Get to know the similarities and differences between popular personal ECG devices.

In the last few years as technology has improved and become more accessible, many people have started to incorporate at-home ECGs, or personal ECGs, into their health routines. From individuals with heart conditions to athletes monitoring cardio fitness, people from every background have found peace of mind and a more proactive approach to managing their heart health by staying on top of their ECG data. There are various options on the market for individuals who want to track their heart health from home:

  • Apple Watch
    The Apple Watch® is a device worn on the wrist that tracks workouts, estimated calories burned, steps walked, and other metrics. According to Apple, “the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, or Series 7 generates an ECG that is similar to a single-lead (or Lead I) ECG.”1 The ECG app can check your recording for irregular rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, low heart rate, and high heart rate. 1
  • Fitbit Sense and Charge 5
    Fitbit devices are similar to Apple Watches in that they track various pieces of health data while users wear them throughout the day. Some Fitbit models, Sense and Charge 5, include ECG capabilities as well. 2 Fitbit will generate ECG reports in the Fitbit app that outline results as either “Atrial Fibrillation,” “Normal Sinus Rhythm,” or “Inconclusive.”
  • KardiaMobile®
    KardiaMobile® personal ECGs are designed specifically for the purpose of taking medical-grade ECGs. They are the most clinically validated personal ECG recording devices on the market and the #1 doctor-recommended personal ECG. There are two models of KardiaMobile devices: KardiaMobile, a single-lead (two electrodes) ECG, and KardiaMobile 6L, a six-lead (three electrodes) ECG. Both devices are FDA-cleared to detect up to six of the most common arrhythmias using the Kardia App, including atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). That’s more than any other personal ECG sensor in the world.

    Additionally, KardiaMobile 6L is the only six-lead personal ECG, which provides a more in-depth view of your heart rhythm and may help your doctor identify cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial flutter and heart block.

It’s all about what you need

While all these devices share some qualities, like their app-powered user experience, not every personal ECG is quite the same. When picking the one that’s right for you and your lifestyle needs, keep these essential differences in mind.

Arrhythmia detection

​​While all three of these brands of at-home ECG devices can detect atrial fibrillation within a normal heart rate range, KardiaMobile and KardiaMobile 6L are the only personal ECG sensors that are FDA-cleared to detect six of the most common arrhythmias.

Number of leads

Apple, Fitbit, and KardiaMobile are all single-lead personal ECG sensors (two electrodes). Apple Watch and Fitbit do not offer a six-lead ECG like KardiaMobile 6L. In fact, KardiaMobile 6L is the world’s only six-lead personal ECG sensor and records leads I, II, III, aVL, aVR, and aVF—all without messy wires and gels. KardiaMobile 6L has been found to be more sensitive and more specific than single-lead personal ECGs, providing better data for doctors and patients. 3

Detection of AFib at outlier heart rates

KardiaMobile can detect AFib at a wide range of heart rates. However, according to Apple, “a heart rate under 50 BPM or over 120 BPM in ECG version 1 affects the ECG app’s ability to check for AFib. In ECG version 2, a heart rate under 50 BPM or over 150 BPM can affect the ECG app's ability to check for AFib.” 1 Fitbit has a similar limitation, namely it cannot assess heart rates below 50 bpm or above 120 bpm. 2 This poses an issue for those with atrial fibrillation , which usually occurs in a heart rate range of 100 to 175 bpm. 4

Don’t take our word for it…

Hear what customers have to say about KardiaMobile and KardiaMobile 6L.