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I tested four smartwatches for their health sensors, and these are the ones I recommend
Four current smartwatches go head to head on heart rate and SpO2 tracking, with a closer look at which health readings you can rely on daily.
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A smartwatch can tell you a lot about your body, but I have found that having more health features does not always mean getting more useful data. Heart rate and SpO2 are two readings I pay particular attention to because they are among the metrics people tend to check regularly, whether during a workout or simply going about their day.
For this list, I have narrowed it down to four current smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, Google and Amazfit. The focus here is not on how many health features each watch offers, but on how seriously each one approaches heart rate and SpO2 tracking and which models I would recommend if these readings are a priority.
The Apple Watch Series 12 is the one I would pick if health tracking is a major reason for buying a smartwatch. I like how quickly it surfaces heart rate trends and other health data without making the experience complicated. The combination of heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking and Vitals gives it a strong health focused approach, although the battery still needs frequent charging.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Excellent health tracking
Useful Vitals insights
Reason to avoid
Short battery life
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch9 (44mm Bluetooth, Graphite)
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The Galaxy Watch9 makes sense if you want a smartwatch that can cover most of your health tracking needs without feeling like a dedicated fitness watch. I like the amount of information it collects, from heart rate and blood oxygen to sleep and body composition. Samsung also does a good job of putting this information together in its health app, making it easy to track changes over time.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Lots of health metrics
Comfortable for overnight tracking
Reason to avoid
Some features need a Samsung phone
3. Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) - Smartwatch - Lemongrass Active Band - Wi-Fi
The Pixel Watch 5 takes a slightly different approach to health tracking, with Fitbit playing a major role in how the collected data is presented. I like that it does not simply throw a long list of numbers at you and instead focuses on trends around heart rate, sleep and recovery. Its combination of health sensors and Fitbit features makes it an interesting option for people who want more context from their readings.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Excellent Fitbit integration
Useful health insights
Reason to avoid
Android phones only
The Amazfit Active 3 Premium is the most interesting option here if you want extensive health tracking without spending as much as you would on the other three watches. I found its health feature set surprisingly capable, with continuous heart rate and SpO2 monitoring alongside sleep and fitness tracking. The biggest advantage, however, is the battery life, which makes continuous tracking much easier to maintain.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Excellent battery life
Strong health tracking for the price
Reason to avoid
Health readings are not medical measurements
Factors to consider before buying a smartwatch
- Sensor accuracy: Look for watches with reliable optical heart rate sensors and consistent SpO2 tracking rather than simply counting the number of health sensors.
- Fit and comfort: A secure fit is important for accurate readings. The watch should also be comfortable enough to wear during workouts and sleep.
- Health insights: Check how the watch presents your data. Useful trends and alerts can be more valuable than a long list of individual readings.
- Battery life: Frequent charging can interrupt continuous health tracking, especially for sleep and overnight SpO2 measurements.
- Phone compatibility: Check whether all health features work with your smartphone. Some advanced features are restricted to specific phone ecosystems.
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