracking. HRV is calculated during restful periods and presented as nightly averages.
Premium Required for Full HRV
While basic HRV data is available free, the detailed HRV analysis, trends, and readiness features require Fitbit Premium at $10/month. This recurring cost is worth considering when comparing total cost of ownership.
Daily Readiness Score
Fitbit's Daily Readiness Score (Premium feature) uses HRV along with sleep quality and recent activity to suggest whether you should push hard or recover. It's similar to what Whoop and Oura offer.
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