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Undoubtedly, the introduction of fall detection in smartwatches stands as a remarkable innovation in modern technology, offering a plethora of invaluable advantages. This feature has proven to be a true lifesaver in numerous situations.
Smartwatches equipped with fall detection have the ability to detect accidents and promptly send SOS signals to designated emergency contacts, professional response teams, or concerned family members. Moreover, these watches utilize built-in GPS and internal mechanisms to relay your precise location, ensuring swift assistance.
Considering the significant advantages of fall detection, we have curated a list of the finest smartwatches featuring this indispensable capability. By the end of this article, you will be equipped to select the perfect smartwatch to meet your needs. Let us delve into the details.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3 | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE | Check Price | |
 | Garmin vívoactive 3 Music | Check Price | |
 | Fitbit Sense | Check Price | |
 | Apple Watch Series 7 | Check Price |
Best Smartwatches With Fall Detection Reviews
1. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3
The Galaxy Watch 3 offers an exceptional fall detection experience along with a wide array of impressive fitness and health metrics.
Our top pick for fall detection, the Galaxy Watch 3 utilizes an enhanced accelerometer to detect hard falls. When a fall is detected, it automatically triggers an SOS alert to your emergency contacts while sharing your precise location using GPS.
In addition to fall detection, the Galaxy Watch 3 boasts an array of remarkable features, particularly in terms of health and fitness. Its design has been improved, featuring a lighter and slimmer profile that adds to its appeal.
The watch showcases a circular super AMOLED panel that provides a vibrant full-color always-on display with a resolution of 360 x 360.
When it comes to health features, the Galaxy Watch 3 impresses with its ability to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) and analyze heart rhythm. It can also measure blood oxygen saturation levels, check blood pressure, monitor sleep patterns, and track menstrual cycles.
The fitness department is well-equipped with a variety of tracking modes such as walking, cycling, running, swimming, and more, facilitating your fitness journey.
Durability-wise, the Galaxy Watch 3 is 5 ATM water-resistant, offering protection against water and dirt. Regarding battery life, Samsung promises up to 2 days of usage on a single charge.
Overall, the Galaxy Watch 3 excels in fall detection and presents numerous health and fitness features, making it highly recommended. However, it is worth noting that some users may find its battery life to be slightly shorter.
Pros:
– Rotating bezel
– Premium design
– Impressive fall detection feature
– Comfortable and durable
– Advanced health and fitness features
Cons:
– Slightly shorter battery life
2. Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 stands as another notable smartwatch that offers an exceptional fall detection system. As a premium smartwatch, the Forerunner 945 is equipped with advanced fall detection capabilities.
Additionally, it offers a range of health and fitness features, making it an ideal choice for those leading an active lifestyle.
The Forerunner 945 utilizes an accelerometer to detect hard falls and promptly sends an SOS message to your designated emergency contacts, ensuring timely assistance.
In terms of accuracy, the Forerunner 945 is renowned for its precision. However, it’s important to note that its fall detection may not be as proficient as that of the Apple Watch.
In the health department, the Forerunner 945 incorporates wrist-based heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, a Pulse Ox sensor, body battery energy monitoring, sleep tracking, and women’s health tracking.
When it comes to fitness features, the Forerunner 945 offers Garmin Coach, built-in sports apps, Multi-GNSS support, running dynamics analysis, training status assessment, training effect measurement, training load tracking, and daily workout suggestions.
Regarding battery life, Garmin promises up to 10 hours of usage in GPS mode with music and up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode.
In our opinion, the Forerunner 945 excels due to its accurate and advanced fall detection system. Furthermore, it offers a multitude of fitness and health features.
The only drawback to consider is that it may be bulky for some individuals’ wrists. However, if the size is not a concern, the Forerunner 945 is a perfect choice, particularly for fall detection purposes.
Pros:
– Comfortable
– Attractive design
– Highly accurate fall detection
– Multi-GNSS support
– Strong battery life
Cons:
– Bulky for some individuals
3. Garmin vívoactive 3 Music
Similar to Samsung, Fitbit, and Apple watches, Garmin has also incorporated a built-in fall detection system in its smartwatches. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music is among Garmin’s top watches featuring an advanced fall detection system.
This smartwatch prioritizes safety by automatically notifying your preloaded emergency contacts with your real-time location.
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music stands out as an exceptional smartwatch for fall detection. It accurately detects falls during various activities such as running, hiking, or walking, and automatically sends text notifications to your emergency contacts and family members.
To activate fall detection on your Garmin watch, it’s essential to set up emergency contacts using the Garmin Connect app. Additionally, your smartphone should have an active data plan and be within a network coverage area.
Once your emergency contacts have been notified, you will receive a verification message within 30 seconds. If you wish to cancel the notification before the countdown is complete, you can select the cancel option.
In addition to the fall detection feature, the Vivoactive 3 Music offers over 15 preloaded sports apps to keep you motivated and help you maintain an active lifestyle. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to create custom workouts and keep your exercise routine fresh.
When it comes to health features, the watch includes elevated wrist-based heart rate technology, heart rate variability monitoring, stress tracking, and menstrual cycle tracking.
In terms of battery life, Garmin promises up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, up to 5 hours in GPS mode with music playback, and up to 13 hours in GPS mode without music.
We appreciate the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music for its improved and advanced fall detection system, impressive battery life, and outstanding fitness and health features.
The only aspect that could be improved is its basic design. However, if the design meets your preferences, the Vivoactive 3 Music is an excellent choice, especially for fall detection purposes.
Pros:
– On-device music storage
– Excellent fall detection capabilities
– Garmin Connect integration
– Highly accurate
– 5 ATM water resistance
– Strong battery life
Cons:
– Design could be more premium
4. Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is another top-notch smartwatch that offers excellent fall detection capabilities. It stands out for its advanced fall detection system, equipped with an accelerometer and a 3D Gyrosensor that detect motion.
In terms of design, the Fitbit Sense resembles the square-faced and round-edged style of the Fitbit Versa series, making it stylish and attractive.
The Sense excels in fall detection due to its 3D Gyroscope. This feature enables it to detect motion during falls or accidents and share your precise location with emergency contacts through a Google Maps link.
In addition to fall detection, the Sense incorporates a wide range of health and fitness features to help you monitor your well-being and achieve your fitness goals.
Many of its health features are similar to those found in the Versa 3, such as the EDA scan app, stress management score, heart rate variation notifications, 24/7 heart rate variability monitoring, sleep scoring and tracking, and a temperature sensor.
In terms of fitness, the Sense offers active zone minutes, all-day activity tracking, heart rate zones, 20 goal-based exercise modes, built-in GPS, and workout intensity maps.
Beyond health and fitness, the Sense includes various smart features like call functionality, voice assistant integration, music experience, Fitbit Pay, find my phone, customizable clock faces, and an always-on display.
Regarding battery life, Fitbit promises over 6 days of usage in smartwatch mode and up to 12 hours in continuous GPS mode on a single charge.
While the Fitbit Sense is similar to the Versa 3 with a few exceptions, it excels in fall detection due to its 3D Gyrosensor and offers a plethora of smart, fitness, and health features.
One aspect to note is that some tools within the Fitbit Sense require a Fitbit Premium subscription, which may be a drawback for some users. Nevertheless, the Sense remains a top choice for fall detection purposes.
Pros:
– Comfortable to wear
– Attractive and stylish design
– Effective fall detection feature
– Touchscreen interface
– Highly accurate
– Consistent battery life
Cons:
– Some tools require Fitbit Premium subscription
5. Apple Watch Series 7
Last but certainly not least, the Apple Watch Series 7 stands as the latest offering from Apple and reigns supreme in terms of fall detection capabilities. While it shares similarities with previous Apple watches, notable advancements have been made in its health and fitness features.
The fall detection feature in the Apple Watch Series 7 retains all the attributes mentioned above, ensuring prompt emergency services notification and assistance in the event of a fall, injury, or incident.
The fall detection functionality in the Apple Watch Series 7 operates in the same manner as described previously. It can directly call emergency services while simultaneously alerting them in the event of a fall or injury.
In the realm of health, the Apple Watch Series 7 boasts several significant features, including high and low heart rate notifications, an optical heart rate sensor, irregular rhythm notifications, the ECG app, notifications for low cardio fitness, and a blood oxygen level monitor.
Fitness features remain consistent with those found in previous Apple watches.
When it comes to battery life, Apple promises the same 18-hour usage as its predecessors. In terms of durability, it maintains the water resistance rating of up to 50 meters.
In our opinion, the Apple Watch Series 7 is exceptional due to its improved fall detection system and the plethora of fitness and health features it offers.
It is worth noting, however, that the Apple Watch Series 7 is only compatible with iOS devices. Therefore, if you own an iOS device, this watch is an excellent choice. Otherwise, you may consider alternative options from the list. Nevertheless, for fall detection, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the perfect companion.
Pros:
– Always-on display
– Feature-rich smartwatch
– ECG functionality
– New titanium and ceramic finishes
– Introduction of new apps
Cons:
– Limited compatibility with iOS devices
Final Word
In summary, this article highlights that smartwatches from brands such as Samsung, Apple, Garmin, and Fitbit are ideal options for seniors seeking fall detection capabilities. You can confidently choose from the watches mentioned above, as they offer top-notch features in this regard.
While all the reviewed watches are excellent choices, it’s essential to consider a buying guide to find the perfect one that suits your specific needs. Taking into account the buying guide will ensure that you make an informed decision when purchasing a smartwatch.