

We also test the accuracy of the step counting and heart rate monitoring, validate any waterproof claims, and conduct drop tests. After our experts look at the products, we ask consumer testers to use the trackers for two weeks and give feedback on ease of use, comfort, design, and fitness motivation.

We continuously evaluate Fitbit products and other brands’ fitness trackers based on ease of use, durability, and performance. And that's no surprise to us: The experts and engineers in the GH Media & Tech Lab have evaluated trackers from dozens of brands over the past decade and Fitbit devices always top our tests. A leader in the wearable tracker category, Fitbit has become a total household name. But new trackers and smartwatches do all that and so much more. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy smartphone users may get more out of a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.Fitness trackers log your daily steps and help you keep track of how much you're moving - and according to a survey from the Good Housekeeping Institute, 75% of people said a fitness tracker helped kick their drive to exercise into high gear. If you have an iPhone, you may prefer an Apple Watch 8 for easy pairing. This allows you to view reports on your heart rate, exercise activity, ECG readings, blood oxygen, stress levels and other recorded metrics.

You'll want a smartwatch that can either pair with your phone or provides a compatible mobile app to view data. If you don't clear the notificaion within a set period of time it will then automatically send an alert to emergency services or your emergency contatct. If the watch detects a fall it will give you the option to call 911 or a designated emergency contact or report that you are alright. Fall detection turns your smartwatch into a trendy, more high tech Life Alert device. However, if you or the person that you are shopping for need a heart monitoring smartwatch due to a cardiological condition that can lead to falls or fainting, it may help. Fall detection isn't technically a heart health feature.
