Best Smart Watches for Nurses

The nursing profession is one of the toughest professions in the entire world. Especially in these tumultuous times, the hard work of a good nurse is as important as any other job you can think of. And for nurses who are constantly on the go, a smartwatch is definitely a very smart investment to consider. After all, it’s not as if you can check your phone all the time during a hectic shift at the ER. Having a smartwatch for nurses is like having access to a phone without having to pull it out all the time.

When looking for the best smartwatch for nurses, there are several things you need to consider. Fitness tracking is a must, with a accurate heart rate monitor being the baseline for a worthwhile purchase. Other things to look for in the best smartwatches for nurses include strong battery life, added features like Google Assistant, and access to application stores like Google Play or the Apple Store.

The watch should also be extremely sturdy, water resistant and shock resistant. The nursing world can be pretty brutal and full of twists and turns, so you need a watch that’s shock and water resistant enough to withstand anything the workday might throw at it.

We tested dozens upon dozens of options in our search for the best smartwatch for nurses. In doing so, we came up with our in-depth list of eight of the top smartwatches currently on the market today. And we even came up with our definitive answer of what the best smartwatch for nurses truly is.

Let’s get to the list, shall we?

The 8 Best Smartwatches For Nurses In 2021

8) Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch

The first of two Fitbit models on our countdown of the best smart watches for nurses could easily have ranked higher if not for the glut of amazing offerings later on our list. It has all of the fitness tracking and step counting goodies that Fitbit is known for, including a top-tier heart rate sensor system. What we dig about this particular model is the fact that it has storage space for 300 songs and also connect to Pandora for easy playlist access. Nurses who love music either when tasking or working out are going to really dig with this really cool watch is capable of.

Specs

Color: Multiple options

3 Key Features: Store up to 300 songs or stream playlists from Pandora >> Smart workout tracking with multiple sensors and readouts >> Plenty of apps for news, weather, and other info.

Battery Life: Up to 4 days depending on features used

Pros

• One feature we haven’t mentioned yet is the sleep tracking system which monitors your REM cycle and helps you determine whether you’re getting the rest you need.
• This watch/fitness tracking combination has really good battery life and won’t need constant charging. If you’re too busy to remember to charge it on a certain day, you likely won’t be out of luck.
• The music storage capabilities and compatibility with Pandora makes this a great workout tool, break room diversion, or nighttime relaxation helper. We love music and we love Fitbit, so we love this watch.

Cons

• Definitely not as feature driven or easy to customize as some of the smartwatches higher on this list.
• There have been some quality control issues with the heart rate sensor on this particular model. Double check your device after receipt of this watch to ensure it’s in working order.

7) Xiaomi Mi Band 3 Fitness Tracker

You may scoff at the inclusion of this budget fitness tracker in a list about watches, but there are definitely watches out there which aren’t as accurate as this little tracker. In fact, we think it’s one of the best smart watches in the marketplace for those looking to save a few dollars along the way. This is especially true for nurses who want to keep tabs on their personal health and fitness goals both at work and elsewhere. The all day health management system connects to the Xiaomi sports app for calibrating your health needs, and the tracker even includes a daily pedometer and smartphone syncing capabilities. It’s not the most impress smartwatch for nurses, but it’s definitely a good one.

Specs

Color: Multiple options

3 Key Features: All day health management and tracking system >> Improved Xiaomi sports app lets you customize your daily fitness needs >> Includes daily pedometer and call reject feature when synced with a smartphone

Battery Life: Up to 7 days with limited features

Pros

• This little fitness marvel costs less than some DVDs, but it still manages to provide all of the fitness and step tracking features a nurse may want for work and play.
• While it’s not a smart watch in the traditional sense of the word, this is actually a really cool watch substitute. It looks nice and tracks the time with good accuracy.
• There are some great added features with this little watch substitute including a call reject feature which lets you see who’s ringing you on your smartphone before deciding whether to answer.

Cons

• This is very light on features and not quite up to par with other smartwatches when it comes to the limited things you can do with it.
• You probably won’t be surprised considering the extremely low price, but the durability of this particular watch isn’t great comparatively.

6) Garmin Vívoactive 3 Smartwatch

If you want a watch that doubles as both a work companion and fantastic devices for workouts and all sorts of outdoors activities, the Garmin Vívoactive 3 Smartwatch is worth a hard look. You can’t beat a Garmin GPS system when it comes to smartwatches, so nurses who love to hike or bike are going to really get a kick out of the GPS accuracy and speed in this model. Other watches may have a bit more to offer in the way of app customization, but the pre-loaded sports and GPS applications and countless free watch faces make this a worthy inclusion on our list.

Specs

Color: Multiple options

3 Key Features: Comes loaded with over 15 various sports and GPS applications >> Thousands of free watch faces available for download >> Includes Garmin Pay for contactless payment

Battery Life: 13 hours in GPS mode >> 7 days in smartwatch mode

Pros

• The integrated Garmin GPS system is perhaps the main selling point of this device. For those nurses who loves outdoors activities, it’s super easy to stay on track with your fitness goals and on target wherever you may land.
• Comes complete with a Corning Gorilla Glass dial protector which promises a clear, scratch-free screen with limited reflections no matter what lighting you’re under.
• You can customize this watch with thousands of different watch faces, and each works well with the sideswipe interface which makes scrolling and navigation a breeze.

Cons

• The sensitivity of the touchscreen on this watch is a bit out of control when you’re in the middle of working out. You can accidentally open apps pretty easily when moving about.
• The built-in HR monitor is one of the least accurate heart rate sensors on this list. It works much better with a chest strap, though.

5) TicWatch S2 Waterproof Smartwatch

If you’re not familiar with the work of Mobvoi, we hope the inclusion of two amazing smartwatches from the company will shed some light on the inventive artificial intelligence company. The TicWatch S2 Waterproof Smartwatch is the first entry from the company on our list, landing here thanks to its rugged military standard 810G constitution and place as one of the better budget smartwatches currently available for sale. It may not be the best smartwatch out there, but the Google Play connectivity and inclusion of Google Assistant puts it in the conversation. Nurses who don’t want to break the bank but still want a waterproof smartwatch worth the money will love this one.

Specs

Color: Midnight or Shadow

3 Key Features: Connects with Google Play store for app downloads, notification tracking >> Comes with Google Assistant and built-in call tracking >> Military standard 810G construction for peak durability

Battery Life: Around 48 hours per charge

Pros

• Those who want a good smartwatch on a budget will really dig what this watch has to offer. You get lots of Google services to work with, accurate health monitoring, and plenty of other worthwhile features.
• This watch is almost impossible to break. That’s thanks to the military-grade case which is both water resistant and shock resistant to an impressive degree.
• Includes a swim monitoring system which learns your swim style and offers full tracking and statistical readouts. That’s a great watch perk for those nurses who loves swimming in their off time!

Cons

• There is no way to use Google Fit to track your heart rate in the background. You have to use the TicWatch app/software itself.
• Some quality control issues have been made public in online forums and marketplaces, so be sure to check and test your device thoroughly after receipt.

4) Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch

While we considered an entry from the Samsung Gear series for this list, we lean towards this model as the right choice for a nurse or medical assistant of any kind. What we really dig about this watch, besides the daily tasks calendar and apps loaded into the device, is the fact that it doesn’t look like a traditional smartwatch. It actually looks like a casual or dress watch and can serve as a work watch for nurses, a smart device on breaks, and a spiffy semi-casual watch for going out after work. The Samsung Gear is definitely a worthy alternative, but the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch is definitely the way to go.

Specs

Color: Multiple options

3 Key Features: Can pair with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth mode >> Easy-to-read daily tasks calendar and notifications from apps of your choice >> Advanced fitness tracking system offers multiple readouts on demand

Battery Life: Up to 3 days per charge

Pros

• This is a fantastic balance of app connectivity, fitness tracking systems, and a simply nice watch to look at. Most smartwatches don’t get the aesthetic part down in this manner.
• The Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ dial protector is our pick for the strongest available in the smartwatch marketplace. It’s almost impossible to scratch or scuff.
• You can control this smartwatch with either an Android or iOS phone, which makes it super versatile compared to other smartwatches on our countdown.

Cons

• The battery life on this particular smartwatch may not be as advertised, especially after regular use. It’s definitely not the most impressive battery in the land of smartwatches.
• The Bluetooth feature can have a hard time syncing with some text message services. Be sure to check online for troubleshooting tips if you run into problems.

3) TicWatch C2 Wear OS Smartwatch

Our second entry from TicWatch is one of the most aesthetically pleasing smartwatches on our list. The sleek silver design looks great in both scrubs and in any other outfit you see fit to wear it with. And for the apps obsessed nurse, the connectivity to the Google Play store means that you’ll never miss a notification from your favorite news and sports apps — even when the workday goes super long. It’s also a real bargain among smartwatches, especially considering the accuracy of the 24-hour heart rate monitor and GPS system. This is our hands down pick for the best budget smartwatch a nurse can buy.

Specs

Color: Silver

3 Key Features: Includes Google Pay NFC payment system for contactless pay >> Connects to Google Play store for application downloads, notification tracking >> 24-hour heart rate monitor and GPS built into the watch

Battery Life: 1 day with heavy usage, 2 days with light usage

Pros

• Mobvoi is well know for its advancements in AI technology, and they use those advancements in this watch to monitor your fitness and health progress as the day goes on.
• When is a budget smart watch more than a budget smart watch? The addition of features like Google Pay, Google Play compatibility, and heart rate monitoring are definitely arguments for it.
• Includes GoogleFit and TicMotion for top shelf health tracking, motivation, and goal setting.

Cons

• If you’re using a white or light-colored watch face, it can be pretty hard to see the text on the watch screen.
• This watch isn’t as strong in the overall features department compared to some of the more expensive options on our list.

2) Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch

Any nurse who wants to keep their fitness as a top priority has likely considered a Fitbit of some sort at some point. So why not get a really awesome smartwatch that balances its apps and smartphone connectivity with the Fitbit fitness tracking that has taken the world by storm? And in addition to the apps and daily health monitoring, there’s other amazing benefits including a built-in Amazon Alexa assistant, music streaming options, and an easy-to-understand sleep score and monitoring system. Any nurse who wants to stay healthy and stay up to date will love this smartwatch.

Specs

Color: Multiple options

3 Key Features: Built-in Amazon Alexa assistant for information, controlling smart home devices, alarms and timers >> Comprehensive fitness tracking and sleep score >> Connects to Deezer, Spotify, and Pandora for on-the-go music

Battery Life: Over 5 days depending on features used

Pros

• The 6 days of battery backup on this device is perfect for those nurses who forget to charge their smartwatch after a tough day. You won’t have to worry about charging it as much as most other watches on this list.
• Fitbit is a fitness freak’s best friend, and there is so much included in this watch to help you reach and maintain your particular health goals.
• Great features such as Amazon Alexa support, sleep monitoring, music streaming service connectivity, and others make this a great smart watch that doubles as one of the best for nurses right now.

Cons

• Requires a custom Fitbit charging cable so it’s not compatible with other USB cords you may have lying around.
• The inclusion of Alexa can be hit or miss at certain times depending on where you’re at. This watch is still a great bargain, but that’s a bit of a nitpick worth mentioning.

And our pick for the best smartwatch for nurses is…

1) Apple Watch Series 5

There isn’t a better smartwatch option out there for nurses or anyone in general. The Apple Watch Series 5 offers peak 64-bit processing power and unbeatable customization when it comes to sheer deluge of applications you can download. And for the nurse that’s constantly monitoring their own health, the accurate heart rate sensor and automatic workout detection will easily become an essential part of your workday. Smartwatches are a dime a dozen nowadays, but the Apple Watch Series 5 is definitely in a league of its own. It’s got a better speaker and a larger screen than the Apple Watch Series 3, and it’s simply the best smartwatch in the market today.

Specs

Color: Multiple options

3 Key Features: Connects to Apple Store for application downloads and smart notifications >> Automatic workout detection for a variety of different sports and activities >> Syncs with most Apple devices for fully seamless, integrated connectivity.

Battery Life: 18 hours on a single charge

Pros

• The automatic workout detection system is really neat! Whether you’re just going about your business at the hospital or running on your favorite trail, the Apple Watch will track your progress and offer fitness solutions.
• We actually really like the heart rate sensor capabilities of this particular Apple Watch. It’s easy to use and really accurate.
• This is Apple at its gadget best. That means Apple Store compatibility and easy syncing with a host of other Apple devices.

Cons

• When you buy an Apple Watch, it behooves you to have other Apple devices to really get the most out of it. If you don’t, you might be disappointed with your Apple Watch.
• The battery life of the Apple Watch is a bit less impressive than most other offerings on this list. The Apple Watch tends to do more per charge, but that’s still a problem for long workdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Fitbit is best for a nurse?

Coming in at #2 on our list of the best smartwatches for nurses in 2021, it has to be the Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch. This Fitbit has all of the fitness tracking applications you know and love from the brand, but in a top smartwatch for nurses and anyone with an active lifestyle. The heart rate sensor is super accurate and easy to read. It’s even swim-proof up to 50 meters down. And since you’re unlikely to go 50 meters down in the water unless you’re scuba diving or snorkeling, you know it’s gonna hold up.

Nurses are usually understandably focused on their health considering the nature of their jobs. That’s what makes the Fitbit Versa 2 such a smart bet for those in the field. Other smartwatches may offer some bells and whistles which rival it, but you know the Fitbit name is going to mean fantastic fitness tracking capabilities and easy readouts for workouts and daily steps. For a nurse who’s on their feet constantly, this is a best buy through and through.

What kind of watch do nurses need?

Seeing that this is a list of the best smartwatches for nurses, we’re kind of biased. Smartwatches offer such extraordinary connectivity, fitness tracking, and syncing capabilities with smartphones. And considering that it’s not feasible for most nurses to check their phones during a shift, having call and text notification delivered to your smartwatch is the next best option. And with features like music streaming and apps from Google Play and the Apple Store, a smartwatch for nurses is undoubtedly our choice for the best option.

Closing Thoughts

When considering a smartwatch for nurses in your life, we’d recommend you definitely stick to one of the eight smartwatches on our countdown above. They are perfectly calibrated for the demands of the nursing profession. For a nurse who is working double shifts and wants to stay connected to their smartphone and the greater world around them, there are no better options than the watches we’ve listed here.

With different colors, different features, and added benefits such as heart rate monitoring and step tracking, there’s a smartwatch for every nurse on this list.