There's a right way to wear your Apple Watch - and it affects your data

Nina Raemont/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

There's one way to get accurate health data, and it doesn't involve buying a more advanced smartwatch. Surprisingly, getting better data is as simple as changing how you're wearing your smartwatch.

Also: I walked 3,000 steps with my Apple Watch, Google Pixel, and Oura Ring - this tracker was most accurate

Accuracy is everything when it comes to health trackers. Wearables companies like Apple, Google, Oura, and Whoop have invested millions in research and development to develop sensors that can not only detect minute shifts in data but also map those details in an actionable, helpful way.

While sensor quality improves data accuracy, sensor fit is equally important.

How smartwatch sensors work

To understand why a tight fit is important for smartwatch data capture, first, it's important to understand how the smartwatch sensors work.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

You may see your smartwatch glowing green around your wrist as you exercise or monitor your heart rate. That green light is actually essential in recording workout data. To continuously monitor your heart rate, a smartwatch emits green light onto your wrist.

... continue reading