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Apple Watch Dominates Calorie Tracking Accuracy
MailOnline tests reveal significant differences in smartwatch health data.
Smartwatches have surged in popularity, yet questions remain about the reliability of their health tracking. Now, a recent scientific evaluation of popular smartwatches reveals that the Apple Watch Series 10 excels in precisely tracking calorie consumption.
Lab Results Show Wide Variance
A controlled laboratory experiment in London scrutinized the calorie-tracking precision of seven leading smart devices. Prior to testing, researchers gathered baseline physical data from participants utilizing methods including basal metabolic rate measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorption (Dexa) scans. During exercise, subjects wore oxygen masks and medical-grade heart rate monitors while cycling at a fixed intensity. Calorie expenditure was determined using maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max) and compared against the readouts from each of the seven devices.
The results showed a considerable range of accuracy:
- DECATHLON CW500 S: 37%
- WHOOP 5.0: 66%
- Fitbit Charge 6: 72%
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra LTE (47mm): 78%
- Oura Ring 4: 86%
- Apple Watch Series 10: 92%
- Garmin Vivoactive 6: 112%
Worth noting, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 overestimated calorie burn by 12%, making its 112% score questionable.
Apple Watch Series 10 Leads the Pack
The Apple Watch Series 10 demonstrated the highest accuracy, underestimating by a mere 8%. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, wearable devices can be useful tools for monitoring physical activity, but users should be aware of their limitations.
Expert Analysis
“Most wearable devices rely on simplified sensors and old algorithms a hundred years ago, resulting in the data being predicted rather than measured,”
stated laboratory director Irving Hutchins. He further explained that individual differences contribute to variations in test results. However, Hutchins credited the Apple Watch Series 10’s high-precision heart rate sensor as a likely factor in its superior accuracy, positioning it as the current leader in calorie tracking.
As smartwatches evolve, enhanced sensor technology and refined algorithms will be essential for achieving reliable health data. Further research and development are necessary to bridge the gap between estimated and actual measurements.
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