Apple Watch Ultra 3

Does anyone know if wearable BP monitoring can actually be accurate? I have a relative who is unwell and this could be useful for them but, equally, would be very unhelpful with inaccurate data.

Are there better alternatives?

It doesn't actually report blood pressure to the user, so it's not a question of accuracy in a traditional numerical sense.

It doesn't give you a live BP reading. It just does some sort of fuzzy inference using data over time kind of like how the Whoop tries to estimate your BP in the morning based on overnight data.

The Apple Watch just notifies you when it thinks you might have high BP and you have to use a cuff to see if it's correct. So, we're still some ways away from passive BP.

It doesn't give you a blood pressure number -- just alerts if it thinks you have high blood pressure. I wrote a bit about the science of blood pressure on the wrist here: https://www.empirical.health/blog/apple-watch-blood-pressure...

Also some existing watches will support BP features:

As of September 9, 2025, hypertension notifications are currently under FDA review and expected to be cleared this month, with availability on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.

The wrist cuff from Omron Gold is probably the least-worst option out there, but they'll still have to take it at specific times per day, not wear it constantly. However a lot of my patients use it and like it and I find it relable. Same brand we use in the office.

I am planning to buy one of these https://healthcare.aktiia.com

At least based on their own website they seem to be among the most accurate ones.

Huawei Watch D2 has an actual blood pressure monitor with inflatable strap. I have no personal experience with that but think it warrants a closer look. The reviews note instrusive phone software though.

https://consumer.huawei.com/en/wearables/watch-d2/