Smartwatches can help you keep on top of your health, wellness, and fitness. The latest models include a growing range of sensors that track everything from heart rate and sleep to activity, recovery, and other health-related metrics.
According to Leger in 2025, 40% of Canadians use wearable technology, with smartwatches being the most popular option. There’s good reason for that. They can track basic information like steps, workouts, and calories burned, while many models also monitor heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen trends, and more. Looking at this information over time can help you better understand your habits and notice changes worth discussing with a health-care professional.
In this guide, we’ll explain the most common smartwatch health sensors and features, including heart rate, sleep, ECG, SpO2, fall detection, and recovery tracking. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which health features matter most when choosing a smartwatch.
Quick answer: What is the best smartwatch for health tracking?
The best smartwatch for health tracking depends largely on the smartphone you use and the health data that matters most to you.
| Best for | Smartwatch type to consider |
|---|---|
| Best overall health smartwatch for iPhone users | Apple Watch |
| Best for Android and Samsung users | Samsung Galaxy Watch |
| Best for Google and Fitbit-powered health tracking | Google Pixel Watch |
| Best for fitness, recovery, and long battery life | Garmin |
| Best for everyday wellness and sleep tracking | Fitbit |
For most people, the best choice is a smartwatch that works seamlessly with their phone and tracks the health metrics they actually plan to use. Apple Watch is a strong option for iPhone users, while Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch are better suited to Android users. Garmin is ideal for detailed fitness, recovery, and GPS tracking, while Fitbit is a good choice for users focused on sleep, activity, and everyday wellness.
What counts as a health feature on a smartwatch?
Smartwatches can collect both health-related data and fitness or lifestyle data. While these categories often overlap, they serve different purposes.
Vital-sign sensors vs. fitness metrics
Health-related sensors can collect information such as heart rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, sleep data, blood oxygen trends, body temperature changes, and menstrual cycle information.
By contrast, lifestyle and fitness metrics include steps taken, exercise minutes, distance travelled, pace, training load, cardio fitness, and other activity-related data.
For example, Apple Watch separates much of this information between the Fitness and Health apps, helping users distinguish workout and activity data from broader health information.
Regulated vs. wellness data
Some smartwatch features may require authorization or regulatory clearance before they can be offered for specific health purposes. In Canada, health-related medical devices are regulated by Health Canada.
Other features are designed primarily for wellness and personal insight. These include metrics such as stress scores, readiness scores, Body Battery, or similar estimates that combine different health and activity data to provide a broader picture of how you may be feeling or recovering.
Regardless of the feature, a smartwatch is not a replacement for professional medical advice or a medical device unless specifically indicated. If you receive a concerning notification or notice a significant change in your data, consult a health-care professional.
Tracking your core vitals
Smartwatches use a combination of sensors on the underside and inside of the watch to collect health and activity data.
Optical heart rate monitoring
Feature best for: Anyone who wants to monitor heart rate trends throughout the day and during exercise.
Most smartwatches measure heart rate using photoplethysmography, or PPG. Small LED lights shine into the skin, while sensors measure changes in reflected light caused by blood flow. This information is used to estimate your heart rate.
Modern smartwatches have improved significantly in their ability to track heart rate during everyday activity and exercise. Current models, including watches such as the Google Pixel Watch 4, use advanced optical sensors and software algorithms to provide continuous heart rate tracking.
Heart rate data can help you understand resting heart rate, workout intensity, recovery, and longer-term trends.
ECG on the wrist
Feature best for: People who want to monitor their heart rhythm and receive notifications about potential irregularities.
Supported smartwatches can allow you to take an ECG reading from your wrist. Depending on the model, you may place a finger on the Digital Crown, a dedicated button, or another sensor to complete the circuit required for the reading.
The watch records electrical signals associated with your heartbeat and can analyse the result for signs of certain irregular rhythms, including atrial fibrillation, where the feature is available and authorized.
A smartwatch ECG is not the same as a clinical ECG performed by a medical professional. It is designed to provide personal health information and, where appropriate, encourage you to seek medical advice.
Blood oxygen and SpO2
Feature best for: People interested in tracking oxygen saturation trends, particularly during sleep or outdoor activities.
Blood oxygen, or SpO2, refers to the estimated percentage of oxygen carried in your blood. Some smartwatches use red and infrared light sensors to estimate oxygen saturation through the skin.
Feature availability varies by smartwatch model and region, so it’s important to check the specifications of the specific Canadian model you are considering.
For outdoor enthusiasts, changes in oxygen saturation can be of interest at higher altitudes. Some watches may also use overnight respiratory or oxygen-related data alongside other metrics to provide sleep insights.
Smartwatch readings should not be used to diagnose medical conditions or replace professional medical equipment.
Cuff-less blood pressure: mechanics and limits
Feature best for: People interested in monitoring blood pressure trends alongside traditional measurements.
Some smartwatches and wearable technologies offer blood pressure-related features, but these may require calibration with a traditional blood pressure cuff or may only provide estimated wellness information.
A smartwatch should not replace a validated blood pressure monitor. If blood pressure monitoring is important to you, consult your health-care provider and use an appropriate medical device.
Safety and health alerts
Many smartwatches also include features designed to help in the event of an emergency.
Fall detection and emergency SOS
Feature best for: People who live alone, older adults, or anyone who wants additional emergency features.
Smartwatches with fall detection use sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to identify movements that may resemble a serious fall.
If a fall is detected, the watch may prompt you to respond. Depending on the model and your connectivity, emergency services or selected emergency contacts can be contacted if you do not respond.
Irregular rhythm and AFib notifications
Feature best for: People who want to monitor heart rhythm trends over time.
Some supported smartwatches can monitor heart rhythm in the background and notify you if they detect patterns that may indicate an irregular rhythm.
These notifications are not a diagnosis. They are intended to encourage you to seek professional advice when appropriate.
Temperature and cycle tracking
Feature best for: People who want to track temperature trends or menstrual cycles.
Some smartwatches can monitor changes in wrist or skin temperature, particularly overnight. Changes in temperature may contribute to wellness insights, sleep information, or cycle tracking.
Cycle tracking can help users log menstrual cycles and symptoms. Some devices also use temperature trends as part of cycle predictions.
Car crash detection
Feature best for: Drivers and people who want additional emergency protection.
Some smartwatches can detect a severe car crash using motion sensors and other data. If a potential crash is detected, the watch may display an alert and, if you do not respond, attempt to contact emergency services or emergency contacts.
Feature availability varies by smartwatch model and connectivity.
Sleep and stress, decoded
Sleep is an important part of overall health and wellness, and sleep tracking has become one of the most popular smartwatch features.
Sleep tracking and sleep stages
Feature best for: Anyone who wants to better understand their sleep habits.
Most smartwatches can estimate how long you slept and when you went to bed and woke up. Many also estimate different sleep stages, such as REM, deep, and light sleep.
These insights can help you identify patterns in your sleep habits over time. Some companion apps also provide recommendations or insights based on your sleep schedule and consistency.
Sleep-stage estimates should be viewed as personal wellness data rather than a clinical sleep study.
Heart rate variability and recovery
Feature best for: People who exercise regularly or want to understand recovery trends.
Heart rate variability, or HRV, measures variation in the time between heartbeats. Smartwatches can track changes in HRV over time and use this information alongside other data to provide recovery or readiness insights.
Different brands present this information differently. Garmin uses metrics such as Body Battery, while Fitbit, Apple, Samsung, and Google offer their own approaches to recovery, readiness, training, or wellness insights.
Rather than focusing on a single “good” HRV number, it is generally more useful to look at your personal trends over time.
Guided breathing and mindfulness
Feature best for: People looking for simple tools to manage stress and build mindfulness habits.
Many smartwatches include guided breathing exercises or mindfulness prompts. Some companion apps also offer meditation and relaxation content.
You can also access compatible third-party apps, depending on the smartwatch platform.
Fitness and recovery metrics
Alongside health tracking, smartwatches can provide useful information about fitness and exercise.
VO2 Max, cardio fitness, and readiness
Feature best for: Runners, cyclists, and people who exercise regularly.
Many smartwatches estimate VO2 Max or cardio fitness using information such as heart rate, pace, and exercise intensity. This can provide a general indication of cardiovascular fitness over time.
Brands use different names for related metrics. Apple offers Cardio Fitness and training-related insights, Garmin offers Body Battery and training metrics, while Fitbit and Google provide readiness and cardio-related information on supported devices.
These estimates can be useful for tracking changes in your fitness over time.
Automatic workout detection
Feature best for: People who regularly walk, run, cycle, swim, or perform other common workouts.
Automatic workout detection can recognize certain types of activity using movement and heart rate data. Depending on the smartwatch, it may automatically start tracking a workout or remind you to record it.
This is useful if you occasionally forget to start a workout manually, though detection accuracy and supported activities vary by device.
GPS and altimeter tracking
Feature best for: Runners, walkers, cyclists, hikers, and other outdoor athletes.
Built-in GPS allows a smartwatch to track your route without relying entirely on your phone. An altimeter can provide elevation information, which is useful for hiking, climbing, and trail activities.
For serious runners and outdoor athletes, GPS accuracy, multi-band GPS support, and battery life may be more important than advanced smartwatch apps.
Accuracy and privacy
Two important considerations when choosing a health-focused smartwatch are sensor accuracy and how your personal data is handled.
What can affect sensor accuracy?
Smartwatch data can be affected by several factors, including how securely the watch fits, movement during exercise, skin contact, tattoos in the sensor area, and the type of activity being performed.
For the best results, wear the watch securely without making the band uncomfortably tight. Keep the sensors clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific health features.
Smartwatch readings are best used to monitor personal trends rather than as a substitute for professional medical testing.
Where does your health data go?
Smartwatch health and fitness data is generally stored within the manufacturer’s companion app and may be synced across your devices or backed up to cloud services, depending on your settings.
Before choosing a smartwatch, review the manufacturer’s privacy settings and consider options such as device passcodes, two-factor authentication, and controls over which apps can access your health information.
Apple, Samsung, Google, Garmin, and Fitbit each offer their own privacy settings and data management tools.
Regulated features vs. wellness claims
Health-related feature availability can vary by country. A smartwatch feature available in one market may not necessarily be available in Canada.
Before purchasing a smartwatch specifically for a particular health feature, check whether that feature is available on the Canadian version of the watch.
Be cautious of wearables that make unsupported medical claims. For example, the U.S. FDA has warned consumers about smartwatches and other devices claiming to measure blood glucose without piercing the skin.
Smartwatch health features in Canada: what to know
When comparing smartwatches in Canada, look beyond the health features themselves. Prices can vary significantly depending on the size, materials, and whether you choose Bluetooth/GPS or cellular connectivity.
Cellular smartwatch features also depend on compatibility with Canadian carriers and the specific watch model. Before paying extra for an LTE or cellular version, check whether your carrier supports the smartwatch and whether the additional monthly cost makes sense for how you plan to use it.
Health features can also vary by country and region. A feature available on a smartwatch in another market may not necessarily be available in Canada, particularly if it requires regulatory authorization.
Always check the specific Canadian model and feature availability before buying.
Choosing the right smartwatch for your health goals
The best smartwatch for health tracking is not necessarily the one with the most sensors. The right choice depends on the health insights you value most, how often you plan to wear the watch, and which smartphone you already use.
Match your smartwatch to your phone and health goals
Choose an Apple Watch if: You use an iPhone and want a combination of health, safety, fitness, and smartwatch features.
Choose a Samsung Galaxy Watch if: You use Android, particularly a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and want detailed health tracking alongside Google and Samsung apps.
Choose a Google Pixel Watch if: You use a compatible Android phone and want Fitbit-powered health and wellness tracking combined with Google’s smartwatch ecosystem.
Choose a Garmin smartwatch if: Your priority is fitness, GPS, training data, recovery insights, and long battery life.
Choose a Fitbit if: You want a simpler, wellness-focused wearable with strong activity and sleep tracking.
If you aren’t tied to a specific smartphone brand, Garmin and Fitbit can be good options for users who prioritize health and fitness tracking over a full smartwatch experience.
Smartwatch health features by brand
The exact health features available can vary by smartwatch model, generation, and region. Use this chart as a general comparison before checking the specifications for the specific watch you’re considering.
| Health feature | Apple Watch | Samsung Galaxy Watch | Garmin | Fitbit | Google Pixel Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart rate tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Select models | Select models | Select models | Select models | Select models |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress and wellness insights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen monitoring | Varies by model and region | Varies by model and region | Select models | Select models | Select models |
| Temperature sensing | Select models | Select models | Select models | Select models | Select models |
| Cycle tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall or incident detection | Select models | Select models | Select models | Select models | Select models |
| GPS | Select models | Yes | Select models | Select models | Yes |
| Recovery or readiness insights | Training and health trends | Energy and wellness insights | Body Battery and recovery tools | Readiness and wellness insights | Fitbit-powered readiness insights |
Best practice: Always check the specific smartwatch model before buying. Health features can differ between entry-level, premium, and older-generation devices.
Ready to find the right model? Shop smartwatches with advanced health and fitness features at Best Buy Canada.
FAQs
No. Smartwatches can track health trends and provide notifications about certain changes, but they are not a replacement for medical devices or professional medical advice. If you receive a concerning alert or experience symptoms, consult a health-care professional.
Your smartwatch should fit snugly enough for the sensors to maintain contact with your skin without feeling uncomfortable or restricting circulation. A loose fit can affect readings, particularly during exercise.
Smartwatches provide useful heart rate data for everyday activity and many workouts. However, chest straps are generally more responsive during high-intensity exercise and may be preferred by serious athletes.
GPS, always-on displays, continuous health monitoring, and workout tracking can use more battery. If battery life is a priority, compare how long different models last with your preferred health features enabled.
