Best smartwatch for heart health

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The best smartwatch for heart health is one that combines an FDA-cleared ECG, background rhythm alerts and comfortable all-day wear. A watch cannot diagnose a heart condition. Even so, the right one can record your rhythm, flag patterns worth a conversation with your doctor, and give you months of trend data to share.

In this guide, we compare the five most useful options for heart monitoring in 2026. We focus on what each watch actually does, what the FDA has cleared, and where the limits are.

Quick Answer

• Best overall for iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 12, with ECG, irregular rhythm notifications and hypertension alerts.
• Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch, with ECG and FDA-authorized sleep apnea features.
• Best for safety features: Google Pixel Watch, which adds FDA-cleared Loss of Pulse Detection.
• Best for battery life and athletes: Garmin, using the FDA-cleared ECG app on select models.
• Best for a classic look and long battery: Withings ScanWatch 2.

What «Heart Health» Features Actually Mean

Not every feature carries the same weight. Some are simple wellness metrics. Others have FDA clearance for a specific purpose. Knowing the difference helps you avoid overpaying for marketing.

• Heart rate and HRV: Continuous optical readings. Useful for trends, but wellness only.
• ECG app: A 30-second single-lead recording that checks for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). FDA-cleared on several watches.
• Irregular rhythm notifications: Background alerts that suggest an irregular pulse, so you can take an ECG.
• High and low heart rate alerts: A notification when your rate stays outside a range you choose.
• Hypertension and sleep apnea notifications: Screening alerts on some Apple and Samsung models.

The Best Smartwatch for Heart Health at a Glance

Watch	FDA-cleared heart features	Works with	Approximate price*
Apple Watch Series 12	ECG, irregular rhythm notifications, AFib History, hypertension and sleep apnea notifications	iPhone	From $399
Samsung Galaxy Watch	ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, sleep apnea feature	Samsung Galaxy phones	Varies by model
Google Pixel Watch	ECG, irregular rhythm notifications, Loss of Pulse Detection (Pixel Watch 3 and later)	Android	Varies by model
Garmin (select models)	ECG app for AFib checks	iPhone and Android	Varies by model
Withings ScanWatch 2	ECG	iPhone and Android	About $370

*Prices change often, so confirm current pricing on each manufacturer’s site.

1. Apple Watch Series 12: Best Overall for iPhone Users

Apple leads on the breadth of cleared features. Its ECG app generates a single-lead electrocardiogram so you can check for signs of AFib from your wrist. In the background, irregular rhythm notifications watch for patterns while you are still. Newer watches also offer hypertension notifications and sleep apnea notifications.

The Series 12 adds a redesigned Health Sensing System with new optical and electrical sensors. It starts at $399. If your phone is an iPhone, this is the simplest choice.

Trade-offs: Battery life is short compared with Garmin or Withings. It also requires an iPhone. See our Apple Watch vs Garmin comparison for a deeper look.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch: Best for Android

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line includes FDA-cleared ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications. Its sleep apnea feature was the first of its kind authorized by the FDA and looks for signs of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Samsung also added blood pressure estimates in the US in 2026, though that feature is a wellness tool and not FDA-cleared.

Trade-offs: The ECG and rhythm features need a Samsung Galaxy phone and the Samsung Health Monitor app. Non-Samsung Android owners may prefer a Pixel Watch. Our best blood pressure smartwatch guide covers the calibration requirements.

3. Google Pixel Watch: Best for Safety Features

Pixel Watch combines Fitbit’s health engine with an ECG app and irregular rhythm notifications. Its standout feature is Loss of Pulse Detection. Google says it received FDA clearance, and it can place a call to emergency services if it detects no pulse and you do not respond. Google notes it may miss some events and is not meant for people with existing heart conditions or those who need cardiac monitoring.

Trade-offs: Loss of Pulse Detection requires Pixel Watch 3 or later. Battery life also lags behind Garmin.

4. Garmin: Best for Battery Life and Athletes

Garmin’s ECG app is FDA-cleared and records a 30-second reading to check for AFib or normal sinus rhythm. It is limited to select models, including recent Venu, fēnix, Epix Pro and Forerunner watches. Garmin explains that the app is not intended for people under 22. Runners and triathletes also get deep training data alongside heart metrics.

Trade-offs: You start ECG readings manually. There is no hypertension or sleep apnea alert. For more picks, see our best smartwatch 2026 guide.

5. Withings ScanWatch 2: Best Hybrid Watch

The ScanWatch 2 looks like an analog watch but includes ECG, heart rate and other sensors. Withings advertises battery life of up to 30 days, so you can wear it through the night without thinking about charging. It works with iPhone and Android.

Trade-offs: The small display limits apps and notifications. It also costs about as much as a mainstream smartwatch.

What a Heart Health Smartwatch Cannot Do

• It cannot detect a heart attack. ECG apps check for AFib only, not blockages or other conditions.
• It cannot replace a 12-lead ECG. A single-lead recording is a screening snapshot.
• It can miss things. Notifications do not catch every episode, and false alerts happen.
• It is not for emergencies. If you have chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath, call emergency services.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Apple Watch if you:

• Use an iPhone
• Want the widest set of cleared heart features

Choose Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch if you:

• Use Android
• Want ECG, plus sleep apnea or safety features

Choose Garmin or Withings if you:

• Value battery life over a bright touchscreen
• Prefer a sports-focused or classic design

If rhythm is your main concern, read our guide to the best smartwatch for AFib detection. For oxygen tracking, see the best wearable for blood oxygen monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which smartwatch is best for heart health?

Apple Watch has the most FDA-cleared heart features for iPhone users. Samsung and Google are the strongest options for Android.

Can a smartwatch detect heart problems?

It can flag an irregular rhythm suggestive of AFib and record a single-lead ECG. It cannot diagnose a condition, so share any alert with your doctor.

Is smartwatch ECG accurate?

FDA-cleared ECG apps perform well for detecting AFib in studies. They are still screening tools, and results can be unclear when you move or the watch fits loosely.

Do I need a subscription?

No, not for the core heart features on these watches. Some extras, like advanced coaching, may cost more.

Who should not rely on these features?

Anyone under 22 is outside the cleared age range for most ECG apps. People with known heart conditions should follow their care team’s monitoring plan.

The Bottom Line

The best smartwatch for heart health is the one you will wear every day and that fits your phone. Apple Watch Series 12 covers the most ground. Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch lead on Android. Garmin and Withings win when battery life matters most. Whichever you pick, treat alerts as a reason to talk with your doctor, not as a diagnosis.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

This article was researched and written by our editorial team using the sources below, following the process described on our About Us page. It is not written or reviewed by a medical professional.

Sources

• Apple — Apple Watch Series 12 official product page
• Withings — Withings ScanWatch 2 official product page
• Samsung Newsroom — Samsung Health Monitor features and rollout
• Google Blog — Pixel Watch 3 Loss of Pulse Detection
• Garmin Newsroom — Garmin ECG app expansion and age restrictions

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Smartwatches are consumer devices and are not a substitute for professional cardiac care or a clinical ECG. They cannot diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. Features, regulatory status and prices change over time, so verify details with the manufacturers. Always consult your healthcare provider about heart health and monitoring decisions.