In recent years, smartwatches have transformed from health trackers to powerful health-tracking devices, with not just an ECG, EKG, and heart rate monitoring becoming a standard inclusion on many of the latest flagship models. These capabilities enable customers to monitor heart rhythm, notify users when it is out of rhythm, and prompt users to take an ECG using the ECG app.* For the first time, the ECG app is now available directly on Apple Watch with the watchOS 5.1.2 update.* The app also provides access to a virtual health consultation with a doctor through American Well. With the ECG app, users touch the Digital Crown and, after 30 seconds, receive a heart rhythm classification. With plenty of choices available in 2025, it may be a little challenging to figure out which would be the best Smartwatch with an ECG and heart rate monitor. In this blog, we deeply dive into some of the best smartwatches for ECG and Heart Rate Monitoring and compare their features, accuracy, and usability to help you make a well-informed decision.
Read: What is the Best Cardio Machine for Home Use?
Why ECG and Heart Rate tracking are important:
Before we dive into the best smartwatches, first consider why ECG and heart rate tracking are important. ECGs measure your heart’s electrical activity, which can be used to spot irregular rhythms like AFib, a condition that can raise your risk of having a stroke. Heart rate monitoring, which is usually accomplished through optical sensors, measures the number of beats per minute (BPM) to give you a window into your cardiovascular performance at rest, during workouts, or under stress. These statistics are vitally important for people waiting to turn 50 or who have heart issues, but who can benefit from a proactive health routine. Still, there’s similar precision in every smartwatch: None are meant to hold up to medical-grade devices, and you should visit a doctor for clinical diagnoses on whether you’re struggling with the coronavirus.
Top Smartwatches for ECG and Heart Rate Monitoring in 2025
Based on the latest reviews, testing, and technological advancements, here are the best smartwatches for ECG and heart rate monitoring in 2025, along with their key features and considerations.
1. Apple Watch Series 10
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS + Cellular 46 mm] Smartwatch with Jet ...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41J2ByfeQwL._SL500_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 — Bigger display with up to 30% more screen area. A thinner, lighter and more comfortable desi…
- ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS — Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have high or low heart rate or an irregular hea…
- CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY — With a cellular service plan you can send a text, make a call and stream music without your iPho…
Overview: The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to lead the pack for iPhone users, offering robust ECG and heart rate monitoring capabilities. Since introducing ECG with the Series 4 in 2018, Apple has refined its technology to deliver reliable and user-friendly health tracking.
ECG Features:
- FDA-Cleared: The ECG app is FDA-cleared for detecting AFib and provides medical-grade accuracy for single-lead ECG readings.
- How It Works: Users place a finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds to complete an electrical circuit with the heart rate sensor on the watch’s underside. Results are displayed as normal, AFib, or inconclusive, with an exportable PDF for sharing with doctors.
- Additional Health Features: Includes irregular heart rate notifications, high/low heart rate alerts, and heart rate variability (HRV) tracking.
Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Accuracy: Uses an advanced optical heart rate sensor that performs exceptionally well during rest and exercise, closely matching chest strap data in tests.
- Features: Tracks resting heart rate, walking average HR, and VO2 Max for aerobic fitness. It also supports continuous monitoring and alerts for abnormal rates.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with the Apple Health app for comprehensive data tracking.
- Large, bright display for easy readability.
- Extensive third-party app support for fitness and health.
Cons:
- Limited to iPhone users.
- Blood oxygen monitoring disabled in the US due to legal disputes.
- Premium price point.
Best For: iPhone users seeking a premium smartwatch with reliable ECG and heart rate monitoring.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
- [DESIGN] Galaxy Watch 7 comes with a trendy, sleek & fashionable floating design that’s built to last with Sapphire glas…
- [NEW PLATFORM] Galaxy Watch 7 has a 3nm Processor (3X faster) that supercharges your daily routine & optimizes battery l…
- [HEALTH ASSIST] Galaxy AI Powered Health & Fitness monitoring: Energy Score, Booster Card & Personalized HR & FTP help e…
Overview: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a top choice for Android users, combining ECG and heart rate monitoring with additional features like blood pressure tracking (with monthly calibration).
ECG Features:
- FDA-Cleared: Approved in multiple regions, including the US, for ECG monitoring to detect AFib.
- How It Works: Users place a finger on the watch’s case for 30 seconds while resting their arm on a flat surface. Data syncs to the Samsung Health Monitor app for storage and sharing.
- Additional Health Features: Includes irregular heart rhythm notifications and AFib detection.
Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Accuracy: Features a BioActive sensor for continuous heart rate tracking, with improved algorithms for better performance during exercise.
- Features: Tracks heart rate zones, VO2 Max, and provides high/low heart rate alerts. Also supports advanced running metrics like asymmetry and vertical oscillation.
Pros:
- Works with most Android devices, not just Samsung phones.
- Vibrant AMOLED display and long battery life (up to three days).
- Blood pressure monitoring (not diagnostic) adds extra value.
Cons:
- Blood pressure feature requires monthly calibration with a cuff.
- ECG functionality may not be available in all regions.
- Less third-party app support compared to Apple Watch.
Best For: Android users looking for a versatile smartwatch with ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
3. Google Pixel Watch 3
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice a…
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advan…
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized …
Overview: The Google Pixel Watch 3, enhanced by Fitbit’s health-tracking expertise, is a strong contender for Android users prioritizing heart health.
ECG Features:
- FDA-Cleared: Includes an ECG app for on-demand AFib detection, with results exportable via the Fitbit app.
- How It Works: Users initiate a 30-second reading by touching the watch’s case, similar to other ECG-enabled smartwatches.
- Additional Health Features: Features loss of pulse detection (pending FDA clearance in some regions) and continuous AFib monitoring using PPG sensors.
Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Accuracy: Google claims the Pixel Watch 3 is its most accurate heart rate monitor yet, with testing showing near-identical results to chest straps during rest and exercise.
- Features: Tracks heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and cardio load, with AI-powered running recommendations.
Pros:
- Sleek, round design with a premium feel.
- Deep integration with Fitbit’s ecosystem for detailed health insights.
- Available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) for a better fit.
Cons:
- Some features require a Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Shorter battery life (one to two days) compared to competitors.
- ECG feature disabled in some regions like the US and Canada.
Best For: Android users who value Fitbit’s health tracking and a stylish design.
4. Fitbit Sense 2
- All-day body-response tracking with a newly added sensor;Sleep Profile and breakdown of time in light, deep & REM sleep …
- ECG app;Blood oxygen (SpO2); Notifications for call, text and apps (Available when phone is nearby);6+ day battery life …
- Includes 6-month Premium membership (New Premium members only. Premium included membership must be activated within 60 d…
Overview: The Fitbit Sense 2 is a health-focused smartwatch with advanced ECG and heart rate capabilities, ideal for users who prioritize wellness over smart features.
ECG Features:
- FDA-Cleared: Offers ECG monitoring for AFib detection, with results exportable as a PDF.
- How It Works: Users touch the watch’s rim for 30 seconds to complete the ECG circuit.
- Additional Health Features: Includes continuous AFib monitoring via PPG sensors and stress tracking with electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors.
Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Accuracy: Uses an optical heart rate sensor for 24/7 tracking, with solid performance for daily activities and sleep monitoring.
- Features: Tracks heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep heart rate, with alerts for abnormal rhythms.
Pros:
- Compatible with both Android and iOS.
- Long battery life (up to six days).
- Comprehensive stress and sleep tracking.
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features (no third-party apps).
- Full functionality requires Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Less responsive touchscreen compared to competitors.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious users who don’t need extensive smart features.
5. Withings ScanWatch 2
- Electrocardiogram – Get a medical grade ECG. Smartwatch heart rate monitor detects atrial fibrillation or normal heart r…
- Proactive Heart Health Tracking – 24/7 heart rate monitoring with notifications if your heart rate is too high or too lo…
- 24/7 Temperature Tracking – Using our breakthrough TempTech24/7 module, get baseline body temp and fluctuations that may…
Overview: The Withings ScanWatch 2 is a hybrid smartwatch that blends analog aesthetics with advanced health monitoring, appealing to those who prefer a classic look.
ECG Features:
- FDA-Cleared: Provides medical-grade ECG readings for AFib detection, with results synced to the Health Mate app.
- How It Works: Users press the side button and place a finger on the bezel for a 30-second reading.
- Additional Health Features: Detects sleep apnea using heart rate and SpO2 data, plus altitude-adjusted SpO2 monitoring.
Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Accuracy: Features a medical-grade optical heart rate sensor for continuous tracking, with reliable performance during daily activities and sleep.
- Features: Tracks heart rate variability, VO2 Max, and respiratory rate, with detailed trends in the app.
Pros:
- Elegant hybrid design with up to 30 days of battery life.
- Comprehensive health tracking, including temperature and SpO2.
- Compatible with Android and iOS.
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features (basic notifications only).
- A smaller digital display may be hard to read for some.
- Higher price for a hybrid watch.
Best For: Users who want a stylish, long-lasting smartwatch with robust health monitoring.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Smartwatch:
When choosing a smartwatch for monitoring the ECG and heart rate, you should take these factors into account:
- Accuracy: Seek out FDA-cleared ECG apps and high-performing optical heart rate sensors (including those that also pair with chest straps). Reliable sensors are provided by Apple, Samsung, Google , and Withings.
- Compatibility: Just make sure the smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone (like an Apple Watch for the iPhone or Samsung/Google for Android).
- Usability: Test out the ECG process, make sure it’s easy to use, and check whether the data is exportable for when you need to get it checked out by a doctor.
- Add-Ons: Special features like blood pressure monitoring (Samsung, Fitvii), sleep tracking, or stress monitoring could also make a difference in perceived value.
- Battery Life: The longer a charge lasts (e.g., Withings, Fitbit), the better, especially for things like 24/7 monitoring.
- Price and Subscriptions: A number of these devices also require subscriptions (such as Fitbit Premium) for full functionality, so keep these pricing schemes front of mind.
Honorable Mentions:
- Garmin Venu 3: Provides ECG and excellent heart rate monitoring with a focus on fitness, but it’s pricier and missing some smartwatch features.
- Fitvii GT5 Pro Max: Its makers get really festive with the tagging and are claiming ECG, blood pressure, and blood glucose monitoring, but we’re highly suspicious of the accuracy of this information, and it’s not FDA-cleared.
- Asus VivoWatch 6 Aero: A new challenger with ECG and blood pressure smarts, but it’s early days to judge its real performance in the wild.
Limitations of Smartwatch ECG and Heart Rate Monitoring:
Smartwatches are full of potential, but they’re not without their shortcomings:
- Single-lead ECG: Smartwatch ECGs pale in comparison to the level of detail in a 12-lead medical ECG, potentially overlooking certain conditions.
- Accuracy Problems: Tattoos, bad circulation, and ill-fits can result in inaccurate readings.
- Not Diagnostic: Wearable gadgets like smartwatches can’t diagnose conditions such as hypertension or heart attacks; they are only useful for monitoring and early warning.
- Regional limitations: Certain features (such as the ECG on Pixel Watch 3*) may not be available in some countries.
If you have heart concerns, seek advice from a cardiologist for a professional opinion.
Conclusion:
When it comes to the top smartwatch for ECG and heart rate monitoring in 2025, it all comes down to your priorities, smartphone environment, and your bank account. Best for iPhone: Apple Watch Series 10. With unparalleled accuracy and integration, the Apple Watch Series 10 is our top pick for iPhone users. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is great for Android users because of its extra feature of blood pressure tracking. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is for Fitbit fans | The Fitbit Sense 2 and Withings ScanWatch 2 are for those wanting to track health and make a fashion statement, respectively. Every device decides how to allocate its strengths, so consider what its best use would be for you — battery life, design, health or fitness features — to find the best match. Continue to remain proactive about your heart health, but always consult with a doctor to address smartwatch data for the best results.
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