Healthnews.com has taken a close look at the accuracy of modern fitness trackers with a new report. By analyzing 45 scientific studies, Healthnews has determined that while fitness trackers offer moderate overall accuracy (67.40%), their performance differs by brand and metric. While some devices offer strong accuracy for specific metrics, their overall reliability is moderate, and the report urges users to interpret data cautiously and not use these devices as a replacement for professional medical advice.
Key findings
Overall accuracy:
Fitness trackers are most accurate for heart rate (76.35%), followed by step count (68.75%) and energy expenditure (56.63%).
The Apple Watch leads in accuracy for heart rate (86.31%) and energy expenditure (71.02%), while Garmin excels in step count tracking (82.58%).
Step count accuracy:
Garmin (82.58%), Apple (81.07%), and Fitbit (77.29%) show strong accuracy.
Jawbone (57.91%) and Polar (53.21%) are less reliable, often mistaking other movements for steps.
Heart rate accuracy:
Apple Watch (86.31%) and Fitbit (73.56%) perform well.
Garmin (67.73%) and TomTom (67.63%) are less accurate, with reduced precision for darker skin tones due to reliance on light sensors.
Energy expenditure accuracy:
Only the Apple Watch (71.02%) provides strong accuracy.
Other brands like Fitbit (65.57%), Jawbone (50.23%), and Polar (53.21%) show moderate accuracy, while Garmin (48.05%) is the least accurate.
Healthnews’ full report can be viewed here.
See also: IDTechEx Forecast: The Wearable Sensors Market To Reach US$7.2B By 2035
