I am trying to get some more measurable results while training, and I would like to get a watch that can measure my pulse during workouts. I see that the market is HUGE for watches meant for this, but I am a bit lost. Here are some things that are relevant to finding a good watch for me:
- I have smallish wrists.
- I would like to wear it also while swimming or showering
- I need it to work really well independently of any phone, as I don’t use iOS or any Android variant. This also means that the watch needs to be good at keeping the time without syncing with a phone.
- I need the watch to be privacy respecting. Even though I don’t plan on using it with a phone at the moment, I do not wish to support a scummy company.
Do you have a favorite watch that could fit some of these points?
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My answer for this has been to use Gadgetbridge - its an open source app which can replace the e.g. Garmin app, connecting to the device and gathering activity and sensor data plus forwarding notifications etc as you’d expect the first party app to do. The data remains exclusively on your phone, no servers involved.
Its not perfect, the Garmin UI is slicker and some minor features may not be supported but overall it’s really impressed me for a community effort.
I’ve been using this since March 2025 with a Garmin Forerunner 265 without any issues.
There are a wide range of supported devices, so you can buy the hardware you like/find a good deal and not worry about privacy based on the vendor.
Gadgetbridge Site Supported Watches
Hah, as of today there at 666 supported devices!