Gone are the days when you’ll need to whip up a large blood pressure monitoring device to get an accurate reading of your vitals. With a smartwatch that has a blood pressure monitor built-in, you’ll be able to get accurate readings whenever you wish.
With that said, having a blood pressure monitor present in your watch rids you of bulky cuffs while also presenting some added benefits which we’ll talk about down below in detail. Besides that, we’ve got our hands on a few smartwatches that have blood-pressure monitors present within them.
We’ll be testing them out in detail, and will be relaying our results in accordance with the price of the smartwatches while also comparing them with a medical-grade actual blood pressure monitor as well!
How Do BP Monitors In Smart Watches Work?
There are two different kinds of BP Monitors available in watches as of yet. In terms of accuracy, one takes precedence over the other. One of these works as a conventional blood pressure monitor that constricts your wrist and provides you with an accurate rating.
They are FDA approved and can be used as medical devices. However, unlike a typical smartwatch, they lack most of the functionalities that you would expect from a conventional smart-wearable. As such, they don’t really come into the ambit of discussion for this particular overview. However, we will still be mentioning them in case you are interested.
For all the other smartwatches that we’re going to be mentioning, they use conventional light sensors that are present on the smartwatch to get a reading of blood pressure. Instead of physically constricting your arm/wrist, the light sensor measures the natural constriction of your vessel over a set period of time. An algorithm then uses your heart/rate alongside this vital piece of information to get a reading of your blood pressure.
Pros and Cons of using a Smartwatch with a BP Monitor:
In terms of pros and cons, there are a few distinct ones that you should be aware of before you make your purchase decision.
Pros:
- Convenience: The ability to measure your BP at any place at any time is extremely useful and practical. You won’t need to worry about carrying a clunky monitor around with you anywhere.
- Logging: One other added advantage of using a smartwatch is that all your BP data is logged to a companion app on your smartphone. So, you can access it at any time during the day analyzing trends too, if needed.
- One-Size-Fits-All: As the technology improves, you won’t need to worry about your wrist being too small or large for a BP monitor. Instead, you’ll just be able to use your smartwatch for your measurements!
Cons:
- Requires Recalibration: Your smartwatch is incapable of measuring your blood pressure without a blood pressure monitor providing it with relative data. So, you might need to recalibrate your watch from time to time for an accurate reading.
- Not Always Accurate: While our testing has led to most smartwatches being fairly accurate, there still can be human-made errors when it comes to calibration that can lead to results swaying on one end.
- Not FDA Approved: Not all of these smartwatches are treated as replacements for medical devices. Therefore, you can use them to get a relative sense of your blood pressure but won’t always be able to use it for a systemic, accurate reading.
- Personalized Reading: If your friend wanted to check their BP using their smartwatch, they wouldn’t be able to do so as the watch is specifically calibrated to your sinus rhythm.
How Accurate Is A Smartwatch With A BP Monitor?
If the smartwatch is using the aforementioned method of using light sensors, then its accuracy is totally dependent on the initial calibration. Once you try using this feature, you’ll need to use a BP Monitor to input your current BP. The watch then measures the relative blood pressure and provides you with a reading that is accurate only if your initial reading was precise.
Moreover, you might need to go through some recalibrations every other week or so in order to ensure that your reading remains accurate. Sadly, smartwatches do not inform you when they’ve gone out of calibration. So, you’ll have to do so at periodic time intervals manually which can be quite frustrating.
On the other hand, watches which use more conventional methods of constricting your blood vessels are far more accurate and do not need a traditional BP monitor to validate their data at all. Instead, they can create their own reading that won’t need recalibrating later on. These are much more accurate but also are quite bulky and tend to not be as feature-filled.
Our Experiment:
In order to get an idea of which blood pressure monitor is the most accurate, we took an actual sphygmomanometer as a reference and then weighed it against every watch in a series of days. Once done, we compared it with the measurements we made on the smartwatches/bands and then devised the deviation from our actual measurements by using the following:
Average Deviation = Actual Measurement (Smartwatch) – Expected Value / Number of Days
From our observation except for a select few, almost every smartwatch / smart band was accurate enough to be used as a non-medical device and for a relative indication as to whether your BP was high or low. We’ll be including our findings from each measurement alongside our overall result of the most accurate watch as well.
Best Smartwatches With BP Monitors (2022)
Now that we’ve got the preface out of the way, here’s our take on the best smartwatches with BP Monitors in 2022. Do note that we’ve removed all watches that were extremely inaccurate. Instead, we’ve only jotted down watches that remained in the range of our BP monitor by 1-5%. Anything higher was automatically disqualified.
1. Omron HeartGuide
Omron, the brand behind the HeartGuide is known for producing high-grade medical equipment used in hospitals around the world. The HeartGuide is no different. It is the world’s first wearable BP Monitor kitted inside a watch.
The watch features an inflatable cuff just like conventional BP monitors which takes 30-40 seconds to provide you with reading right on its display. You’ll also be able to use its companion HeartAdvisor app which also monitors your sleeping patterns, health, activity, and steps per day.
While the BP monitoring part is excellent and 2-day battery life is awesome, the company still has a long way to go when it comes to the smartwatch aspect of things. It connects with your iOS or Android device and relays notifications on the watch’s display. And that’s pretty much it. It doesn’t really feature an OS of its own and you won’t be able to attend calls, respond to texts or do anything of the sort on the HeartGuide.
Pros:
- Features accurate, medically approved BP measurement
- Great build quality
- Reasonably priced
- Comes from a reputable brand known for high-grade medical equipment
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a feature-rich OS
- Notifications do not always pop up on Android
- Extremely bulky and can weigh your wrist down
- Takes upwards of 30 seconds to get a reading
BP Measurement:
| Observed Measurement | Actual Measurement |
| 125 / 70mmHG | 130 / 76 mmHG |
| 126 / 70 mmHG | 121 / 70 mmHG |
| 124 / 67 mmHG | 121 / 69 mmHG |
| Standard Deviation | 3.02 |
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Samsung smartwatches have always been our favorite. They’ve been the only contenders to Apple’s Watch Series and have put on a solid performance by bringing in new innovative ideas to their device. Case in point, the inclusion of an ECG sensor alongside the ability to measure one’s blood pressure is one such new idea that has seen the light of the day on Samsung’s watches.
Rather than featuring an inflatable cuff, the Galaxy Watch 4 features an intricate array of optical sensors to identify your BP. However, it will first need to be calibrated with an actual blood pressure monitor after which it’ll be able to perform readings on the fly. Sadly, this feature is currently available when your watch is connected with Samsung phones.
The BP measurements are quite accurate and do not seem to sway away in any sense of the word. Other than that, if you are looking for the most complete offering on this list, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is where it is at! Featuring a beautiful AMOLED display with Always-On functionality, the Watch 4 runs Google’s WearOS with a relatively filled-up App Store with the inclusion of voice commands, and the ability to send and receive phone calls and play music, amongst other features.
While the battery life of 40 hours is reasonable, it really is nothing to run home about. However, the fact that it can be charged up quite quickly and comes in a variety of colors makes it less of a pain.
Pros:
- Extremely feature-rich smartwatch and the most popular/mainstream offering on the list
- BP measurements are quick and accurate.
- Constant updates promised by Samsung to improve overall functionality, including BP measurement
Cons:
- BP measurement is currently not available in all regions
- The measurement feature currently only works on a Samsung phone, with compatibility still a far shot amongst other devices (especially iOS)
- Quite expensive
BP Measurement:
| Observed Measurement | Actual Measurement |
| 125 / 76 mmHG | 130 / 76 mmHG |
| 127 / 71 mmHG | 121 / 70 mmHG |
| 123 / 66 mmHG | 121 / 69 mmHG |
| Standard Deviation | 3.85 |
3. BP Doctor Pro
The BP Doctor Pro is an interesting entry into the list. It uses the same inflatable cuff technology as the Omron Heartguide but is albeit less refined. In terms of measuring your BP, it is quite accurate but can be quite nit-picky when it comes to positioning your wrist in the appropriate manner.
Most users have stated that menial issues like their strap not being tight enough or the elevation of their arm not being in the right place has caused them to not get a reading at all. While these issues can be annoying at first, you can quickly get used to how the watch functions and position your arm the way it wants you to.
Other than that, the BP Doctor Pro offers basic exercise tracking which is quite lacklustre as compared to the Galaxy Watch. But, it is up-to-par when compared to every other watch on this list. In terms of smartwatch features, there isn’t a lot. The BP Doctor Pro uses Its own proprietary OS. So, don’t expect there to be a blooming App Store anytime soon. Other than that, you’ll be able to read your notifications, know when someone’s calling you, and that’s it.
Perhaps the primary advantage of the BP Doctor Pro is its unobtrusive and aesthetic design. Unlike the aforementioned HeartGuide, it isn’t clunky and doesn’t hog your entire wrist. Plus, it has a brighter display but features a worse battery life coming in at 1-2 days at best.
Pros:
- Aesthetic, unobtrusive, and minimal design
- Extremely easy user interface
- Less clunky than other inflating cuff smartwatches
Cons:
- Has a very primitive OS
- BP measurement while accurate takes some time to get used to do
- Companion app can feel unresponsive at times
BP Measurement:
| Observed Measurement | Actual Measurement |
| 130 / 76 mmHG | 130 / 76 mmHG |
| 117 / 73 mmHG | 121 / 70 mmHG |
| 122 / 71 mmHG | 121 / 69 mmHG |
| Standard Deviation | 4.00 |
4. MorePro Activity Tracker
Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the MorePro Activity Tracker is more of a fitness band than a watch. However, it is relatively cheap, features a pedometer, tracks your blood oxygen, and can also measure your blood pressure. However, its accuracy isn’t all that great as compared to other mentions in this list.
One particular advantage of the MorePro is the fact that it features a 5-day battery life and is water-resistant for a few meters. Other than that, it has a GPS and pedometer built-in alongside blood oxygen (SPO2) sensor with sleep tracking integrated as well. However, since the device isn’t FDA approved, we recommend taking all the manufacturer’s claims with a grain of salt and treating the device as more of an all-in-one health tracker as compared to anything else.
In terms of smartwatch features, you guessed it, the MorePro too, falls short. It only displays notifications from iOS / Android but unlike most other watches in this list, does it in a sublime way and does not omit notifications. It has a great companion app that gets the job done for most users.
Pros:
- Great for the price
- Extremely minimal design
- Amazing battery life
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide the most accurate BP reading
- Looks more like a sports band than a smartwatch
- Extremely small display
BP Measurement:
| Observed Measurement | Actual Measurement |
| 102 / 63 mmHG | 130 / 76 mmHG |
| 123 / 77 mmHG | 121 / 70 mmHG |
| 110 / 68 mmHG | 121 / 69 mmHG |
| Standard Deviation | 5.3 |
5. Tipmant Band
The Tipmant Band is the cheapest entry into this list and is sadly the most inaccurate device we’ve tested so far. Our measurements were all over the place and it was very hard for us to get an actual reading out of the device that wasn’t completely swayed.
While measuring your blood pressure from the watch is extremely easy, everything else about the watch isn’t up-to-par. For example, the build quality leaves a lot to be desired and the readings themselves as mentioned earlier aren’t concise. However, the band is extremely light, has a battery life of about 1-2 days and its companion app is passable at best.
Pros:
- Extremely cheap
- Easy to measure BP
- Extremely light
Cons:
- Very inaccurate
- Poor build quality
- Lacklustre features
BP Measurement:
| Observed Measurement | Actual Measurement |
| 125 / 76 mmHG | 130 / 76 mmHG |
| 127 / 71 mmHG | 121 / 70 mmHG |
| 123 / 66 mmHG | 121 / 69 mmHG |
| Standard Deviation | 17.84 |
So, What Smartwatch Should You Choose For BP Measurement?
Now that we’ve taken a look at the most popular offerings for smartwatches that can measure your blood pressure in 2022, which one should you pick? To keep things simple, here’s how we classified it:
- For The Casual User: If measuring BP for you is a one-off feature, you aren’t that keen on sacrificing any functionality for it, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the obvious choice. It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an Android smartwatch while also letting you measure your BP albeit in a relatively cumbersome manner.
- For The Health Conscious: If you wish to gift a smartwatch that has BP measurements to the elderly, or if you are health-conscious yourself, then the Omron HeartGuide is your best bet. While quite bulky, it has the most accurate BP sensor and does the job quite well. However, don’t expect any sort of smartwatch features to be accompanying you in the endeavor.
- For The Minimalist: The MorePro Activity Tracker is meant for someone who wants to track their BP, doesn’t want much out of their smartwatch, and likes to keep a minimal profile. In terms of aesthetics, it does the job quite well. With a 5-day battery life and an easy-to-use UI, you’ll be able to keep track of your health while also not letting your smartwatch overpower you.
Of course, ultimately, the decision is completely yours. However, we always recommend consulting your physician or doctor if you need the watch as a medical device as only a few of the ones mentioned above have been FDA approved, the Omron HeartGuide being the most notable one.
Calibrating Your Watch
If you want to pick a watch up but want to be absolutely sure of its accuracy, what you need to do is calculate the average deviation your watch has from your standard sphygmomanometer. After doing so, you can get a fairly good idea of what your actual BP is subtracting or adding that particular value.
For example, if you know that your smartwatch always gives you a systolic reading +5 mmHg more than it actually should be, you can just add that particular value to your reading and you should be met with a pretty accurate value!
Are BP Monitors In Smart Watches Worth It?
Other than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, you’ll have to sacrifice one aspect of what makes a watch smart in order to get this functionality. If you are someone who is extremely health conscious and needs to have accurate BP readings, then a smartwatch with a BP monitor might just be what you are looking for.
However, if you don’t have a medical issue and don’t need a constant BP rating, most smartwatches like the Apple Watch, One Plus Watch, or any other conventional smartwatch for that matter have heart-rate sensors and provide enough information about your health and fitness.
You can always resort to a cuff-style BP monitor when you need to take an accurate reading, they aren’t that expensive and are relatively accurate.
Does A Fitbit Measure Blood Pressure?
While Fitbit has begun trials on integrating BP measurement into their smart-wearables, not much progress has been made as of yet. Therefore, there’s a high chance that we won’t be seeing any Fitbit wearables that also measure one’s BP in 2022.
However, Fitbit might need to integrate Samsung’s iteration of a BP sensor in order to remain competitive in the market especially considering the fact that the feature is now more mainstream as time passes.
Does an Apple Watch Measure Blood Pressure?
No, the Apple Watch Series 7 does not feature a Blood Pressure sensor. Despite the lack of various other advanced features, the ability to measure blood oxygen concentration, monitor your steps, heart rate, and other health-related features, the watch still does not have a blood pressure sensor.
This probably is because the tech itself still does not seem to be as evolved as some companies might have you think. There still are some caveats to having a full-fledged BP monitor/sensor in your smartwatch, whether it may be a reduction in battery life or the need to pre-calibrate it with an actual blood pressure monitor that led to Apple not integrating the feature as of yet.
I bought my first smartwatch in 2018 and have been wearing one ever since. It might get frustrating at times to receive 100 notifications a day. That's why we need to know how to make the best of them and how to use them to improve our daily lives, not the other way around. I write about the newest smartwatches, I create top picks, and I write helpful guides and simply explain complicated things.