Most Accurate SmartWatch for blood pressure

Many smartwatches claim to measure blood pressure, it's crucial to understand the accuracy and regulatory status of these devices. As of April 6, 2025, here's a breakdown of the most accurate options and important considerations:

Currently Available Options with a Focus on Accuracy:

• YHE BP Doctor Fit: This smartwatch utilizes a patented inflatable air cuff within the watch band to measure blood pressure, similar to traditional cuffs. Reviews suggest it offers medical-grade accuracy and has shown results within 5 mmHg of a standard blood pressure monitor in testing. It is available for purchase in the US market.

• Huawei Watch D: This smartwatch also employs a built-in mini pump and airbag to take blood pressure readings using the oscillometric method. Huawei claims a margin of error within ±3 mmHg. It has received medical device certification in China and the EU but is not currently available for sale in the US.

• Wellue Blood Pressure Watch: This smartwatch also uses a micro aircuff for blood pressure measurement and is FDA-cleared and CE-certified. It offers scheduled blood pressure readings and connects to a mobile app for tracking.

Smartwatches Using PPG (Photoplethysmography):

Many other smartwatches, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch series (including the upcoming Watch 7 and Ultra), Fitbit Sense (evolving capabilities), and Amazfit GTR 3 Pro, use PPG sensors to estimate blood pressure. PPG technology uses light to measure blood flow changes in the wrist. These watches often require initial calibration with a traditional blood pressure cuff and may need periodic recalibration (e.g., every 28 days for Samsung Galaxy Watches) to maintain accuracy.

Important Considerations Regarding Accuracy:

• Calibration: Smartwatches using PPG typically require calibration with a standard cuff-based blood pressure monitor to establish a baseline for their estimations. If recalibration is not performed, accuracy can decrease over time.

• Method of Measurement: Devices with built-in inflatable cuffs (like YHE BP Doctor Fit and Huawei Watch D) generally offer higher accuracy as they use a method closer to traditional blood pressure measurement.

• FDA Clearance/Approval: In the United States, the Omron HeartGuide and the Wellue Blood Pressure Watch are the only smartwatches that have received FDA clearance for blood pressure measurement. FDA clearance indicates that the device has been shown to be safe and effective for its intended use. It's important to note that FDA clearance is different from FDA approval, which is typically required for higher-risk medical devices.

• Clinical Validation: Look for studies or validation data that support the accuracy claims of a blood pressure smartwatch. Some manufacturers provide this information.

• Limitations of Wrist-Based Measurement: Wrist-based blood pressure measurements can be more susceptible to inaccuracies due to factors like wrist position, movement, and skin characteristics compared to upper-arm measurements.

• Not a Replacement for Medical Devices: It's crucial to understand that even the most accurate blood pressure smartwatches are generally intended for personal monitoring and should not replace traditional medical-grade blood pressure monitors or the advice of a healthcare professional, especially for diagnosis or treatment decisions.

Future Trends:

The technology for blood pressure monitoring in smartwatches is continuously evolving. There is anticipation that more accurate and user-friendly devices will become available in the future, potentially including cuffless technologies that achieve medical-grade accuracy without calibration. Rumors suggest that Apple may also be working on integrating blood pressure monitoring into future Apple Watch models.

In summary, if accuracy is your top priority, the YHE BP Doctor Fit and the Wellue Blood Pressure Watch (both utilizing an inflatable cuff) are currently among the most accurate options available in the US market as of April 2025. The Omron HeartGuide is another FDA-cleared option. Smartwatches using PPG can provide useful insights into blood pressure trends but may not be as accurate as cuff-based methods and require calibration. Always consult with your doctor for reliable blood pressure monitoring and management.