Which Smartwatch Tracks Heart Rate Most Accurately?

TL;DR

Testing 11 smartwatches on Raphael revealed that the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3 are the most accurate for heart rate tracking. While some devices like the Huawei Watch Fit 3 offer good performance at a lower price, others like the Galaxy Fit 3 fall short. The Whoop Strap 4.0 is a decent option for health and sleep tracking, despite its subscription model.

Transcript

to find out which Smartwatch is most accurate I tested the heart rate tracking performance of 11 different SmartWatches but not on myself I tested them on my colleague Rael which you can see down here now after testing 100 SmartWatches over myself over the years I think it's time we see if the results are similar on this second test subject and I m... Read More

Key Insights

• Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3 are top performers in heart rate tracking.
• Huawei Watch Fit 3 offers good accuracy at a lower price point.
• Whoop Strap 4.0 provides decent health tracking but requires a subscription.
• Galaxy Fit 3 is less accurate compared to other tested devices.
• Pixel Watch 2 performs well but not as good as its successor.
• Garmin Enduro 3 and Polar Vantage V3 show mixed results depending on the activity.
• Smartwatches generally perform better on Raphael than on the tester.
• Chest straps remain a reliable option for accurate heart rate monitoring.

Questions & Answers

Q: How accurate is the Apple Watch Series 10 for heart rate tracking?

The Apple Watch Series 10 is among the most accurate devices for heart rate tracking, achieving a correlation of 1.0 for running and 0.99 for biking. It consistently delivers reliable results across different exercises, making it a top choice for users seeking precise heart rate monitoring.

Q: Is the Pixel Watch 3 better than the Pixel Watch 2 for heart rate tracking?

Yes, the Pixel Watch 3 outperforms the Pixel Watch 2 in heart rate tracking accuracy. It achieves near-perfect correlation scores for both running and biking, whereas the Pixel Watch 2, while still good, falls slightly short of its successor's performance.

Q: What are the limitations of the Whoop Strap 4.0?

The Whoop Strap 4.0, while providing comprehensive health and sleep tracking, requires a subscription, which can be costly over time. Its accuracy is generally good for indoor activities but less reliable for outdoor biking, where it sometimes underestimates heart rate.

Q: Which smartwatch offers the best value for money in terms of heart rate accuracy?

The Huawei Watch Fit 3 offers excellent value for money, providing good heart rate tracking accuracy at a lower price point compared to other high-end smartwatches. It performs well in most scenarios, making it a solid option for budget-conscious users.

Q: How does the Galaxy Fit 3 perform in heart rate tracking?

The Galaxy Fit 3 is one of the less accurate devices tested, showing significant deviations in heart rate tracking, particularly during outdoor biking and weightlifting. It often struggles to keep up with rapid changes in heart rate, making it less reliable than other options.

Q: Why might smartwatches perform differently on different users?

Smartwatches may perform differently on various users due to physiological differences, such as skin tone, wrist size, and how tightly the watch is worn. These factors can affect the sensors' ability to accurately detect heart rate signals, leading to variability in performance.

Q: Can the Garmin Enduro 3 be trusted for accurate heart rate tracking?

The Garmin Enduro 3 shows mixed results, performing adequately for running but less reliably for biking and weightlifting. It tends to have more deviations in heart rate tracking, particularly during activities with rapid heart rate changes, limiting its reliability compared to top performers.

Q: What is the benefit of using a chest strap with a smartwatch?

Using a chest strap with a smartwatch enhances heart rate tracking accuracy, as chest straps provide direct ECG measurements, which are generally more reliable than the optical sensors in smartwatches. This combination is ideal for users requiring precise heart rate data during intense workouts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Testing 11 smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3 stood out for their accuracy in heart rate tracking. Despite their excellent performance, their battery life is lacking. The Huawei Watch Fit 3 offers a good balance of price and performance, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users.

• The Whoop Strap 4.0, though subscription-based, provides comprehensive health and sleep tracking, making it a good option for those seeking more than just heart rate monitoring. Devices like the Galaxy Fit 3, however, showed less reliable performance.

• Overall, smartwatches demonstrated varying degrees of accuracy, with some performing better on different users. For those requiring high accuracy, pairing a smartwatch with a chest strap remains a dependable solution.

• (Content reviewed on 2026-08-27.)