TOP 10 fitness bracelets with blood pressure measurement in 2022

In this article, we look at how the fitness bracelet counts steps, why it often counts them incorrectly, and how to avoid this.

The fitness bracelet is an amazing invention. Why? Because he knows more about you than you do yourself. You can say that he is privy to your most personal secrets. Even a simple cheap bracelet knows how much you move, how you sleep and how many calories you burn. A device that is present with you 24 hours a day, without leaving you even in your sleep, is very intimate.

And it’s even more offensive when this device, so close, starts to fail.

How does a fitness bracelet measure blood pressure?

You need to understand that finding a fitness bracelet that will perfectly measure blood pressure is almost impossible. They will all have a certain error and cannot compare with an automatic or mechanical blood pressure monitor. The reason is completely different measurement methods.

Conventional blood pressure monitors are equipped with a cuff that allows you to determine the upper and lower values of blood pressure by shocks and changes in pressure in the cuff. Smart watches and fitness bracelets, with very rare exceptions (Omron HeartGuide), do not have such a cuff and, in fact, pressure is not measured, but is calculated by software based on the indicators of heart rate sensors, rhythm and pulse wave speed.

You can read more about how a fitness bracelet measures pressure, the principle and accuracy of operation in this article.

Important! A fitness bracelet with a blood pressure monitor is not a medical device! It is not recommended to use the data obtained with its help to adjust treatment or take medications. For informational purposes only.

Reasons for incorrect values

Before you panic about a device malfunction, it is recommended to make sure that you follow absolutely all the rules for its operation.

First, it’s worth re-reading how the device works:

The ambient temperature should not be lower than minus 10 and higher than plus forty.
Sand, dust and other debris should not get inside the housing.
The device must not come into contact with corrosive chemicals.
When disassembling the device, the use of sharp objects is not allowed.

If the pedometer does not have close enough contact with the owner, it may not display steps, especially for the bracelet - its entire surface must be in contact with the skin. The most accurate value will be displayed on an asphalt road. Unfortunately, an error of about five percent is possible for other types of activity.

In order to check the accuracy of the selected device, it is recommended to do the following:

configure the device according to personal parameters;
walk 30 steps, counting each one;
check the data.

The pedometer can be used not only for walking on a flat surface, but also on stairs, on mountains, as well as for running and even cycling. Thus, it is absolutely necessary for those interested in maintaining good physical shape. The global approach that a pedometer brings has now gone far beyond the counting of meters.

Video about how the pedometer works

Measurement accuracy and error

The accuracy of measuring pressure with a fitness bracelet largely depends on the fulfillment of a number of conditions and recommendations:

Indicate in the application your height, weight, age, gender and normal blood pressure at rest;
Before taking measurements, you should not drink tea, coffee, or energy drinks;
Ensure that the sensor fits as tightly as possible to your hand;
Before measuring, you need to sit down and fix your hand at heart level;
During the measurement, try not to talk or move.

Accuracy is also affected by factors such as physical activity, emotional stress, medications, etc.

When all these recommendations are followed, the measurement error is on average 10-15%. That is, you definitely shouldn’t expect 100% accuracy, but the results will be enough to understand whether the indicators are within the normal range.

GSMIN WR11 - bracelet with blood pressure measurement and ECG

Key Features

Year of release: 2020
Screen: color, 0.96 inches
Processor: NRF 52832
Battery: 130 mAh
Battery life: 5 – 7 days
Water protection: IP67
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor
Warranty: 12 months
Price: 5,900 rubles

Find out the price

GSMIN WR11 is the successor to the fairly popular WR11 fitness bracelet, released in 2022. The new model has many functions and capabilities, the main ones being:

Optical heart rate sensor;
PPG sensor for measuring pressure;
Sensor for taking ECG;
Accelerometer for counting steps, calories and distance;
Sleep quality assessment;
Weather forecast;
Alarm;
Notifications about calls and messages.

GSMIN WR11 is equipped with a 0.96-inch TFT color screen and this is one of the main disadvantages of this gadget. These types of screens fade greatly in bright light, making information difficult to read. There are no such problems indoors.

Despite the impressive functionality, the autonomy of the bracelet is not bad. One charge of a 130 mAh battery is enough for 5 – 7 days of autonomous use, depending on the intensity.

As for accuracy, judging by the reviews, the error in counting steps, calories and pulse is approximately 5%, and the error in measuring pressure, subject to all the above recommendations, varies from 10 to 15 units.

This fitness bracelet is available in 4 colors: black, blue, red, green. Price – 5,900 rubles in the Gsmin online store.

GSMIN WR11 (2020) Blue	RUB 5,900	Buy
GSMIN G20 (2020) Black	RUB 5,900	Buy
GSMIN G20 (2020) Green	RUB 5,900	Buy
GSMIN G20 (2020) Red	RUB 5,900	Buy

Pros:

Impressive functionality
Good accuracy of blood pressure measurement
ECG function
Charging via USB port
12 month warranty

Minuses:

High price
Only three sports modes
The screen goes blind in the sun
IP67 protection not suitable for swimming

Functional

Tonometer watches help determine your pulse, monitor your heart rhythm and many other useful functions. Depends on the selected model. There are bracelets with a sensor (chest), in the form of a typical wristwatch, models that are installed on a bicycle handlebar. The devices gained popularity in the twenty-first century. Many people had electronic sports bracelets and built-in heart rate monitors with pedometers. Today in online stores (such as aliexpress and others) they are found all the time.

The Xiaomi mi brand belongs to a Chinese company. They still produce gadgets with a simple interface and instructions for use. Their devices combine functions for measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and functions for reading the number of steps and calories per day and determining the sleep phase.

No.1 DT58 – fitness bracelet with accurate blood pressure measurement

Key Features

Year of release: 2019
Screen: color, LCD IPS
Diagonal: 1.14 inches
Processor: NRF 52832
Battery: 120 mAh
Battery life: 5 – 7 days
Water protection: IP68
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor
Price: from 25$

Find out the price

DT58 is one of the no-name fitness bracelets that is sold under many brands and names. In stores it can be found under the name KSUN KSS701, SMART NEOBAND, etc. We had a copy from brand No.1 for review, and we have to admit, we liked the bracelet.

No.1 DT58 is equipped with a 1.14-inch diagonal color screen with a resolution of 240*135 pixels. Unfortunately, it is not touch sensitive. You can switch between functions using the touch button at the bottom of the screen, which also serves as an electrode for the ECG function. Another electrode is located on the back panel, next to the optical heart rate sensor.

During testing, the DT58 showed fairly high accuracy in measuring pressure. The deviation of the values was approximately 5 - 10 units, which is very good. The pulse is also measured quite accurately. But with steps and calories, not everything is so simple. On average, the bracelet added about 10 – 15%, taking into account the “false” steps.

In addition to standard functions for a fitness bracelet, the DT58 also provides information about the weather, altitude, barometric pressure and even ultraviolet radiation levels. At the beginning of this year, a PRO version of the fitness bracelet was also released, in which all existing sensors were joined by a temperature sensor that measures body temperature with an accuracy of 0.1 degrees.

No cables or charging cradle are needed to charge the device. Under one of the halves of the strap there is a USB port that can be connected to the connector of a laptop, Power Bank or power supply. One charge of a 120 mAh battery is enough for 5 - 7 days of active use.

Go to review No.1 DT58

Where can I buy?

$25.99 on Aliexpress

Pros:

Inexpensive
Multifunctionality
High accuracy blood pressure measurement
ECG function
Charging via USB port
Big screen
IP68 protection

Minuses:

Interface in English
The pedometer is lying
Low quality materials

MyKronoz ZeSport

A smartwatch with physical minute and hour hands that sit on top of a touchscreen display. They line up horizontally when you read or reply to a message.

The durable housing is protected from moisture or dust, as well as falls from low heights. This watch has a pedometer, heart rate monitor, altimeter, barometer and calorie counter. In addition, the device has a built-in microphone for telephone conversations: you don’t have to take your smartphone out of your pocket.

MyKronoz ZeSport allows you to control your smartphone camera during photo shoots alone. If the connection between the watch and the phone is interrupted, the gadget notifies you with a signal so that you do not lose your smartphone.

The watch needs to be recharged; a full battery charge will last about three days of active use.

Price: 6,990 rubles.

Buy

Lemfo F07 – fitness bracelet with heart rate monitor and blood pressure

Key Features

Year of release: 2020
Screen: color, TFT
Diagonal: 0.96 inches
Resolution: 160*80 pixels
Processor: Nordic nRF52832
Battery: 110 mAh
Battery life: 5 – 7 days
Water protection: IP68
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor
Price: from 20$

The fitness bracelet has a color TFT display with a resolution of 80*160 pixels and a diagonal of 0.96 inches. Below the screen there is a touch button for cycling between functions. The energy-efficient Nordic nRF52832 chip is responsible for performance.

The built-in 110 mAh battery provides 5 – 7 days of battery life, depending on the intensity of use.

In terms of the number of functions, Lemfo F07 is not much different from all the above bracelets. He can:

Measure pulse and blood pressure;
Track sleep;
Monitor three activity modes: running, cycling, swimming;
Determine the level of blood saturation SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation);
Count steps, calories burned and distance;
Notify about calls and messages;
Remind about sedentary activity;
Much more.

If all recommendations are followed, Lemfo F07 provides a fairly high accuracy of blood pressure measurement. But, all data obtained is provided for informational purposes only and cannot be used to adjust treatment or serve as a reason for taking pills.

The gadget is available in black, blue, pink, purple and red colors.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Wide declared functionality
IP68 protection
Small error in blood pressure measurement

Minuses:

The screen is difficult to read in bright light
Not the best IBAND app
Short battery life

SG2 Smart Watch – a copy of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 with blood pressure measurement

Main characteristics

Year of release: 2020
Screen: color, AMOLED
Diagonal: 1.19 inches
Resolution: 390*390 pixels
Processor: Nordic nRF52840
Battery: 230 mAh
Battery life: 5 – 10 days
Water protection: IP68
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor
Price: from 45$

Check price

SG2 Smart Watch is a new, but very promising smart watch model. Having very good characteristics and an impressive set of functions, the price of the device is quite affordable. This model is sold under many different brands, such as HerzBand, Lemfo, Microwear, etc.

Externally, the SG2 is a complete copy of the popular smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. But, although the gadget looks like a watch, it is still more of a fitness tracker in the form of a watch. They do not have a full-fledged operating system, there is no ability to install additional applications, there is no GPS and memory for storing music. Nevertheless, the watch deserves attention.

They were equipped with a round AMOLED screen with a diameter of 1.19 inches with a resolution of 390*390 pixels. This is very rare for smartwatches in the budget segment. The Nordic nrf52840 processor, which can be found in many fitness bracelets, is responsible for performance.

The watch is powered by a 230 mAh battery. One charge is enough for 5 – 10 days of battery life, depending on the intensity of use.

SG2 Smart Watch has a huge range of functions:

Blood pressure measurement;
Taking an ECG;
24/7 heart rate monitoring;
Measuring blood oxygen levels;
Monitoring 10 sports modes;
Step, calorie and distance counter;
Sleep quality assessment;
Notifications about calls, SMS and messages from social networks;
Various reminders;
Control your smartphone's camera and music;
Alarm;
Weather forecast, etc.

Where can I buy?

$49.27 on Aliexpress

$52.24 on Aliexpress

Detailed Specifications of SG2 Smart Watch

Pros:

Cool design
High-quality AMOLED screen
Lots of features
IP68 protection
Reasonable price
Wireless charger

Minuses:

Low battery life
During training, the pulse sensor “lies”

A Brief History of Pedometers

The prototype of pedometers is an odometer - a device that counts the number of wheel revolutions. The first odometer was invented at the beginning of our era by the Greek mechanic and mathematician Heron of Alexandria. For a long time, odometers were used in cartography and military affairs to clarify distances, but now you can see them in any car.

The great Leonardo da Vinci is considered the creator of the pedometer. Taking into account the development of technology during the years of his life (mid-15th - early 16th centuries), there was no talk of compactness and convenience - according to the drawings, the pedometer was a pendulum mechanism attached to a belt (third drawing in the picture). We do not know whether such a pedometer was implemented in practice, or whether it remained, like many other ideas of the genius, on paper, but, nevertheless, this device could well count steps.

In subsequent centuries, pedometers developed in the same direction as mechanical watches that were similar in design, but, unlike watches, they remained only a high-tech toy. The pedometer of the first half of the 20th century was indistinguishable from the outside from a pocket watch, and inside it had a similar mechanism - vibrations of a suspended load set in motion a system of gears, which, in turn, moved the hands indicating the number of steps. Later, watchmakers began to use the principle of a pedometer to automatically wind watches from the movement of the hand.

Pedometers were introduced to the people in the 1960s by Japanese entrepreneur Yoshiro Hitano, who began selling them under the Manpo-Kei brand, promoting the idea of 10,000 steps a day. His pedometers were still mechanical, but over time, mechanics were replaced by electronics. In electronic pedometers, instead of the pressure of a load on a spring attached to gears, they began to use a change in the capacitance of capacitors or potential (piezoelectric effect) under mechanical action. The mechanism itself that records movement inside the pedometer is called an accelerometer.

DT35 Smart Watch

Brief characteristics

Year of release: 2020
Screen: color, LCD
Diagonal: 1.54 inches
Resolution: 240*240 pixels
Processor: MTK 2502D + BMA 425
Battery: 260 mAh
Battery life: 2 – 5 days
Water protection: IP67
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor
Price: from 23$

Check price
The DT35 is another gadget that isn't tied to a specific brand, and another one that looks like a smartwatch but is essentially an activity tracker. This time the design is blatantly copied from Huami's Amazfit GTS.

The tracker has a rectangular body made of zinc alloy. The device is equipped with a silicone strap or a Milanese weave metal bracelet. If desired, the strap can be replaced with any other bracelet or strap 20 mm wide. The housing is protected from water and dust in accordance with the international standard IP67. Splashes and exposure to rain will last for hours, but you should not swim with them.

The device is equipped with a bright 1.54-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 240*240 pixels. Under the hood there are a pair of processors: MTK 2502D and BMA 425. Using two processors, the manufacturer tried to achieve maximum performance and battery life. The 260 mAh battery allows you to use all available functions from 2 to 5 days without recharging.

If you believe the reviews, the accuracy of pressure measurement is at a fairly high level. The heart rate sensor and pedometer also cope well with their tasks. But the ECG is an ordinary toy that you should not rely on.

In terms of features, the DT35 is practically no different from the SG2 Smart Watch. The main difference is the presence of a microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calls. There is a heart rate sensor with support for blood pressure measurement, an accelerometer, an ECG sensor and a blood oxygen level sensor.

Where can I buy?

19.88 - 24.24$ on Aliexpress

$24.50 on Aliexpress

Pros:

Stylish design
Large, informative screen
Large number of sensors
Microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calls
Affordable price

Minuses:

Low battery life
ECG sensor for "tick"
The screen goes blind in the sun
IP67 protection not suitable for swimming

Which tracker is right for you?

To choose the right device, first determine your needs. What’s more important to you: just knowing how many steps you’ve walked and getting into the right phase of sleep, or wearing a stylish gadget that will help you not miss an important call, well, and at the same time it will just show you the calories burned, and it will help you log in to Twitter, and there are a lot of emoticons there in the app there...

If you choose a fitness tracker based on its functions, they can be divided into 3 categories:

fitness trackers “for health”;
«smart bracelets";
“smart watch” with fitness tracker functions.

GSMIN G20 – fitness bracelet with accurate measurements of pulse, blood pressure and ECG

Main characteristics

Year of release: 2020
Weight: 30 g
Screen: color, LCD
Diagonal: 0.96 inches
Battery: 150 mAh
Battery life: up to 7 days
Water protection: IP67
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor
Price: 7,900 rubles

Check availability and price

GSMIN G20 is an excellent model for those who focus on monitoring the body’s condition. According to the manufacturer, the gadget is equipped with ultra-precise sensors similar to medical devices. I can’t fault the design either – the bracelet looks really cool.

The main feature of this gadget is its multiple uses. It can be worn on your hand, like a regular fitness bracelet, and attached to your chest using special adapters for more precise control of your body’s condition during training.

The tracker is equipped with a bright, color LCD screen with a diagonal of 0.96 inches. Below the screen there is a touch button – an electrode for taking an ECG. In addition to the ECG, the bracelet has all the functions necessary to monitor daily activities. He can:

Assess the duration and quality of sleep;
Monitor several sports modes;
Measure the number of heart beats;
Monitor the balance of oxygen in the blood;
Count the number of steps taken;
Calculate the number of calories burned and distance traveled;
Notify about calls and messages.

The plastic case is protected from water and dust according to the IP67 standard, which means you should not use the tracker while swimming. This is the first flaw of the G20. The second drawback is that the gadget is not cheap. It can be purchased in the GSMIN online store for 7,900 rubles. But there are also a number of advantages: accurate sensors and a 12-month warranty from the store.

Pros:

Cool design
Bright screen
High precision sensors
Multiple wearing ways
Official guarantee

Minuses:

Price is above average
IP67 protection not suitable for swimming

GSMIN G20 (2020) Blue	7,900 rub.	Buy
GSMIN G20 (2020) Black	7,900 rub.	Buy
GSMIN G20 (2020) Red	7,900 rub.	Buy

Guess Connect Jax

A classic design watch with a quartz movement, leather strap, steel case and mineral glass. They are not afraid of rain, you can wash your hands in them, but you should not swim. The user has access to alarm and timer functions, which must be configured through the mobile application.

Guess Connect can measure sleep duration and work as a fitness tracker: it calculates the number of steps, distance traveled during the day and calorie consumption.

When you change time zone, the time and date are automatically synchronized with your smartphone. They do not require recharging and operate on battery power for about a year.

Price: 13,250 rubles.

Buy

HerzBand Active ECG 3

Main characteristics

Compatibility: Android, iOS
Screen: color IPS.
Diagonal: 1.14 inches.
Sensors: accelerometer, optical heart rate sensor, blood oxygen level sensor, ECG sensor.
Water and dust protection: IP67.
Battery: 130 mAh.
Autonomy: up to 5 days of normal use.
Price: 5,930 rubles.

HerzBand Active ECG 3 is a modern and very functional fitness bracelet for those who monitor their health and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. It has a wide range of functions, quite good characteristics and high measurement accuracy.

The device is equipped with a bright 1.14-inch diagonal IPS color screen, the information on which is easy to read even in intense sunlight. Below the screen there is a touch-sensitive metal button, which also serves as an electrode for taking an ECG. Two more electrodes are located on the back of the case, next to the heart rate sensor and contacts for charging using a magnetic cable.

The kit comes with an additional docking station and a pair of Velcro electrodes. With their help, you can get the most accurate ECG and HRV measurements by attaching the gadget to your chest. Also, for greater convenience, you can purchase an additional chest strap.

The fitness bracelet can measure heart rate and blood pressure, both in real time and around the clock, at certain intervals. There is also a function to measure blood oxygen levels. At night, along with SpO2, the respiratory rate, load on the heart, the level of hypoxia and apnea (interruption of breathing during sleep) are determined.

As testing showed during the HerzBand Active ECG 3 review, the built-in sensors and software provide fairly high measurement accuracy. I especially liked the sleep monitoring function and oxygen level measurement. However, it is worth noting that the data obtained cannot be used for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, and are for informational purposes only.

The functionality standard for most fitness bracelets is also present:

Step counter;
Determination of calories burned and distance traveled;
Assessment of sleep quality and duration;
Jogging tracking;
Controlling your smartphone's music player;
Timer;
Stopwatch;
Alarm;
"Find phone" function.

A 130 mAh battery is responsible for the autonomy of the device. One charge, depending on the intensity of use, will last up to 5 days of battery life.

Where can I buy?

Of. HerzBand online store. Price: 5,930 rubles.

HerzBand Active ECG 3 Review

Peculiarities

The main and special function of this device is the ability to count the number of steps. Another name for it is pedometer. Previously, such devices were used for military and sports training, but now other categories of citizens also have it. It allows you to maintain health and stabilize daily activity.

The main feature of the pedometer is that in modern conditions, when most of the population uses transport, people walk very little. This device allows you to take into account the distance traveled and encourages you to walk more often.

Scientists have long found out that for an adult, the norm for physical activity per day is about 10,000 steps, but not all people fulfill this norm, some simply do not have time for this, and others cannot and do not want to do it on their own control it. All this negatively affects human health, and an invention such as a pedometer allows you to get rid of such problems and tone your muscles. It has a beneficial effect on health, breathing becomes smoother and more correct, and all excess calories are quickly spent.

Walking is the easiest and fastest way to expend excess energy, and a pedometer is a device that will make it very easy to control this process.

The wristband pedometer is a smart, lightweight device that tracks activity and measures steps. It is also often equipped with a calorie counter. This bracelet is characterized by accurate counting and ease of use. It has very little weight and therefore is almost not felt on the hand. Another feature of the pedometer bracelet is its stylish and modern design.

JET Sport FT-9C - bracelet for monitoring the general condition of the body

Key Features

Year of release: 2019
Weight: 24 g
Screen: color, TFT
Diagonal: 0.96 inches
Battery: 150 mAh
Battery life: up to 7 days
Water protection: IP67
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor
Price: 2,790 rubles

Jet Sport FT-9C is a convenient and functional fitness tracker that provides comprehensive tracking of various activity indicators. The bracelet is ideal for people who are accustomed to monitoring their health and physical fitness.

The FT-9C body is made of plastic and is protected from water and dust in accordance with the international standard IP67 (can be swam). Information is displayed on a 0.96-inch TFT color screen. Below the screen is a touch button for cycling between functions.

The battery life of the bracelet in normal mode is 7 days, in more active mode – 5 days. The 150 mAh battery is charged directly via a USB port located on one of the ends of the case.

Reviews about the accuracy of pressure measurements with the FT-9C bracelet vary. The model has a certain error, but the bracelet is suitable for understanding the general dynamics of pressure changes.

The main functions of the Jet Sport FT-9C are as follows:

Blood pressure control;
Pedometer;
Heart rate monitoring;
Tracking physical activity and workouts;
Calorie counter;
Sleep quality assessment;
Reminders;
Notifications about messages and calls;
Training history with the My JetSport app.

In the manufacturer’s official online store, the gadget can be purchased for 2,790 rubles.

Pros:

Low cost
Stylish appearance
Large set of functions
Branded application
Official guarantee

Minuses:

The display is difficult to see in bright light
Low sensor accuracy

Pulse

Have you ever noticed the blinking green lights on the back of your fitness tracker? These are the very sensors through which devices monitor the heartbeat.

This technology is called photoplethysmography A. Henriksen, MH Mikalsen, AZ Woldaregay. Using Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches to Measure Physical Activity in Research: Analysis of Consumer Wrist‑Worn Wearables / Journal of medical Internet research (FIG). Green LEDs shine through your wrist, after which their rays return to the sensitive sensor.

As the heart beats, the volume of blood in the capillaries changes, so light is reflected differently. And based on this information, the tracker calculates the heart rate (HR).

In the reportA. Tarniceriu, J. Harju, A. Vehkaoja. Detection of beat‑to‑beat intervals from wrist photoplethysmography in patients with sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation after surgery / IEEE EMBS International Conference on Information Technology Applications in Biomedicine (ITAB) from the conference on IT for biomedicine (ITAB) claim that PPG provides 97 –99% accuracy in determining heart rate. At least if the pulse is measured when the person is not moving.

Movement reduces SH Kim, DW Ryoo, C. Bae. Adaptive noise cancellation using accelerometers for the PPG signal from the forehead / Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society accuracy of readings as wrist tissue shifts and the sensors begin to make errors.

In one study, K. Ricchio, P. Lyter, J. M. Palao. Reliability of fitness trackers at different prices for measuring steps and heart rate: a pilot study / Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine found that while walking, Xiaomi and Fitbit gadgets are missing from 0.5 to 9.5 beats per minute, and while running - from 11.7 to 17.9 beats.

Scientists have calculated that while moving, fitness trackers lower heart rate by 6–11% compared to a chest-mounted heart rate monitor.

In anotherA. Shcherbina, C. M. Mattsson, D. Waggott. Accuracy in Wrist‑Worn, Sensor‑Based Measurements of Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure in a Diverse Cohort / Journal of personalized medicine experiment revealed slightly more optimistic data.

The Apple Watch smartwatch produced an error of only 2.5%, and the rest of the tested devices from different brands - from 4.9 to 8.8%. Scientists concluded that the watch generally does a good job of measuring heart rate. Moreover, the above experiments were conducted in 2017–2018, and the models are updated frequently.

For example, in the study Y. Bai, C. Tompkins, N. Gell. Comprehensive comparison of Apple Watch and Fitbit monitors in a free‑living setting / PLoS One 2022 Fitbit Charge 2 was wrong in measuring heart rate by only 2.7% at rest and by 4.9% during light physical activity.

Apple Watch 2 turned out to be even more accurate: when stationary, they counted the pulse almost perfectly, and during light activity they showed an error of only 1.8%, missing about two beats per minute.

It is quite possible that other modern trackers calculate heart rate better due to the addition of red LEDs K. Ricchio, P. Lyter, JM Palao. Reliability of fitness trackers at different prices for measuring steps and heart rate: a pilot study / Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine - more accurate, expensive and energy-consuming.

The bottom line: modern gadgets count your pulse quite accurately, especially at rest. During movement, trackers can make mistakes and give deviations of up to 11%. The more green and red LEDs that shine through your wrist, the higher the chance that the tracker will not lie.

Bizzaro F590 - fitness bracelet with heart rate monitor and pressure

Year of release: 2019
Screen: color, OLED
Diagonal: 0.96 inches
Processor: NRF 52832
Battery: 90 mAh
Battery life: up to 6 days
Water protection: IP67
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor
Price: from 4,000 rubles

Bizzaro is one of the projects of the Canadian company Rekam Inc. Canada. The first smartwatches under this brand were introduced back in 2014, and since then, the range of Bizzaro wearable devices has been constantly expanding. But, although it is a Canadian brand, the Bizzaro F590 fitness bracelet is manufactured in China, and what's more, it is sold under many different brands. For example, the GSMIN online store sells it under the model number WR11 (2019).

The device was equipped with a color OLED screen with a diagonal of 0.96 inches and a resolution of 160*80 pixels. It's bright enough and doesn't fade as much in the sun as most LCDs. Below the screen there is a touch button - an electrode for the ECG sensor.

Some buyers complain about the low accuracy of the bracelet's pressure measurements. But, after calibration in the application and following all recommendations, you can achieve an acceptable error.

The bracelet can:

Take an ECG;
Measure heart rate around the clock;
Monitor sleep;
Measure pressure;
Count steps, calories and distance;
Determine the HRV index (general body condition).
Notify about calls and messages.

Device price: from 4,000 rubles.

Pros:

Vibrant color screen
Multifunctionality
Determination of the HRV index
Blood pressure measurement and ECG recording

Minuses:

Non-touch screen, one button control
Weak vibration

T1 Smartband - bracelet with pressure and temperature

Key Features

Year of release: 2019
Weight: 24 g
Screen: color, LCD
Diagonal: 1.14 inches
Battery: 90 mAh
Battery life: 5 – 7 days
Water protection: splash proof
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, ECG sensor, temperature sensor
Price: From 16 dollars

Check price

T1 Smartband is another “no name” bracelet, which is sold under several well-known and not so well-known brands: Bakeey, Lerbyee, Mafam, etc. What distinguishes it from all other devices in this rating is its temperature sensor for round-the-clock monitoring of body temperature.

Key features of T1 Smartband:

Measure body temperature;
Take an ECG;
Measure blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood;
Measure heart rate around the clock;
Count steps, calories and distance;
Assess the duration and quality of sleep;
Notify about calls and messages;
Control the camera and music of your smartphone;
Track common sports modes, etc.

The accessory is equipped with a 1.14-inch color LCD screen. Below the screen there is a touch button, which also serves as an electrode for taking an electrocardiogram. Another pair of electrodes are located on the back panel next to the optical heart rate sensor and contacts for the magnetic charging cable.

One charge of a 90 mAh battery will last approximately 5 – 7 days, depending on the intensity of use.

Where can I buy?

$17.81 – $29.69 on Aliexpress

$18.52 – $23.15 on Aliexpress

Pros:

Inexpensive
Unusual design
Lots of sensors and functions
Large, informative screen

Minuses:

Pressure measurement limit to 150 units
When running, there is a large error in heart rate measurement

Withings Move

You can shower and swim in this watch, and it will track all your physical activity - both on land and in water. All data is saved in the Health Mate app when synchronized with your smartphone.

The watch is compatible with devices running iOS 10 (and later) and Android 6 (and later). In the application, tracking results can be viewed using convenient charts.

Withings Move can analyze the phases and quality of sleep, and also wake you up at the most appropriate moment for maximum alertness. Pressing the side button activates training mode, which includes a chronograph and GPS module to map your run and determine your pace.

The watch can operate on battery power for about a year without recharging.

Price: 5,790 rubles.

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