Best Smartwatch for Heart Rate: Scientific Review - 12 Smartwatches Tested on my Colleague Raphael

The Quantified Scientist February 15, 2025
Video Thumbnail
The Quantified Scientist Logo

The Quantified Scientist

@thequantifiedscientist

About

Looking for a scientific view on wearables? Look no further! My name is Rob, and I am a scientist who is into all sort of wearables, but wants to make sure they are accurate. On this channel, I test different devices, and see how I can use them to improve my life. Support the channel and become a member🙏: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNWxrTlmh4IRSevon1X93g/join I am life-logging and quantifying everything about my body, mind and surroundings. My measurements take more than 11 hours a week and include a weekly brain MRI, sleep EEG and gut microbiome composition. I am quite possibly doing the ultimate "quantified self". As a scientist, I specialise in biological informatics, which means I write computer programs to analyse data. I now use these skills to learn more about myself and I try to improve my life. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantified_scientist/ Twitter: @QuantifiedRob Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ter-horst-90756a4a/ Website: www.robterhorst.com

Video Description

Support the channel by becoming a member🙏: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNWxrTlmh4IRSevon1X93g/join ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬👇DISCOUNTS/AFFILIATES*!👇▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🔴 Whoop Strap 4.0*: https://join.whoop.com/QuantifiedScientist (best $$$ off any new WHOOP membership) 🔴 Best place to get a sports watch in the USA*: https://www.playbetter.com/rob-ter-horst 🔴 Anything on Amazon*: https://geni.us/thequantifiedscientist 🔴 Oura Ring Link: I recommend you search for a discount on reddit with the "Refer-A-Friend" program! If you can’t find one: https://ouraring.sjv.io/Oura4 * (affiliate link that supports the channel, but doesn't have a discount) 🔴 Eight sleep best $$$ (€) discount*: https://eight-sleep.ioym.net/TheQuantifiedScientist + add code “TQS” for full discount ☝️Amazon Affiliate* (paid) links. Supports the channel, doesn't cost you any more!☝️ 🟢 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantified_scientist/ 🟡 Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/5206985 🟠 Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@smartwatchshorts 🔵 Newsletter: www.robterhorst.com 🟡 Twitter: @QuantifiedRob * Affiliate (paid) links support the channel by earning me a commission on any sale, and it doesn't cost you any more! My opinions are completely my own, and this content is not sponsored. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Video edited by Alex: https://linktr.ee/allexb 📸My Gear* (paid links, supports the channel and doesn’t cost you any more)📸 Camera body (main): https://geni.us/SonyA6600_body Camera lens (main): https://geni.us/SigmaContemporary Camera (B-roll 1): https://geni.us/Sony_ZVE1 Camera (B-roll 2): https://geni.us/CanonEosM50MarkII and https://geni.us/Sony_ZVE10 Light: https://geni.us/Godox_VL150 Softbox: https://geni.us/NiceFotoSoftbox Light stand: https://geni.us/WalimexLightstand ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ #applewatchultra2 #applewatchultra #galaxywatchultra #samsungwatchultra Reference devices: ZMax + Dreamento: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.18.553744v1 & https://github.com/dreamento/dreamento Polar H10: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31004219/ 🔴 Polar H10: https://geni.us/hnXc Timestamps: 0:00:00 Background and Test Setup 0:02:49 Samsung Galaxy Fit3 $59.99 0:09:40 Huawei Watch Fit3 $154.51 0:14:38 Pixel Watch 2 $221.05 0:19:59 Galaxy Watch 7 $239.00 0:25:17 Pixel Watch 3 $276.49 0:28:00 Apple Watch 10 $323.10 0:32:55 Coros Pace Pro $349.00 0:36:45 Huawei Watch GT5 Pro $444.50 0:41:11 Whoop Strap 4.0 $574.5 0:47:20 Polar Vantage V3 $599.18 0:49:23 Polar Vantage V3 - Fixing My Mistake 0:54:37 Garmin Enduro 3 $833.99 0:58:01 Ranking Devices 0:1:05:40 My Testing vs Raphael’s Testing 1:11:30 Conclusions and Limitations To see which smartwatch is the most accurate, I tested the heart rate tracking performance of 11 different smartwatches on my colleague Raphael. After testing over 100 smartwatches on myself over the years, I think it’s time to see if we get similar results on a second test subject. And I must say, the results are super interesting! Now, I recently learned it is important for the audience to build a connection with the characters in a YouTube video, so let me share some personal information on Raphael. Raphael works at the Center for Molecular Medicine and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Like all of us that work there he is a big nerd, but luckily he also does a lot of sports, which will be very important for our testing, since we need that juicy hard rate date. Well, it is clear that some devices are better than others in terms of heart rate tracking on the wrist. I think the general patterns in terms of which watches are good, and which are bad, are similar between me and Raphael, but some of the details are different. Also, it seems that on average, Raphael has a somewhat easier physiology for these watches to measure heart rate than I do, since on average the different devices did better on him. It is pretty clear that the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3 have some of the best heart rate tracking, though of course their battery life is pretty bad. Still, if accurate heart rate tracking is your goal, the Apple Watch Series 10 will be your best bet on iPhone and the Pixel Watch 3 the best bet on Android. However, if you need better battery life, you can always get another device and add a chest strap. For instance, I use a Garmin watch myself every day, but I connect it to a chest strap. Or, if you also care about health and sleep tracking in addition to heart rate, the Whoop Strap might be a good compromise.

You May Also Like

Top Heart Rate Smartwatches Now

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Garmin Venu 3S, GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Up to 10 Days of Battery, 41 MM , French Gray

Garmin Venu 3S, GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Up to 10 Days of Battery, 41 MM , French Gray

(3,839)
$519.98$468.37
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant

(1,728)
$413.99
Prime
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
LK 6 Pack Screen Protector for Apple Watch Series 11 46mm, Self-Healing TPU Material for iWatch 46mm Screen Protector, Scrathes-Resistant, Bubble-Free, HD Clarity, Anti-Glare, Transparent Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

LK 6 Pack Screen Protector for Apple Watch Series 11 46mm, Self-Healing TPU Material for iWatch 46mm Screen Protector, Scrathes-Resistant, Bubble-Free, HD Clarity, Anti-Glare, Transparent Global Recycled Standard

(1,111)
$16.99
FREE delivery Sun, Oct 5 on your first order
Loading...
4-in-1 Wireless Magnetic Power Bank 10800mAh Portable Charger with iWatch Charger, QC4.0+20W PD Fast Charging USB C Battery Pack for Magsafe, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch etc. (White)

4-in-1 Wireless Magnetic Power Bank 10800mAh Portable Charger with iWatch Charger, QC4.0+20W PD Fast Charging USB C Battery Pack for Magsafe, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch etc. (White)

(581)
$42.95
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant

(17)
$488.99$444.98
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 30
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station with Clock for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/Z Flip 6/Fold 5/Bud, 3 in 1 Charger Station Watch Charger for Samsung Galaxy Watch 7/6/5Pro(Wood Grain)

Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station with Clock for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/Z Flip 6/Fold 5/Bud, 3 in 1 Charger Station Watch Charger for Samsung Galaxy Watch 7/6/5Pro(Wood Grain)

(1,430)
$49.99$39.96
PrimeFREE delivery Sun, Jun 15
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station, 3 in 1 Android Phone Wireless Charger for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/S23/Z Flip 6/Fold 6/Buds, Charger for Galaxy Watch Ultra/7/6/5/4/3 (Black)

Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station, 3 in 1 Android Phone Wireless Charger for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/S23/Z Flip 6/Fold 6/Buds, Charger for Galaxy Watch Ultra/7/6/5/4/3 (Black)

(7,328)
$42.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung Devices, Wireless Charging Station for Galaxy S25 Ultra/S25+/S25/S24 Ultra/Z Fold/Z Flip/S23/S22/S21, for Galaxy Watch7/Ultra/6/6 Classic/5 Pro/5/4, Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Wireless Charger for Samsung Devices, Wireless Charging Station for Galaxy S25 Ultra/S25+/S25/S24 Ultra/Z Fold/Z Flip/S23/S22/S21, for Galaxy Watch7/Ultra/6/6 Classic/5 Pro/5/4, Galaxy Buds3 Pro

(3,510)
$49.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung - NANAMI 3 in 1 Charging Station for Multiple Devices,Fast Charger Stand Dock for Galaxy S25 S24 S23 Ultra S22 S21 S20 Z Flip Fold,Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro/4/3,Galaxy Buds Pro

Wireless Charger for Samsung - NANAMI 3 in 1 Charging Station for Multiple Devices,Fast Charger Stand Dock for Galaxy S25 S24 S23 Ultra S22 S21 S20 Z Flip Fold,Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro/4/3,Galaxy Buds Pro

(2,272)
$43.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
2-Pack Bands Compatible with Fitbit Versa 4 / Versa 3 Bands/Fitbit Sense 2 / Sense Bands Women Men, Soft Silicone Sport Strap Replacement Wristbands for Versa 4/Versa 3/Sense 2/Sense Smartwatch

2-Pack Bands Compatible with Fitbit Versa 4 / Versa 3 Bands/Fitbit Sense 2 / Sense Bands Women Men, Soft Silicone Sport Strap Replacement Wristbands for Versa 4/Versa 3/Sense 2/Sense Smartwatch

(3)
$9.99
FREE delivery Mon, Jul 7 on your first order
Loading...
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminium Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminium Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

(48)
$299.00$224.25
FREE delivery Tue, Jul 1
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

(55)
$259.00$194.25
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

(81)
$259.00
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant

(1,728)
$413.99
Prime
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station with Clock for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/Z Flip 6/Fold 5/Bud, 3 in 1 Charger Station Watch Charger for Samsung Galaxy Watch 7/6/5Pro(Wood Grain)

Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station with Clock for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/Z Flip 6/Fold 5/Bud, 3 in 1 Charger Station Watch Charger for Samsung Galaxy Watch 7/6/5Pro(Wood Grain)

(1,430)
$49.99$39.96
PrimeFREE delivery Sun, Jun 15
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station, 3 in 1 Android Phone Wireless Charger for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/S23/Z Flip 6/Fold 6/Buds, Charger for Galaxy Watch Ultra/7/6/5/4/3 (Black)

Wireless Charger for Samsung Charging Station, 3 in 1 Android Phone Wireless Charger for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24 Ultra/S23/Z Flip 6/Fold 6/Buds, Charger for Galaxy Watch Ultra/7/6/5/4/3 (Black)

(7,328)
$42.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger for Samsung - NANAMI 3 in 1 Charging Station for Multiple Devices,Fast Charger Stand Dock for Galaxy S25 S24 S23 Ultra S22 S21 S20 Z Flip Fold,Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro/4/3,Galaxy Buds Pro

Wireless Charger for Samsung - NANAMI 3 in 1 Charging Station for Multiple Devices,Fast Charger Stand Dock for Galaxy S25 S24 S23 Ultra S22 S21 S20 Z Flip Fold,Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro/4/3,Galaxy Buds Pro

(2,272)
$43.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
2-Pack Bands Compatible with Fitbit Versa 4 / Versa 3 Bands/Fitbit Sense 2 / Sense Bands Women Men, Soft Silicone Sport Strap Replacement Wristbands for Versa 4/Versa 3/Sense 2/Sense Smartwatch

2-Pack Bands Compatible with Fitbit Versa 4 / Versa 3 Bands/Fitbit Sense 2 / Sense Bands Women Men, Soft Silicone Sport Strap Replacement Wristbands for Versa 4/Versa 3/Sense 2/Sense Smartwatch

(3)
$9.99
FREE delivery Mon, Jul 7 on your first order
Loading...
2200mAh / 8.14Wh Battery for Garmin E1GR, E1GRVIRBELITE, E2GR, E2GRVIRBELITE, VIRB, VIRB Elite, Virb Elite Action HD Camera 1. PN:Garmin 010-11599-00, 010-11654-03

2200mAh / 8.14Wh Battery for Garmin E1GR, E1GRVIRBELITE, E2GR, E2GRVIRBELITE, VIRB, VIRB Elite, Virb Elite Action HD Camera 1. PN:Garmin 010-11599-00, 010-11654-03

(0)
$33.08
FREE delivery Sep 3 - 15
Loading...
Garmin Venu 3S, GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Up to 10 Days of Battery, 41 MM , French Gray

Garmin Venu 3S, GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Up to 10 Days of Battery, 41 MM , French Gray

(3,839)
$519.98$468.37
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men/Women, Smartwatch with 1.95" Touch Screen, 110+ Sport Modes Fitness Tracker, Activity Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof Watch for Calls Black

Smart Watch for Men/Women, Smartwatch with 1.95" Touch Screen, 110+ Sport Modes Fitness Tracker, Activity Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof Watch for Calls Black

(96)
$18.99
FREE delivery Tue, Nov 4 on your first order
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminium Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminium Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

(48)
$299.00$224.25
FREE delivery Tue, Jul 1
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men Women 1.8" Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Call, DIY Dial, Heart Rate Sleep Blood Oxygen Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iPhone, Alexa Built-in

Smart Watch for Men Women 1.8" Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Call, DIY Dial, Heart Rate Sleep Blood Oxygen Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iPhone, Alexa Built-in

(980)
$39.99
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Water-Resistant

(55)
$259.00$194.25
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
200+ bought in past month