Smartwatches have evolved beyond simple gadgets that notify you of messages and calls—they have become powerful tools for tracking and improving health. Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize your workouts, someone managing a chronic condition, or just a health-conscious individual, the right smartwatch can be a valuable companion. In 2024, smartwatches are packed with advanced health monitoring features, including heart rate tracking, ECG, blood oxygen sensors, sleep analysis, and even stress management tools.
Here, we explore the 15 best smartwatches for health monitoring in 2024, highlighting their health features, performance, and overall usability.
1. Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 continues to lead the market with its comprehensive suite of health features. Equipped with the new S9 chip, it offers faster performance and more accurate tracking. The watch provides ECG, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, and advanced sleep tracking. The Series 9 also introduces better fall detection and crash detection, which can be lifesaving in emergencies.
Key Health Features:
- ECG App: Detects signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Measures SpO2 levels.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 tracking with irregular rhythm notifications.
- Sleep Tracking: Advanced analysis of sleep stages.
- Cycle Tracking: With temperature sensing for reproductive health insights.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is perfect for anyone looking for a balance of style, functionality, and top-tier health monitoring features.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is an excellent choice for Android users who want a robust health-tracking smartwatch. It features a large, vibrant Super AMOLED display and is powered by Samsung’s Exynos W930 chipset, ensuring smooth performance. In terms of health monitoring, it offers a wide range of features, including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and SpO2 tracking.
Key Health Features:
- ECG: FDA-approved ECG app to monitor heart health.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Requires calibration with a cuff.
- SpO2 Tracking: Measures blood oxygen levels.
- Sleep Analysis: Provides detailed insights into sleep patterns.
- Body Composition Analysis: Measures body fat, muscle mass, and hydration levels.
With its advanced health monitoring tools and seamless integration with Samsung Health, the Galaxy Watch 6 is one of the best choices for Android users.
3. Garmin Venu 3
Garmin has long been known for its fitness-oriented devices, and the Garmin Venu 3 continues that tradition with a sharp focus on health. This smartwatch is ideal for athletes and health enthusiasts who want in-depth tracking of their workouts and overall well-being. It features a bright AMOLED display and advanced health monitoring features, including body battery energy monitoring and Pulse Ox (blood oxygen) sensors.
Key Health Features:
- Body Battery: Measures energy levels to optimize workout timing.
- Pulse Ox Sensor: Tracks blood oxygen levels and monitors sleep apnea risks.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous tracking with abnormal heart rate alerts.
- Hydration Tracking: Helps track daily water intake.
- Advanced Sleep Tracking: Monitors sleep stages and provides insights.
With its wide range of health features and exceptional fitness tracking capabilities, the Garmin Venu 3 is perfect for active users.
4. Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is a well-rounded health monitoring device that offers a wide array of advanced health features. It’s designed to track not only your physical health but also your mental well-being. The Sense 2 includes stress management tools and a skin temperature sensor, making it ideal for users who want a holistic approach to their health.
Key Health Features:
- Stress Management Tools: Includes an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor to track stress levels.
- ECG App: Detects atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring (SpO2): Measures blood oxygen saturation.
- Skin Temperature Sensor: Helps track changes that might indicate illness.
- Sleep Tracking: Offers detailed analysis of sleep stages and quality.
With its focus on both mental and physical health, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a great option for anyone who wants to keep tabs on their overall well-being.
5. Amazfit GTR 4
Amazfit continues to offer high-quality health monitoring features at an affordable price with the GTR 4. The watch is packed with features such as heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and even a PeakBeats performance analysis tool. It also has a battery life that outperforms many of its competitors, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring with abnormal heart rate alerts.
- SpO2 Tracking: Measures blood oxygen levels.
- PeakBeats Performance Analysis: Provides detailed performance metrics for workouts.
- Sleep Monitoring: Tracks sleep stages and breathing quality.
- Stress Monitoring: Helps manage stress through continuous tracking.
The Amazfit GTR 4 is perfect for users who want solid health-tracking features without breaking the bank.
6. Withings ScanWatch 2
The Withings ScanWatch 2 combines classic watch aesthetics with modern health-tracking features. It includes an ECG, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 tracking, all in a traditional analog watch design. The standout feature is its medical-grade ECG, which can detect atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions.
Key Health Features:
- ECG: Medical-grade ECG to detect heart abnormalities.
- SpO2 Tracking: Monitors blood oxygen saturation.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides detailed insights into sleep quality.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 heart rate tracking with alerts.
- Respiratory Health Monitoring: Detects signs of respiratory issues such as sleep apnea.
The Withings ScanWatch 2 is ideal for users who prefer a more traditional look without sacrificing advanced health monitoring features.
7. Google Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is Google’s flagship smartwatch, designed to seamlessly integrate with the Google ecosystem. It boasts a clean, minimalist design and is loaded with health-tracking features powered by Fitbit. The Pixel Watch 2 includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, ECG, and more, making it a strong competitor in the health-focused smartwatch market.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Advanced heart rate tracking with Fitbit’s algorithms.
- ECG: FDA-approved app to detect atrial fibrillation.
- SpO2 Monitoring: Measures blood oxygen saturation levels.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides detailed insights into sleep patterns.
- Stress Management: Tools to monitor and manage stress levels.
With its sleek design and deep integration with Google services, the Pixel Watch 2 is an excellent option for Android users.
8. Polar Grit X Pro
The Polar Grit X Pro is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want a rugged smartwatch with advanced health monitoring features. It offers military-grade durability and an extensive suite of health tracking features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and recovery insights. It’s also packed with tools for tracking outdoor activities like hiking and trail running.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous monitoring with accurate metrics for athletes.
- SpO2 Tracking: Measures blood oxygen saturation.
- Recovery Insights: Helps track recovery times and readiness for workouts.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides comprehensive analysis of sleep quality and stages.
- Nutritional Guidance: Tracks energy expenditure and provides fueling recommendations for endurance athletes.
For those who spend a lot of time outdoors or engage in intense physical activity, the Polar Grit X Pro offers unmatched durability and health monitoring features.
9. Huawei Watch GT 4
The Huawei Watch GT 4 offers a premium design with a range of health and fitness features at an affordable price. The watch is equipped with heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and a TruSleep 3.0 feature for advanced sleep monitoring. Its battery life is exceptional, lasting up to two weeks, making it one of the best smartwatches for health tracking on long trips.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Tracks heart rate continuously with TruSeen 5.0+ technology.
- SpO2 Monitoring: Measures blood oxygen levels.
- Sleep Tracking: TruSleep 3.0 offers advanced sleep stage tracking.
- Stress Monitoring: Provides stress level analysis and breathing exercises.
- Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Tracks menstrual cycles with insights based on temperature data.
With its long battery life and comprehensive health features, the Huawei Watch GT 4 is perfect for users who want longevity and reliable health tracking.
10. Suunto 9 Peak Pro
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a rugged smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers. It offers a wide range of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and stress analysis. The watch is built to endure harsh environments, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable device with reliable health-tracking capabilities.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Accurate wrist-based heart rate tracking.
- SpO2 Tracking: Measures blood oxygen saturation for high-altitude activities.
- Stress Tracking: Monitors stress levels and recovery.
- Sleep Tracking: Analyzes sleep patterns and recovery.
- Fitness and Recovery Monitoring: Tracks energy levels and suggests rest when needed.
For athletes and outdoor adventurers who need a rugged smartwatch with advanced health monitoring features, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a top pick.
11. TicWatch Pro 5
The TicWatch Pro 5 stands out with its dual-layer display technology, which helps prolong battery life without compromising on health monitoring features. The TicWatch Pro 5 is equipped with all the necessary health sensors, making it a competitive choice in the market. It offers heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking, and stress management. Its standout feature is the dual-display system—an AMOLED screen for vivid graphics and an FSTN screen that helps conserve battery life when detailed visuals are not needed.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 heart rate tracking with alerts for abnormal readings.
- SpO2 Tracking: Blood oxygen level monitoring for overall health and sleep insights.
- Sleep Tracking: Detailed analysis of sleep cycles and sleep quality.
- Stress Management: Tools to monitor and manage stress.
- Battery Life: Up to 45 days in Essential Mode, offering excellent battery longevity.
For users who want a smartwatch that balances performance, health tracking, and long-lasting battery life, the TicWatch Pro 5 is an excellent option.
12. Fossil Gen 7 Smartwatch
Fossil’s Gen 7 Smartwatch combines classic watch aesthetics with modern health monitoring features, making it an appealing option for those who want style along with substance. It’s equipped with heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis, as well as integration with Google Fit. Fossil has also improved the battery life and charging speed with this model, making it more user-friendly.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous heart rate tracking with irregular rhythm detection.
- SpO2 Tracking: Measures blood oxygen levels.
- Sleep Monitoring: Tracks sleep duration and stages.
- Stress Management: Monitors stress levels and offers guided breathing exercises.
- Fitness Tracking: Integrated with Google Fit for comprehensive health tracking.
The Fossil Gen 7 is a perfect smartwatch for those who want a balance between style, functionality, and health tracking.
13. Coros Vertix 2
The Coros Vertix 2 is built for extreme sports and adventurers, offering unrivaled durability alongside top-notch health monitoring features. It features continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis, but its standout feature is its battery life, which lasts up to 60 days in UltraMax mode. Additionally, the Vertix 2 supports offline mapping and navigation, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 heart rate monitoring with detailed workout metrics.
- SpO2 Tracking: Blood oxygen saturation monitoring for high-altitude adventures.
- Sleep Tracking: Analyzes sleep quality and recovery.
- Stress Monitoring: Tracks stress levels throughout the day.
- Recovery Metrics: Provides insights into recovery times and overall wellness.
The Coros Vertix 2 is ideal for those who need a rugged smartwatch with extensive health monitoring capabilities and impressive battery life.
14. Amazfit GTS 4 Mini
For users on a budget, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini offers excellent health-tracking features in a compact, affordable package. Despite its smaller size, it includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable for everyday wear, and it also boasts a battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous heart rate tracking with abnormal rhythm alerts.
- SpO2 Tracking: Measures blood oxygen saturation for sleep and health insights.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides detailed analysis of sleep stages.
- Stress Monitoring: Tracks stress levels and offers relaxation exercises.
- Fitness Tracking: Tracks steps, workouts, and calorie burn.
For users seeking an affordable yet feature-rich health monitoring smartwatch, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini is a great option.
15. Oura Ring (Gen 4)
While not a traditional smartwatch, the Oura Ring deserves a mention for its advanced health monitoring features packed into a compact ring design. It offers continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and temperature monitoring, making it a popular choice for those who prefer not to wear a wrist-based device. Its minimalist design and focus on recovery and sleep make it a standout in the health wearables category.
Key Health Features:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Monitors heart rate during both day and night.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides in-depth sleep analysis, including REM and deep sleep stages.
- Body Temperature Monitoring: Tracks temperature fluctuations for early illness detection.
- Recovery Insights: Offers data on recovery times and readiness for the day.
- Activity Tracking: Monitors steps, calories, and daily activity levels.
For users who want discreet health monitoring without the bulk of a smartwatch, the Oura Ring is a unique and effective solution.
Conclusion
The smartwatch market in 2024 offers a wide variety of devices tailored to different needs, whether you’re an athlete, a health-conscious individual, or someone managing a chronic condition. From the highly advanced Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 to budget-friendly options like the Amazfit GTR 4 and GTS 4 Mini, there’s a smartwatch for everyone.
When choosing a smartwatch for health monitoring, it’s essential to consider what specific features you need. Whether it’s ECG, SpO2 tracking, sleep analysis, or stress management, these watches provide robust tools to help you stay on top of your health.
No matter your preferences or budget, the right smartwatch can offer invaluable insights into your physical and mental well-being, making it easier to live a healthier, more informed life.