Smartwatch Test: Apple, Samsung, Garmin and Fitbit Overestimate Calorie Burn

A study reveals that smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit can significantly misestimate calorie burn during exercise, with some devices frequently displaying inflated values. The research highlights which specific models are most prone to overreporting energy expenditure, noting that accuracy varies considerably across brands and that body fat percentage influences the devices' measurement errors. These findings underscore the limitations of wearable fitness trackers for precise health monitoring, suggesting users should treat calorie readings as rough estimates rather than exact figures for diet and exercise planning.