Wearable devices have revolutionised how we track our health - especially our heart. From step counts to sleep quality, these gadgets now offer continuous monitoring of cardiovascular functions like heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability. But with hundreds of options on the market, how do we choose the best one?
With a focus on heart health a new Singapore study has put 216 wearable devices under the microscope to find out which are best suited for healthy adults living in the community. These are individuals who might be managing mild chronic conditions but are generally well. The result? A shortlist of 20 validated, user-friendly devices (from wrist monitors to smart shirts) that strike the right balance between accuracy, usability, and affordability.
As ever, please talk to your doctor or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle, especially if you are under treatment. Link to the study at bottom of page.
Why Continuous Monitoring Matters
Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) are key indicators of cardiovascular health. Unlike occasional check-ups, continuous monitoring gives us a fuller picture of how our bodies respond to daily activities, stress and sleep.
This is especially useful in clinical research or health programmes where consistent data can uncover subtle trends - like how a new fitness routine or dietary change affects heart function over time.
A Practical Guide to Device Selection
The study applied a step-by-step guide to evaluate each wearable across five key areas:
Continuous Monitoring: Can it passively collect heart data 24/7 over at least a week?
Availability and Suitability: Is it easy to buy and comfortable enough for everyday use?
Accuracy and Precision: Are its readings trustworthy, compared to gold-standard medical devices?
Feasibility: Does it work well in real life - comfortable, long battery life, easy syncing?
Cost: Is it affordable for both individual users and clinical studies?
Using this framework, 20 devices stood out, including already popular names like the Apple Watch Series 9, Fitbit Charge 6, Garmin vívosmart 5 and the Oura Ring Gen3.
The list in it's entirety, in alphabetic order:
Apple Watch Series 9
Biofourmis Everion+
Corsano Cardiowatch Bracelet
Fitbit Charge 6
Garmin vívosmart 5
Oura Ring Gen3
Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor (a chest strap)
Samsung Galaxy Watch7
WHOOP 4.0 Band
Top Performers in Everyday Settings
Among the devices evaluated, two emerged as particularly well-rounded:
Corsano Cardiowatch Bracelet: Validated for BP, HR and HRV, this wrist-worn device scored highly across feasibility factors. It is suited for users who want multi-metric tracking and don’t mind a more clinical-looking design.
Oura Ring Gen3: This sleek ring tracks HR and HRV, is validated for healthy users and offers excellent comfort. It is ideal for those engaging in health interventions such as anti-ageing studies or fitness programmes.
For users looking for affordability without compromising too much on performance, the Garmin vívosmart 5 is also a worthwhile option
Real-World Application
A major strength of this study is its real-world focus. It doesn’t just consider what works in theory, but what people are likely to wear, use consistently and manage without hassle. Comfort, battery life, user interface and data privacy were all taken into account - crucial for reliable, long-term monitoring.
It also highlights that no one device is perfect. Researchers and healthcare providers should match devices to the needs of their target population. For example, devices with tactile buttons and minimal setup are better for those with limited vision or digital literacy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wearable for heart health goes beyond picking the flashiest gadget. It’s about finding a device that fits comfortably into daily life, provides accurate and meaningful data, and supports your personal or clinical health goals.
This guide offers a helpful roadmap, especially for those participating in lifestyle interventions or clinical trials. Whether you're a researcher looking to monitor patient progress, or simply someone aiming to age well and stay active, the right wearable can be a powerful ally.
For most people, improving health is about finding motivation and prioritising self-care with an ultimate goal of taking action. If you want to take effective and targeted steps that fit into your unique lifestyle, The Whole Health Practice is here to help.
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Stay Healthy,
Alastair
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Studies and Resources
Jessica K. Lu, Weilan Wang, Jorming Goh, Andrea B. Maier, Selecting Wearable Devices to Measure Cardiovascular Functions in Community-Dwelling Adults: Application of a Practical Guide for Device Selection, Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Digital Health, Volume 3, Issue 2, 2025, 100202, ISSN 2949-7612, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcpdig.2025.100202.
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