The trend toward digital health has exploded in recent years. Smartphones and smartwatches record every step we take, encourage more activity, or prompt a break, offer nutrition tips, measure our pulse, monitor vaccination status and sleep… One of the newer and most exciting functions is heart monitoring: more and more smartwatch models can generate an ECG and thus detect irregularities in heart rhythm.
Naturally, this raises questions: How reliable are these smartwatches really? Which ECG smartwatch is the best? A comprehensive test provides answers.
The 1-channel ECG
on your wrist can give doctors early clues about atrial fibrillation
The Best ECG Smartwatch is Surprisingly Affordable
Atrial fibrillation is extremely insidious: heart failure and strokes can be life-threatening – yet often go unnoticed. Early diagnosis can save lives.
A long-term ECG records how often the heart beats per minute (heart rate) and how regularly (heart rhythm). This helps detect irregularities and enables prompt treatment.
Previously, ECGs could only be performed by doctors. For a long-term ECG, 3 or 4 electrodes were stuck to the chest, and patients had to carry a recording device for 24 hours. This process is cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Now there’s an easier, more convenient way: the “ritmo”. The mini-ECG device from the Hamburg-based medical company dpv analytics is no bigger than a passport, is attached to the chest, and captures all heart data with high precision.
The innovative device, which has received the German Medical Award, is used by doctors and clinics alike. Patients can order it to their home, wear it for three days, and receive a certified long-term ECG evaluation by email – fast and easy.
Then there are smartwatches that record ECGs on the go – 24/7. This leads to obvious questions: How well does this wrist-based ECG work? Which ECG smartwatch is actually good?
Now the results are in: Techstage, an online magazine by renowned publisher Heise, conducted a large test to find the best smartwatches with ECG functions. The main criterion wasn’t medical accuracy – all watches are designed to detect atrial fibrillation and require CE certification before activation in the EU.
The focus was on real-world usability. And there is a clear winner:
1st PLACE
The Withing Scanwatch. Drawback: the display inside the analog watch face is relatively small. Big plus: the battery lasts up to one month. According to the testers: “The ECG measurement works with Android smartphones as well as iPhones without additional costs. Priced at around 260 euros, this smartwatch is also considered relatively affordable.”
2nd PLACEZ
The Huawei Watch D. In addition to ECG recording, it also measures blood pressure by inflating the wristband. The testers said: “This smartwatch is a compact and comprehensive solution for cardiovascular conditions.”
3rd PLACE
The best smartwatch using Wear OS with ECG functionality was the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Main drawback: “An ECG function is included, but currently only works with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.” That is a “disappointing limitation” – hence “only” 3rd place.
Other smartwatches with ECG on the Top Ten List:
4th Place: Apple Watch 8
According to the testers, this watch ranks among the best smartwatches overall. Biggest weakness: “the short battery life of just one to two days.” And with prices starting at 420 euros, the watch is “no bargain” either.
5th Place: Google Pixel Watch
6th Place: Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro
7th Place: Fitbit Sense 2
8th Place: Fitbit Charge 5
9th Place: Galaxy Watch 4
10th Place: Fitbit Sense
Get your smartphone ECG medically validated with CardioCheck
One important question remains: What should you do if your smartwatch detects signs of heart rhythm disorders — and no doctor is available for an urgent appointment?
First and foremost: Don’t panic! The inventors of the revolutionary long-term ECG device “ritmo” have developed a solution for this too — the CardioCheck. A team of medical professionals immediately reviews the ECG data from your smartwatch. It works remarkably easily: Send the smartphone ECG via email to cardio@myritmo.com, and after payment, you’ll receive a medically validated evaluation of your ECG data — typically within just one day.
