UPDATE: 10/25/2023 08:45 EST BY ROLAND UDVARLAKI
We regularly update our buying guides to ensure they stay up-to-date and relevant with the latest information and pricing. We added the latest Apple Watch Series, the new Google Pixel Watch 2 , Withings ScanWatch 2, and Fitbit Charge 6.
Heart rate monitors and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors have taken off in recent years, and most new smartwatches come equipped with both sensors. The added tracking features let you track your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, making them excellent for tracking your health and fitness data. New smartwatches and fitness trackers can help you better understand your workouts and enable you to track your progress.
The ability to monitor your health has never been easier and more accurate than it is today. The new features let you get closer to your goals, and they’re also often used for diagnosing medical conditions.
Our list contains some of the best ECG-capable smartwatches. We included the ones that have been approved and cleared by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and the ones that have the hardware, but are awaiting approval. Keep in mind that devices that aren’t yet approved don’t necessarily translate into being inaccurate or outright wrong. Still, they haven’t been rigorously tested to be certified, hence why we strongly recommend looking at the approved list if you want to take health tracking seriously.
Smartwatches that support ECG (FDA-approved & FDA-cleared smartwatches)
Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2
The latest Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 support the ECG functionality. This enables users to carry out measurements by placing their finger on the digital crown. It’ll work the same way as it did before, so those who are already familiar and used an Apple Watch to check their ECG will already be familiar with the process. It’s worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra (First Gen) remain available at select retailers until stocks last, so if you want to save money, you might want to consider buying the previous generation.
Both smartwatches are water-resistant and are capable of checking your ECG, however, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is more rugged, comes with additional features, and can last a lot longer on a single charge. You can find out more about them here.
In terms of numbers, both smartwatches are powered by the Apple S9 chip, have large and easily readable displays in direct sunlight, and the Watch Ultra 2 boasts a 3000 nit display. The Ultra 2 is also water-resistant for up to 100m, comes with a more precise GPS system, and helps divers with more precise and accurate information with the depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
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Apple Watch Series 9
Best Apple Watch for most people
Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest smartwatch from the Cupertino giant. It offers a whole day of battery life, a faster processor, and fresh ways to use the smartwatch with gestures.
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Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Best Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the new Apple S9 chip, and comes with improved tracking. It’s rugged, powerful, and it can last for up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. It has the brightest display on any smartwatch, and it provides advanced metrics and views for you to track workouts.
If you have a smaller budget, the Apple Watch Series 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and first-generation Apple Watch Ultra all have the ECG tracking functionality. You can buy pre-owned and refurbished Apple Watches from places like Best Buy, Amazon, and other stores. We recommend buying from reputable sellers that offer a warranty for peace of mind.
Google Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 2 comes with an ECG feature that allows you to take accurate and reliable readings. The Watch can also track a wide variety of sports activities, helping users get in shape and stay fit. The watch requires the user’s finger to rest against the digital crown, which then assesses the heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation with the ECG app, which can be shared with medical professionals for further testing. The Fitbit integration also provides helpful advice to guide users to a more healthy lifestyle, and it’s one of the best we’ve seen yet.
When it comes to the specifications, the Pixel Watch 2 sports the same overall design as its predecessor, the original Google Pixel Watch. It has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with 1000 nits of peak brightness and 450 x 450 resolution. The watch is powered by the Snapdragon 5100 chip, and it has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage to store songs and apps. It’s smooth, and up to date thanks to the latest Wear OS 4 update. Google has also improved the battery, and the Watch 2 can now last for up to a day with the Always-on Display turned on.
Google Pixel Watch 2
A Great All-Rounder
The new Google Pixel Watch 2 features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, the more powerful Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, and new sensors. The wearable comes with more advanced tracking, enabling users to accurately measure their heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, sleep, and various sports activities.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 & Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Pocketnow / Adam Z. Lein
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series consist of the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic smartwatches. Both smartwatches have been FDA-cleared, hence why we included them in this category.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series come with all the latest and greatest features that you would expect, and the smartwatches are the latest devices in Samsung’s lineup of wearables. They feature bigger and better displays, a new processor, a gorgeous design, and run the latest One UI 5 Watch OS based on Wear OS 4. They’re some of the first devices to run the new wearable platform, and they’ll benefit from increased battery life and performance, as well as brand-new features to further enhance your experience.
The smartwatches have the built-in Samsung BioActive Sensor, a temperature sensor, and all the tracking features that you would expect. They can automatically track your sleep, help you run better, recognize sports activities and track your performance automatically. They’re excellent wearables, and if you have a compatible Galaxy smartphone, this is the best option.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Latest Galaxy Watch
$268 $300 Save $32
The Galaxy Watch 6 is the latest smartwatch from Samsung, and it’s available in 40mm and 44mm sizes. Depending on the size, you get a 1.3-inch or a 1.5-inch display, respectively, a new and more powerful Exynos W930 chip, an up to 40-hour battery life, fast wireless charging, and many new features in One UI 5 Watch based on Wear OS 4.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
The Best Galaxy with a Rotating Bezel
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic returns the beloved physical rotating bezel, and is the latest smartwatch from Samsung. It’s available in 43mm and 47mm sizes. Depending on the size, you get a 1.3-inch or a 1.5-inch display, respectively, a new and more powerful Exynos W930 chip, an up to 40-hour battery life, fast wireless charging, and many new features in One UI 5 Watch based on Wear OS 4.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 & Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro smartwatches feature ECG monitoring and are some of the best smartwatches for Android and Samsung Galaxy users. The Galaxy Watch 5 series has been cleared by the FDA, and they’re known for their great tracking and measuring features for sports activities and more.
Users will have to first open the Samsung Health Monitor app and set it up, create a profile, and let it sync between the smartwatch and the phone. Once it’s complete, users can tap on the ECG app icon on the watch and follow the instructions. Once the measurements are taken, the user is able to see some of the results on the watch itself, but it will also be displayed within the app.
The one thing users must be aware of is that the ECG functionality is only supported on Samsung Galaxy-branded smartphones. Despite the smartwatch supporting and working with other Android smartphones, the feature is limited to Samsung’s own devices. This means that users with a Pixel, Sony, OnePlus, and even iPhones cannot take advantage of this unique and helpful feature.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are still available at most retailers and support the One UI 5 Watch software, based on Wear OS 4. The software update will bring several new features and enhancements, as well as additional and more accurate tracking to two-year-old smartwatches. If you’re on a budget and want to experience the Galaxy Watch with ECG functionality, this is one of the cheapest options on the market for Samsung users with a compatible Galaxy smartphone.
The Galaxy Watch 4 series take as little as 30 seconds to get an ECG measurement, and the user is required to rest their finger on the top button, and they must remain still throughout the tracking progress. Their arms must also be placed on a flat surface for the most accurate results.
Once the measurement is taken, the user can head to the Samsung Health application on their mobile phone to see the results, and some basic information will also be shown on the watch itself. The ECG functionality on the Galaxy Watch 4 series is approved in the United States, Europe, South Korea, and selected regions in Asia.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 might not fully classify as a smartwatch, but it comes with a 1.04-inch AMOLED display with AoD. It can track a wide variety of health metrics, including heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen (SpO2), as well as ECG heart rate rhythm. It can measure your stress level, breathing rate, and recognize sports activities automatically. The tracker supports 40+ exercises with support for VO2 readings.
Fitbit says the tracker is 60% more accurate compared to the Fitbit Charge 5, and it’s water-resistant and comes with many Google applications, including YouTube Music, Google Maps, and Google Wallet for contactless payments. Sadly, Google Assistant is missing from the watch, but at least it’s fully compatible with the Find My Phone feature.
The Charge 6 can last for up to 7 days on a single charge, depending on the level of your workouts. The tracker starts at $160, and comes in three colors.
Fitbit Charge 6
Excellent Fitness Tracking
The new Fitbit Charge 6 improves health tracking, the heart rate sensor, and comes with several built-in Google-made apps such as YouTube Music, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and more. The tracker also supports ECG, blood oxygen monitoring and 40+ sports activities.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an excellent fitness tracker and smartwatch. It supports ECG tracking, and it’s cleared by the FDA. The smartwatch is available in North America, and Europe, and it’s widely available at most retailers and shops.
To take an ECG, users are required to touch their fingers on the casing while holding still. The sensor then takes the ECG, and displays the results on the watch and the application on mobile. The information can also be exported as a PDF, and it can detect abnormal rhythms, including high and low heart rates.
The Fitbit Sense 2 can also track many sports activities and is one of the best fitness devices. It’s fully supported on both iPhones and Android devices, and there are great features to help you stay motivated and get in shape. The app also allows you to learn more about your workouts, helping you stay informed about what you’re doing well.
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Fitbit Sense 2
The Best Fitness-focused smartwatch
$279 $299.95 Save $20.95
The Fitbit Sense 2 fitness tracker acts as a smartwatch, allowing you to sync notifications and monitor your health measurements. It lets you track sports activities inside and outside, sleep, and heart rate. The watch also lets you take an ECG.
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Fitbit Sense
Best Value
The Fitbit Sense has an ECG sensor that can track many sports activities. It’s one of the best fitness wearable devices on the market and works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices.
The following smartwatches have ECG sensors, but aren’t yet approved
HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate
The HUAWEI Watch Ultimate, as the name suggests, comes with many health-focused features to help you get in shape and stay healthy. The new smartwatch is made of more rugged and durable materials, and the company claims the stainless steel chassis is 2.5 times harder. The watch doesn’t deform under high temperatures, and there are two editions available, Voyage Blue and Expedition Black.
The watch comes with an LTPO AMOLED panel that can reach up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, making it visible even in direct sunlight. The watch is water-resistant, and advertised as a companion for divers (rated for 110-meter depth) and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Naturally, the watch features a five-system GNSS position system to accurately track and record exercises, and it can automatically detect and measure sports activities. Additionally, the watch also comes with an ECG functionality, as well as all-day heart rate tracking, SpO2, stress, and sleep monitoring.
The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate is said to last for up to two weeks on a single charge, and HUAWEI says fast charging is supported too. The smartwatch is capable of going from zero to 100% in just one hour, and a quick 10-minute top-up will provide 25% of charge, plenty enough for extensive workouts. The only downside is that the WATCH Ultimate is only available in select European countries and China.
Huawei Watch Ultimate
Ultimate Smartwatch for HUAWEI users
The HUAWEI Watch Ultimate is a state-of-the-art smartwatch that offers cutting-edge features. It features a zirconium-based liquid metal material case, unique diving and expedition modes, and a high-strength sapphire glass cover. With up to two weeks of battery life on a single charge, the WATCH Ultimate is the perfect companion for adventure enthusiasts.
Withings ScanWatch 2
Source: Withings
The Withings ScanWatch 2 looks and feels like a traditional wristwatch, but it features a small display that can display health metrics, such as the number of steps, calories burnt, and ECG information, alongside the heart rate, SpO2, and other useful information. The watch has GPS, and it can automatically track and recognize various sports activities.
The ScanWatch 2 is elegant and compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. It’s waterproof, and it’s safe to use in and around pools and the beach. It can last for up to 30 days on a single charge, and your data can automatically sync up while preserving your confidential information. The watch is available in multiple colors and sizes, including 38mm and 42mm, and it starts $350.
Withings ScanWatch 2
Classic looks
The ScanWatch 2 the flagship wearable for Withings, offering upgraded sensors and new hardware that’s capable of tracking temperature over a 24-hour period, providing real-time metrics for activities that you perform throughout the day.
Withings ScanWatch Horizon
Source: Withings
The Withings ScanWatch Horizon is available in 43mm and has two colors: green and blue. It has identical features to the ScanWatch smartwatch, but it has a more traditional wristwatch design, a stainless steel case, a rotating bezel, and stainless steel indexes and brass hands. It has an SPO2 sensor, heart rate sensor, and other sports activity tracking.
The watch also has a 30-second ECG sensor detecting atrial fibrillation or normal heart rhythm. The battery can last up to 30-days on a single charge, and it can pair up with all Android and iOS devices. If you’re looking for a traditional smartwatch, this is one of the higher-end models without sacrificing its capabilities.
Withings ScanWatch Horizon
Classic & Elegant
The Withings ScanWatch Horizon features the same set of features as the original Withings ScanWatch, but it comes with a more luxurious traditional wristwatch design. It’s made out of stainless steel, and it packs an ECG sensor, and it can track just about everything you need to stay or get in shape.
HUAWEI Watch GT 3 Pro
Source: HUAWEI
The HUAWEI Watch GT 3 Pro is available in both Ceramic and Titanium models. The smartwatch can take calls via Bluetooth, and it features a stylish design that blends together with modern wristwatches and smartwatches. There are customizable watch faces, and it can automatically detect more than 100 workout modes to help you track your progress.
The watch supports sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, SPO2, and ECG. HUAWEI says that it can last for about 14 days on a single charge, or about 8-days with heavy usage. Like most other smartwatches on this list, it features the 5ATM waterproof certificate for up to 30 meters and is compatible with Android and iOS platforms. However, some features may be limited to Android only.
HUAWEI revealed that its latest HUAWEI Watch GT 3 Pro and HUAWEI Watch D have recently been CE certified in Europe and Turkey. As a result, the HUAWEI ECG app is now available in 33 European countries, alongside other markets, including China, Colombia, Thailand, and New Zealand. The application will be able to provide real-time analysis of users’ sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation, alongside electrocardiogram monitoring that can signal irregular heart rhythms.
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HUAWEI Watch GT 3 Pro (43mm)
Premium Pick
$279.97 $300 Save $20.03
Being the first all ceramic smartwatch, this time piece is not just beautiful but also has the smarts and the battery life to back it up for an entire week.
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HUAWEI Watch GT 3 Pro (46mm)
Premium Pick
$249 $300 Save $51
Being the first all ceramic smartwatch, this time piece is not just beautiful but also has the smarts and the battery life to back it up for an entire week.
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Huawei Watch D
A good-looking fitness band
The HUAWEI Watch D comes with various health measurement features, including blood pressure monitoring, and ECG Analysis. It has a 7-day battery life and is an affordable way to track your health and fitness activities.
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