10 Best ECG Smartwatch – 2023 Super Smartwatches
In this article, I’m going to help you choose the best ECT smartwatch for your needs and give you my personal choice at the end. The advice that I’m going to give here is based on my personal search for an ECG smartwatch for my requirements. I’ll give you all the features of the watch, but also the pros and cons of the smartwatch in the article.
Before I go any further, let’s look at what is an ECG and why you may need one.
My personal choice
My personal choice of the EKG watches, would be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. I find it to be particularly useful, in general, for health and fitness. It’s also compatible with both Android and IOS devices. It’s also hard to look past the fact that it’s FDA-approved.
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I need to add here, though, that a smartwatch is not a replacement for hospital-grade medical equipment. They can, however, help you to identify any potential, or existing heart problems that you may have.
What is an ECG?
ECG or electrocardiogram is a way of monitoring any heart problems that you may have. The ECG or EKG machine is commonly found in a doctors’ office or in ambulances. Your doctor will recommend an ECG if he feels that you’re having problems with your ticker.
The heart works by the atria and ventricles working together to pump blood through your heart. Electrical impulses from the brain travel to the SA node (sinoatrial), found in the right atrium. This causes the atria to contract, forcing blood into the ventricles. The rate and rhythm of the heart is set by the SA node. Each time the heart beats, some of the electrical impulses are sent to the skin.
An ECG tracks and analyzes the electrical impulses at the skin level.
With the use of ECGs, the doctor can monitor any heart problems that you may have. He’ll be able to check your heart rhythm and check on any abnormalities that you may have with:
- Blood flow
- Abnormal calcium as well as potassium levels.
- Cardiomyopathy (thickened walls of the heart)
ECG Smartwatch is also a fitness tracker
ECG measurement can also be used to improve and track fitness.
If you just want to improve your fitness levels, it can be a very good thing to track your heart rate with and ecg smart watch.
Knowing your hear rate while running, can be great. ECG is a more accurate way to track your heart rate and fitness levels, than just the “Beats per minute” a normal Heartrate tracker will provide you.
How is an ECG normally done?
The electrocardiogram machine is a computer with a monitor which shows heart activity as waves. The output may also be shown as waves on paper coming out of a printer. The EKG machines have up to 12 electrodes that are attached to the patient. Each electrode comes is attached to the legs, chest, and arms of the patient with adhesive pads. The electrodes are connected to a monitor which records electrical signals which your heart produces when it beats.
An EKG usually takes a few minutes to complete. Any movement, talking, or shivering will give a false result.
Types of ECG
There are different types of ECG. The main types include:
- Ambulatory: which involves a small machine worn at the waist with electrodes attached.
- Stress ECG: This ECG is done while the patient is exercising on either a stationary cycle or treadmill.
- Resting: this is the one that’s usually done at the doctor’s office. This ECG is done while you’re lying done.
What is an ECG smartwatch?
The ECG smartwatch has the capabilities of an ECG monitor incorporated as part of its working. This enables you to monitor your own heart health, and fitness levels anywhere you go.
Press down on the button you will activate the record for the ECG. Within less than a minute, you will be able to know your heart’s activity. Not only that, but you will be able to share it with your doctor from your watch or smartphone. – if this is something you are into.
So who needs an ECG smartwatch?
So you might be wondering, so why do I need an ECG smartwatch? If you’re a young person, you probably won’t find this smartwatch necessary. – but its a very good thing to track, if you are interested in getting to peak fitness levels.
And on the other hand, if you’re over fifty, you will probably find it a nice piece of equipment. Especially if you or somebody in your family has had issues in the past.
You certainly couldn’t go wrong purchasing one of these smartwatches.
» Read Also: Smartwatches that can call without a smartphone
What the ECG smartwatch measures
The ECG smartwatch will still give you enough information to monitor what’s going on with your heart.
An ECG smartwatch will give you the following information:
- Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillations are irregular heartbeats. They are caused by the atria (upper regions) of the heart contracting randomly or at a speed at which the heart is unable to relax between contractions. If not treated in time, blood clots or heart failure will result.
The ECG smartwatch will warn when this event is happening so you can call a doctor immediately.
- Sinus rhythm: A normal sinus rhythm shows that the heart is beating rate of between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
- Inconclusive: Contact your doctor immediately since this means the watch is not able to detect your heartbeat.
» Read Also my post: Best Smartwatches with Blood Pressure Monitor
My pick of ECG Smartwatches
There are several great ECG smartwatch brands on the market. Here is my list of what I consider to be the best ECG smartwatches you can buy.
#1 Apple Watch Series 5
I believe that the Apple Watch is one of the best ECG watches on the market today. This smartwatch can track and alert the wearer of:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Atrial fibrillation
- Other irregular heart rhythms
Other features of this watch include:
- An Always-on retina
- An emergency SOS
- Fall detection
- Built-in compass
- It’s also swim-proof up to 50 metres
- Barometric altimeter
- Ambient light sensor
- 18-hour battery life
- Sleep monitoring
- A noise app that notifies you if sounds around you have reached a decibel level that affects your hearing.
- A menstrual tracking app. This logs information about your menstrual cycles.
- Can stream up to 60 million songs.
- Can call or text without having your phone.
To take ECG using this watch, sit in a quiet place, similar to taking your blood pressure. Then open the ECG app. Keep your finger on the top for 30 seconds. A report will then be generated on the screen after another 30 seconds. You can also share your results with your doctor for analysis.
Pros:
- ECG is FDA-approved
- Durable design
- Aluminum case
- Music storage
- Less expensive alternative to the Series 6
Cons:
- Expensive
- No oxygen monitoring
- Only works with other IOS devices
My verdict
Although the Apple Series 5 is one of the top ECG watches, the problem that I have with it, is that it won’t work with Android smartphones. Also, if you want to track blood oxygen, you will have to step up to Series 6.
- GPS Only
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
- Swimproof
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2 Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is my personal favorite ECG watch on this list. If you love a lot of features on your smartwatch or phone, like myself, this is definitely worth buying. Let me warn you that it won’t be cheap though. Price-wise, it will still be competitive with the Apple EKG smartwatches. It’s one of the most advanced Samsung Galaxy Watches to date. This stylish smartwatch will give you the following ECG results:
- Sinus rhythm
- Atrial fibrillation
- Inconclusive
It will also have the following features:
- Battery life of over a day on a single charge
- Available in 2 sizes: 41 and 45mm
- 1.4 inch oled (organic light emitting diode) display
- Multiple colors available
- A built-in running coach that can track 7 popular sporting activities
- A sleep tracker that also monitors your stress levels
- Fall detection and the ability to notify an emergency contact
- Oxygen levels monitoring
- The ability to call and text without having your phone on you
- Waterproof
- Fast operating system
- Replaceable silicone strap
- Can be used with both Apple and Android devices
- Tracks calories
- 24-hour battery
- Music storage
- Integrated Bixby voice functionality can make calls, read texts, starts coaching on command.
- Samsung Pay allows you the leave your wallet at home.
- Several different styles to choose from.
To take your ECG with this watch, sit in a quiet place for between 5 and 10 minutes. Then open the Samsung Health Monitoring app. Touch the top right button and hold for 30 seconds or for the duration of the watch’s countdown. After 30 more seconds, the results of the ECG will then be displayed.
Pros:
- Advanced sleep tracking
- Physical rotating bezel
- Built-in GPS
- Blood oxygen tracking
- ECG is FDA-approved
- Android’s best wellness and health tracking smartwatch
- Samsung Pay
Cons:
- Limited third party apps
- Expensive
- Slow Bixby
- The ECG feature only works with compatible Galaxy smartphones
My verdict
With fall detection, blood pressure, blood oxygen level tracking, and a myriad of health tracking features, what more could one want from an EKG watch? It’s even compatible with some apple devices. Need I say more?
- Style You Can Count On: Galaxy Watch3 Combines Style—Two Sizes, Two Finishes, Three Colors And, 50,000 Plus Watch Faces-With Military-Grade Durability And Water Resistance
- Leave Your Phone Behind: Leave Your Phone At Home. Galaxy Watch3 Gives You The Freedom To Call, Text, Stream Music And Get Notifications Via Lte Connectivity
- You Can Share The Pdf Report Of Your Ecg Recording With Your Health Care Provider Using The Samsung Health Monitor App On Your Compatible Galaxy Phone
- Battery Built For Endurance: The Galaxy Watch3’S Long-Lasting Battery Can Go For More Than A Day On A Single Charge, And You Can Always Get A Quick Boost From Your Compatible Galaxy Phone With Wireless Power Share. Audio Playing Format: Mp3,M4A,3Ga,Aac,Ogg,Oga,Wav,Wma,Amr,Awb
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3 Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 is an ECG watch that I’d highly recommend. It has the following ECG features:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Sinus rhythm
- Irregular heartbeat
- Inconclusive
Other features include:
- Blood oxygen measurement.
- Always-on retina display. 2.5 times brighter when the wrist is down
- Workout measurement
- GPS
- Sleep monitor
- Waterproof up to 50 metres
- Fall detection automatically calls your emergency department for help.
- Several different watch faces
- Built-in music storage.
- 18 hours of battery life.
- Available in 2 sizes. 40 and 44 mm
- 1.57 Oled display
- Available in multiple colors
- Silicone strap
- Apple Pay
- Siri
To take your ECG with the Series 6, sit in a quiet place for a few minutes. Rest your arms on a table or in your lap. Then open the ECG app. Keep your finger on the crown of the watch for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, you will get your ECG results. You can then download the file with the results in PDF format and share it with your doctor.
Understanding the results:
- Sinus rhythm: a result for sinus rhythm means that the heart is beating in a regular pattern. This is between 50 and 100 beats per minute (BPM).
- Atrial fibrillation: a result here means that the heart is beating in an abnormal pattern. If you have this classification without a diagnosis of Afib, you should have a talk with your doctor.
- Low or high heart rate: a heart rate under 50 or over 120 – 150 bpm may affect the ECG’s ability to detect AFib. Some medications can cause a low heart rate. Also, elite athletes usually have a low heart rate. High heart rates can be caused by several different causes including, nervousness, AFib, exercise, stress, infection, and alcohol.
Pros:
- Always on display
- Built-in GPS
- Siri
- Blood oxygen tracking
- Altimeter
- Highly developed activity and health tracking features
Cons:
- Only compatible with IOS
- Expensive
- Not so great battery life
My verdict
Not only does this smartwatch have blood oxygen tracking, but it has a wide variety of features as well. I believe that it would be money well spent if you were to buy the Series 6. Pity about it not working with Android smartphones though.
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE IN YOUR POCKET: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS Model lets you call, text, and get directions from your wrist, while leaving your phone in your pocket. It offers multiple connectivity options, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC to suit all of your possible needs.
- ALWAYS-ON RETINA DISPLAY: You no longer need to raise your wrist or touch the screen to see the time or other information on your watch face, because the display never sleeps. All you need to do is glance to find the time or your workout metrics right there where you want them.
- ECG ON YOUR WRIST: With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It's a momentous achievement for a wearable device that can provide data for doctors and peace of mind for you wherever may be during the day.
- WORKOUTS THAT DON'T QUIT: Cycling, yoga, swimming, high-intensity interval training...the list goes on. You name it, Apple Watch measures it. Set workout-specific goals, see full summaries when you're done, and track how you're trending over time in the Activity app on your iPhone.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4 Fitbit Sense
Another great ECG watch, in my opinion is the Fitbit Sense. This ECG Smartwatch can perform the following ECG duties:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Sinus rhythm
- Inconclusive
- Irregular heartbeat
Other features include:
- Will track your electrodermal activity (skin temperature) to monitor the body’s reaction to stress.
- Blood oxygen level
- Built-in GPS
- Battery can last more than 6 days. It will recharge in 12 minutes to give you a full day’s charge.
- Water-resistant to 50 metres
- Stores and plays music
- Female health tracking
The Fitbit has its ECG sensors behind the watch. So to take your ECG, wear it on your hand (not too tight or too loose). Sit quietly for a few minutes. Open the ECG app on the phone. Then hold the watch between your index finger and thumb. Wait 30 seconds. After a further 30 seconds, you will see the display on the screen. You can download and share your results in PDF format with your doctor. Past results are also available to download and view as well.
Pros:
- Always on display
- Battery life
- Built-in-GPS
- Multiple health and fitness features
- Alexa and Google Assistant
- FDA-approved ECG function
- Watch faces unlimited
Cons:
- No Spotify support
- Small App store
- Expensive
- No blood pressure monitoring
- ECG app presently not available in all countries
My verdict
I think this is one of the better EKG smartwatches here on this list. However if you would like blood pressure monitoring and emergency SOS, look elsewhere.
» Maybe also take a look at my post: Best Fitness Tracker for Ankles
#5 Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
In my opinion, this is another great Samsung Galaxy ECG smartwatch. Besides ECG monitoring, it has the following features:
- Built-in sleep tracker
- Tracks your workouts
- Can make or receive calls without a phone
- Can detect falls
- Oxygen level monitoring
- Spotify playlist download and in addition to built-in music storage.
- Available in 2 sizes: 40 and 44mm
- Multiple colors available
- Replaceable silicon strap
- 14 inch Oled display
- Bixby
- Samsung Pay
- Music streaming
To take your ECG, find a quiet place and sit resting your arm on a table on your lap. Open the ECG app. Touch the button on the upper right-hand side of the watch. Keep your finger there for 30 seconds or the duration of the countdown indicated. After 30 more seconds, it will display the results of the ECG.
Pros:
- Haptic touch bezel
- Blood oxygen tracking
- Build-in GPS
- Affordable
- Minimalist design
Cons:
- Slow Bixby
- Expensive
- ECG only works with some Galaxy Smartphone models
- Third party apps are limited
My verdict
While it may not be quite up to the Watch 3, it still has a lot of the features of its more expensive brother. As a matter of fact, it’s the cheapest Android EKG watch that you can buy.
- Heart and Health Monitoring - 1. 4” (34 mm), Circular Super AMOLED (360 x 360) - Full Color Always On Display - Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ - Processor: 1. 15 GHz Dual-Core - Maximum Depth of Water Resistance: 164 feet
- Lightweight Design - 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G - Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM, Ambient Light - Compatible with a 20mm standard strap. Case Material: Aluminium
- Advance Auto Fitness Tracker and Coaching - 768MB RAM + 4GB Internal Memory - Battery: 340mAh - Bluetooth 5. 0
- Compatibility: Samsung, other Android: Android 5. 0 or higher & RAM 1. 5GB above - iPhone: iPhone 5 and above, iOS 9. 0 or above
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#6 Apple Watch Series 4
This is another Apple Watch that I’d recommend if you’re looking for an Apple ECG watch. The Series 4 was released in 2018. This Apple watch comes with the following ECG features similar to other Apple watches already mentioned here. In addition to its ECG capabilities, it has the following features:
- Fall detection and emergency SOS
- 50 percent louder speakers
- Workout detection
- Activity tracker
- Waterproof down to 50 metres
- 18 hours of battery life
- Durable design
Taking the ECG is the same here as with the previously mentioned Apple watches.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS
- Built-in music storage
- Heart-rate monitors are advanced
- FDA-approved
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only works with IOS
My verdict
This is the oldest of the Apple EKG smartwatches as it’s the first one ever built by Apple. However, no blood tracking and no blood pressure monitoring. Oh yes, and it’s not compatible with Android smartphone.
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and a thorough cleaning process. Wireless devices have batteries tested to have at least 80% capacity relative to new at the time of sale. Packaging, wall plug, Watch Strap, and charging cable may be generic (headphones not included). Wireless products on Amazon Renewed come with the 90
- GPS + Cellular. S4 SiP with faster 64-bit dual-core processor
- Over 30% larger display and 50% louder speaker , 50% louder speaker
- Digital Crown with haptic feedback. Electrical and optical heart sensors.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#7 Withing Nokia ECG Smartwatch
The Withing Nokia ECG is the first analog watch with built-in ECG capabilities. It can instantly detect atrial fibrillation anywhere. It is also cheaper than most other ECG smartwatches. This smartwatch enables you to take your ECG by keeping your fingers on the watch for 30 seconds. This can be done anywhere and anytime. After this, you can share your results with your doctor.
Cardiologists from well-known institutions assisted with the development of this watch.
In addition to its ECG monitoring, it comes with the following features:
- Water-resistant to 50 metres
- Tracks more than 30 sports
- Automatically monitors your sleep
- Tracks daily activities
- Battery lasts 25 plus days due to its hybrid nature.
- Workout monitor
Pros:
- Comparably longer battery life
- Ability to detect atrial fibrillation
- Less expensive compared to other ECT smartwatches
Cons:
- Available only in European Union countries
- Not FDA-approved
- No touchscreen
My verdict
If you live in an EU country, this will be a great buy for you. It’s also more affordable than other smartwatches listed here. However, because it’s not FDA-approved, there could be some doubt about the accuracy of this smartwatch.
- Heart rate tracking - Maximize your workouts with continuous heart rate and in-depth reporting plus daily and overnight HR.
- Workout mode w/connected GPS - Maps your session with distance, elevation and pace.
- Fitness level - Assesses your cardiovascular capacity when running based on V02 max estimation.
- Goes the distance - Water resistant up to 50m, 25 days of battery life on one charge, durable stainless steel case.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#8 Withings Move ECG
This is a hybrid ECG analog smartwatch. On the face, it looks like a regular analog watch but also has ECG monitoring capabilities similar to its brother.
In addition to that, it has the following features:
- Because of its analog face, it has a longer battery life than other regular ECG smartwatches. The battery can last up to 12 months without a charge.
- Water-resistant up to 50 metres
- Sleep tracking
- GPS
- Workout tracking
Taking your ECG with this watch is done in a similar way to the Withing Nokia. Simply press the button to activate the record. Then put your other hand on the ring electrode of the watch.
This is the only watch on this list that is not approved by the FDA. Therefore it’s not currently available in the USA.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Cheaper than most other ECG watches
Cons:
- Not FDA approved
- Available on in EU countries
My verdict
Similar to other Withings Smartwatches on this list
- 24/7 SEAMLESS TRACKING - Automatic walk, run, swim, bike & 10+ activities recognized. Plus calories burned & distance.
- SLEEP TRACKING - Wake to a Sleep Score based on light & deep sleep cycles, interruptions, depth & regularity, Smart Wake-Up with a silent alarm.
- CONNECTED GPS - Launch a workout via the side button and after your session get a route map in Health Mate with distance, elevation and pace.Silicone wristband
- AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZATION - Visualize trends and data on your smartphone with the free Health Mate app (iOS and Android️).
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#9 Withings Scanwatch Hybrid Smartwatch
This ECG hybrid also has an analog face, with a digital display for additional information, such as heart rate, step count, and other notifications. In addition to a medical-grade ECG, the Withings Scanwatch has the following features:
- An oximeter provides a medical-grade oxygen saturation level on demand.
- Battery life of up to 30 days.
- Sleep tracking
- Respiratory monitoring
- Step tracking to monitor the number of steps you take per day.
- Cheaper than other ECG smartwatches
Place your finger on the bezel of the watch for half a minute. An ECG report will then be generated, which can be seen on your smartwatch.
Pros:
- Cheaper compared to other ECG smartwatches
My verdict
As with the other Withings smartwatches.
- ELECTROCARDIOGRAM* — The watch and heart rate monitor watch detects atrial fibrillation or normal heart rhythm in just 30 seconds via ECG.
- SLEEP TRACKING — Sleep tracker delivers a Score based on light and deep sleep cycles, sleep duration & wake-ups.
- HEART RATE TRACKING — Track heart rate continuously during workouts to optimize training, and monitor daily and overnight heart rate to help improve health over time.
- WRIST-BASED OXIMETRY — Provides on demand oxygen saturation level (SpO2) in just 30 seconds
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#10 Alevecor Kardiomobile 6L EKG
I’d recommend the Alevecor if you already have a smartwatch, but don’t want to invest in another one just for the EKG. This EKG device has a 6L EKG. This means more information for your doctor. Like an EKG smartwatch, you can share your results with your doctor by email.
You can subscribe to Kardia Premium and have your results by doctors for any complications. Even without this optional service, though, you can still take your results and share it with your doctor for free.
The Alevecor Kardiomobile will test for:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Sinus rhythm
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Tachycardia (unusually slow hear rate)
Pros:
- FDA-approved
- Apple and IOS compatible
- 6-lead ECG
- Small and portable
Cons:
- Monthly subscription for premium features
- Doesn’t have additional features of a smartwatch
My verdict
Buy it if you already have a smartwatch.
- INCLUDES DEVICE AND 1 YEAR OF KARDIACARE HEART HEALTH MEMBERSHIP. Get the world's only six-lead personal EKG device plus a KardiaCare membership, which gives you enhanced EKG analysis and further information about your heart.
- SIX LEADS, SIX DETECTIONS. Six-lead EKGs give you a more detailed view of your heart and more data to share with your doctor. As a KardiaCare member, you'll have the ability to detect 6 of the most common arrhythmias, including AFib and PVCs, right on your smartphone. KardiaMobile 6L does not check for heart attack.
- ACCURATE AND DETAILED EKG RESULTS. KardiaMobile 6L records a medical-grade EKG and provides FDA-cleared determinations of your heart rhythm in just 30 seconds. Combined with a KardiaCare membership, it's THE solution for tracking your heart activity from home.
- GET A CARDIOLOGIST'S OPINION FROM HOME. Have your EKG analyzed by a board-certified cardiologist in 24 hours or less—all without leaving your home. Your KardiaCare membership includes 4 reviews annually. (US only)
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for an ECG watch, any of these watches should satisfy your needs. However, if you’re an Apple user, the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, or 6 will do. The Series 6 will be the most advanced, while the Series 4 will be the cheapest of the group.
If you’re an Android user, either the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 3 will do. The 3, of course will be the more advanced of the 2.
If you already have a smartwatch, the Alvecor will be a great add-on.
Pros and Cons of the EKG Smartwatch
Pros:
- You can share your ECG with your doctor
- You can take your ECG in 30 seconds
- Some have the Fall detection feature
- Some have the automatic SOS call feature
- Some are FDA-approved. These are more reliable
- Convenient and easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can’t detect a heart attack
- Can’t replace medical-grade equipment
- If you have a pace-maker, it may give you false alerts
