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New study claims Fitbit’s heart rate monitors are inaccurate (Updated)
June 20, 2025
Original post:Over the years,Fitbithas been known to boast its PurePulse heart rate monitoring system as one of the major selling points on its wrist-mounted fitness trackers. But according to a newstudyfunded by a group of plaintiffs in a lawsuit, the California-based company’s HR monitors aren’t actually as accurate as they lead you to believe.
The results of the study conducted by researchers at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, claim that Fitbit’s PurePulse heart rate technology is significantly inaccurate and inconsistent. The study, which is comprised of thousands of HR readings from 43 healthy adults, claims that Fitbit’s HR readings inCharge HRand Surge devices are, on average, 20 beats per minute off, particularly during moderate to high-intensity exercise. Both the Fitbit Charge HR and Surge were tested against the readings of a time-synced electrocardiogram (ECG).
“This is about the way they market it and that they charge a premium for the heart rate monitor, but it’s not giving a meaningful measurement,” says attorney Jonathan Selbin, speaking toCNN.
Of course, Fitbit disagrees with these claims. The company has issued a statement, which you can find below:
We noted in ourFitbit Charge HR reviewthat the PurePulse heart rate monitor could be quite inconsistent at times. This is pretty much the case for most other wrist-mounted wearables out there, though. If you want truly accurate HR readings, you should consider buying a chest strap.
Related:Which Fitbit is right for you?
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