10 Best Health Tracking Smartwatches in 2023

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are the most convenient way to track your health, fitness progress, and activities. Whether you want to monitor your heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, blood oxygen, or just track your steps, a smartwatch can help you do it. This means that if you have one of the best health-tracking smartwatches, you dont need to carry separate devices to track your various health metrics.

Best Health Tracking Smartwatches

Though many smartwatches and fitness trackers on the market are claimed to be the best health trackers, not all of them are created equal. The accuracy of a health-tracking smartwatch depends on its sensors and the software used.

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Because of this reason, finding a highly accurate and reliable smartwatch is not an easy task. To save you the trouble, we have compiled a list of the 8 best health-tracking smartwatches we have tested and found as most accurate in terms of their performance.

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10 Best Health Tracking Smartwatches in 2023

  1. Apple Watch Series 8
  2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
  3. Apple Watch Ultra
  4. Apple Watch Series 7
  5. Fitbit Sense 2
  6. Garmin Fenix 7
  7. Fitbit Charge 5
  8. Fitbit Versa 3
  9. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
  10. Apple Watch Series 6
  11. Fitbit Sense

1. Apple Watch Series 8: Best Health Tracking Smartwatch for iPhone Users

Apple watch series 8
DisplayRetina LTPO OLED display(1000 nits)
Health FeaturesECG(FDA Approved), SpO2, AFib, Irregular HR Alerts, Sleep, Stress, temperature monitor, and Fall detection.
CompatibilityiOS only
Water-resistance5 ATM
Battery Life18 Hours

Apple Watch Series 8 is my favorite smartwatch in 2023 because of its features and design. The special about the new Series 8 is the addition of the skin temperature sensor, which can give you average readings of your body temperature. The skin temperature sensor in Apple Watch Series 8 is extremely useful for women as it helps them track their ovulation cycle and get timely alerts about their fertility window. Depending on their family planning, this feature allows them to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy.

Apart from the skin temperature sensor, all the other features of the Apple Watch Series 8 are similar to that of the Apple Watch Series 7. It still has the always-on display, ECG app, irregular heart rate detection, and SpO2 features. The stress monitoring feature is also present in the watch, which can track your stress level, and you can do a breathing exercise.

The Car Crash Detection feature is also there in the watch, which can detect a car crash and automatically call emergency services if it senses that you are unresponsive after the crash. The fall detection feature is still there in the watch, which is equally helpful for seniors and outdoor adventurers at a high risk of falling.

The Apple Watch Series 8 has a similar design and display as the Series 7, and it features a Retina LTPO OLED always-on display with 484 x 396 Pixels resolution and up to 1000 nits brightness. The Series 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes and is water-resistant up to a distance of 50 meters.

The major downside of the Apple Series 8 watch is its battery life! Like previous Apple Watches, the Series 8 gives only 18 hours of battery life. Luckily, Apple has added an improved low-power mode, which can extend the battery life to a couple of more hours. It takes only just 90 minutes to charge from 0-100% when you charge it with a USB-C Cable.

Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best health-tracking smartwatches for iPhone users in 2023. If you use any other watch with your iPhone, you won’t be able to utilize all the features of your watch to the fullest. However, if you already own an Apple Watch Series 7, I do not recommend you to upgrade because of the similar features and design. I don’t think the new skin temperature sensor is a deal breaker because it currently only supports fertility tracking for women. The lack of the most expected BP Monitoring and Blood Sugar Monitoring feature is a big disappointment.

Pros

  • Skin temperature sensor
  • FDA Approved ECG
  • Car crash and fall detection
  • Music streaming and storage support
  • Sleep tracking

Cons

  • The temperature sensor only supports fertility tracking
  • No Blood Pressure or Blood Sugar monitoring.
  • Similar design and features to the Series 7
  • Poor battery life

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Best Health Watch for Samsung Phone Users

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Displaya high-quality Super AMOLED display(450 x 450 pixels)
Health FeaturesECG(FDA Approved), Irregular Heart Rate alerts, AFib, SpO2, Sleep, Stress, fall detection, body composition, and B.P
CompatibilitySamsung Phone and Android(Limited compatibility)
OSWear OS 3.5
Water-resistance5 ATM

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the best health-tracking smartwatches for Samsung Phone users. It is compatible with Android phones, but some features may be limited. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a complete package of all health tracking features such as clinically validated ECG by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), SpO2 and VO2 Max, Stress level monitoring, and more.

In addition to ECG to monitor your heart health, the Galaxy Watch 5 monitors your heart rate 24/7. Plus, it can detect irregular heart rates and alert you. Also, this smartwatch has one of the most reliable wrist-based blood pressure monitors that are very accurate and convenient.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 comes with a new temperature sensor which was not available in the previous models. The skin temperature sensor is not functional, but future software updates may bring the feature to full life. The Watch 5 can track your sleep and detects snoring right from the watch. This means you dont need to have your phone nearby to detect snoring like in Galaxy Watch 4.

In terms of design, both Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch have similar designs and features. Both watches are powered by the Exynos W920 Chipset and have 16GB and 1.5GB RAM.

The Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 4 have a high-quality Super AMOLED display with 450 x 450 pixels. The Sapphire crystal protects the display, which is more durable than the Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ in Galaxy Watch 4.

The Galaxy Watch 5 also has a similar 5 ATM water resistance and tracks your pool swimming. Plus, the watch has multiple sports modes and built-in GPS to track your various outdoor activities, such as running, biking, hiking, etc.

The Galaxy Watch 5 has a longer battery life and faster charging than the Galaxy Watch 4. The battery can last for about three days after a completer charge. The watch takes only 45 minutes to reach 85% from 0 and about 70-100 minutes to reach 100%.

Overall, the Galaxy Watch 5 is a fantastic smartwatch with important health-tracking features, including ECG and blood pressure. However, in terms of features, there is no marked difference between the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5. So, if you already own a Galaxy Watch 4, then you should wait for the upcoming Google Pixel watch.

Pros:

  • High-quality display and military-grade durability
  • Clinically validated ECG fantastic VO2 Max
  • Stress level monitoring
  • Long battery life and Fast charging

Cons:

  • Not compatible with iOS
  • ECG feature work with compatible Samsung phones only
  • The skin temperature sensor is not functional yet

3. Apple Watch Ultra: Best Rugged Health Tracking Smartwatch with ECG

Apple Watch Ultra in Snow
DisplayRetina LTPO OLED display(2000 nits)
Health FeaturesECG(FDA Approved), SpO2, AFib, Irregular HR Alerts, Sleep, Stress, temperature sensor, and Fall detection.
CompatibilityiOS only
Water-resistance10 ATM
Battery Life36 hours and 18 hours with LTE

Apple Watch Ultra is the most expensive and top-end model released along with the Apple Watch Series 8. It has all the health and fitness tracking features of the Apple Watch Series 8, including the temperature sensor. The FDA Approved ECG, Car crash detection, and fall detection features are also present in the watch.

The Apple Watch Ultra is designed for people who explore the outdoors, such as hikers, runners, and cyclists. It is the toughest smartwatch ever made by the company and the lightest smartwatch on the market. This rugged smartwatch is made of highly durable aerospace-grade titanium, five times tougher than the stainless steel used in the Series 8. The Ultra is also water-resistant up to 100 meters and is suitable for diving up to 40 meters.

The Apple Watch Ultra has an Always-On Retina display with up to 2000 nits of brightness, two times brighter than the Series 8. It has a resolution of 502 x 410 pixels and is available in 49mm case sizes. The Ultra also features an updated S8 with a 64-bit dual-core processor, which offers better performance and connectivity.

The GPS Chip in Ultra is highly accurate than any other Apple Watches. It also has an Emergency Siren feature that can produce a loud siren when you long-press the side button. It also has an LTE/cellular feature that allows you to make phone calls even when you are not carrying your iPhone.

The battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra is 36 hours, which is double that of the Series 8. With LTE, the battery life is only 18 hours which is still decent compared to other Apple Watches. This rugged Apple Watch also supports fast charging; the average charging time is 90 minutes to reach 0-100% when charged with Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter.

The biggest downside of the Apple Watch Ultra is its price! It starts at $799, which is way too expensive considering its features. It is not customizable like the Series 8 and only comes in 49mm size with GPS+LTE support. Plus, the orange color button on the watch is not everyone’s favorite.

The Apple Watch Ultra is not for everyone! It is only for people looking for the best health-tracking features and a highly durable and rugged smartwatch. It lacks many features compared to the Garmin Fenix 7 or Epix Gen 2. So I recommend Apple Watch Series 8 for general users and Garmin Fenix 7 for outdoor explorers.

Pros

  • Durable Design
  • FDA Approved ECG
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Sleep and stress level monitoring
  • Advanced safety features such as Siren, fall detection, and Car crash detection
  • 100 water resistance

Cons

  • Super expensive
  • Not customizable

4. Apple Watch Series 7: Best for iOS Users

Apple WATCH SERIES 7 WITH LTE AND GPS
DisplayRetina LTPO OLED display(1000 nits)
Health FeaturesECG(FDA Approved), SpO2, AFib, Irregular HR Alerts, Sleep, Stress, and Fall detection.
CompatibilityiOS only
Water-resistance5 ATM
Battery Life18 Hours

Apple makes the best smartwatches with top-edge technology and amazing design. The Apple Watch Series 7 is also not an exception. It has many life-saving features, such as Electrocardiogram, Irregular heart rate detection, fall detection, and many more.

The ECG feature in Apple Watch Series 7 is clinically validated and approved by the FDA. It helps detect atrial fibrillation(AFib), a common heart condition. The irregular heart rate detection feature monitors your heart rate and alerts you if it detects anything abnormal. However, it only works with iOS devices only.

This Apple Watch also has stress level monitoring features, but I dont think, in this area, it is enough to beat the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Charge 5. Both feature a dedicated EDA Sensor for stress detection and have handy tools to destress you.

In terms of design, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger display and an always-on mode. It features a Retina LTPO OLED display with 1000 nits brightness, offering excellent visibility even under direct sunlight and darkness. This watch is available in two case sizes – 41mm and 45mm.

The Apple Watch Series 7 is also best for tracking your running and other outdoor activities such as mountain biking, swimming, etc. The built-in GPS is pretty accurate and always gives you accurate information about your pace, distance covered, and location.

Fall detection is an important safety feature in Apple Watch Series 4 and later variants. It automatically calls the Emergency Department with your location if you become unresponsive after a fall.

The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 7 is a deal breaker here. Like every other Apple watch, they also last for about 18 hours only. Fortunately, it has fast charging features which take only 70-75 minutes to reach 0-100%.

Apple Watch Series 7 is a beautifully built health-tracking smartwatch with highly accurate sensors to track your health and fitness data. Even though it is not a medical-grade device, ECG and fall detection have saved many people from the face of death by timely detecting the symptoms. However, it does not feature blood pressure or skin temperature monitoring, which is not a deal breaker but could have been better.

Pros

  • Beautiful design and high-quality display
  • Advanced health tracking features
  • Safety features
  • Highly accurate in tracking activities
  • Apple Pay
  • Music storage and streaming support

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Compatible with Apple iOS only
  • Poor battery life

5. Fitbit Sense 2: Best for Android Phone Users

Fitbit Sense 2
Display1.58-inch AMOLED display
HealthECG(FDA), SpO2, HR Monitoring, Irregular HR ALerts, Sleep, Afib, and Stress
CompatibilityAndroid and iOS
Water-resistance50 ATM
Battery5-6 Days

Fitbit Sense is one of the flagship models packed with unique health tracking features such as skin temperature monitoring and electrodermal activity (EDA). The EDA or Electrodermal Activity Sensor measures your stress level by tracking the electrical changes in your sweat glands.

The watch also features an ECG or electrocardiogram that detects atrial fibrillation and irregular heart rate. Plus, the heart rate sensor tracks your heart rate very accurately and alerts you of abnormally low or increased heart rate.

The watch has a SpO2 monitoring feature, but it does not track your SpO2 in real-time. Instead, it gives you an average oxygen saturation level at night. So, you need to wear the watch on sleep to get the SpO2 reading the next morning. So if you are looking for a smartwatch with real-time SpO2 monitoring, you should consider other options such as Apple Watch Series 7 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.

Fitbit wearables are still on top when it comes to sleep-tracking capabilities. It gives you the most accurate sleep-tracking data compared to other smartwatches with these features. Additionally, it also has some tools for relaxation, such as calm breathing exercises, which are good in today’s busy world.

The Fitbit Sense 2 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and tracks swimming activities as well. It also features a built-in GPS and comes with more than 20 sports profiles. Plus, this flagship watch auto-detects some activities such as walking, running, jogging, biking, etc, making it easier for you to track your workout.

The Fitbit Sense is one of the best health-tracking smartwatches with features such as ECG monitoring and stress level monitoring. Unfortunately, it does not have an on-demand SpO2 monitoring feature which is a great addition to have in a smartwatch for people with health concerns. Plus, it also lacks safety features such as Emergency SOS and Fall detection.

Pros

  • Premium look and design
  • EDA Sensor
  • Music storage and streaming
  • Active Zone Minutes
  • Female Health Tracking
  • Longer battery life

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some features require a Fitbit Premium subscription
  • No Blood Pressure Monitoring feature

6. Garmin Fenix 7: Best Health watch for Athletes

Garmin fenix 7
DisplayMIP Display(260 x 260 pixels)
Health FeaturesIrregular HR Alerts, Sleep, Stress, SpO2, VO2 Max, Woman’s Health
Water-resistance10 ATM
CompatibilityAndroid and iOS
Location TrackingBuilt-in GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO

If you are a runner, then you need an advanced running smartwatch with in-depth tracking features; Fenix 7 is the one you are looking for. It has a rugged design and is built to last with military-grade durability.

This Garmin flagship variant comes with a wrist-based heart rate monitor and irregular heart rate notifications. However, the Fenix 7 does not have advanced heart health monitoring features such as ECG. But it features a highly accurate SpO2 Sensor for blood oxygen monitoring.

Besides, the Fenix 7 also comes with advanced fitness tracking features such as VO2 Max, recovery advisor, training status, and race predictor. All these features are essential for hardcore runners to get all key information about their training and performance.

The Garmin Fenix 7 is available in three different sizes and variants. The solar and sapphire are top-end variants and are expensive. All three models feature a MIP Display with a 260 x 260 pixels resolution. MIP display is not as good as AMOLED Display, but it could be one of the many reasons behind the long battery life of Fenix 7.

If you need an AMOLED screen, you should consider Garmin Epix Gen 2, which has almost similar features to Fenix 7. But it does not have solar charging capabilities. But it does not mean that it has poor battery life, and it can easily last for more than a week on a single charge with all features and sensors turned on.

Fenix 7 has GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support for more accurate tracking. It also has 10 ATM water resistance and is suitable for open and closed water swimming. Sleep tracking and fitness age are some of the other health-tracking features of Fenix 7.

This smartwatch also supports contactless payments with Garmin Pay and stores over 2000 songs for offline playback. On top of that, it also supports music streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer.

The Garmin Fenix 7 Series is one of the best sport-tracking smartwatches for advanced runners. It has all the necessary sensors and tracking features that a runner needs to improve their performance. But it lacks some of the advanced health monitoring features found in other smartwatches on this list, such as ECG.

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Touchscreen display(it was not available in Fenix 6 Series)
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
  • Sleep tracking and stress level monitoring
  • Intelligent battery modes
  • Solar charging support(Optional)

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No AMOLED display.

7. Fitbit Charge 5: Most Affordable ECG Tracker under $150

Best Fitbit Charge 5 Clock Faces
DisplayColor AMOLED touch screen
Health FeaturesECG(FDA), AFib, Irregular HR Alerts, Sleep, Stress, and Nighty SpO2
Water-resistance5 ATM
GPSYes, Built-in GPS
Battery Life6 Days

You may wonder by seeing a fitness tracker in the list of health-tracking smartwatches. Well, the Fitbit Charge 5 is an affordable health-tracking fitness tracker that comes with almost every feature of a high-end Fitbit, such as Sense or Sense 2.

The Fitbit Charge 5 was released in 2022, and it is the most advanced fitness tracker that you can buy now. The Charge 5 has an FDA Approved ECG and EDA Sensor for stress level monitoring, just like in the Fitbit Sense, at almost half of its price. Plus, it also has a blood oxygen sensor that gives you your average nighty SpO2 reading every morning.

Must Read: How to Record ECG with Fitbit Charge 5?

The Charge 5 also has irregular heart rate tracking features, and it also features Fitbit Active Zone Minutes. I always keep an eye on my heart rate zone during my activities as it gives you an idea about your overall fitness level just by looking at a single number. Stress level monitoring and sleep tracking are highly advanced in Fitbit Charge 5 as well.

The Fitbit Charge 5 has an upgraded AMOLED display which is very clear and gives you easy visibility of the screen. However, if you are using Charge 5 after using a smartwatch for a longer time, then you may feel that the screen is a bit small. I had this issue when I tested it! The Charge 5 has over 25 clock faces, but it does not support customization. Check my top 5 best clock faces for Fitbit Charge 5, and let me know your thoughts.

The Fitbit Charge 5 has a built-in GPS just like its predecessor, the Charge 4, and comes with 20 sports modes to track your various indoor and outdoor activities. The Charge 5 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and even tracks swimming but is not suitable for open water swimming. If you swim outdoors, consider any other best smartwatches for swimming.

The Fitbit Charge 5 has the Find phone and music control features but does not store or stream music like the Charge 5. So, if you love to listen to music workout, it is not the right choice for you. The battery lasts for about 5 days after every charge, but the battery may die even faster if you use features such as always on display, GPS, etc.

Fitbit Charge 5 is one of my favorite fitness trackers when it comes to basic health and fitness tracking. If you need an ECG wearable but do not want to spend a lot of money, the Fitbit Charge 5 is the ideal choice for you. The only downside of this activity tracker is its limited watch face and lack of a music streaming feature, but it is not a big issue for me, considering the price and features that it offers.

Pros

  • High-quality display
  • FDA Approved ECG
  • Sleep tracking
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
  • The female health monitoring feature

Cons

  • No on-demand SpO2
  • No B.P monitoring or fall detection
  • No temperature monitoring feature

7. Fitbit Versa 3: Mid-Range Smartwatch

Fitbit Versa 3
DisplayBright AMOLED Screen(336 x 336 pixels)
Health FeaturesIrregular Heart Rate alerts, SpO2, Sleep, Stress level monitoring, etc.
CompatibilityAndroid and iPhone (Limited compatibility)
OSaka Fitbit OS 5.1.1
Water-resistance5 ATM

The Fitbit Versa 3 is a popular fitness tracker that offers a variety of health-tracking features to help you to monitor and improve your overall wellness. One of its standout features is the 24/7 heart rate monitoring, powered by the advanced PurePulse® 2.0 technology. This helps you constantly monitor your heart rate, with alerts for any abnormal increases or decreases.

Another notable health feature is blood oxygen level monitoring. However, a SpO2-compatible clock face is required to use this functionality, which can be a drawback for some users. Despite this, the ability to track your blood oxygen levels can provide valuable insights into your overall health.

The Fitbit Versa 3 also monitors skin temperature at night, giving users a better understanding of their body’s natural fluctuations. This can be especially helpful in identifying potential health issues related to abnormal temperature changes.

Sleep quality is an essential aspect of overall health, and the Fitbit Versa 3 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Its accurate sleep tracking feature allows users to monitor their sleep stages and duration, providing valuable data to help improve sleep habits and routines.

Stress level monitoring is another useful feature of the Fitbit Versa 3. By measuring your body’s response to stress, this smartwatch can help you manage your daily stressors more effectively and maintain a healthier state of mind.

The Active Zone Minutes feature motivates users to engage in regular physical activity. By setting personalized goals based on your fitness level, the Fitbit Versa 3 encourages you to stay active throughout the day.

Lastly, the personalized in-app Cardio Fitness Score gives users a better understanding of their fitness levels. This score can be a powerful motivator for individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular health and reach new fitness goals.

In conclusion, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers an impressive array of health-tracking features that cater to a wide range of users. From heart rate monitoring to sleep tracking, this health tracker is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take charge of their health and wellness journey.

Pros

  • High-quality design
  • Bright AMOLED screen
  • Highly accurate built-in GPS + GLONASS
  • Music storage and streaming
  • Seven days of battery life

Cons

  • No ECG
  • Limited app support
  • No offline Spotify support

8. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Best Alternative to Galaxy Watch 4

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic with ECG
DisplaySuper AMOLED display(450 x 450 pixels)
Health FeaturesECG(FDA Approved), Irregular Heart Rate alerts, AFib, SpO2, Sleep, Stress, fall detection, body composition, and B.P
CompatibilitySamsung Phone and Android(Limited compatibility)
OSWear OS 3.5
Water-resistance5 ATM

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 was a flagship smartwatch released in early 2021. But still, it is one of my favorite smartwatches running on Wear OS. The Galaxy Watch 4 is packed with even more health monitoring features than the Apple Watch Series 7, namely the blood pressure and body composition monitoring features. Both these features are not available on any other smartwatches in the market today.

Besides, the Galaxy Watch 4 also has clinically validated ECG by the FDA, on-demand SpO2 Monitoring, stress level monitoring, and Emergency SOS features. The heart rate is also pretty accurate, and I have compared it with medically graded devices used in critical care areas. However, it does not mean that it replaces the need to visit your doctor, and you should see your doctor if you feel any discomfort.

The Galaxy Watch 4 has a beautiful and bright Super AMOLED display which makes it easy to read even in direct sunlight. The always-on display allows you to see the data on the screen at a glance without having to press any button or raise your wrist. The display is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass DX+, which is scratch and shatter-resistant.

The Galaxy Watch 4 has a pretty accurate onboard GPS sensor that accurately tracks your location, pace, and distance traveled. The watch has a durable design and can be used to swim up to 50 meters deep water, thanks to its 5 ATM water resistance.

Like other high-end running watches, the Galaxy Watch 4 stores and play music via a Bluetooth headset or earbuds. Additionally, it also supports music streaming via YouTube Music, Spotify, or Deezer. The NFC payment feature is also available on the Galaxy Watch 4, which allows you to make contactless payments using your watch.

The battery life of the Galaxy Watch 4 is pretty good, and it can last for more than a day after each recharge. If you turn off some features like music and GPS, then the battery life will be even better.

The Galaxy Watch 4 is still one of my favorite smartwatches in 2023. It is a complete package of health, fitness, and smart features. If you look at the latest Galaxy Watch 5, there is not much difference inside the watch.

Pros

  • Premium design and quality
  • AMOLED Touchscreen display
  • Many health and fitness tracking features
  • Water-resistant up to 50 meters.
  • Sleep and Stress level monitoring
  • Music streaming and storage

Cons

  • No skin temperature monitoring
  • B.P Monitoring requires calibration

10. Fitbit Sense: Smartwatch with Skin Temperature

Fitbit Sense
DisplayAMOLED always-on display
HealthECG(FDA Approved), AFib, Stress, Sleep, Female Health, and nighty SpO2
CompatibilityAndroid and iOS(Limited)
Water-resistance50 ATM
Battery Life5-6 Days

The Fitbit Sense has many similarities with the latest Sense 2. The Fitbit Sense has all the health tracking features of Sense 2, such as Electrocardiogram(ECG), irregular heart rate alerts, nighty SpO2, sleep tracking, and more.

The electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor was first implemented in the Fitbit Sense to keep an eye on your stress level. The EDA Sensor work by detecting the electrical changes in your skin to give you a Stress Score, which is very accurate compared to heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring.

The Fitbit Sense also has a skin temperature sensor monitoring which is the first of its kind in a smartwatch. It does not replace a digital thermometer, but it is very useful for people who are planning to conceive. Its major rivals currently do not have a skin temperature sensor.

The Fitbit Sense has an AMOLED always-on display which is very clear and bright. It has a durable aluminum casing and has 5 ATM water resistance, and tracks swimming activities as well. Its silicone strap is highly durable and comfortable to wear throughout the day.

The Fitbit Sense also has an onboard GPS tracking feature and comes with 20 pre-installed sports apps, which is very handy. On the other hand, the Sense 2 has 40 sports modes to track your indoor and outdoor activities. The watch also stores and streams music through popular music streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, and Pandora.

The Sense has a battery life of 6 days, every full charge. In our testing, we were able to get 7 days of usage before needing a recharge which is pretty good. When I used GPS and music for two hours while running, I got two days of battery life, which is great compared to the Apple Watches and Galaxy Watches.

The Fitbit Sense is one of the most accurate fitness-tracking smartwatches I have tested, and it is very reliable. It also has Bluetooth calling feature, which is currently not available in the Sense 2. If you already own a Fitbit Sense, I do not recommend you upgrade to the new Sense 2. However, if you are planning to buy a new health monitoring watch, the Fitbit Sense is a good choice. You may be surprised to know that both watches have the same price tag.

Pros

  • Premium look and design
  • It comes with some unique health-monitoring features.
  • Music storage and streaming
  • Active Zone Minutes
  • Female Health Tracking
  • 7-day battery life

Cons

  • No on-demand SpO2 monitoring feature
  • Some features require a Fitbit Premium subscription
  • No Blood Pressure Monitoring feature
  • No fall detection

Benefits of Buying a Health Tracking Smartwatch

Many people buy smartwatches to track their basic fitness and activity levels. However, there are a number of other reasons to buy a smartwatch with health-tracking features. A smartwatch is not an alternative to a medical-grade device or a visit to the doctor, but it can be a useful tool to get an idea about your overall health and fitness.

Now let us have a look at some of the benefits of owning a smartwatch with advanced health monitoring features.

Monitor your heart rate:

Advanced health-tracking smartwatches such as Apple Watch Series 7, Fitbit Sense Series, and Galaxy Watch Series not only just track your heart rate but also alert you in case of an abnormally increased or decreased heart rate.

Detects Atrial Fibrillation

According to AHA, over 12.1 million Americans will suffer from AFib by 2030. Clinically validated ECG Smartwatches are highly accurate in detecting Atrial Fibrillation, and they can lead to a stroke or heart attack if not treated on time. By detecting the AFib at the earliest, you can seek medical attention and keep yourself safe.

Blood Oxygen Level Monitoring:

Even if there is no clinically validated SpO2 smartwatch available on the market, all the watches listed here are highly accurate in tracking the blood oxygen level. A decreased blood oxygen level indicates an underlying health condition, and you can seek medical help at the earliest.

Tracks your sleep

It is very important to have a good night at sleep for your overall health and well-being. According to CDC, an adult should have a minimum of 7 hours of sleep. By tracking your sleep, you can get an idea about your sleeping patterns and work on them to improve the quality of your sleep.

Sleep Apnoea

Many smartwatches can now detect sleep apnea. It is a condition where your breathing is interrupted during sleep and can lead to other health complications if not treated on time. It is not easy to detect sleep apnea if you are not aware of the symptoms. However, by wearing a smartwatch, you can easily detect it and get the necessary medical help before it leads to any other health complications.

Stress Management

In today’s fast-paced life, it is very important to manage stress. Stress, if not managed on time, can lead to severe mental and physical issues. Advanced stress monitoring smartwatches not only track and alert you about stress but also have the tools to relieve stress, such as guided meditation and breathing exercises.

How to buy a health-tracking smartwatch?

If you are a health-conscious person, then you should consider buying a smartwatch that can keep an eye on your various health metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen level, blood pressure(BP), sleep, etc. However, there are hundreds of watches already on the market offering different health tracking features. So, it becomes really tough to choose the best one that fits your needs as well as your budget.

Then how to find a reliable best health tracking smartwatch in 2023? Well, today, I will explain to you all the things that you need to check while purchasing a smartwatch for health tracking in 2023.

Accuracy:

The accuracy of a smartwatch depends on the sensors and software used in a smartwatch. But it is very difficult to test the accuracy of a fitness tracker or smartwatch as you need a clinically validated device to compare it with. So, you can either read the reviews of a smartwatch online or follow blogs like ReviewsBreak to find the most reliable and accurate fitness tracker or smartwatch.

Alternatively, you can check the authority’s tests and approved fitness trackers and smartwatches. In the US, for example, the Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) have already tested and approved a few fitness trackers and smartwatches for ECG monitoring accuracy. So, buy a smartwatch that is approved by government bodies or trusted review labs.

Health Monitoring Features

You should go for a smartwatch that gives multiple health metrics. The Apple Watch Series 7, for example, has an ECG function, irregular heart rate notifications, SpO2 levels, and stress level monitoring. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 includes all of these functions and also includes blood pressure and body composition measurement capabilities.

The Fitbit Sense and Sense 2 watches both have a skin temperature sensor built in as well. Similarly, the Fitbit Sense and Sense 2 watches have a skin temperature monitoring sensor as well, but it does not have an on-demand SpO2 monitoring feature.

So it is important to have a clear idea of which features you want to have in your smartwatch. Based on that, you can narrow down your choices and pick the best one that fits all your needs as well as your budget.

Ease of Use

When you buy a smartwatch, you should also consider its ease of use. Top smartwatch makers such as Apple, Fitbit, and Samsung watches have a simple user interface and easy-to-understand menus. Plus, it also represents your health metrics in charts and graphs, making it easy to understand your health at a glance.

On the other hand, at least for me, the Mi and Movado smartwatches have a few confusing menus. So, you should also consider the ease of use before purchasing a smartwatch.

Compatibility

Compatibility is very important to consider when buying a smartwatch. If you buy a smartwatch that is not compatible with your current smartphone, you won’t be able to use or fully explore the features of your smartwatch.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 works only with Android devices only, and it is not compatible with iPhones. Besides, ECG features only work with a Samsung phone that supports Samsung Health App. So, it is really important to check the compatibility of a smartwatch with your current smartphone before purchasing it.

These are some of the key points to keep in mind while buying a health-tracking smartwatch in 2023.

1. Which is the best smartwatch for health tracking?

Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 were the best health tracking smartwatches in 2023. Fitbit Sense is also a good choice as it offers the most accurate stress-tracking feature with the help of the most advanced EDA Sensor.

2. Which watch can detect irregular heartbeat?

Apple Watch Series 7, Series 6, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 3, and Fitbit Sense devices are the best smartwatches that can detect irregular heartbeats.

3. Can a Fitbit detect heart problems?

Even if smartwatches and fitness trackers are medical devices, Fitbit devices such as Sense and Charge 5 can detect irregular heart rhythms and heart rates with the help of its ECG tracking feature.

4. Should you wear your Fitbit to bed?

Yes. You can wear Fitbit to bed. If you wear it in bed, it can give you valuable information about your sleep, recovery, sleep SpO2, Sleep apnea, etc.

Final Words

An ideal health-tracking smartwatch should have an FDA Approved ECG, SpO2, sleep tracking, and stress level monitoring. If you are an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 8 will be the best health-tracking smartwatch for you. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the best smartwatch for Samsung Phone users.

If you are looking for an affordable option, consider Fitbit Charge 5, which is pretty amazing and works with both iOS and Android devices. Plus, it also has an FDA Approved ECG that can detect any atrial fibrillation.

I hope this blog post about the best health-tracking smartwatches in 2023 was helpful to you. Please let me know which smartwatch you plan to buy and why in the comment section below.

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