Key Takeaways: Smartwatch vs Pulse Oximeter for COVID-19 Oxygen Monitoring
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Pulse oximeters provide more accurate SpO₂ readings than smartwatches, making them the preferred choice for detecting COVID-19-related oxygen drops.
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Smartwatches offer continuous oxygen tracking, useful for long-term health monitoring, fitness, and managing chronic conditions like sleep apnea.
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Normal blood oxygen levels range between 95–100%; levels below 90% may indicate hypoxemia and require urgent medical attention.
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COVID-19 can cause dangerously low oxygen without symptoms, making at-home monitoring an important preventive measure.
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Pulse oximeters deliver instant, non-invasive results, ideal for quick health checks in clinical and home settings.
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Smartwatch readings may be less reliable due to indirect measurement methods influenced by skin temperature and heart rate.
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Multiple SpO₂ readings over time can provide a clearer picture of oxygen trends, regardless of device type.
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For COVID-19 symptom monitoring, pulse oximeters are more dependable for spotting sudden oxygen level drops.
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Smartwatches include extra health features like heart rate and activity tracking, offering broader wellness insights.
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CPR First Aid training in Southport and across Australia equips individuals with essential life-saving skills for emergencies involving low oxygen levels.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, monitoring blood oxygen levels at home became a crucial part of detecting early signs of infection especially as some patients experienced dangerously low oxygen without obvious symptoms. Today, while COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency, it continues to circulate, and people remain cautious about their health.
This has renewed interest in tools like smartwatches and pulse oximeters. But which is more reliable for tracking oxygen levels especially when it matters most? Below, we explore the pros and cons of both to help you choose the right device for your needs.
How Does COVID-19 Make a Person Sick?
The coronavirus is thought to cause illness by attacking the respiratory system. The virus enters the body through the nose or mouth, travels into the lungs, attaches to cells, and replicates. This process damages the lungs and makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In severe cases, Covid-19 can lead to death.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu. They include fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, patients may experience pneumonia, a severe lung infection. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of exposure to the virus.
Current Status of COVID-19 in Australia
Based on the Covid-19 data of World Health Organization as of July 2025, there have been 11,399,460 confirmed cases and 19,574 deaths. The Australian Government continues monitoring the situation closely and remains committed to keeping the Australian public safe.
What is Oxygen Saturation or SPO2?
Your oxygen saturation is the percentage of haemoglobin in your blood that carries oxygen. Normal SPO2 levels are typically between 95 and 100 percent. A reading below 90 per cent is considered low and may indicate hypoxemia, which means insufficient oxygen is reaching your tissues.
Causes of Hypoxemia
Various conditions, including heart and lung diseases, altitude sickness, and sleep apnea, can cause hypoxemia. If you have hypoxemia, you may experience shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.
Hypoxemia is a medical emergency. In any setting, completing a Southport first aid course gives you the confidence to provide essential life support to anyone in need, anytime.
How Does the Body Maintain Normal SpO2 Levels?
The body has some mechanisms in place to maintain normal SpO2 levels. These include:
- regulating the production of red blood cells
- controlling the rate of breathing
- adjusting the amount of oxygen that is released from the lungs into the bloodstream
- increasing the blood flow to tissues that need more oxygen
If any of these mechanisms are not working correctly, it can lead to a drop in SpO2 levels. For example, if the body is not producing enough red blood cells, fewer oxygen-carrying molecules will be available to transport oxygen to the tissues. Additionally, if the breathing rate is too slow, not enough oxygen will be taken in, which can also decrease SpO2 levels.
Covid-19 Blood Oxygen Levels
A blood oxygen level below 90% is considered low and may be an early sign of Covid-19. Even if your blood oxygen level is average, you could still have the virus and should self-isolate.
A drop in blood oxygen levels can happen quickly for some people with Covid-19, so it’s essential to be aware of this possibility. If you have a pulse oximeter at home, monitoring your blood oxygen levels as you self-isolate can be helpful. Seek immediate medical attention if your blood oxygen level drops below 95% or if you experience other symptoms of Covid-19.
How Can I Measure My Oxygen Level at Home?
There are a few convenient ways to measure your oxygen levels at home.
Using a Pulse Oximeter
The most common way is with a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a small, portable device that measures the oxygen level in your blood. It works by shining a light through your skin and measuring the oxygen in your blood.
3 Readings of a Pulse Oximeter
There are three readings that a pulse oximeter can take:
- Oxygen saturation measures how much oxygen is present in the blood.
- Pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute.
- The perfusion index measures how well the blood flows through the body.
Advantages of Using a Pulse Oximeter For Monitoring Oxygen Levels
Pulse oximetry is a valuable tool that can help to improve the quality of care for patients with respiratory conditions. There are many advantages to using a pulse oximeter, including the following:
- It is a quick and easy way to check oxygen levels.
- Pulse oximetry is noninvasive and does not require any special training to use.
- The results of a pulse oximetry test are usually available immediately.
- Pulse oximeters are portable and can be used in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and at home.
Is a Pulse Oximeter Reliable In Measuring Covid-19 Oxygen Levels?
Note that a pulse oximeter is not a device that can help diagnose COVID-19 but a tool to measure the body’s oxygen saturation. A SpO2 reading of less than 90% may indicate Covid-19.
Using a Smartwatch For Monitoring Oxygen Levels
Smartwatches, however, are becoming increasingly popular, and many can now track your SpO2 levels. This is a great way to monitor your health and ensure you get enough oxygen. However, there are a few things to remember when using a smartwatch to measure your SpO2 levels.
- Ensure that the watch is calibrated correctly. If it is not, the readings may not be accurate.
- Take multiple readings over time. This will help you get an accurate picture of your SpO2 levels.
- See a doctor if you have any concerns about your SpO2 levels. They can help you interpret the data and get the oxygen you need.
A smartwatch may be a good option if you’re looking for a convenient way to track your SpO2 levels. Just remember the above to get the most accurate readings.
Advantages of Using a Smartwatch for Oxygen Level Monitoring
There are many advantages to using a smartwatch for SpO2 monitoring.
- Smartwatches are convenient and easy to wear.
- They can track your oxygen saturation levels continuously.
This data can be beneficial for people with chronic lung conditions or sleep apnea, as it can help them to identify early warning signs of low oxygen levels.
Smartwatches typically have other features that may benefit people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart rate monitors and activity tracking.
Smartwatch vs. Pulse Oximeter For Monitoring Oxygen Levels
So, which is better to use between the two? If you’re wondering whether a pulse oximeter or smartwatch is better for SpO2 reading, the answer may surprise you. While both devices can approximate your blood oxygen saturation levels, pulse oximeters are generally more accurate. This is because they measure oxygen saturation levels directly from your bloodstream, while smartwatches estimate them based on other factors like heart rate and skin temperature.
A pulse oximeter is the best choice if you’re looking for the most accurate SpO2 reading possible. However, a smartwatch is sufficient if you’re interested in tracking your blood oxygen levels over time.
A Quick Comparison of Smartwatch vs Pulse Oximeter for SpO2 Monitoring
| Feature | Smartwatch | Pulse Oximeter |
| Accuracy | Moderate – estimates SpO2 | High – direct and reliable readings |
| Convenience | Wearable; tracks continuously | Portable; for quick spot checks |
| Best Use | Everyday health and fitness tracking | Medical use, especially for COVID-19 symptoms |
| Price | Higher – includes multiple features | More affordable |
| COVID-19 Use | Helpful for trends, but may miss sudden drops | Ideal for accurate oxygen level monitoring |
CPR First Aid’sAid’s (RTO 21903) first aid training facility at Cnr Ferry Rd and Cotlew St E, Southport 4215, is one of the locations across Australia where we deliver practical-based learning and assessment. Contact us for more information about our nationally accredited first aid training.