Apple Watch Ultra 3 Heart Rate Accuracy Tested Against Polar H10

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been put to the test for heart rate tracking accuracy against the renowned Polar H10 chest strap. This evaluation comes shortly after the device’s unveiling during the iPhone event, showcasing its impressive features including a 42-hour battery life, enhanced display, satellite connectivity, and the latest watchOS 26.

Testing Methodology

The heart rate sensor is a critical component of any fitness watch, influencing various health metrics from sleep monitoring to calorie expenditure. Recognizing its importance, I conducted my first test focused on this feature. The Polar H10, recognized as a leading heart rate monitor, was chosen as the benchmark for this evaluation. This chest strap employs electrical sensors positioned near the heart, which typically provides more precise readings than wrist-based devices.

To assess the accuracy, I engaged in a 20-minute cycling session on a stationary bike while wearing both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Polar H10. For comparison, I also wore the Huawei Watch GT 6 on my other wrist, which is currently under review.

Results of the Heart Rate Comparison

The results from the testing were closely aligned, confirming the effectiveness of the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s heart rate capabilities. The Polar H10 recorded an average heart rate of 147 beats per minute (bpm), displaying a consistent increase that reached Zone 5 before tapering off slightly at the end of the session.

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Huawei Watch GT 6 reported an average heart rate of 148 bpm, just one bpm higher than the Polar H10’s measurement. The graphical data from Apple’s Fitness app and the Huawei Health app showed similar trends, with peaks and troughs closely matching those from the chest strap. It’s noteworthy that the Apple Watch’s presentation in-app caused a slight stretch in its heart rate graph, but the underlying accuracy remained intact.

“At this early stage, I’m happy that Apple’s heart rate sensor is up to snuff when compared with a chest-mounted heart rate strap, the industry standard,” said Lee Bell, the reviewer.

While longer workout sessions may reveal more discrepancies, the initial findings suggest that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 competes effectively with established heart rate monitors. This performance echoes the previous model’s results when tested against a top Garmin device during the London Marathon, indicating reliability in varying conditions.

As the Apple Watch Ultra 3 enters the market, it appears poised to deliver robust health tracking features, particularly in heart rate monitoring, which is a critical aspect for fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike.