Stress has been identified as a significant concern in the 21st century, with numerous scientific studies highlighting its impact on both the mental and physical well-being of individuals.
A recent survey revealed that 33% of respondents experience high levels of stress, while 77% acknowledged that stress has a negative effect on their mental health.
Given the magnitude of the issue, wearable technology companies have incorporated stress monitoring features into their smartwatches, enabling users to track their stress levels and implement strategies to alleviate it.
This comprehensive WearToTrack Guide will delve into the functionality of stress monitoring on smartwatches and assess its reliability. Additionally, recommendations for the top smartwatches equipped with stress monitoring capabilities will be provided.
Let’s begin…
Best Smartwatch For Stress Monitoring Reviews
1. Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit Charge 5 is a high-end fitness band that offers highly precise stress monitoring. It stands out from other fitness bands as it includes the EDA sensor, the same sensor found in Fitbit Sense. This advanced sensor enables the fitness band to accurately track your stress levels.
In addition to stress monitoring, Fitbit Charge 5 provides mindfulness sessions to help alleviate stress. It also offers a stress management score, allowing you to keep track of your stress management progress.
Furthermore, Fitbit Charge 5 encompasses standard features like activity tracking, workout tracking, daily readiness, heart-rate tracking, and more. Its modern and appealing design, coupled with a vibrant display, adds to its overall appeal.
If you are seeking a fitness band that combines stress management, the EDA sensor, and other advanced functionalities, Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent choice.
During my experience, I noticed an issue with heart rate measurements during workouts. At the start of some exercises, the recorded heart rate would be significantly higher than it should be. Even if my resting heart rate was around 50BPM while sitting, the tracker would show a much higher rate, sometimes over 100BPM. After a minute or two, the heart rate would gradually decrease and eventually align with my actual rate. This inconsistency led to inaccurate workout data.
2. Amazfit GTS 2
The Amazfit GTS 2 is an impressive smartwatch. Not only is it lightweight and comfortable to wear, but it also features a vibrant AMOLED display that is highly responsive to touch. The user interface is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall user experience. With its 5ATM water resistance, you can easily monitor your swimming activities, while the precise sleep tracking function keeps you informed about your rest.
The Amazfit GTS 2 boasts a contemporary and robust design, along with exceptional water resistance and a wide array of features. Key highlights include an integrated heart rate monitor, an AMOLED screen with individually lit pixels for a premium appearance, and a long-lasting battery.
Available in black, blue, or pink cases, the Amazfit GTS 2 ensures consistent delivery of phone notifications and essential fitness information. However, it is worth noting that there are more expensive alternatives that outperform it in both aspects.
Constructed with a glossy plastic back, the Amazfit GTS 2 houses charging ports, an SpO2 sensor, and a BioTracker 2 PPG Biological Optical Sensor. Positioned on a raised platform, these components help prevent dirt buildup and maintain precise skin contact for accurate measurements.
With a 5ATM water resistance rating, the Amazfit GTS 2 is suitable for swimming or showering. Nevertheless, I find the overall design of the GTS 2 somewhat lacking. Despite its sleek appearance and compact size that may appeal to individuals with smaller wrists, it gives off a fragile impression, with some mistaking it for a smartwatch designed for children or women. To avoid such misunderstandings, it would be prudent to explore other options.
Equipped with a 1.65″ Always-On AMOLED display featuring a resolution of 348×442 pixels, the screen of the Amazfit GTS 2 is safeguarded by a diamond-like carbon coating (oDLC) for enhanced durability against scratches and wear.
3.Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 offers a comprehensive suite of health tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and stress tracking. Its stylish design and comfortable fit make it perfect for all-day wear. This device provides valuable insights into overall health with features like VO2 max estimation and Body Battery energy monitoring. However, some users may find it difficult to read the screen in bright sunlight, and outdoor enthusiasts might be disappointed by the lack of built-in GPS.
The Vivosmart 4 delivers detailed sleep and fitness statistics that will appeal to many users. It functions as a pulse oximeter, measures stress levels, and determines energy levels with its Body Battery feature. Despite these strengths, these features may not fully outweigh its limitations for most users.
The Vivosmart 4 performed admirably in our most critical testing metric, achieving an above-average score in its impact on fitness. In step counting trials, it showed exceptional accuracy, with only a slight discrepancy of about 3 steps over three separate 1-mile walks. It also performed well in monitoring cardio workouts, accurately tracking calories burned, exercise duration, average and maximum heart rate, moving time, speed, and heart rate zones. It’s important to note that the Vivosmart 4 relies on your phone’s GPS for this data, so you can’t leave your phone behind and expect the same results.
With its slim and elegant design, this fitness watch is more suited for women, while men may prefer a larger and sturdier option. Kate chose the all-black version to match her personal style, but other color options are available, such as white with rose gold, berry, and light blue. This watch can easily be dressed up for any occasion.
This fitness tracker boasts several standout features, such as advanced sleep tracking and Body Battery energy measurement. However, it also has notable omissions. While it may be an excellent choice for those who prioritize these features or own other Garmin devices for seamless integration, we believe that most users might find greater satisfaction with other models on the market.
4. Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 has undergone thorough testing and has been proven to be an outstanding smartwatch for step tracking. However, its heart rate readings for overall fitness tracking are not as accurate. Nevertheless, if your primary focus is on staying active and achieving your daily step goals, this smartwatch is an excellent option.
Moreover, the Versa 4 stands out due to its slim design and attractive metallic finishes, giving it a visually appealing look. While it has similarities with the Fitbit Sense 2, it is a more affordable choice for those on a budget or less interested in stress tracking. You can rely on the Versa 4 for dependable sleep tracking and access to various additional benefits through Fitbit Premium.
Fitbit continues to stick to the philosophy of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” when it comes to design, and this strategy has proven to be wise. Despite its large bezel, the Fitbit Versa series remains one of the most stylish smartwatches available, thanks to its gently curved edges and durable construction.
The Fitbit Versa 4 operates smoothly in daily use, although the included strap may cause some discomfort. Its long-lasting battery can last nearly a week without needing a recharge. The AMOLED screen shows notifications, reminders, and achievements for reaching step or active minute goals.
Furthermore, the device accurately detects prolonged periods of activity and recommends tracking a walk. With 40 tracked exercises available, double the previous number, the device provides a wide range of options for monitoring workouts, although the usefulness of all these exercises may vary.
5. Amazfit T-Rex 2
The Amazfit T-Rex 2 provides heart rate monitoring and insights into blood oxygen levels. To ensure accuracy, we cross-referenced the data with readings from established devices.
The Amazfit T-Rex 2 offers numerous impressive features and is designed for various outdoor adventures, all while being significantly more affordable than its competitors. However, it lacks the same level of refinement as those competitors and may occasionally experience minor technical issues.
Configuration of the T-Rex 2 is exclusively done through the Zepp app, where all health information can be accessed. This information is viewable on the app’s home page or under the ‘Health’ section. The Zepp app can sync with Google Fit, allowing the smartwatch’s data to be visible on the Google Fit app, which proved to be highly accurate during testing. Additionally, popular accounts like Strava, Relive, and Adidas Running can be connected to the T-Rex 2 for added convenience.
The majority of the T-Rex 2’s casing is made from matte plastic, while the display border is constructed from metal—specifically, an unspecified alloy according to Amazfit. The 1.39-inch screen is protected by glass, although the manufacturer hasn’t specified the type.
Amazfit excels in many aspects with the T-Rex 2, showcasing its durability and ability to withstand the challenges of daily life. Individuals who appreciate the military-inspired design will find a lightweight, high-quality smartwatch.
Moreover, this model boasts impressive functionality. During our testing, we were impressed by the diverse and customizable training and workout features. The smartwatch efficiently established fast and precise satellite connections, and the capability to import and export routes adds another layer of convenience.
During our bike tour with the T-Rex 2, we conducted a heart rate measurement using both the smartwatch and a Polar H10 chest strap. Resting heart rates were recorded identically by both devices. However, for workout heart rates, there was a 4.06 percent difference in values. Interestingly, in two out of three instances, the smartwatch’s values were lower than those of the chest strap.
Final Word
Smartwatches equipped with stress monitoring capabilities undoubtedly provide significant assistance in monitoring and managing stress levels. They prove to be highly beneficial in managing mild stress, however, it is crucial to consult medical professionals if experiencing extreme stress. I trust that you have found this guide to be informative, and if you have any inquiries regarding this subject, please feel free to share them in the comments.
Furthermore, I am interested to hear your perspective on smartwatches with stress monitoring. Are you of the opinion that they are dependable? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments section.
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