4 Best Smartwatches With ECG Support

Smartwatches have come a long way in terms of health and fitness tracking. Be it heart rate monitoring or elaborate sleep tracking, a smartwatch allows you to access a truckload of features right from your wrist. One such useful feature found on a few smartwatches is the ability to record an ECG or EKG. If you’re suffering from heart problems, or you want to be cautious about your health, a smartwatch with ECG support can help you along your fitness journey.

An ECG smartwatch can also be a great gift for your parents or loved ones to ensure they can keep track of their health. Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, we’ve made your job easier to pick a smartwatch with ECG monitoring. Here’s a list of some of the best ECG smartwatches that you can buy.

But, before that, here are some other articles that may interest you –

• Do you often participate in adventurous activities? If yes, here are some of the best rugged smartwatches to buy.
• Take a look at some smartwatches with GPS if you plan on going on a hike anytime soon.
• Want to measure your heart rate using a watch that looks like an analog one? Check out the best hybrid smartwatches with a heart rate monitor.

Note: None of the smartwatches mentioned in this list are a replacement for medical-grade equipment. As such, the readings should not be taken as an absolute measure of health. It’s also important to know that smartwatches can’t detect heart attacks. So, if you feel unwell, rush to your nearest doctor for a diagnosis.

With that out of the way, here are some of the best electrocardiogram smartwatches out right now.

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Compatible devices: Android

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

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Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 was a huge improvement compared to its predecessors. While this is thanks in large to the new Wear OS 3 platform and a refined SoC, the brand also introduced several useful health features that make it a worthy wearable.

The inclusion of useful health features like body composition and ECG makes the Galaxy Watch 4 an excellent smartwatch to buy if you’re on the Android side of things. Do note that the ECG feature does not work in all regions. You can, however, use a workaround to enable ECG on the Galaxy Watch 4 regardless of which part of the world you are in.

Apart from the health features, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic’s software deserves a mention too. You can install Wear OS apps, reply to notifications, and even answer calls directly from your wrist. If you want a more recent version, you can also consider the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, the reason we recommend the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is that it provides better value for money.

Note that you will have to recharge the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic every day or once in two days depending on your usage.

2. Fitbit Sense 2

Compatible devices: Android and iOS

Fitbit Sense 2

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If you’re looking for a smartwatch with ECG that’s compatible with multiple platforms, the Fitbit Sense 2 is pretty much your only option. The Fitbit app is available on both Android and iPhone. In general, Fitbit’s smartwatches are targeted specifically at users who are inclined towards fitness so the Sense 2 should offer better insights into your health as opposed to the Galaxy Watch or the Apple Watch.

Apart from ECG, the watch supports sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and all other standard fitness tracking features. You also get several workout modes and the ability to measure your SpO2 levels as well. While the suite of apps isn’t as widespread, you get Google Maps, Google Wallet for payments, and Alexa built-in.

One big advantage of the Fitbit Sense 2 is that it lasts close to a week on a single charge. So, you have one less device to charge and worry about on a daily basis. Adding to the list of pros, customer reviews state that the ECG and other health metrics are accurate and reliable. In fact, some buyers even cite that it’s the most accurate heart rate monitoring watch, which is great.

3. Apple Watch Series 8

Compatible devices: iOS

Apple Watch Series 8

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The Apple Watch has been long regarded as one of the best smartwatches money can buy. Apple’s watchOS is stupendously slick, thanks to superior optimization. As such, it delivers what many argue to be the best smartwatch experience. And, the watch supports a myriad of health and safety features like ECG and fall detection which further sweeten the deal.

If you have an iPhone, the defacto smartwatch recommendation is the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t improve too much on the previous generations, so you can snag a Series 7 wearable too. But, if you want the latest and greatest, then you’ll have to get the Series 8 trim. You can record an ECG that is FDA-approved and check for atrial fibrillation using the Apple Watch. Apple also makes it easy to send the ECG to your doctor by generating a PDF as soon as the scan is complete.

Several apps can be downloaded from the App Store for different functionalities. You can reply to all your notifications and even compete with friends on the Activities app to get fitter. One issue with the Apple Watch that I’ve personally experienced though is that the metrics are often inaccurate. If you’re driving, the Apple Watch counts it as steps walked. This is something to keep in mind having paid top dollar for a smartwatch.

In case you’re looking for a more sophisticated Apple Watch which is also rugged and has ECG support, we suggest taking a look at the Apple Watch Ultra. You get a lot of extra features that may be helpful to you. Just like the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, you will have to charge your Apple Watch every single day.

4. Google Pixel Watch

Compatible devices: Android

Google Pixel Watch

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Google launched the Pixel Watch in an attempt to take on Apple’s dominance in the smartwatch industry. While the fluidity and finesse isn’t there yet, the health features offered by the Pixel Watch are similar to Apple’s offerings, and even better in some regards.

Google acquired Fitbit a while back so the expertise and health and fitness shows on the Pixel Watch. Several reviews have spoken about the reliable accuracy of metrics on the Pixel Watch. You also get a good set of features including the ability to record ECG. The metrics can be synced to the Fitbit app where you also get some more insights based on your data.

The Pixel Watch runs Wear OS so you get a Play Store to download apps and watch faces. You can sideload some watch faces too, if you please. The UI is quick but isn’t as smooth or optimized as watchOS. A big highlight of the Pixel Watch is its design. The watch received several accolades when launched for the 3D curved display that gives the watch an extremely premium look.

For what it’s worth, the Pixel Watch is priced rather steep for what it offers. If you’re looking for a Wear OS smartwatch to pair with your Android phone, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic mentioned earlier seems like a much better deal. If you get a good deal during sales on the Pixel Watch, we would suggest going ahead with it.

FAQs for Smartwatches with ECG Support

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Having a device that can record an ECG whenever and wherever you want is an absolute boon. Whether it’s for yourself or an elderly relative, a smartwatch with ECG support is a helpful gadget that can save your life in times of emergency. However, do note that you must always consult a doctor if you don’t feel well and not rely on a smartwatch for diagnosis.