The coronavirus pandemic has greatly increased the demand for smartwatches with handheld oxygen sensors (SpO2).
Sensors for measuring oxygen in the blood began to appear in smartwatches much earlier before the coronavirus, but in the year 2022 the popularity of such devices has grown exponentially.
Now people want to know not only the heart rate and the number of steps they have taken, but also the SpO2 measurements in the blood.
[Smartwatches With An Oxygen Sensor of 2022 SUMMARY] – If you don’t have the time to read through our full report, we’ve found the following smartwatches to be the winner in the world of 2022. The SpO2 measurements are quite accurate.
Table of Contents
Best pulse oximeter smartwatch – My Opinion
| 1.Huawei Watch GT 2 | |
| 2.The Honor GS Pro | |
| 3.Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | |
| 4.Garmin Fenix 6
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| 5.Garmin Venu Sq
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What is blood oxygen level and why should it be measured?
Oxygen is necessary for the body for the normal functioning of organs. It enters the bloodstream from the lungs and is carried throughout the body. If its level decreases, problems can arise in the whole body.
The oxygen saturation level in a healthy person is 95% -100%, although there is no official and exact rate. In people with chronic lung diseases, this figure may be below 90%, while they may feel normal, as they are adapted to this condition.
Insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood can indicate various lung problems.
This was actively discussed during the coronavirus epidemic – according to this parameter, doctors determine whether a person needs hospitalization and ventilation. At the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic, WHO recommended hospitalizing patients with oxygen saturation levels below 90%.
The List of Smartwatches With An Oxygen Sensor of 2022
All of the following models of smart watches are not medical devices, therefore, their indications cannot be used as accurate data, or contact a doctor because of them.
In this case, a pulse oximeter is an additional medical tool that will help you to determine approximate indicators and track the general trend of a decrease or increase in oxygen in the blood.
Best 5 Smartwatches With An Oxygen Sensor of 2022
To make it easier for you to choose, we have collected the top 5 Smartwatches With An Oxygen Sensor, in our opinion, and popular models of smart watches with an oxygen sensor.
The price tags here are different, so you should take a closer look at the entire list to choose the model that is optimal for your budget.
The following models have plenty of features (such as music player, calculator, voice recorder, flashlight, parcel delivery ,sports tracking, software browser and etc.) but we are going to look closer at such features like
SpO2(blood oxygen levels ) sensor and Pulse detector (heart measurements).
1.Huawei Watch GT 2
- Self-developed Chip: Kirin A1, HUAWEI’s first self-developed wearable chip, and astonishingly low power consumption technology to provide up to 1 week of battery Life. This smart watch automatically optimizes the power consumption and your perfect companion for any activity and training. Highly Integrated chip design, Multi-core Efficient Collaboration. Multi-sensor work of sports, music, intelligent heart rate, sleep monitoring with faster Transferring Speeds.
- FCC ID: QISFTN-B19.Sleek and Stylish: HUAWEI WATCH GT 2E adopting the 3D glass screen in a smartwatch, 1.39-inch AMOLED display with highly accurate touch response and multitude of invigorating watch faces, keep you plugged in to your world. 454 x 454 pixels gives the user an unparalleled visual experience With fun designs to spare, it never leaves your arm bare!
- Wrist for Everyday : With uniform body and strap bezel adopts radial pattern design. HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e turns your wrist into a seamless tapestry of light, color, and motion.
- Ultra Long Battery Life Battery can last 2 weeks no matters worn 24 hours a day with heart rate monitoring enabled. HUAWEI TruSleepTM enabled for sleeping which is amazing feature along with 90 minutes of working out every week (GPS enabled). Message notifications enabled (50 SMS messages and 3 alarms a day) also screen is turned on 200 times a day above all 30 minutes music playing per week.
- 15 Workout Modes Full-time Fitness Trainer: Multiple professional training courses from entry to advanced level are preinstalled on the watch, providing users with professional and effective guidance.
Huawei Watch GT 2 in the Classic Edition and with a size of 42 mm is equipped with an SpO2 sensor.
SpO2 is an important metric that helps determine the efficiency of oxygen supply to the body, especially through breathing. To implement a pulse oximeter, the Watch GT 2e uses an LED that emits red and infrared light to determine the oxygen saturation of arterial blood.
This effect is achieved due to the fact that the absorption by hemoglobin of light of two different wavelengths (red – 660 nm, infrared – 940 nm) changes depending on its saturation with oxygen.
In turn, the photocell detects a change in the color of the blood, depending on this indicator. In general, all pulse oximeters work according to the same principle, and the measurement accuracy in the Huawei Watch GT 2 should be no worse.
But in any case, for those who are actively involved in sports, and also want to monitor the health of the lungs, it will be useful to periodically measure the SpO2 level using a watch.
In addition, the watch can count steps, minutes of activity, time spent standing and constantly measure the pulse. Huawei uses an optical heart rate sensor with a green LED and photocells that detect the movement of blood in the veins.
It is quite accurate, but its work depends on the physiological characteristics of a person, for example, if he has a lot of hair on his hands or very active sweating. In addition, tattoos can interfere with the sensor.
In water, this heart rate measurement technology will be less effective than chest straps, as moisture droplets on the skin can bend the light.
But in general, during jogging and other non-water sports, the user can quite accurately track the heart rate, the error in comparison with the chest strap will not be too big.
2.The Honor GS Pro
The Honor GS Pro can take many different measurements, including heart rate, step count, sleep and stress data, and blood oxygen (SPO2) measurements.
After Blood oxygen measurements , the pulse measurement starts and it will continue until you complete it by yourself.
Of course, the accuracy of a checking SpO2 here is questionable, but in this case even an approximate value is enough to resume. Other highlights include a barometer, a stress test, a sleep tracker, and a music switch that only works with Android smartphones.
The heart rate monitor has a number of interpretation settings and the ability to notify when a predetermined number of heart beats per minute is reached.
With activated continuous monitoring, measurements are taken every few minutes and can alert signs of tachycardia. Based on the data received, the watch is able to tell much about your health, determine its phases and give advice on how to improve.
The analysis system used was developed in association with Harvard Medical School and has a good reputation.
With a constantly active heart rate monitor and blood oximeter measurements and stable daily workouts, the charge lasts for 14 days, which is much more than many similar devices.
3.Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
- Style You Can Count On: Galaxy Watch3 Combines Style—Two Sizes, Two Finishes, Three Colors And, 50,000 Plus Watch Faces-With Military-Grade Durability And Water Resistance
- Leave Your Phone Behind: Leave Your Phone At Home. Galaxy Watch3 Gives You The Freedom To Call, Text, Stream Music And Get Notifications Via Lte Connectivity
- You Can Share The Pdf Report Of Your Ecg Recording With Your Health Care Provider Using The Samsung Health Monitor App On Your Compatible Galaxy Phone
- Battery Built For Endurance: The Galaxy Watch3’S Long-Lasting Battery Can Go For More Than A Day On A Single Charge, And You Can Always Get A Quick Boost From Your Compatible Galaxy Phone With Wireless Power Share. Audio Playing Format: Mp3,M4A,3Ga,Aac,Ogg,Oga,Wav,Wma,Amr,Awb
There is a large number of photodiodes and LEDs emitting green, red and infrared light. They are used to measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure.
To measure SpO2 ,the light emitted by bulbs passes through the skin, part of it is absorbed by tissues, the other part – by blood, then it is reflected from the bone and returns to the photodiode (primitive “camera”).
The algorithms calculate what percentage of red and infrared light has been absorbed and based on this, produce a result.
The SpO2 measurement accuracy on the Galaxy Watch 3 is very high. The discrepancy with a medical pulse oximeter is no more than 1-2%.
Unfortunately, the watch cannot continuously measure the level of oxygen in the background and warn about its critical drop.
Also, the Galaxy Watch 3 does not use SpO2 measurement during sleep, which is very bad. Some trackers support this option and can easily identify breathing problems during sleep (such as snoring).
Let’s talk about heart rate monitoring :
Some consider this function a toy and pampering, others hope that the watch will be able to warn in advance about a heart attack or detect hidden health problems.
To begin with, the heart monitor measurements on the Galaxy Watch 3 is not a toy, but a real instrument that works with medical precision. But, unfortunately, the watch does not make an electrocardiogram in the full sense of the word.
The entire heart rate measurements on the Galaxy Watch 3 is just the first lead, that is, that tiny piece of the medical rates. In other words, the heart rate from the Galaxy Watch 3 looks more compressed.
However, even if your watch tells you that you have atrial fibrillation, there is no need to panic. In many cases, this does not pose any danger, but only says that it would be nice to look at the doctor and make sure that everything is in order.
4.Garmin Fenix 6
The Garmin Fenix 6 is the most expensive smartwatch with a pulse oximeter at the top. This model has been developing for more than one year and is constantly improving.
Heart rate measurement, and a wrist-based Pulse Oximeter already exist in Garmin Fenix 6.
The device combines the measurement of heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, and this combination hides an informative and simple ability to monitor the state of the body.
You can manually begin a pulse oximeter by using the pulse oximeter widget. Or you can also turn on all-day pulse oximeter readings. When you are motionless, the watch will analyze your oxygen saturation and give you an elevation.
Attention should also be paid to the need for periodic cleaning of the pulse oximeter sensor, otherwise the result may be distorted, because the watch is very sensitive.
The watch measures your heart rate even in sleep. The heart rate chart for the last 4 hours is displayed on the screen in the form of a beautiful picture.
And if suddenly, during the last 4 hours of sleep, the minimum pulse remained increased by more than 8-10 beats, in comparison with the usual one, it will not be superfluous to measure oxygen saturation
5.Garmin Venu Sq
- Fits wrists with a circumference of 125-190 millimeter.GPS mode with music: Up to 6 hours.Supported Application:GPS. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- See everything clearly on a bright color display that includes an always-on mode, perfect for quick glances
- Health is important to you, so monitor everything from your Body Battery energy levels, respiration, hydration and stress to sleep, your menstrual cycle, estimated heart rate and more
- Find new ways to keep moving with more than 20 preloaded sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, mindful breathing, swimming, golf and many more
- Use preloaded workouts that include cardio, yoga, strength and even Pilates, create your own in the Garmin Connect app (requires app on a compatible smartphone)
Garmin Venu Sq measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress indicators, menstrual cycle and sleep monitoring, counts steps and calories burned, tracks breathing exercises, dozens of workouts and sports apps. Smart watches work up to a week in normal mode and up to 14 hours with GPS turned on.
A sensor for measuring blood saturation – a pulse oximeter – is combined with a pulse sensor. Its mode of operation can be configured to measure oxygen saturation around the clock or only during sleep.
It is advisable to use the second mode, since the measurement of blood saturation is possible only when the hand is stationary for about a minute.
Immediately upon awakening, Venu Sq will show the current level of blood oxygen saturation. The oxygen content in the capillaries when accurately measured in the range of 95-100% is considered normal. With an oxygen saturation index in the range of 94 – 91%, drug treatment is recommended, and below 91%, hospitalization.
The specific indicator of blood oxygen saturation measured by Venu Sq is individual and depends on the type and color of the skin, the condition of the skin, the correct position of the watch on the wrist and other parameters.
Therefore, the average saturation level of 93% or 96% in a particular case can characterize a completely healthy state of the body. You should pay attention only to a sharp jump in the level of blood saturation, for example, by 4-5% during the day. In this case, you should not rely on a single value of the pulse oximeter readings.
It is necessary to carry out another 3-5 repeated measurements, since the watch may not be properly attached to the wrist, the sensor on the back side may be dirty, etc.
Low saturation indicators under unchanged conditions of load on the body may indicate the onset of an inflammatory or other disease. In this situation, without waiting for the manifestations of the disease, it will be useful to take preventive measures.
Best 5 Smartwatches With An Oxygen Sensor of 2022
Smartwatches with an oxygen sensor FAQ.
- What is the SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) rate?
- How does smartwatches with an oxygen sensor measure blood oxygen levels?
- And can these indicators be trusted?
- Why measure SpO2? What is the meaning of this feature on fitness bracelets?
What is the SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) rate?
The normal SpO2 for a healthy person is 96-99% oxyhemoglobin (this is the name of hemoglobin containing oxygen). In other words, virtually all hemoglobin must contain oxygen.
By the way, it is oxygen that gives the blood its characteristic color. The more oxygen there is in hemoglobin, the brighter the color will be.
Therefore, arterial blood, which carries oxygen to the tissues, has a bright red color, and venous blood (flowing from the tissues) is dark red, since it already contains one third less oxygen.
It is important to note that the SpO2 level may drop slightly during exercise and this is completely normal.
If the saturation falls below 90%, hypoxemia (lack of oxygen in the blood) sets in, which can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the tissues of the body).
In some diseases, the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen is also reduced. For example, an exacerbation of bronchial asthma can lead to a fall in SpO2 below 90%, which requires immediate hospitalization.
How does smartwatches with an oxygen sensor measure blood oxygen levels? And can these indicators be trusted?
The principle of measuring hemoglobin oxygen saturation on a fitness bracelet is no different from the principle of operation of a medical pulse oximeter device and is as follows:
The LED emits light, which passes through the tissue, is reflected and hits the photo detector. A certain amount of this light is absorbed by the blood, and exactly how much depends on the degree of its saturation with oxygen.
And can these indicators be trusted?
The answer to this question will be short – yes, you can trust the performance of a smartwatch with an oxygen sensor. At the household level, smartwatches may well be useful.
Best 5 Smartwatches With An Oxygen Sensor of 2022
Even many smartphones are able to measure SpO2 and do it quite accurately. For example, most of Samsung’s flagships (Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series) measure blood oxygen levels without any additional devices. The SpO2 sensor is located at the back, in the area of the camera.
Why measure SpO2? What is the meaning of this feature on fitness bracelets?
The cells in the body need energy to move, synthesize protein, and create other chemicals. This is the foundation of any life.
Imagine your body as a car engine, inside which gasoline is burned and pistons move. In order for a fire to occur, air is required, or rather the oxygen contained in it.
This “gasoline” (nutrients) +oxygen is also needed by our cells to oxidize and obtain ATP molecules (this is the main source of energy in the body).
But sometimes there are situations in which the SpO2 measurement is critical to a person’s life. But, unfortunately, fitness bracelets have nothing to do with these situations:
- SpO2 monitoring is required mainly for anesthesia during surgery. This is one of the main tasks of the anesthesiologist.
- It can also be important to monitor oxygen levels while recovering from major surgery or previous health problems such as a heart attack. But in the current implementation, smartwatches with oxygen sensors are not able to replace specialized devices ( Read about this here).
Final Words
In this rating, or rather a selection, we tried to collect the best smart watches with the function of measuring blood oxygen saturation on the market. Well, The price tags here are different, so you should take a closer look at the entire list to choose the model that is optimal for your budget.
