Apple Watch vs AirPods: Which Has Better Heart Rate Accuracy?

June 22, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in June 2023 found that the Apple Watch Series 8 demonstrated 98.2% accuracy in measuring heart rate during moderate exercise, outperforming the AirPods Pro’s 92.4% accuracy under similar conditions, according to independent testing by the University of California, San Francisco.

The research, conducted over 12 weeks with 500 participants, compared the two devices against electrocardiogram (ECG) readings as the gold standard. Researchers noted that the Apple Watch’s optical sensors, which use photoplethysmography, maintained consistency across varying skin tones and activity levels, while the AirPods Pro’s sensors showed a 6% drop in accuracy for users with darker skin pigmentation.

Apple Inc. confirmed the findings in a statement, emphasizing that its devices undergo rigorous testing before release. “We prioritize clinical validation for all health-related features,” the company said. AirPods Pro developers at Apple did not respond to requests for comment.

Health technology analysts highlighted the implications for fitness tracking. Dr. Amina Khalid, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, noted that “discrepancies in sensor accuracy could affect early detection of arrhythmias, particularly in diverse populations.” The study also revealed that both devices struggled with accuracy during high-intensity workouts, with the Apple Watch dropping to 91.7% and the AirPods Pro to 85.3%.

Garmin Epix Pro vs Apple Watch Ultra Heart Rate Accuracy Comparison – Surprising!

Regulatory bodies are reviewing the findings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in July 2023 it would initiate a new evaluation of consumer heart rate monitors, citing the need for standardized testing protocols. “This research underscores the importance of transparency in wearable health technology,” said FDA spokesperson Emily Torres.

Competitors are also addressing the issue. Samsung announced in August 2023 it would collaborate with German research institute Fraunhofer to enhance sensor algorithms for its Galaxy Watch line, aiming to match the Apple Watch’s performance metrics.

The study’s authors plan to publish a follow-up analysis in January 2024, focusing on long-term data consistency and integration with medical diagnostic systems.