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Best ECG Smartwatch in 2026: Top Picks and ECG Explained

Compare the best ECG smartwatches for iPhone, Samsung, Google, and hybrid-watch users, with current compatibility and app requirements. Learn what a single-lead watch ECG can show, how to take a reading, and why it cannot replace medical care.
Estimate5–6 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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For most iPhone users, the best ECG smartwatch is Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 3; for Samsung-phone users, consider the Galaxy Watch8 series or Galaxy Watch Ultra. Withings ScanWatch 2 is a strong hybrid option, while Fitbit Sense 2, Charge 6, and Pixel Watch 4 offer ECG through Google Health in supported markets. ECG watches take user-initiated, single-lead recordings that can help capture a rhythm during symptoms, but they cannot diagnose or rule out heart disease.

Best ECG smartwatches at a glance

Pick Who it suits Phone and app Key point
Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 3 iPhone users iPhone XS or later; Apple Health ECG works on Series 4 and later and all Ultra models; not Apple Watch SE.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series or Galaxy Watch Ultra Samsung-phone users Compatible Samsung phone running Android 12 or later; Samsung Health Monitor ECG is not available on iPhone or non-Samsung Android phones.
Withings ScanWatch 2 People who prefer a hybrid analog-style watch iOS or Android; Withings app On-demand ECG, PDF export, and long battery life; ECG availability varies by region.
Fitbit Sense 2 or Charge 6 Google Health users who want a tracker or health-focused watch Supported phone and region; Google Health Current ECG setup and results use Google Health, not the old Fitbit-app workflow.
Google Pixel Watch 4 Pixel and Android users Android and Google Health in supported markets Google ECG app support also includes Pixel Watch, 2, and 3.

What a smartwatch ECG measures

An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity. Optical heart-rate sensors use changes in blood flow to estimate pulse, so ECG is a different kind of measurement, not simply a more accurate pulse reading. Most consumer ECG watches record a single-lead tracing similar to Lead I; a clinical ECG typically uses 12 leads to view electrical activity from multiple angles.

A watch ECG can classify a recording as normal sinus rhythm, suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), or inconclusive, depending on the device. It cannot rule out every rhythm problem or diagnose a heart attack, blocked arteries, or other heart conditions. A normal result only describes the recorded segment. The FDA describes smartwatch cardiovascular notifications as tools for possible abnormalities, not replacements for medical evaluation. (FDA; American Heart Association)

Choose by phone and ecosystem

Compatibility is a practical first filter: ECG features may depend on the phone, app, and country as well as the watch. Check that the feature is available in your region and that your phone meets the manufacturer’s requirements before buying.

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#1 Best Overall
Advanced Health Smartwatch for Women Men with Real-Time Monitoring of Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Body Temperature, Blood Pressure, Sleep Auality and Stress Levels.Always-On Display, for Android & iOS
  • 【Your True Companion for Health Monitoring!】The blood pressure smart watch for men and women is equipped with a high-performance optical sensor, which can track health data such as heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, blood pressure, sleep quality, stress level, etc. in real time 24 hours a day, It also provides intimate reminders such as drinking water, sitting for a long time, alarm clock, and reaching exercise goals. Your health is in your control!
  • 【Activity Tracking and IP68 Waterproof】This fitness tracking watch supports 150+ sports modes such as running, cycling, basketball, dancing, etc., meeting the sports needs of fitness enthusiasts, recording every exercise data, helping you to train scientifically and exercise efficiently. The IP68 waterproof design of the sports watch allows you to use it with confidence even when you are sweating or washing your hands, making it an ideal partner for fitness enthusiasts.
  • 【Bluetooth 5.2 Calls & Notifications & AI Voice Assistant】After connecting to your phone via Bluetooth, you can answer/make clear calls directly on your fitness watch. This fitness tracker also reminds you of APP message notifications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. in real time through vibration. Built-in AI voice assistant, easy voice control of music playback, reminder settings and other operations, freeing your hands and making your daily life more efficient.
  • 【150+ Personalized Dials & DIY Dials】 The sports smartwatch has high touch sensitivity and excellent display quality. You can choose from 150+ high-definition online dials through the APP, and you can upload photos to customize the dial style freely to meet the needs of different occasions and moods, showing your unique personality and making the watch more exclusive.
  • 【Widely Compatible, Rich in Functions】This pedometer smart watch is compatible with Android 4.4 and above and iOS 8.2 and above, and the pairing is fast and stable. It integrates multiple practical functions such as time display, weather forecast, music and camera control, alarm setting, phone search, etc., to help you easily manage your daily life.
  1. For iPhone: Apple Watch ECG requires an iPhone XS or later, current compatible software, and regional availability. It is not available on Apple Watch SE. Recordings are saved in Apple Health.
  2. For Samsung phones: Samsung Health Monitor requires a compatible Samsung phone running Android 12 or later and availability in your country. Samsung’s ECG feature does not work with iPhones or non-Samsung Android phones.
  3. For Google Health: The Google ECG app supports Pixel Watch models 1 through 4 in listed markets. Fitbit Sense, Sense 2, Charge 5, and Charge 6 are also listed as compatible. ECG results are handled in Google Health; Pixel Watch needs LTE or Wi-Fi to sync ECG data.
  4. For iOS or Android with a hybrid watch: Withings ScanWatch 2 supports both platforms, but ECG availability and clinical validation vary by region. If ECG does not appear, check setup and regional availability.

Sources: Apple Support; Samsung Support; Google Health Help; Withings.

How to take a useful ECG reading

  1. Use the manufacturer’s setup instructions first; ECG may require installing or activating a companion app and accepting its instructions for use.
  2. Sit down, rest your forearms on a solid surface, and wear the watch snugly in the position its instructions specify.
  3. Open the ECG app and place your finger or fingers on the indicated contact points. Do not press a button unless the instructions tell you to; on Apple Watch, rest a finger on the Digital Crown without pressing it.
  4. Stay still and quiet until the recording ends. Follow the app’s instructions if it asks you to add symptoms or save the result.
  5. Review and export the recording in the relevant app if you want to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

Movement, poor contact, dry or wet skin, cold hands, sweat, and a loose fit can interfere with readings. Apple advises cleaning and drying the watch after swimming, showering, heavy perspiration, or handwashing; its ECG app is designed to operate between 32°F and 95°F (0°C and 35°C). Google says its ECG app cannot assess rhythm above 120 beats per minute. Samsung notes that high or low heart rate and other recording issues can produce an inconclusive result. Follow your device’s instructions rather than repeatedly trying to force a result. (Apple Support; Google Health Help; Samsung troubleshooting)

Rank #2
WITHINGS ScanWatch 2 - Women's Men's Health Smartwatch, ECG, SpO2, Temperature, Sleep Tracking, Respiratory Health, Waterproof, 30-Day Battery, 30-Day Battery, Android & iOS
  • TIMELESS DESIGN – Hybrid smartwatch with analog hands and digital health tracking. Stainless steel case with sapphire glass for durability. Available in multiple sizes and finishes.
  • 35 DAYS BATTERY LIFE– Built for the long run with up to 35 days of continuous use on a single charge. Provides uninterrupted daily and nightly health tracking with extended power.
  • HEALTH MONITORING– 30s medical-grade ECG and continuous heart rate tracking with AFib detection via the Withings ECG App. Includes high and low heart rate notifications.
  • SLEEP, WORKOUT & RECOVERY INSIGHTS – rack sleep stages, breathing, and over 40 sports with VO₂ max and heart rate zones. Get a Vitality Score and 1 month of Withings+ for personalized insights.
  • COMPATIBILITY & PROPRIETARY OS – Seamlessly connects to Android and iOS via the Withings App. Powered by our HealthSense OS with on-device machine learning for precise health metrics.

What the results can—and cannot—tell you

A watch ECG is most useful as a recording to capture an intermittent symptom, such as palpitations, that you can share with a healthcare professional. It is a spot check, not continuous electrical monitoring: background irregular-rhythm notifications, where available, may use optical pulse data rather than a live ECG. A normal reading does not prove that your heart is healthy, and an inconclusive result does not itself diagnose a problem.

Do not use a watch result to self-diagnose or dismiss symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional about concerning symptoms or repeated unusual results. Seek emergency care for severe or urgent symptoms, regardless of what a watch says. For general background on ECG’s limits, see the FDA and the American Heart Association.

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Rank #3
KardiaMobile 1-Lead EKG Monitor, Detects Normal AFib & Arrhythmias, HSA&FSA
  • Simple to Use Without a Subscription: No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cords or PC needed. Place the device near your smartphone. Monitor your heart by placing your fingers or thumbs on the silver KardiaMobile EKG sensors. Know in 30 seconds whether your heart rhythm is normal.

Withings ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Nova

ScanWatch 2 is a hybrid analog-style watch with on-demand ECG and PDF sharing through the Withings app. Withings lists it from $369.95 and advertises up to 35 days of battery life. ScanWatch Nova offers a similar ECG-oriented approach with more premium construction; Withings lists it at $599.95 and also advertises up to 35 days. Prices and availability can change. Withings says ECG availability and clinical validation vary by region, so confirm support where you live. Its US product page says Nova irregular-rhythm notifications are not yet available. (Withings watches; Withings ECG watches; ScanWatch Nova)

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

FAQ

Can a smartwatch ECG detect atrial fibrillation?

Some supported ECG apps can classify a user-initiated recording as suggestive of AFib. That result is not a diagnosis, and a watch may not identify every rhythm problem. Discuss concerning or repeated results with a healthcare professional.

Rank #4
Fitbit Sense 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch - Shadow Grey/Graphite
  • Learn to manage stress, sleep better and live healthier with Sense 2 – an advanced health and fitness smartwatch
  • Manage stress and live healthier: All-day stress detection with cEDA and daily Stress Management Score, ECG app for atrial fibrillation assessment[1], irregular heart rhythm notifications[2], SpO2[3], health metrics dashboard[4], mindfulness content
  • Measure and improve sleep quality: Daily sleep stages and Sleep Score, smart wake alarm and do not disturb mode
  • Enhance activity: Built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking, water resistant to 50 meters
  • Designed for all-day wear: On-wrist Bluetooth calls, texts and phone notifications[5], customizable clock faces, Amazon Alexa built-in[6], Google Wallet & Maps, 6+ day battery[7]

Can a smartwatch ECG detect a heart attack?

No. A consumer watch’s single-lead ECG is not a heart-attack test and cannot rule out a heart attack. Do not delay urgent care because a watch reading appears normal.

Is smartwatch ECG continuous?

Usually not. ECG is generally a manual spot recording. Some watches offer background irregular-rhythm notifications based on optical pulse measurements, which are different from an ECG recording.

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Best Value
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025), Graphite, 40mm, Bluetooth Smartwatch
  • WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
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  • NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
  • A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.

Does Samsung Galaxy Watch ECG work with any Android phone?

No. Samsung’s current US support information requires a compatible Samsung phone running Android 12 or later; the feature is not available on iPhones or non-Samsung Android phones. Availability also depends on country or region.

Where do Fitbit ECG results appear now?

Google’s current instructions use the Google Health app for ECG setup and results, rather than the old Fitbit-app workflow. Check the compatibility and availability information for your device and region.

Why might a watch ECG say “Inconclusive”?

Movement, poor electrode contact, skin conditions, or a heart rate outside the app’s supported range can interfere with classification. Follow the device’s guidance, and ask a healthcare professional if you have symptoms or concerns.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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