Smartwatches & Wearables
Health data on your wrist. I test smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings to see which ones accurately track your sleep, heart rate, and workouts without needing a daily charge.
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Data for a Healthier Life
The promise of wearables is incredible: a doctor on your wrist. But accuracy is the biggest issue in this industry. A watch that tells you you slept well when you were awake all night is useless. I approach wearables with a skepticism of algorithms and a focus on sensor accuracy.
I test these devices against chest-straps (the gold standard for heart rate) and medical devices to verify SpO2 and ECG claims.
Smartwatch vs. Fitness Tracker
I help you decide between the two main categories:
- Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Pixel Watch): Mini-computers on your wrist. Great for notifications, apps, and style, but usually have poor battery life (1-2 days).
- Sport Watches (Garmin, Coros): Built for athletes. Less “smart” features, but incredible GPS accuracy, rugged durability, and battery life measured in weeks, not days.
The Rise of Smart Rings
For those who want data without the screen distraction, I analyze the emerging market of Smart Rings (like Oura or Samsung Ring). I look at comfort (can you lift weights with it?) and subscription models, which are becoming annoyingly common in this space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple Watch compatible with Android?
No. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone to activate and function. If you have Android, look at the Samsung Galaxy Watch (best for Samsung phones) or Garmin/Fitbit (works with everything).
Can smartwatches really detect heart problems?
Devices with ECG (Electrocardiogram) can detect signs of AFib (Atrial Fibrillation), which is FDA-cleared on major brands. However, they cannot detect heart attacks. They are tools for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Garmin vs. Apple Watch: Which is better for running?
If you run casually, the Apple Watch is fine. If you are training for a marathon or care about advanced metrics (Cadence, Vertical Oscillation, Recovery Time), Garmin is far superior due to its battery life, physical buttons, and data depth.
Is sleep tracking accurate?
It is getting better, but it’s an estimation. Devices are good at detecting duration and wake times, but differentiating between REM and Deep Sleep is still scientifically difficult for a wrist sensor. Use trends, not absolute numbers.
Can I swim with my smartwatch?
Most modern trackers are 5ATM water-resistant (50 meters). This means they are safe for swimming in a pool. However, avoid high-speed water sports or hot showers/saunas, as steam can degrade the seals over time.