Best Smartwatches with ECG
Imagine having a tiny physician wrapped around your wrist. That’s what smartwatches with ECG features offer, alerting you if something’s not quite right with your heartbeat.
When smartwatches first made an appearance, they were celebrated for features like step counting and message alerts.
Now, they’ve evolved into health monitors, with ECG as a standout feature. But what makes this so important?
A lot of people around the world die from sudden heart problems. In the U.S., someone has a heart issue every 40 seconds. If we spot the signs early, we can save many lives.
Luckily, some smartwatches can check your heart. They use ECG sensors to spot problems like weird heartbeats. If something looks off, you can show the results to your doctor.
Best Smartwatches with ECG: Our Top 8 Picks
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus
- Fitbit Sense 2
- Google Pixel Watch
- Vositone ECG Watch
These watches don’t just check your heart. They also track things like how fast your heart beats, your oxygen level, and your body temperature. This is really helpful for doctors!
Research says these smartwatches can really help find heart problems early. But with so many choices, it might be tough to pick the best one. That’s why we made a list of top FDA-approved watches. They’ve been tested and are trusted to check heart health.
We hope this guide helps you find a good heart-checking watch. If you’re curious about how these watches work, read on!
Quick ECG Info:
- ECG (or EKG) checks your heart’s electric activity.
- It’s a simple test done at a doctor’s place.
- The test is fast and shows if your heart works right.
What’s Atrial Fibrillation?
- It’s a type of irregular heartbeat.
- It can cause big problems like strokes.
- Many people will have this issue by 2030.
- Some causes include age, high blood pressure, and lung diseases.
Why is ECG Important in a Smartwatch?
- Heart Monitor: ECG in a smartwatch acts like a mini-heart monitor, right on your wrist.
- Early Alerts: It can give you a heads-up if something’s off with your heartbeat.
- Safety First: Spot potential heart issues before they become serious.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your heart’s patterns can give you reassurance.
- Fitness Check: ECG can complement your fitness goals by showing how your heart reacts to exercises.
- Medical Sharing: Some watches let you share ECG data with doctors, making check-ups more efficient.
Understanding ECG on Smartwatches
Ever wonder how a smartwatch, like the Apple Watch, checks your heart’s rhythm? Here’s a simple explanation.
Heart Tracking with Tech:
Smartwatches with ECG features have special sensors, called PPG sensors. These pick up on your heart’s electric signals.
The watch’s app then looks at this info to see if your heart’s beat is steady or not.
If something seems off, like an irregular beat, the watch will tell you. This heads-up can be a lifesaver!
Compared with Traditional ECG:
Now, these watches aren’t as detailed as the big ECG machines in hospitals, which use 12 leads.
But the plus side? They’re way more convenient! You wear them like a regular watch – no messy wires or sticky pads.
And watches like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic even tell you if your heart’s rhythm is off.
Need to check your heart on the spot? Just start the ECG feature, wait 30 seconds, and you’ll get your results. If there’s a problem, the app will tell you whether:
- Sinus Rhythm: Everything looks good.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Your heart’s not beating right – this could be serious.
- High or Low Heart Rate: Your heart’s beating too fast or too slow.
- Inconclusive: The watch couldn’t figure it out. This might happen if you’re not wearing it right or if you have a device like a pacemaker.
- Poor Recording: The watch couldn’t get a clear reading.
Many people have already gotten early warnings about heart problems from their smartwatches. It’s like having a mini-doctor on your wrist!
Choosing the Right Watch:
If heart health matters to you, pick a smartwatch that’s FDA-approved. This means it’s passed strict tests for accuracy.
Studies show these watches can help people catch and manage heart problems.
Even big organizations, like the American Heart Association, believe these watches can be useful tools for doctors.
Features to Look for in an ECG Smartwatch
- Accurate ECG Monitoring: Ensure the smartwatch provides precise and reliable ECG readings.
- Long Battery Life: The watch should last at least a day or two on a single charge, so you’re not frequently recharging.
- Clear Display: A bright and sharp screen to view ECG data easily.
- Data Export: Ability to export ECG readings to share with healthcare professionals.
- Instant Alerts: Immediate notifications for irregular heart rhythms or abnormalities.
- Water and Sweat Resistance: Especially important if you’re using the watch during workouts.
- Comfortable Fit: It should be comfortable to wear throughout the day and night.
- Data Storage: Saves past ECG readings for tracking over time.
- Integration with Other Health Metrics: Combining ECG data with other health stats like sleep, steps, and oxygen levels.
- User-Friendly Interface: Navigating the watch and its features should be intuitive and straightforward.
- Durable Build: A robust design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
- Connectivity: Seamless pairing with smartphones for notifications and data syncing.
- Regular Software Updates: To keep the ECG feature updated with the latest algorithms and improvements.
- Affordability: While quality is paramount, it should also offer good value for money.
- Reviews and Reputation: Choose a brand or model with positive user feedback and a reputable track record in health tech.
Best Smartwatches with ECG: Review
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a front-runner in the ECG smartwatch game.
This FDA-approved gem detects heart quirks like atrial fibrillation effortlessly. Plus, ladies can track fertility cycles, thanks to its temperature monitor.
And guess what? If a car crash happens, it dials emergency services on its own! With a dazzling Always-On Retina display and an array of designs, it’s eye candy that’s smart.
While it dances underwater (5 ATM rating!) and lets tunes flow, its 18-hour battery life might make you sigh. But hey, rapid charging to the rescue!
Pros
- Top-notch health features.
- Safety-first with fall and crash alerts.
- Speedy charge.
Cons
- Looks like its predecessor, Series 7.
- A bit pricey.
- Battery life could be longer.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Meet the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, the shining beacon in the world of ECG smartwatches.
Donning the latest Wear OS 4, it marries functionality with finesse. Its Exynos W930 chipset ensures that every tap, swipe, or command feels snappy, while that vibrant screen is pure visual delight.
The spotlight feature? Definitely the rotating bezel. Not just a fancy addition, but a tactile treat for navigating menus — a feature that many lamented its absence in the Watch 5 series.
While its performance metrics are off the charts, especially that commendable battery life in its broader 47mm variant, the watch also signifies the dawn of Wear OS 4 in Samsung’s lineup.
The distinction from Wear OS 3.5 might not seem vast, but it’s a step forward.
A note of caution: if you’ve got the Galaxy Watch 4 or 5 snug on your wrist and they’re still ticking strong, this might not seem like a quantum leap.
However, for those diving into the smartwatch ocean for the first time or those always eager to sport the latest tech on their wrist, the Watch 6 Classic is Wear OS at its pinnacle today.
Pros
- Crisp, dynamic display.
- Battery life that keeps you ticking longer.
- Wear OS 4 integration.
- The tactile joy of the rotating bezel.
Cons
- Might feel like a sibling, not a revolution, from the last generation.
- A premium for the bezel feels like a pinch in the pocket.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 Pro strides onto the smartwatch scene with the finesse and reliability we’ve come to expect from the tech giant.
Equipped with an FDA-cleared ECG monitor, it efficiently delivers readings within a mere 30 seconds, making it a worthy companion for health enthusiasts.
The watch’s 3-in-1 Bioactive sensor is a definite highlight, providing insights into heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body composition.
Sleep aficionados will appreciate the improved sleep tracking, touted to be superior to its predecessors.
An intriguing addition is the inactive temperature sensor, which, once activated, will bring it on par with competitors like Fitbit Sense.
Visually, it’s appealing. You can choose between a 40mm or 44mm size, each boasting robust Sapphire Crystal glass displays, a marked improvement in durability from the Galaxy Watch 4.
Additionally, with its 5 ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification, the watch effortlessly melds style with ruggedness.
Running on Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro opens a world of apps from the Google Play Store and comes integrated with GPS, making it an excellent partner for outdoor enthusiasts.
In summation, while the watch boasts several enhancements, its similarities to its predecessor are noticeable. Yet, the impending activation of the temperature sensor could just be its game-changer.
Pros
- Sleek design with a robust build.
- Enhanced battery life paired with a swift charging feature.
- Wear OS integration offers extensive app accessibility.
- Superior sleep-tracking capabilities.
- Introduction of a temperature sensor, hinting at future versatility.
Cons
- Limited advancements from the Galaxy Watch 4.
- On the pricier side.
- An inactive temperature sensor upon release raises questions.
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple’s foray into the realm of rugged watches is the stunning Apple Watch Ultra. It’s not just an iteration; it’s a declaration.
Housing all the perks of the Apple Watch Series 8, from ECG to temperature monitoring, it’s Apple’s bid to lock horns with Garmin’s elite range like Fenix 7 and Forerunner 955. Yet, the real test lies in its everyday performance.
Its ECG feature remains as meticulous as ever, spotting irregular atrial fibrillations, with a bonus: you can share your ECG data as a PDF with doctors or loved ones.
Its temperature monitoring, specifically honed for women, assists in tracking menstrual and ovulation cycles. One can’t help but admire its emergency features.
Fall and crash detection might sound grim, but they are lifesavers, pinpointing your location to the emergency services in a dire situation. We genuinely hope it’s a feature you never have to activate.
A tad imposing, the Ultra is exclusively available in a 49mm size. Its expansive Retina LTPO OLED 2000 display is encased protectively by sapphire crystal, ensuring both beauty and resilience.
And, it’s not just any frame; it’s titanium. Dive or swim, its 100 meters water resistance stands tall.
Smartness seeps through every feature. Be it notifications, music storage, fitness metrics, or Apple Pay. And the inclusion of eSIM ensures connectivity even without your phone nearby.
However, Apple’s venture into elongated battery life is noteworthy. More than the usual 18 hours and with a wireless charging advantage!
Yet, in the marathon of battery longevity, does it match up to Garmin’s weeks-long stamina?
Pros
- Expansive, luminous display.
- Comprehensive health and safety arsenal.
- A meticulous eye for irregular heart activities.
- Dive-ready with significant water resistance.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a beacon of hope for Garmin aficionados, at last integrating the much-anticipated ECG feature, which many competitors like Apple, Fitbit, and Samsung already rolled out years back.
For loyal Garmin users, the era of juggling two smartwatches — one Garmin and another for ECG — is over.
In just 30 seconds, it captures a precise ECG reading and identifies any signs of atrial fibrillation, subsequently storing this critical data within the Garmin Connect app.
The Venu 2 Plus doesn’t stop there; it’s more than just heart health. From sleep patterns to stress levels and even respiration rate, this watch aims for a holistic approach to your well-being.
When it comes to tracking athletic pursuits, Garmin remains steadfast. Be it through GPS, altimeter, or the myriad of sports applications, every move, swim stroke, and cycling route is documented.
Speaking of swimming, its 50-meter water resistance ensures aquatic enthusiasts are never left wanting.
Beyond the health features, it stands out as a luxury smartwatch, complementing your daily life with music playback, contactless payments, and prompt notifications.
With a battery lifespan stretching up to 28 days in GPS mode (sans music) or 10 days in battery saver mode, it’s designed for longevity on the go.
Pros
- Premium aesthetics and robust build.
- Vibrant AMOLED touchscreen.
- Bluetooth calling across Android and iOS platforms.
- Comprehensive sleep and female health insights.
Cons
- Priced on the higher side.
- Lacks the convenience of wireless charging.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2, a successor in the company’s esteemed lineage, continues its commitment to detailed health and fitness tracking.
Packing an ECG, oxygen level detector, heart rate monitor, skin temperature insights, and a keen eye on irregular heart rhythms, this watch is a health buff’s delight.
One feature that stands out is its upgraded stress monitoring tool. In our turbulent times, it’s not just about recognizing stress but responding to it.
With alerts for heightened stress and subsequent breathing exercises, plus a dedicated Yoga app, it’s your pocket therapist.
Design-wise, the Sense 2 boasts a 1.58-inch vibrant AMOLED display, always ready to show you your stats.
Crafted with an aluminum casing and paired with a silicone band, it promises durability. Swimmers rejoice; it’s 5ATM water-resistant.
A notable upgrade is the onboard GPS. Leave your phone at home and still track your route.
Couple this with 40 pre-installed apps (double its predecessor), your fitness journey is visualized with colorful graphs on the Fitbit app.
For smartwatch enthusiasts, it delivers standard features like smartphone alerts, NFC payments, and music streaming capabilities.
However, the absence of Bluetooth calling, Google Assistant, and Maps is genuinely puzzling.
Battery-wise, it’s a reliable companion for up to 6 days, but heavy GPS and music users might find themselves reaching for the charger sooner.
Speaking of charging, while it takes around 2 hours, a faster charging option would have been a welcome feature.
To sum up, the Fitbit Sense 2 is undoubtedly a robust health-centered smartwatch. Its stylish design is versatile for both workouts and night outs.
However, some might find the lack of an LTE option and blood pressure monitor a tad disappointing.
Pros
- Sturdy build complemented by a brilliant display.
- Embedded GPS and GLONASS for accurate tracking.
- Advanced health features like skin temperature insights.
- Sleep and irregular heart rate monitoring.
Cons
- A steeper price point.
- The omission of Google Assistant and Play is baffling.
Google Pixel Watch
Diving headfirst into the smartwatch industry, Google’s much-anticipated Pixel Watch is here.
This debut piece operates on Wear OS 3.5, a collaboration between Google and Samsung, making it a compelling player in the market.
With integrated features from Fitbit, the watch pitches itself as “Health by Fitbit,” putting health and fitness tracking at the forefront.
Boasting an ECG sensor that detects atrial fibrillation, the Pixel Watch is Google’s answer to the rising demand for health-monitoring wearables.
However, in comparison to the Fitbit Sense 2, it falls short in a few areas: it lacks advanced stress, sleep tracking, and certain notifications related to heart health.
The absence of skin temperature and SpO2 monitoring further dims its shine in the health department.
Visually, the Pixel Watch impresses with a radiant custom AMOLED display, fortified by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5.
Its elegant stainless steel casing, available only in a 41mm size, complements the watch’s resilience, boasting 5ATM + IP68 water resistance.
One standout feature is the availability of an LTE version. This allows users a level of autonomy from their smartphones, given the eSIM feature that facilitates calls, texts, and data usage.
Battery performance is decent, clocking in at 24 hours, but it’s halved with GPS usage. This is in line with offerings from rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or Apple Watch Series 8.
In conclusion, Google’s Pixel Watch, while a promising entrant with a sleek design and commendable features, still has room to grow, especially in comprehensive health tracking.
Pros
- Sleek, lightweight design with a luminous display.
- FDA-approved ECG feature.
- Sturdy GPS accuracy.
- LTE version provides freedom from the smartphone tether.
- Music buffs would appreciate streaming and storage capabilities.
Cons
- Pricier side of the spectrum.
- Health tracking is not as exhaustive as Fitbit Sense 2.
- Requires both Google Fit and Fitbit apps.
- No iOS compatibility.
FAQs
Are ECG smartwatches accurate?
Most high-quality ECG smartwatches offer accuracy close to medical-grade equipment. However, always consult with a doctor for serious concerns.
Do all smartwatches have an ECG feature?
No, but it’s becoming a more common feature in high-end smartwatches.
Can I swim with my ECG smartwatch?
Many ECG smartwatches are water-resistant, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How often should I check my ECG?
For general awareness, once a day is adequate. If you have heart concerns, follow your doctor’s advice.
Is there a monthly fee for ECG services on smartwatches?
Some brands might charge for advanced ECG analysis services. Always check before purchasing.
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