Which smart band can measure blood pressure?
The Best Blood Pressure Watches for 2024
High blood pressure, or hypertension, impacts approximately 1.3 billion individuals globally, leading to 10 million deaths annually, as reported by the World Heart Federation. Affecting the entire body and damaging blood vessels over time, hypertension is the world's foremost risk factor for mortality. While effective treatments exist for high blood pressure, detecting and monitoring it can be challenging.
Want more information on blood pressure smart fitness band? Feel free to contact us.
Dr. Kazuomi Kario, head of cardiovascular medicine at Jichi Medical University, discussed the potential of managing high blood pressure with wearable technology in an article featured in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Current evidence suggests that digital management of hypertension and wearable BP monitoring technology represent the future. These strategies make the objective of reducing or even eliminating cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients a viable goal.
New research has shown that wearables are "validated and reliable," performing well against existing out-of-office BP measurement methods. However, responsibility lies with the user to find the best wearable and use it appropriately. While wearables can provide trends and indicators, an approved blood pressure cuff offers more accurate data and should validate the wearable’s readings.
Also: The best smartwatches you can buy
Top Choices for Blood Pressure Watches
To assist you in finding a smartwatch capable of monitoring blood pressure, we reviewed academic studies to assess the best available options, considering accuracy, data privacy, and cost. ZDNET’s current top recommendation is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro because of its long battery life, affordable price, wide availability, and reliable readings. Unfortunately, the FDA has not yet authorized blood pressure monitoring for use in the US, so only customers outside of the US can benefit from this feature.
The top choice for the US market is the YHE BP Doctor Pro, among the few wearables capable of capturing wrist-based blood pressure readings. Continue reading to see how different blood pressure watch options compare.
The Best Blood Pressure Watches of 2024
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Best Blood Pressure Smartwatch for Use Outside the US
Pros & Cons
Pros- Lightweight titanium casing
- Sapphire glass AMOLED display
- Long battery life
- Google Wear OS support
- Bit chunky form factor
- Blood pressure remains elusive in the US
More Details
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features: BP measurement: Pulse wave analysis | Size: 45mm | Weight: 1.64 oz (46.6 g) | Power source: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | Battery life: Three days on a single charge | App: Galaxy Wearable
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can measure your blood pressure internationally. Additionally, the watch’s health monitor app can also take ECG readings. However, Samsung warns that this blood pressure feature "cannot diagnose hypertension, other conditions, or detect heart attacks. It shouldn't replace traditional methods by certified healthcare professionals."
Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review: Not the latest but still the greatest
For monitoring ongoing conditions, the watch showcases particular promise. A study with the Galaxy Watch 5 indicated that using the watch for BP measurements resulted in reliable and accurate readings, notably assisting in monitoring BP among Parkinson's Disease patients.
The blood pressure function hasn’t acquired FDA approval in the U.S. yet but is available in over 50 other countries, including Canada, Vietnam, and South Africa. Even in the US, there are unofficial ways to use this function. For accurate readings, users must calibrate the watch monthly using a traditional blood pressure cuff. This device is packed with other features, such as sleep tracking and music streaming, and it appears on ZDNET's list of the best smartwatches.
View now at Amazon
View now at Best Buy
View now at Target
YHE BP Doctor Pro
Best All-in-One Blood Pressure Smartwatch
Pros & Cons
Pros- Medical-grade wearable
- SpO2 measurements
- Tracks calories
- Does not take blood pressure automatically
- Military time
- Large interface
More Details
YHE BP Doctor Pro features: BP measurement: Inflatable cuff | Size: 5.31-8.66 inches | Weight: 2.12 oz (60.1 g) | Power source: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | App: For both iPhone and Android
The YHE BP Doctor Pro utilizes patented inflatable air cuff technology to monitor blood pressure with clinical precision. Apart from blood pressure, it also measures HRV (heart rate variability)—the interval variation between each heartbeat, revealing insights about stress recovery.
This smartwatch continuously monitors your heart rate round-the-clock. SpO2 levels are also measurable instantly via pressing a button on the watch, allowing it to potentially detect apneas and issue alerts. Furthermore, it can offer recommendations to adjust your sleep pattern based on respiratory indications like snoring.
Aside from being a comprehensive health tracker, the YHE BP Doctor Pro serves as a conventional smartwatch, featuring sleep, activity, and health tracking in addition to alarms, messages, and weather updates. The data can sync to its Android or iOS app, forming a holistic health management plan for the user and their family.
View now at Amazon
FitVII Smartwatch
Best Budget-Friendly Blood Pressure Watch
Pros & Cons
Pros- Full tracking suite
- 7+ days of typical use
- 2-year warranty
- Sleep tracking doesn't measure REM sleep
- Vibration alerts for phone notifications can be distracting
- Not compatible with PC or tablet
More Details
FitVII Smartwatch features: BP measurement: Sensors | Size: 1.7 inches | Weight: 1.2 oz (34.02 g) | Power source: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | Battery life: 7+ days | App: FitCloudPro App
Emerging technology can be expensive, and since the blood pressure wearable market is still nascent, finding models under $100 is rare. This FitVII model, though, is an exception, priced at just $45 on Amazon with a 4.1-star rating from over 2,000 reviewers impressed by its reading consistency and user-friendly app.
The watch includes sleep tracking, evaluating time spent in deep or light sleep. Moreover, it provides real-time weather updates and tracks activity, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, displayed on its 1.7-inch HD screen. The battery life ranges between 7 and 10 days.
On the FitVII website, you can find the GT5 watch, which features 24/7 heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, for around $100 (with a $5 discount currently available).
View now at Amazon
Med-Watch Pro
Best Standalone Blood Pressure Watch
Pros & Cons
Pros- Doesn't require a smartphone
- Additional helpful health tracking features
- Blood pressure reading within 30 seconds
- Issues with charger/charging
- Not as high-tech or accurate as other options
More Details
Med-Watch Pro tech specs: BP measurement: Optical sensors | Size: Adjustable strap (5.5-8.5 inches) | Weight: N/A | Power source: Rechargeable battery | Battery life: Up to a week | App: DaFit app
If you prefer a blood pressure watch that functions independently, the Med-Watch Pro is a superb choice, keeping all your health data within the device. Still, syncing it with a smartphone via the DaFit app can provide additional insights and personalized recommendations.
The Med-Watch Pro assesses blood pressure using optical sensors that detect blood flow beneath the skin. Specifically, photoplethysmography (PPG) technology emits light into the skin and calculates blood pressure based on light absorption variations. A reading takes less than 30 seconds.
Beyond blood pressure monitoring, the Med-Watch Pro tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, daily steps, and more for overall health management.
The company is the world’s best best smartwatch for seniors blood pressure supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Additional reading:Your Smartwatch Can't Actually Track Glucose Levels
View now at Med-watch
What is the Best Blood Pressure Watch?
The Omron HeartGuide stands out as the best blood pressure watch. It can produce a clinically accurate blood pressure reading in just 30 seconds. Additionally, it allows you to track trends in your blood pressure over time, giving you better insights through the accompanying app.
Blood Pressure Watch
Price
How Does it Work?
Weight
Power Source
Omron HeartGuide
$500
Inflatable cuff
4.1 oz
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
$320
Pulse wave analysis, monthly calibration with traditional blood pressure cuff
1.01 oz
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
YHE BP Doctor Pro
$200
Inflatable cuff
2.12 oz
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
FitVII Smartwatch
$45
Sensors
1.2 oz
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Med-Watch Pro
$150
Optical sensors
N/A
Rechargeable battery
Choosing the Right Blood Pressure Watch for You
Each blood pressure watch serves different needs. For instance, the Omron HeartGuide is FDA-approved, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers broader market availability.
Choose this blood pressure watch...
If you want...
Omron HeartGuide
The best overall blood pressure watch with FDA approval, delivering readings in as little as 30 seconds.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
A popular option for measuring blood pressure and taking ECGs on the go, available in select countries.
YHE BP Doctor Pro
Medical-grade accuracy in blood pressure readings, along with HRV and blood oxygen measurements.
FitVII Smartwatch
A cost-effective blood pressure watch praised for accuracy and functionality, including step and calorie counting.
Med-Watch Pro
A standalone blood pressure watch that doesn't require a smartphone while tracking multiple health metrics.
Considerations When Choosing a Blood Pressure Watch
While there are fewer blood pressure watch options than general smartwatches, future technology advancements may change this landscape. Here's what to consider:
- Capability: Some watches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, need an initial calibration with a certified monitor. Others use direct inflatable cuffs.
- Other Functions: Full smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offer more features than dedicated blood pressure monitors.
- Fit and Comfort: Accurate blood pressure readings require proper placement and comfort, making the fit essential.
How We Choose These Blood Pressure Watches
We encountered few options for blood pressure watches, allowing us to discern the reliable ones from less credible offerings. Here are our criteria:
- Commercial Availability: For example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s blood pressure feature isn’t FDA-approved in the US yet.
- Accuracy: We relied on studies and medical research to ensure accuracy.
- Data Privacy: We evaluated each brand’s protocols to ensure user health data security.
- Price: Affordability was a factor, although cheaper options often lack reliability and data security focus.
Do Blood Pressure Watches Really Work?
While it may seem futuristic