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These days’ smartwatches are capable of monitoring a wide range of health indicators, including heart rate, sleep, stress levels, and much more. The heart rate sensor is now a standard feature on even entry-level watches, but what sets the best smartwatches for heart health apart from the competition is ECG/EKG.
To check for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other cardiac irregularities, you can take an electrocardiogram directly from your wrist using the ECG sensor, which Apple initially included with the iWatch Series 5.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Apple Watch Series 7 | Check Price | |
 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | Check Price | |
 | Galaxy Watch Active 2 | Check Price | |
 | Withing Scan Watch | Check Price | |
 | Fitbit Charge 5 | Check Price |
A stroke may result from aFIB, a unique medical disorder where the heart doesn’t beat normally (has irregular beats). The illness is particularly elusive because it often only manifests through an ECG test and appears and disappears without any symptoms.
An ECG-capable smartwatch can be useful in this situation. If the results of the on-the-spot examination of the watch are abnormal, you should visit a physician.
Based on our exhaustive research, we’ve put together a list of our top selections for the Best Smartwatch For Afib.
Best Smartwatch For Afib Reviews
The top five candidates for this roundup are listed below. You may monitor your atrial fibrillation with any of the watches without giving it a second thought.
1. Apple Watch Series 7
In the latter part of 2018, Apple was the first business to receive FDA approval for an ECG app.
To demonstrate that the technology is up to standard and can precisely detect a Fib, the company even went so far as to involve more than 400,000 people in a clinical research.
With the most recent Series 7, the company has improved the technology, which can now accurately detect aFib with 98.5%.
The Apple Watch Series 7’s integrated ECG sensor can produce an ECG that resembles a single-lead electrocardiogram. Even though it is less precise than an in-hospital 12-lead ECG, it is nevertheless very helpful in identifying atrial fibrillation (aFib).
If the watch notices an abnormal rhythm that might indicate an aFib, it will alert you. On your iPhone, the Health app allows you to access detailed ECG data with all noted symptoms, which you can then quickly share in PDF format with your doctor.
The watch can monitor stress levels, sleep patterns, and physical activity, and it supports a wide variety of workouts. However, unlike what Fitbit and Garmin watches can do, sleep detection is limited and less complete.
Fall detection is one feature that sets Apple Watch apart from its competitors. The watch will immediately dial 911 if it senses that you have fallen. Given that persons with AFib are often 65 or older and have a higher risk of stroke, the characteristic may be useful.
Before purchasing, remember that the Apple Watch cannot be used with an Android device. Its poor battery life is just another flaw. It will require charging every night.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
In the latter half of 2020, the FDA approved the ECG apps for Samsung and Fitbit, respectively. The first smartwatches with the capability were Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2.
The Galaxy Watch 4 is Samsung’s most recent smartwatch, and like its immediate predecessor, it has an ECG sensor that can detect aFib. This also applies to its sister, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, a watch with a similar design but a different case.
The watch itself is only compatible with Android-powered devices, and the majority of its health features are currently only available on Samsung phones and in North America. To access these capabilities on a non-Samsung phone, apply a mod.
The watch cannot continuously check for an aFIB, in contrast to Fitbit. On a connected smartphone, you may get the readings in the Samsung Health Monitor app. Additionally, the Samsung watch can track body mass index and blood pressure, a capability that has only been available on the GW4 thus far.
The tracking of stress and sleep, breathing, and blood oxygen levels are further health benefits. The Fitbit’s sleep tracking is just as thorough and may provide you with specific details on your sleep cycles in addition to the REM track.
GW4 supports fall detection and can track a variety of workouts, just like the Apple Watch. The watch’s battery life is reassuring because it may easily last for a few days on a single charge. Because of this, it serves as a solid Apple Watch substitute for iPhone users.
3. Galaxy Watch Active 2
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, which is a lot less expensive than the new GW4, is a viable substitute. Both Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3 provide nearly identical health features to their predecessor, but there is one significant flaw that may put off many people.
Both watches run on Tizen OS, which Samsung abandoned in favour of Wear OS. You can only receive updates for a maximum of two years before having to move to a new watch. However, Active 2 is still an excellent option if all you require is aFIB monitoring and cost is still a decisive factor for you.
The ECG monitoring accuracy of the GW4 and Active 2 series watches is identical, according to our research. The only new health statistic that Samsung was able to introduce is the body mass index. Samsung’s biggest advance was in the software area.
Heart rate, sleep, stress, and breathing tracking are all included in Active 2’s comprehensive health tracking system. monitoring of blood pressure and ECG. The watch features many sport profiles, including those for running, swimming, hiking, and other activities. We value the fact that it provides some basic performance measurements.
In addition, it advertises itself as an independent watch (LTE Model) with call and text capabilities. It allows you to download your favourite songs for offline listening in addition to streaming music. It is, in essence, a whole bundle.
The watch’s battery performance is same to that of GW4; it can operate for about three days on a single charge.
4. Withing Scan Watch
The company’s initial product, Withing Scan Watch, has had its oximetry and ECG app (aFIB detection) approved by the FDA. The watch’s USP is that it seems to be an ordinary analogue watch from the outside. The fact that it doesn’t resemble a smartwatch may be preferred by some people.
You may access a multitude of health statistics as soon as you pair the watch with the Health Mate app on your smartphone. This features 24/7 Activity tracking, on-demand ECG, oxygen saturation level, tracking of breathing problems, heart rate, and advanced sleep monitoring (Deep, Light, REM).
The watch also has a few sports profiles, including those for bike, running, swimming, and walking. It can track steps taken, colours climbed, and calories burnt around-the-clock for activity tracking.
It contains a small digital screen, similar to the majority of hybrid watches nowadays, so you can view your ECG or Heart Rate readings wherever you are. On the watch, you can also receive call and text notifications.
The GPS connectivity of the watch is one of its main flaws. You must bring your phone with you while working out because it uses the GPS on your smartphone to track your whereabouts.
The watch’s battery life is excellent, allowing it to operate for 30 days on a single charge.
5. Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit Charge 5 is a wonderful option to smartwatches if you prefer something more understated and it works with the company’s ECG app. It can spot significant heart rate disorders like arrhythmia. You will spend less money on the fitness tracker while still getting all the health benefits of expensive watches.
This band also has an EDA sensor, which examines skin electrical signals to look for signs of stress in addition to the ECG sensor. Furthermore, it contains an advanced heart rate sensor that can continuously monitor heart rate. Additionally, the band’s unique SpO2 watch face allows it to track the amount of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).
It also monitors other health indicators such as sleep, steps, calories burned, and distance travelled.
Charge 5’s position tracking, however, is not very good. Its faulty GPS connection is a contributing factor in this. You cannot save your favourite music on the band because it lacks internal storage. If you want to listen to music while exercising, you will need to bring your smartphone.
Final Word
Our top recommendation for the best smartwatches for aFib detection is the Fitbit Sense. Its continuous ECG monitoring and wide variety of health sensors are the reasons we chose it over other watches in our roundup. The watch should be regarded seriously for health tracking because it performs far better than the leading device in the market, the Apple Watch Series 7, in many areas, such as tracking stress and sleep.