How accurate are heart rate data provided by smartwatches and smart rings? We tested them, and the results were disappointing
A test reveals the disappointing accuracy of heart rate data from various smartwatches and smart rings.
A recent trial conducted during a jogging session tested the heart rate monitoring accuracy of a smartwatch, a sports watch, and two smart rings. The findings exposed the discrepancies in data provided by these devices, revealing that the smart rings performed particularly poorly in tracking heart rate accurately. This disappointing result raises questions about the reliability of smart rings as fitness tracking tools, especially for serious athletes or health-conscious individuals.
The trial highlights the growing popularity of wearable technology in fitness monitoring, emphasizing the need for more rigorous testing before consumers invest in these devices. Despite the promises of convenience and health insights that come with smart technology, the reliability of heart rate data is critical for users who depend on precise measurements for their workouts and health monitoring.
The article also contextualizes the distant promise of an accurate fitness tracker against the current performance issues identified. As technology evolves, there’s an expectation that these devices will provide reliable data, so the poor performance of smart rings might lead consumers to reconsider their choices and possibly prioritize more established and tested devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers.