Best Smart Watches and Wristbands that Measure VO2: Models and Prices

If you are a user who likes to perform training sessions to improve their physical shape, activity watches or bracelets can provide you with a series of interesting parameters. From the heart rate, the distance traveled, average rhythm and some others. But there is one of these values that not all these gadgets record: the VO2Max . Below we explain what it is, what it is for and what are the best devices for its measurement .

What is VO2 and why is it useful to measure it?

Best Smart Watches and Wristbands that Measure VO2

The value of the VO2Max parameter represents the maximum volume of oxygen that your body can process during an exercise session. In a simpler way, we could say that it expresses the amount of oxygen that your body uses when breathing. The values of this parameter in “common” users is between 40-50 ml / Kg / min and, for professional athletes, it could be around 70-80 ml / Kg / min. Arriving in very specific cases and in true stars of resistance to around 90 ml / Kg / min.

What is a high VO2Max value useful for? Easy, the higher the value of this parameter, the better our body will resist resistance to prolonged effort, such as running a long distance. Of course, although the VO2Max is something important, this is not everything when it comes to physical activity.

In order to calculate it as accurately as possible, it is necessary to carry out analyzes and tests in fully controlled laboratories, using specific machinery. But, in the case of activity watches and bracelets , using values such as heart rate, age, weight and gender can make a fairly accurate estimate (around 90-95% in many cases) of VO2Max.

Therefore, if you take these values as an estimated measure of the maximum volume of usable oxygen, it is a good way to adjust your training if you want to improve your fitness.

Best activity watches and wristbands with VO2 measurement

Now that you know what the VO2Max is and how it is calculated, it is time to see what are the best devices to measure this parameter while doing sports.

To make your search easier, we have selected some of the best options available on the market. So, read on and get ready to run away with these gadgets .

Garmin VivoSmart 3

One of the cheapest options for these accessories is the Garmin ViVoSmart 3 . It is an activity bracelet that allows us to measure data such as: daily steps, raised floors, heart rate, sleep and, of course, the VO2Max. Available in different colors, it is one of the best alternatives if you do not want to spend too much money.

Amazfit Verge

We now turn to the Amazfit Verge smartwatch. In this case we have a circular sphere that allows us to see a large amount of sports-related data at a glance: distance traveled, calories burned, daily steps or your heart rate itself. It is also submersible up to 50 meters, has the integrated Alexa assistant and, of course, is capable of measuring the maximum volume of oxygen that your body can process.

Garmin Vivomove HR

If you don’t like the design of “regular” smartwatches, an alternative option may be the Garmin Vivomove HR . It is a hybrid watch, in which we cannot modify the dial, which includes a small “screen” where some of the data such as the battery, date and time, heart rate and some notifications will be reflected. There are different colors from which you can choose according to your tastes.

Garmin 735XT Forerunner

The Garmin 735XT Forerunner is another of this company’s bets on the market for devices for athletes capable of measuring VO2Max. This smartwatch has GPS and has advanced dynamics for sports such as cycling, swimming or running. It will also show you on the screen the typical data of distance traveled, steps, heart rate and many others.

Huami Amazfit Bip

Another bet for those who want a smartwatch to play sports without losing a bit of elegance. This Huami Amazfit Bip is made of sapphire crystal and a leather strap, making it a sober and very attractive watch. It also has a long-lasting battery, reaching 5 days of use (according to the manufacturer). It is waterproof and, like the rest of this list, it is a gadget capable of measuring maximum oxygen consumption.

Garmin Forerunner 245

Entering the smartwatch sector for greater purchasing power we have this Garmin Forerunner 245 . A device that allows us to obtain the usual data to monitor a training. It also has GPS, it is waterproof, it goes into depth within the characteristics of our activity, showing the percentage of aerobic and anaerobic training.

Apple Watch Series 5

If your phone is an iPhone, your best option is the well-known Apple Watch . This is the latest model, the 5 series , which gives us a wealth of information regarding our sports activity, allows us to detect heart rhythm problems, is waterproof, among many other features.

This is not the only model that supports VO2Max measurement. If you want to save a good pinch , you have the possibility of acquiring the series 3 that can also perform this measurement. Of course, it will not have all the functions and power that the latest version of this smartwatch has.

These are some of the best activity wristbands and smartwatch capable of measuring the VO2Max . Now is the time for you to value the rest of the functionalities that each one has and acquire one to start monitoring your physical activity. If you have doubts about any of these equipment, do not hesitate to leave us a comment and we will try to resolve it as soon as possible.