Fall detection in smartwatches is one of the most innovative creations in modern technology. Several smartwatches on the market today have developed the technology to assist seniors and other people with health issues. However, not all smartwatches are capable of fall detection. So, which ones do have fall detection?
Read on to learn about the brands and specific models representing the frontrunners of fall detection technology in smartwatches. There are several smartwatches with fall detection on the market, but the list below narrows it down to the best ones. If you or a loved one need a smartwatch with fall detection, you must find a reliable model.
9 Smartwatches That Have Fall Detection
Before getting into the specific smartwatch models, you must understand that some of the brands below offer different models that all have fall detection. If certain brands are represented more than once, it is because their products have proven effective and reliable.
Without further ado, here are 9 smartwatches that have fall detection. In most cases, the following smartwatches are equipped with the most advanced technology for health and safety.
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple has made a name for itself in the technology industry for decades. Thus, it is no surprise that they have created one of the best smartwatches for fall detection and other health assistance features.
The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with fall detection installed, so you do not have to worry about monthly fees for use. Apple has gone the distance to make their watch work as best as possible with fall detection. Here is how it works:
If the Apple Watch Series 6 detects that you or anyone else wearing the smartwatch has fallen, it takes immediate precautions in assessing the situation. With an audible alarm, vibrations that tap your wrist, and a display asking if you are okay, the Series 6 ensures that you will get the help you need.
If someone is falling and not being severely injured, they can click to let the Series 6 know they are okay or slide the screen to contact emergency services. If a senior or severely injured person is immobile, the smartwatch automatically calls emergency services after one minute of immobility. Additionally, it messages any other emergency contacts you may have in your contact list, notifying your location’s emergency services and other contacts.
On top of the high-tech fall detection, the Apple Watch Series 6 also offers a plethora of other helpful health advantages, including ECG analysis, blood oxygen readings, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perhaps the most impressive fall detection service found in a smartwatchSeveral other health features that keep you up-to-date on the condition of your bodyBeautifully sleek design with a wide range of accessory options | Possession of an iPhone is required for setup and full access to Apple Watch features.Base price starts at $399 and only grows as certain features and accessories are added. |
Garmin Forerunner 45S
Garmin is another leader in the smartwatch industry, and their affordability makes them even more worth the investment. They have numerous watches equipped with wellness features for tracking your health and making sure your body is holding up – both during exercise and daily life.
The Garmin Forerunner 45S is an excellent choice for those who want a smartwatch with fall detection. While Garmin refers to it as incident detection, the feature is the same. Garmin has gone to great lengths to ensure its fall detection service works effectively.
In the case of a fall or immobility, the Garmin Forerunner 45S can detect your incident, sending an automated message, a LiveTrack link, and your GPS location to any emergency contacts you have set in your contact list.
While the Forerunner 45S does not directly alert emergency services, this disadvantage is somewhat compensated for in the exact GPS location it provides. If you or a loved one are immobile, emergency contacts will be able to either find you immediately or call emergency services themselves and notify them of your location.Pros Cons Price is a fraction of other leading brands.Incident detection marks your exact location and sends an automated message to your emergency contacts.Lightweight design makes this watch a key accessory for all people. Incident detection does not directly alert emergency services.Android smartphone required for function.
Garmin Forerunner 245
Garmin continues its excellence in smartwatch technology with the Garmin Forerunner 245. While the incident detection is roughly the same as the Forerunner 45S, the 245’s higher price accounts for more fine-tuned wellness features that ensure your health and safety.
As with the 45S, the Forerunner 245 has LiveTrack, GPS, and automated messages for your emergency contacts when it detects a fall or other incident.
Garmin prides its production of the Forerunner 245 on its statement, “You run, it thinks.” In terms of both fall detection and other wellness features, the 245 smartwatch constantly monitors and maintains the features that will allow you to get help in a time of need.
A significant characteristic of the Forerunner 245 that attracts customers is the analysis that the 245 smartwatch is a refurbished, updated version of several older Garmin smartwatch models. Plus, the models that it seems to imitate are even more expensive than the 245, so most people consider this watch a steal.Pros Cons The high price is worth the precise wellness features.Modern technology allows you to go about your day while the 245 monitors your health for you. More expensive than select Garmin smartwatch models.Android smartphone required for function.Incident detection does not directly alert emergency services.
Apple Watch SE
If you are familiar with the Apple company, you probably know that when they release a new iPhone, they also release a slightly less advanced, smaller version of the same model. It is not that it is less developed in a technological sense, but it may not have as many features as the primary model.
The Apple Watch SE is the less extravagant model of the Series 6. Although most of the features it lacks are minor inconveniences, the SE is still capable of fall detection. The wellness features it is missing are the ECG and blood oxygen monitor. If you are not extremely into how well your smartwatch monitors every aspect of your health, this should not be too big of a deal.
The main advantage to the Apple Watch SE is that its fall detection feature is just as efficient as the Series 6. It can alert emergency services while also notifying your emergency contacts. For someone looking for an exceptional fall detection smartwatch, the SE is a great choice and is much cheaper than the Series 6.
Most of the wellness features on Apple smartwatches are incorporated for the sake of active people. Monitoring different levels of your health can be very convenient as you exercise. While seniors worried about encountering a situation that renders them immobile may also appreciate these features, fall detection is the one wellness feature that is essential to have.
For Apple Smartwatches, you need to make sure that, if you do not input your age as 55 or older, you will have to manually enable the fall detection feature if you want it to work.Pros Cons Cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 6Most innovative fall detection service available Lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoringFor those who want the best of the best, the SE is a small step down from the Series 6.iPhone required for setup and full access to Apple Watch features.
Galaxy Watch3
A soon as one big-name smartphone company released smartwatches, others were soon to follow. However, in Samsung and Apple’s cases, they have done exceptionally well with the transition.
The Galaxy Watch3 is another top choice for a smartwatch with fall detection. Samsung strives every day to exceed the advancements of their competitors, and the Galaxy Watch3 is one product that has continued to test those boundaries.
The Galaxy Watch3 fall detection feature is initially similar to Apple’s fall detection. If the watch detects a fall, it will display an alert on the screen, vibrate on your wrist, and make an alert sound. After a minute, it will send out an emergency notification. The way that it differs from Apple, however, is that the Galaxy Watch3 only reaches out to your emergency contacts, not directly to emergency services.
One advantage to the Galaxy Watch3 – that may or may not appeal to the buyer – is that it has a much more traditional design than other smartwatches. The display can appear to look like a regular watch, with a comfortable leather wristband to match more formal outfits. As said before, this may not mean anything to you, but several customers enjoy this characteristic.Pros Cons Fall detection displays on-screen options, alert sounds, and vibrations, sending an alert directly to your emergency contacts.Medium price range compared to other smartwatches listed. Does not directly contact emergency servicesRequires Android smartphone for operation
Garmin Fenix 5S Plus
To preface, the Garmin 5S Plus (and Garmin Fenix 6 shown below) is much more expensive than the other smartwatches on this list. It is no secret that this is one of the most optimal choices for everyday active users. But is it worth the cost just for fall detection?
The Fenix 5S Plus has the same incident detection feature as the Garmin models listed above, but the support of hundreds of features – many being wellness features – ensures that Garmin has put its all into making this as efficient of a watch as possible.
While you may not need all of the features the Fenix 5S Plus offers, rest assured that the fall detection is incomparable to several other brands. If you are immobile, the watch will alert your emergency contacts. If you can move but are still injured, you can hold a button to send out the same notification.
The Fenix 5S is far from the most affordable on this list, but at the same time, it is a much better choice than countless other brands that either fail to offer fall detection or whose fall detection features do not work effectively.
One of the biggest advantages to the Fenix 5S is that it is made of highly durable stainless steel, which, in the case of a fall or other incident, will help prevent the watch from damage and keep it functioning so that you or a loved one can receive help.Pros Cons Hundreds of features, many of which are designed explicitly as wellness monitorsHighly efficient fall detection Comparatively high priceGarmin offers cheaper models that may meet your particular preferences.
Apple Watch Series 5
By now, you probably know the drill. The Apple Watch Series 5 is much like the Apple Watches listed above, except that it is an earlier model, so it is not equipped with every feature.
Nonetheless, the fall detection remains just as valuable. With the same attributes as listed above, Apple fall detection can call emergency services directly, along with alerting your emergency contacts in the event of a fall or injury.
The main problem with the Series 5 is that, since Apple has released the next-generation Apple Watch, the Series 5 is no longer sold on the Apple site. So, it can only be found at second-party retail stores. However, the watch is still the same, so if you are looking to go with an Apple smartwatch but do not want to pay more money for the latest release, this can be a great choice.Pros Cons Cheaper than the Series 6 and SEJust as efficient fall detection as newer Apple models Discontinued by Apple, so it can only be bought through other resourcesNewer Apple models offer several other updated features.Requires an iPhone for setup and full access to features
Lively Wearable 2
The GreatCall Lively Wearable2 is a bit of an unusual take on a smartphone that offers fall detection. Technically, the Lively Wearable2 is strictly a medical alert device. However, it is such an efficient product that it seemed only fitting to include it in this list.
To be more specific, the Lively Wearable2 is not a smartwatch per se, but it functions as a handy device that you can monitor through your smartphone. The reason this medical device made it on the list is supported by several advantages listed below.
For one, the Lively Wearable2 has fall detection for an additional purchase. Though it does cost extra, the Lively Wearable2 is a mere $24.99 – substantially cheaper than any other smartwatch on this list.
In the event of a fall, the Lively Wearable2 will notify an Urgent Response Agent to either get in touch with your emergency contacts, call emergency services, or take the matter in any direction they deem necessary. It can be beneficial that it calls an agent specifically learned in the field rather than an emergency contact who may just be a loved one. With special training, Urgent Response Care Agents are typically better suited for these types of situations.
Because of its abilities and low price, the Lively Wearable made the cut for smartwatches with fall detection. As long as you have a smartphone, this medical device can work just as well as any smartwatch out there.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fall detection contacts Urgent Response Agents specifically taught how to treat unexpected situations.Extremely low priceGreat for seniors who do not want to invest in and make use of the other features on a smartwatch | Not technically a smartwatch, but it functions with a smartphoneThe extremely low price may scare some customers away. |
Garmin Fenix 6
Now that the cheapest option available has been discussed, perhaps it is most fitting to immediately follow with the most expensive option. The Garmin Fenix 6 is yet another of Garmin’s completely reliable products.
Again, the raised price is, in part, a result of the hundreds of features included with the smartwatch. However, you still get your bang for your buck with the quality of the fall detection service and the high-end materials that help keep the Fenix 6 in functioning condition.
At nearly $1,000, it is understandable that many seniors will shy away from investing in the Fenix 6. However, this and the Fenix 5S Plus are two of the best choices for seniors who are still actively exercising. With all of the wellness features that the Fenix 6 offers, seniors and other people who need to carefully monitor their state will be in better-than-great hands with this smartwatch.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-end, dependable design for a long-lasting watch lifeOne of the most efficient fall detection services available | Most expensive smartwatch on the listNot ideal or practical for seniors who are not regularly active |
Takeaway
The smartwatches listed in this article are some of the most reliable products you will find for fall detection. With features that allow for notifications to emergency contacts and even emergency services, you really cannot go wrong with any of these choices. If you or a loved one are looking for a dependable smartwatch with fall detection, these options are great.
Content Disclaimer
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this Blog article are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this Blog article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this Blog article. OccupationaltherapyBlog disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this Blog article.