The Withings Scan watch is an attractive wearable with long battery life that can take FDA-approved ECG readings, but is a little heavy and requires a doctor’s approval to use.
Pros
ECG Readings and Potential AFib Detection
Stylish analog clock design
30-day battery life
Includes an attractive travel case
Cons
Doctor required to use the ECG function
Difficulty getting useful ECG readings when testing
Bulky and heavy
The Withings ScanWatch ($ 279.99) is a consumer-grade health and fitness device that does much more than just counting steps and getting you moving.
The watch, which the FDA recently approved for use in the United States, can read electrocardiograms (ECG) and potentially detect heart problems such as atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Its long battery life and analog aesthetics are impressive, but we found it a bit cumbersome and it took us a while to learn how to get useful ECG readings when testing.
And unlike the Apple Watch ($ 399.99), you need a prescription to use ScanWatch’s ECG features. So while the ScanWatch ranks among the more attractive fitness wearables we’ve tested, you’re likely to get more value from your Apple Watch or even Fitbit charging for $ 179.95.
STYLISH
The ScanWatch is completely different from the Apple Watch in style. The Apple Watch is easy to spot from afar because it looks like a tech product, but the Scan has a discreet, stylish design.
The larger version (42mm in diameter) costs $ 299.99, while the smaller version (38mm in diameter) costs $ 279.99. Whitings sent me a large watch model to test. It looks and seems big. My wrists are hardly petite, but I might be better off with a smaller version.
The watch dial is made of durable, practically scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. You can choose between a silver case with a white or black bezel or a rose gold case with a white or navy blue bezel. However, the rose gold color options are only available in a smaller size. The outer edge of the watch case functions as a sensor; you push it with the opposite hand to measure the ECG and SpO2.
Whitings says the ScanWatch should last about a month on battery with normal use. After five days of testing, the battery was still at 96%, so you don’t need to charge it for weeks . Long battery life is important as it allows the watch to periodically scan your vital signs without interruption . If you drastically reduce the watch’s features by putting it in power reserve mode (which only supports time and activity tracking), you can get an additional 20 days of battery life. Recharging the watch from a discharged battery takes only about two hours.
The ScanWatch does not include built-in GPS, so you need to use it with your phone anytime you want to track outdoor activities like cycling and jogging with maximum accuracy. Since GPS features tend to consume significant amounts of power from other fitness trackers and running watches, scanwatch battery life can benefit from its lack.
A water resistance rating of up to 5ATM means the watch must withstand swimming, snorkeling and other basic aquatic activities.
Just don’t take him into any deep dives. It will also not perform well in extreme cold or heat; operating temperature range is 14F to 113F.
The watch comes with a replaceable bracelet; its material feels like silicone. You can pay extra for leather, metal, or woven pet straps (made from recycled materials) in a variety of colors. You get a magnetic drive style USB-A charger, a quick start guide, and a lovely gray felt pouch for storage and travel in the box.