How Accurate Is Fitbit?

Fitbit is facing allegations that its heart rate tracking technology is misleading and, in some cases, dangerous.

16:47 11 January 2016

A lawsuit filed in the USA describes Fitbit’s range of heart rate tracking wristbands “wildly inaccurate.” It added that the devices "do not and cannot consistently and accurately record wearers' heart rates during the intense physical activity for which Fitbit expressly markets them."

 

The lawsuit was filed just days after the company received a negative reception of its latest product, the Fitbit Blaze smartwatch.

 

Meanwhile, the company has refuted the claims. "We do not believe this case has merit. Fitbit stands behind our heart rate technology and strongly disagrees with the statements made in the complaint and plans to vigorously defend the lawsuit," the company said in a statement.

 

"Fitbit is committed to making the best clip and wrist-based activity trackers on the market. Our team has performed and continues to perform internal studies to validate our products’ performance," the statement said.

 

"PurePulse provides better overall heart rate tracking than cardio machines at the gym, as it tracks your heart rate continuously -- even while you’re not at the gym or working out.

 

"But it’s also important to note that Fitbit trackers are designed to provide meaningful data to our users to help them reach their health and fitness goals, and are not intended to be scientific or medical devices."