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How Do Fitness Trackers Measure Heart Rate?

Published on
6 min read
How Do Fitness Trackers Measure Heart Rate? image

Best Heart Rate Monitor Fitness Trackers to Buy in November 2025

1 USMECBL Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Health Monitoring,Heart Rate Sleep Blood Pressure Blood Oxygen Monitor/Calorie Steps Counter Pedometer Activity Smart watchs/Notifications for Android/iOS

USMECBL Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Health Monitoring,Heart Rate Sleep Blood Pressure Blood Oxygen Monitor/Calorie Steps Counter Pedometer Activity Smart watchs/Notifications for Android/iOS

  • 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING: STAY INFORMED WITH CONTINUOUS HEART RATE & SPO2 TRACKING.

  • LONG BATTERY LIFE: ENJOY UP TO 14 DAYS OF USE WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT CHARGING.

  • VERSATILE SPORTS TRACKING: CHOOSE FROM 25 MODES TO CRUSH YOUR FITNESS GOALS!

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$59.99
USMECBL Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Health Monitoring,Heart Rate Sleep Blood Pressure Blood Oxygen Monitor/Calorie Steps Counter Pedometer Activity Smart watchs/Notifications for Android/iOS
2 Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Notifications/Calls, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Sport Modes, 24/7 Heart Rate & Sleep Monitor for iPhone Android iOS (Black)

Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Notifications/Calls, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Sport Modes, 24/7 Heart Rate & Sleep Monitor for iPhone Android iOS (Black)

  • STAY CONNECTED HANDS-FREE WITH BLUETOOTH CALLING & MESSAGING ALERTS.

  • TRACK HEALTH 24/7 WITH BUILT-IN STRESS, HEART RATE, AND SLEEP MONITORING.

  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR STYLE WITH 100+ WATCH FACES AND SPORTS MODES FOR FITNESS.

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$29.99 $199.99
Save 85%
Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Notifications/Calls, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Sport Modes, 24/7 Heart Rate & Sleep Monitor for iPhone Android iOS (Black)
3 Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • TRACK YOUR HEART HEALTH 24/7 WITH ADVANCED NOTIFICATIONS AND ANALYTICS.
  • ACHIEVE YOUR FITNESS GOALS WITH PERSONALIZED INSIGHTS AND DAILY SCORES.
  • ENJOY SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY AND A 10-DAY BATTERY FOR ALL-DAY SUPPORT.
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$95.95
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)
4 Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • NAVIGATE EFFORTLESSLY WITH GOOGLE MAPS TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS!
  • CONVENIENT SNACK BREAKS? TAP TO PAY WITH GOOGLE WALLET!
  • ELEVATE YOUR RUNS AND RIDES WITH SEAMLESS NAVIGATION AND PAYMENT!
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$133.95 $159.95
Save 16%
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
5 Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)

Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)

  • 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING: TRACK HEART RATE, OXYGEN, AND SLEEP QUALITY.
  • ALL-DAY TRACKING: GET ACCURATE STEP, DISTANCE, AND CALORIE DATA.
  • 1.1 AMOLED DISPLAY: PERSONALIZE WITH 70+ WATCH FACES AND CUSTOM PHOTOS.
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$28.99
Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)
6 SENBONO Smart Watch with Alexa & Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker for Men Women, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Workout Modes, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Tracking, iOS Android Phones Compatible (Black)

SENBONO Smart Watch with Alexa & Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker for Men Women, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Workout Modes, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Tracking, iOS Android Phones Compatible (Black)

  • CONTROL ALEXA, MUSIC, REMINDERS, AND 6M SKILLS FROM YOUR WRIST.
  • MAKE CALLS HANDS-FREE WITH BLUETOOTH 5.3-IDEAL FOR ANY BUSY DAY.
  • TRACK 120+ SPORTS MODES WITH REAL-TIME STATS FOR ULTIMATE FITNESS.
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$29.99 $199.99
Save 85%
SENBONO Smart Watch with Alexa & Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker for Men Women, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Workout Modes, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Tracking, iOS Android Phones Compatible (Black)
7 Moremore Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Sleep Tracker, Blood Pressure, Stopwatch, Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Screen, Waterproof Step Tracker for Android iPhones Men Women

Moremore Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Sleep Tracker, Blood Pressure, Stopwatch, Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Screen, Waterproof Step Tracker for Android iPhones Men Women

  • ALL-DAY HEALTH MONITORING: TRACK HEART RATE, SLEEP, AND MORE DAILY.

  • SMART NOTIFICATIONS: STAY CONNECTED WITH CALL AND APP ALERTS.

  • 25 SPORTS MODES: TAILOR WORKOUTS AND TRACK PERFORMANCE EFFORTLESSLY.

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$28.99
Moremore Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Sleep Tracker, Blood Pressure, Stopwatch, Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Screen, Waterproof Step Tracker for Android iPhones Men Women
8 Enfit Fitness Trackers,Smart Watch with 1.47" Color Screen,100+Sport Modes Fitness Watch with Heart Rate Sleep Monitor, Pedometer Step Counter Watch, 3TAM Waterproof Activity Trackers for Women Men,PK

Enfit Fitness Trackers,Smart Watch with 1.47" Color Screen,100+Sport Modes Fitness Watch with Heart Rate Sleep Monitor, Pedometer Step Counter Watch, 3TAM Waterproof Activity Trackers for Women Men,PK

  • 100+ WORKOUT MODES: TRACK ALL YOUR ACTIVITIES; FROM SWIMMING TO YOGA.

  • 24/7 HEART RATE MONITORING: REAL-TIME INSIGHTS FOR A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE.

  • CUSTOMIZABLE NOTIFICATIONS: STAY CONNECTED WITH ALERTS FROM YOUR APPS.

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$29.99 $39.99
Save 25%
Enfit Fitness Trackers,Smart Watch with 1.47" Color Screen,100+Sport Modes Fitness Watch with Heart Rate Sleep Monitor, Pedometer Step Counter Watch, 3TAM Waterproof Activity Trackers for Women Men,PK
9 Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

  • 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING FOR HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND SLEEP.

  • 25 SPORTS MODES TRACK YOUR ACTIVITY; LIVE HEALTHIER WITH INSIGHTS.

  • STUNNING 1.10” AMOLED DISPLAY FOR A STYLISH, USER-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE.

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$28.99
Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)
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ONE MORE?

Fitness trackers measure heart rate using built-in sensors, typically optical sensors. These sensors rely on a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG). PPG is a non-invasive method used to detect changes in blood volume by shining light onto the skin and then measuring the reflected or transmitted light.

When it comes to heart rate tracking, fitness trackers emit green light onto the skin's surface through LEDs. As blood vessels expand and contract with each heartbeat, the reflected light will vary. Fitness trackers capture these changes in light to determine the heart rate.

The optical sensors in fitness trackers have photodiodes that detect the intensity of reflected light. By processing this information, the tracker calculates the heart rate by analyzing the intervals between heartbeats.

To improve accuracy, fitness trackers may also use algorithms to filter out noise and artifact signals. These algorithms account for factors such as movement, temperature, and other variables that could affect the reliability of the heart rate measurement.

Additionally, some advanced fitness trackers also incorporate other sensors like accelerometers or gyroscopes. These sensors help differentiate between motion artifacts and actual heart rate data during physical activity.

Overall, fitness trackers leverage optical sensors and algorithms to measure heart rate, providing users with insights into their cardiovascular health and fitness levels.

What are the advantages of tracking heart rate with a fitness tracker?

Tracking heart rate with a fitness tracker offers several advantages. Here are some of them:

  1. Accurate monitoring: Fitness trackers with heart rate monitors provide real-time data that accurately tracks your heart rate during workouts or throughout the day. This allows you to assess your cardiovascular health and monitor any abnormalities.
  2. Training optimization: Heart rate data helps optimize training intensity. By tracking heart rate during workouts, you can set specific heart rate zones and ensure you are training at the desired intensity level to achieve your goals, such as fat burning, endurance improvement, or cardiovascular fitness.
  3. Calorie expenditure estimation: Heart rate tracking in fitness trackers can estimate the number of calories you burn during different activities or exercises. This information can be useful for managing weight loss/gain goals and adjusting your diet accordingly.
  4. Resting heart rate monitoring: Fitness trackers can also measure your resting heart rate, which is an important indicator of overall cardiovascular health and fitness. Regularly monitoring your resting heart rate can help detect any potential health issues or track improvements over time.
  5. Stress management: Heart rate variability (variation in the time intervals between heartbeats) is an essential measure of stress levels. Fitness trackers can monitor heart rate variability, providing insights into your body's response to stress. This data can help you identify periods of high stress, inform relaxation techniques, and indicate the effectiveness of stress management strategies.
  6. Sleep monitoring: Many fitness trackers offer sleep tracking features, including monitoring heart rate during different sleep stages. By understanding your heart rate patterns while sleeping, you can gain insights into sleep quality and identify potential sleep disturbances.
  7. Health indicators: Abnormal heart rate patterns or constant high heart rate notifications from fitness trackers can serve as indicators of potential health issues like arrhythmias or heart diseases. Early detection of irregularities can prompt you to seek medical advice and potentially prevent further complications.

It's important to note that while fitness trackers provide useful insights, they are not medical devices, and any concerns about your heart health should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Is heart rate variability measured by fitness trackers?

Yes, many fitness trackers are equipped with heart rate variability (HRV) sensing technology. HRV refers to the variation in the time interval between consecutive heartbeats and is considered an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity. By measuring HRV, fitness trackers can provide insights into stress levels, recovery, and overall health. While not all fitness trackers have HRV monitoring capabilities, several popular brands, such as Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple, offer this feature in their advanced models.

How does a fitness tracker measure heart rate?

There are several methods that a fitness tracker can use to measure heart rate:

  1. Optical Heart Rate Monitor: One common method is through the use of optical sensors that continuously monitor blood flow beneath the skin. These sensors emit green LED lights onto the skin and detect how much light is absorbed or reflected based on blood volume changes. This information is then used to calculate heart rate.
  2. Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): Some fitness trackers may include built-in electrodes that measure the electrical activity of the heart. These electrodes typically need direct contact with the skin, such as a chest strap, and provide more accurate readings. EKG sensors can measure heart rate and even detect abnormalities in heart rhythm.
  3. Photoplethysmography (PPG): Another method is PPG, which calculates heart rate by analyzing the variations in blood volume. It utilizes LED lights and a photosensitive receptor to measure blood circulation changes, typically through the wrist.
  4. Pulse Oximetry: Some fitness trackers also include a pulse oximeter that measures both heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It utilizes both optical sensors and infrared light to analyze the amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the small blood vessels of the finger or wrist.

It's important to note that while fitness trackers provide a convenient way to monitor heart rate, their accuracy may vary. Factors such as motion, skin tone, tightness of wearing the device, and other environmental conditions can influence the readings.

Can fitness trackers help detect early signs of heart problems?

Fitness trackers can help in detecting early signs of heart problems to some extent. These devices typically monitor heart rate, and abnormal heart rate patterns can indicate potential heart conditions. However, it is important to note that fitness trackers are primarily designed for tracking overall activity levels, calories burned, sleep quality, and basic heart rate monitoring. They are not intended to diagnose or replace medical assessment by a healthcare professional. If someone notices consistently irregular or abnormal heart rate patterns on their fitness tracker, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation and diagnosis.