Fitbit is undeniably one of the most popular health and fitness watch brands out there today, with millions of users worldwide. Fitbit’s wearable tech devices offer a lot of insightful features, but you might wonder if you can really trust its heart rate monitor.
Just how accurate is Fitbit’s heart rate monitor, and should you be using it for reliable readings?
How a Fitbit Monitors Your Heart Rate
There are numerous biological metrics that Fitbit can track, including the following:
Measuring each of these factors involves different kinds of monitoring. For example, by combining your steps taken with your basal metabolic rate (BMR), your Fitbit device can calculate how many calories you’ve burned. We have an in-depth article onhow accurate Fitbit’s calorie counter is.
Heart rate variability is measuredby the Fitbit using a dedicated sensor, known as an optical heart rate sensor. According toFitbit’s Help page, this sensor “flashes its green LEDs many times per second and uses light-sensitive photodiodes to detect these volume changes in the capillaries above your wrist.” The sensor also uses infrared light to identify the times at which the device is on your wrist so that it doesn’t accidentally take a heart rate reading when you’re not wearing it.
But motion is also important here, as the device keeps track of your resting heart rate, which involves monitoring your heart rate while asleep and while awake. The Fitbit device has to keep track of how much you move to determine whether you’re awake or asleep so that your resting heart rate can be calculated.
Even with this technology, can a Fitbit misread your heart rate? Let’s explore Fitbit’s heart rate accuracy.
Can Fitbit Accurately Monitor Heart Rate?
In short, Fitbit cannot measure heart rate perfectly 100 percent of the time. This is difficult for any fitness watch to achieve. But just how close can your Fitbit get to monitoring your heart rate accurately?
On theFitbit website, the following is stated:
Fitbit has developed products and services to track certain wellness information as accurately as reasonably possible. The accuracy of Fitbit’s products and services is not intended to be equivalent to medical devices or scientific measurement devices.
Keep the above statement in mind when you use your Fitbit to measure your heart rate variability. Though Fitbit strives for high accuracy when designing the heart monitoring element of its fitness watches, these devices likely cannot perform as accurately as dedicated scientific tools.
It is therefore much safer to consult your doctor if you want a highly accurate heart rate reading, as Fitbit watches aren’t designed to be substitutes for medical devices. Fitbit also states on its help page that you should also consult your doctor if…
But this doesn’t mean you can’t use your Fitbit to get an idea of what your heart rate variability looks like. According to aJMIR research projectconducted in March 2022, the Fitbit Charge 4 had an average percentage error window of less than 10 percent. In anAnnals of Internal Medicine studyconducted in April 2017, it was found that devices like the Fitbit are accurate enough to rely on for heart rate readings.
Depending on the Fitbit model you’re using, the heart rate accuracy may vary. An older Fitbit model may have a lower accuracy, but as previously mentioned, even the 2017 study concluded that Fitbits are accurate enough to rely on. So, you shouldn’t worry too much about having the newest model.
Fitbit has received a fair amount of criticism over its heart rate monitoring accuracy. OnFitbit’s community forum, a number of customers have complained about their heart rate readings being off, with many reporting that the readings were particularly out of sync while exercising. However, many users confirmed that their Fitbit’s heart rate accuracy when walking was noticeably better.
How to Improve Your Fitbit’s Heart Rate Accuracy
If you feel that your Fitbit is providing inaccurate heart rate readings, there are some things you can do to try and boost its accuracy as much as possible.
Firstly, make sure your Fitbit is securely fitted to your wrist while exercising. It may be tempting to wear the device a little looser for comfort, but if it’s accuracy you’re looking for, the tighter, the better. Of course, you shouldn’t tighten your Fitbit to the point of pain or irritation, but keeping it secure around your wrist makes it easier for the sensors to take an accurate reading. It can also help to wear your Fitbit slightly higher up on your wrist while exercising.
You can wear your Fitbit a little looser when not exercising, as the device won’t be moving around as much. You can also wear it lower down on your wrist during these times.
Additionally, always ensure that you’re wearing your Fitbit directly on your skin. Again, it can be more comfortable to wear it over a layer of clothing, but this makes it much harder for accurate metric readings to be taken. The sensor on the back of the Fitbit should be in direct contact with your skin, regardless of whether you’re relaxing, exercising, or sleeping.
Cleaning your Fitbit’s sensors can make accurate reading easier, but be careful not to use any harsh chemicals when doing this.
Simply using a cotton bud and some rubbing alcohol should do the trick, and you won’t even have to do this very regularly. If the back of your Fitbit feels greasy or grimy, give it a quick clean, and it may help the sensor. you may also check out our guide onhow to fix Fitbit syncing issuesif you’re having problems with syncing health data.
Fitbits Can Give Fairly Accurate Heart Rate Readings
While Fitbit devices certainly aren’t replacements for specialized medical gear, they can act as relatively accurate heart rate monitors in your day-to-day life. These fitness watches may not always give you a perfect reading, but they’re designed to keep you in the loop about your general bodily metrics, which can be incredibly useful!
