Updated October 2026. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, call emergency services instead of checking a watch.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart rhythm problem, and many people with it feel nothing. That is why a watch that can spot an irregular rhythm is genuinely useful. Below we only include devices with an ECG feature cleared by the FDA in the US, and we explain what they can and cannot do.
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Table of Contents
What Is AFib?
In AFib, the upper chambers of the heart beat in a fast, chaotic way instead of a steady rhythm. It can come and go (paroxysmal) or be persistent. AFib raises the risk of stroke and heart failure, which is why early detection matters. Common symptoms include palpitations, tiredness, dizziness and shortness of breath, but many people have no symptoms at all.
How Smartwatches Detect AFib
Watches use two different tools:
- Irregular rhythm notifications. The optical heart rate sensor checks your pulse in the background and alerts you if it finds a pattern that suggests AFib.
- ECG app. You hold a finger on the watch for about 30 seconds to record a single-lead ECG. The app classifies the result as sinus rhythm, AFib or inconclusive, and you can share a PDF with your doctor.
A single-lead ECG is a screening tool. It cannot detect a heart attack and does not replace the 12-lead ECG your doctor uses. A result showing AFib should always be confirmed by a clinician.
Quick Comparison
| Device | ECG app | Background rhythm alerts | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Yes | Yes, plus AFib History | iPhone |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 | Yes | Yes | Android (full features with Samsung phones) |
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Yes | Yes | iPhone and Android |
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Yes | Yes | iPhone and Android |
| Withings ScanWatch 2 | Yes | Yes | iPhone and Android |
| Garmin Venu 3 | Yes (supported regions) | No continuous AFib alerts | iPhone and Android |
| KardiaMobile 6L | 6-lead | No (on-demand device) | iPhone and Android |
| KardiaMobile Card | 1-lead | No (on-demand device) | iPhone and Android |
Best Devices for AFib Detection
1. Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch has the most complete AFib toolkit: an FDA-cleared ECG app, irregular rhythm notifications, and AFib History for people already diagnosed, which shows how often you are in AFib each week. Newer Apple Watch models have the same features, so any recent model is a good pick if you use an iPhone.
What we like
- ECG, background alerts and AFib History
- Easy to share results with your doctor
- Excellent all-round smartwatch
Keep in mind
- iPhone only
- Battery life of about a day to a day and a half
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Galaxy Watch has an FDA-cleared ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications. Full health features work best with a Samsung phone. Note that the blood pressure feature Samsung offers in some countries is not FDA-cleared in the US.
3. Fitbit Sense 2
The Sense 2 combines Fitbit’s ECG app with irregular rhythm notifications, stress tracking and multi-day battery. It works on both iPhone and Android, which makes it a good choice if you switch phones or share a household between platforms.
4. Fitbit Charge 6
You do not need a full smartwatch for AFib checks. The Charge 6 is a slim fitness band with the same ECG app and irregular rhythm notifications as the Sense 2, plus built-in GPS.
5. Withings ScanWatch 2
The ScanWatch 2 looks like a classic analog watch but includes an ECG, SpO2 and temperature sensors. Battery life is measured in weeks, not days, which matters if you want continuous rhythm checks without daily charging. Check that you buy the US version for US clearance.
6. Garmin Venu 3
Garmin’s ECG app is FDA-cleared and available on the Venu 3 in supported regions. Garmin does not offer continuous background AFib notifications like Apple or Fitbit, so it is best for people who want on-demand ECG alongside Garmin’s fitness tracking.
7. KardiaMobile 6L
If you do not want a smartwatch, or your doctor wants more detail, KardiaMobile 6L records a six-lead ECG when you place your fingers on the device and touch it to your left leg. It detects AFib, bradycardia, tachycardia and normal sinus rhythm, and it does not require a membership for basic recordings.
8. KardiaMobile Card
The Card version is the size of a credit card and fits in a wallet. It records a single-lead ECG in 30 seconds whenever you feel symptoms.
Also Worth Considering: OMRON Complete
High blood pressure and AFib often go together. The OMRON Complete measures both in one session using a cuff and built-in EKG electrodes.
How to Choose
- Want alerts without thinking about it? Choose a watch with background irregular rhythm notifications: Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch or Fitbit.
- Want the most detailed home ECG? KardiaMobile 6L.
- Hate charging? Withings ScanWatch 2.
- Already diagnosed with AFib? Apple Watch AFib History helps you and your doctor see how often it happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a smartwatch detect AFib during sleep?
Background irregular rhythm checks run while you sleep on Apple, Samsung and Fitbit devices. ECG recordings need you to be awake and touch the watch.
How accurate is smartwatch AFib detection?
Studies show high accuracy for classifying AFib on clean recordings, but some readings come back inconclusive, especially with very high or low heart rates. Any AFib result should be confirmed by a doctor.
Can I share readings with my doctor?
Yes. All the devices here let you export ECG recordings as a PDF from the companion app.
Bottom Line
For iPhone users, Apple Watch is the most complete AFib tool. Android users should look at the Galaxy Watch 8 or Fitbit Sense 2, and the Charge 6 is the budget pick. If you do not want a smartwatch, the KardiaMobile 6L gives the most detailed ECG you can take at home.
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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.
