If you are looking for hypoallergenic smartwatches and fitness trackers that don’t have Nickel and are safe for people with Sensitive Skin, this guide is for you.
It’s 2024 and fitness trackers are more popular than ever. These days most people use fitness trackers to track their fitness and it helps them to stay on top of their fitness game. However, for people who have sensitive skin or have a Nickel allergy, it’s quite difficult to find a suitable fitness tracker.
Many fitness trackers these days come with Nickel which is not suitable for people with sensitive skin, especially with Nickel Allergy.
So, I’ve done my research and have handpicked the fitness trackers which are ideal for people with Nickel Allergy or Sensitive Skin. All fitness trackers on this list are completely safe for people with sensitive skin and approved by people who have Nickel Allergy.
In this WearToTrack Guide, I’ll focus on the following topics.
- Things to consider when choosing a fitness tracker for people with Sensitive Skin or Nickel Allergy
- Best Fitness Trackers Without Nickel & Sensitive Skin
- I have a Nickel Allergy: Can I use a Garmin Smartwatch?
- And many more!
You Might want to read: Best 6 Fitness Trackers For The Ankle (Updated 2024).
Table of Contents
#Overview
Top pick
Apple Watch Ultra
- Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB
- Screen Size: 49 Millimeters
Editor’s choice
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Memory Storage Capacity: 16000 MB
- Screen Size: 45 Millimeters
Best Value
Garmin Venu Sq 2
- Memory Storage Capacity: 4 GB
- Screen Size: 1.41 Inches
How To Choose The Right Hypoallergenic Smartwatch For People With Sensitive Skin & Nickel Allergy?
Choosing a smartwatch for people with sensitive skin or nickel allergy can be a very challenging task. Smartwatches often contain nickel and other materials that can cause skin irritation.
So, it’s important that you consider certain factors to ensure that you choose the right smartwatch for you. In this section, I’m going to share the important things that you should keep in mind when choosing a smartwatch for people with sensitive skin or nickel allergy.
Nickel-Free Material
If you have a Nickel Allergy, then it’s important that you choose a smartwatch that is Nickel-free. Now the question is how can you determine if a smartwatch is Nickel-free or not?
There are two ways to do it: The first way is to visit the official website and look for information on the materials that the company uses in its smartwatches.
The second way is to consider the WearToTrack guide. In this guide, I’ve ensured that I only include smartwatches and fitness trackers which are nickel-free and safe for people with sensitive skin and nickel allergies.
Generally, materials such as silicone, titanium, ceramic, and some types of stainless steel are ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Comfort & Fit
Secondly, I’d also recommend that you should consider the comfort and fit of the smartwatch. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important that you choose a smartwatch that is comfortable to wear and should have a good fit.
If the watch’s band is too tight, it will rub against your skin and cause irritation which would be very uncomfortable. So, make sure that you choose a smartwatch that is comfortable to wear and should have an adjustable band that you can adjust according to the size of your wrist.
Features
When choosing a smartwatch, you should also consider the features of the smartwatch. However, the availability of certain high-end features will also depend on your budget.
If you are getting a high-end smartwatch in 2024, make sure that it must have features such as ECG, Fall detection, SPO2, sleep tracking, and workout tracking.
Top 6 Hypoallergenic Smart Watches and Fitness Trackers Without Nickel And For Sensitive Skin
When exercising in the summer or just exercising a lot more intensively, sweat tends to accumulate around the area where the fitness band is fastened.
This more than often leads to a rash in the case of most fitness bands and if it’s not a rash; there’s a lot of uncomfortable chafing.
Some people are allergic to certain materials like nickel, which is in almost every kind of gadget and piece of technology now.
People with sensitive skin also need to watch out and do some research when going for a fitness tracker as well.
A good solution for people with sensitive skin is to wear a clip-on fitness tracker – Check out my article on the best clip-on fitness trackers here.
Here is a list of fitness trackers that are perfect for sensitive skin.
1. Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra is arguably one of the best fitness trackers which are ideal for people with Sensitive Skin.
The unique thing about Apple Watch Ultra is that its outer shell is made up of titanium and the shell beneath the watch is made up of ceramic: both materials are hypoallergenic which makes them safe for people with nickel allergy and sensitive Skin.
Similarly, the official Apple Watch Ultra bands also use titanium hooks so they won’t cause any irritation as well. However, most third-party bands use stainless steel which can cause irritation. So, if you have sensitive skin or nickel allergy, I’d recommend that you stick to official Apple accessories to avoid any skin issues.
When it comes to features, Apple Watch Ultra is packed with advanced features. It includes fall detection, ECG, Sleep monitoring with skin temperature monitoring, crash detection, enhanced GPS connection, workout modes, heart-rate tracking, and many other great features.
So, If you are someone with sensitive skin and nickel allergy and you want an Apple Watch which is safe for sensitive skin, then you should consider the Apple Watch Ultra.
Pros
- Made up of hypoallergenic materials
- Durable & Premium build quality
- Packed with advanced features
- Apple Ecosystem
- Water-resistant design
- Accurate Tracking
- Easy-to-use Interface
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other Apple Watches
- It’s not ideal for people with small wrists.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is another smartwatch that is made up of hypoallergenic materials and it’s safe for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin.
The body of Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is made up of titanium and it uses sapphire glass on top. Both materials are completely safe for sensitive skin. However, the buckle of the strap is made up of stainless steel which contains nickel and it may cause irritation. But, the good thing is that it’s replaceable and you can easily buy a third-party titanium band for your Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
When it comes to features, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is also really good. It’s also packed with advanced features that include ECG, SPO2, BioActive Sensor, heart-rate monitoring, fall detection, sleep tracking, blood pressure monitoring, route tracking, workout monitoring, workout modes, and continuous heart-rate monitoring.
So, If you are looking for a WearOS Smartwatch which is completely safe for people with a Sensitive skin and nickel allergy, you can consider Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Pros
- Made up of hypoallergenic materials
- Durable & Premium build quality
- WearOS Ecosystem
- Easy-to-use Interface
- Packed with Advanced fitness and health features
- Water-resistant design
- Accurate Tracking
Cons
- Expensive
- It’s not ideal for people with small wrists
3. Garmin Venu Sq 2
Garmin Venu Sq 2 is another very popular smartwatch that is completely safe for people with sensitive skin and nickel allergy.
The body of the smartwatch is made up of fiber-reinforced polymer and this material is considered hypoallergenic which means that it won’t cause irritation.
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 does have an aluminum ring on top of the smartwatch but your skin won’t get in contact with it when wearing the watch so it won’t cause any issues. Similarly, the strap of the watch is also made up of silicone so it won’t cause any irritation.
When it comes to features, Garmin Venu Sq 2 offers a decent set of fitness tracking features. It comes with features such as Pulse OX, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, health snapshot, burned calories tracking, step counter, and workout monitoring.
So, If you are looking for a Garmin smartwatch that is safe for people with sensitive skin and nickel allergy, you can consider Garmin Venu Sq 2.
Pros
- Safe for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin
- Comfortable & Lightweight
- Packed with fitness-tracking features
- Water-resistant design
- Accurate Tracking
- Good Value for Money
Cons
- No Advanced features such as ECG
4. Xiaomi Mi Band 7
Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is a very popular fitness tracker in the budget category and it’s made up of hypoallergenic materials which makes it suitable for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin.
The Mi Band 7 comes with a plastic body and silicone band and both materials are nickel-free and they are completely safe for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin.
When it comes to features, Xiaomi Mi Band 7 offers a range of great fitness tracking features. It includes a blood oxygen sensor, tons of workout modes, heart-rate tracking, sleep quality tracking, and a step counter.
Overall, if you are looking for a super-affordable fitness tracker for people with sensitive skin and nickel allergy, I’d recommend that you should consider the Xiaomi Mi Band 7.
Pros
- Made up of hypoallergenic materials
- Well-built
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Offers a decent set of fitness tracking features
- AMOLED display
- Good Value for Money
Cons
- No built-in GPS
- No Advanced fitness tracking features
5. Fitbit Inspire 3
Fitbit Inspire 3 is another fitness tracker which is considered a safe option for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin.
The body of the Fitbit Inspire 3 is made up of plastic and underneath you get the glass shell that comes in contact with your wrist. Both of these materials are completely nickel free and they are safe for people with sensitive skin and nickel allergy.
The band of the Inspire 3 is made up of silicone which is also considered safe for sensitive skin. However, the buckle is made up of anodized material which may contain nickel. So, if you decide to get the Inspire 3, I’d recommend that you get a third-party Inspire 3 band which is completely made of silicone.
When it comes to features, Inspire 3 offers features such as heart-rate monitoring, Active Zone minutes, automatic workout-tracking, SPO2, irregular heart-rhythm detection, sleep tracking, and a step counter.
Overall, If you are looking for a Fitbit fitness tracker which is safe for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin, you may want to consider the Fitbit Inspire 3.
Pros
- Made up of Nickel-free materials and safe for sensitive skin
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Easy-to-use Interface
- Free access to Fitbit Premium
- Good fitness tracking features
- Accurate tracking
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- No built-in GPS
- Fitbit Premium is available free for 6 Months Only
6. Jabra Sports Pulse SE
This activity tracker will raise a few eyebrows at first because everyone is used to fitness trackers coming in the shape of wrist-worn bands.
This fitness tracker manifests itself as a pair of sports headphones giving you the least contact with your skin.
This ultimately minimizes any kind of chafing at all and also makes it a wonderful find for people with skin sensitivities.
People with nickel allergies will even be able to use this tracker quite comfortably. You can now get the same features as any standard activity tracker with the added bonus of being able to listen to your favorite tunes while you work out.
It also cancels out distracting noise leading to better concentration and focus. The in-ear coaching and real-time feedback is another neat feature of the Jabra Sports Pulse SE which keeps you motivated.
The Sports Pulse also has a built-in heart rate monitor that looks for effective zones to help you push yourself at the highest intensity.
These lightweight and super snug headphones make exercising a breeze and their being a great fit means keeping them on is never a nuisance.
Pros
- Made up of hypoallergenic materials and safe for sensitive skin
- Comfortable to wear
- Offers heart-rate monitoring with voice feedback
- Water-resistant design
- Good audio quality
Cons
- Can’t wear it all the time and you will ultimately need to invest in a fitness tracker
- No built-in GPS
- Doesn’t have all the features of a traditional fitness tracker
Additional Options For Nickel-Free Fitness Trackers in 2024
Here are some additional options that I’ve found through my research and people with nickel allergies are quite happy with these Nickel-free and hypoallergenic devices:
Oura Ring 3
While not a traditional smartwatch, the Oura Ring 3 is a popular nickel-free smart ring option. It tracks sleep, activity, heart rate variability and quickly charges. The ring is made from non-allergenic materials and syncs data with many health apps.
Movano Evie Ring
Another smart ring alternative is the Movano Evie Ring designed specifically for women to track their menstrual cycle, mood, and overall wellness. It has heart rate, SpO2, and temperature sensors in a hypoallergenic liquid metal casing.
Many traditional watch brands like Timex and Armitron also offer analog nickel-free watch options made from materials like resin, leather, and titanium that are suitable for those with nickel allergies.
Is There A Fitbit Without Nickel?
This is a very common question and the truth is that all Fitbit devices contain small traces of Nickel.
The Nickel might be on the frame, strap or buckle and you can view the material information on the online Product Manual.
Here is an example of a statement from the product manual of the Inspire HR:
“The housing on Inspire HR is plastic. The Inspire HR classic wristband is made of a premium, comfortable silicone similar to that used in many sport watches, and the buckle is made of anodized aluminum. While anodized aluminum can contain traces of nickel, which can cause an allergic reaction in someone with nickel sensitivity, the amount of nickel in all Fitbit products meets the European Union’s stringent Nickel Directive.”
Another solution that many people are reporting as useful is to use a strip of microfiber cloth or plaster on the metal part so it doesn’t contact the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]
For your further inquiry, you may check out this section of the article. Here, we will answer the most common questions regarding ”Fitness Trackers Without Nickel And For Sensitive Skin “.
Do Smartwatches Contain Nickel?
Yes, most smartwatches these days have aluminum or stainless steel cases that contain nickel. However, there are also smartwatches that are made of titanium and titanium doesn’t contain nickel. So, while it’s true that most smartwatches these days contain nickel, there are also smartwatches that are nickel-free.
Why Does My Smartwatch Give Me A Rash?
There are a few reasons why your smartwatch band might be giving you a rash. If you have sensitive skin or a nickel allergy, you should ensure that your smartwatch’s body or band doesn’t have nickel or any other material which is allergic to your skin. However, if you don’t have sensitive skin, the rash could be due to bacteria or trapped moisture. So, it’s important that you clean your band thoroughly and wear it once it’s dried.
What Is The Safest Fitness Tracker?
If you have sensitive skin or nickel allergy, it’s important that you avoid fitness trackers which are made up of stainless steel or aluminum. Instead, buy a fitness tracker that is either made up of titanium or plastic. These materials don’t contain nickel and they are considered safe for people with sensitive skin or nickel allergy.
How Do I Stop The Rash From My Fitbit?
If you are getting rash from wearing your Fitbit, these are some of the things you can do to avoid the rash.
- Make sure that the band is not too tight or relaxed on your wrist.
- Also, regularly moisturize your wrists with a moisturizer that has ceramide and lipids.
- Regularly clean your Fitbit’s band after workouts
Which Apple Watch Is Safe For Sensitive Skin & Nickel Allergy?
Most Apple Watches these days are made up of either Aluminum or stainless steel and both of them have some levels of Nickel which may cause skin irritation. However, the new Apple Watch Ultra is made up of titanium, sapphire, and ceramic which are hypoallergenic materials and they are completely safe for people with nickel allergy and sensitive skin.
Is Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Safe For Sensitive Skin & Nickel Allergy?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is made up of a titanium body and sapphire glass and both materials are safe for sensitive skin & Nickel. However, the regular Galaxy Watch 5 is made up of stainless steel and it contains Nickel which may cause irritation. So, if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to Nickel, avoid the regular Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro model.
Are Garmin Smartwatches Safe For Sensitive Skin Or Nickel Allergy?
Garmin Smartwatches are generally considered safe for people with sensitive skin or Nickel Allergy but you should still avoid Garmin smartwatches that are made up of stainless steel. You can consider Garmin Smartwatches such as Garmin Venu Sq 2 which are made up of plastic and are safe for sensitive skin or nickel allergy.
Are Stainless Steel Smartwatches Good For Sensitive Skin?
Stainless steel is often considered safe for people with sensitive skin and nickel allergy but in reality, most types of stainless steel come with nickel and they are not safe for people with sensitive skin. However, 316L Stainless steel comes with a low amount of nickel and it’s considered safe but still there are people who get skin irritation even with 316L Stainless steel. So, if you are sensitive to nickel or have generally sensitive skin, I’d recommend that you should avoid stainless steel smartwatches and consider the ones which are made up of titanium.
Is The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Good For Sensitive Skin & Nickel Allergy?
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 body is made up of aluminum alloy and it has traces of nickel which can cause irritation to the people with sensitive skin and nickel allergy. So, If you have sensitive skin, I’d recommend that you should avoid the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and consider its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7, that has a plastic body and is completely safe for sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Sensitive Skin and Nickel Allergy are two very common issues and if you have sensitive skin or you are allergic to nickel, it’s important that you choose fitness trackers which are nickel-free and made up of hypoallergenic materials.
In this guide, I’ve shared the 6 fitness trackers that are completely safe for people with sensitive skin & nickel allergy. These fitness trackers are being used by people with nickel allergy and they are completely fine with them. So, if you have a nickel allergy, I’d recommend that you use these fitness trackers because they are safe for sensitive skin.
I hope that you found this guide useful and it helped you find your next fitness tracker. If you have any questions or need help, please feel free to reach me via comments and I’ll get back to you with a response. Also, if you already own an Apple Watch and you are looking for an Apple Watch band that is safe for sensitive skin, check this guide where I’ve shared the Apple Watch bands that are best for sensitive skin.
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
