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Withings Pulse Review | 171 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: clip-on
  • Battery life: 14 days
  • Screen size: ?

Withings Pulse review. Compare 171 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among fitness trackers and if it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the fitness tracker's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best fitness trackers on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the fitness tracker's technical performance, covering eight key areas: health tracking, sports features, connectivity, display, battery, smart features, design, and app support.

When it matters: When you want to compare fitness trackers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.9

Sports & Navigation

20.0%

7.0

Battery

18.0%

8.1

Health

18.0%

6.8

Display

8.0%

4.4

Smart Features

8.0%

8.5

App & Wellness

4.0%

7.2

Connectivity

4.0%

5.6

Design & Durability

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the fitness tracker.

When it matters: When you want to know how a fitness tracker performs in daily use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.0
    Swimming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    ATM rating

    24.0%

    4.0

    Open-water swim mode

    18.0%

    1.0

    Waterproof depth rating

    15.0%

    4.0

    GPS

    15.0%

    6.5

    Battery life

  • 6.8
    Kids

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.5

    Battery life

    25.0%

    9.0

    Weight

    20.0%

    1.0

    ATM rating

    15.0%

    9.0

    Screen size

    10.0%

    10

    Price

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Withings Pulse is an ultra-lightweight (8g) and compact (43 x 22 x 8 mm) fitness tracker featuring a 128 x 32 pixel monochrome OLED touchscreen and a high-precision 3-axis accelerometer. It tracks core metrics including steps, elevation (feet climbed), distance, calories burned, and sleep cycles, while uniquely offering an integrated optical sensor to measure heart rate and blood oxygen levels via fingertip contact. Main pros include its versatile 'wear-it-anywhere' design—allowing it to be clipped to clothing, slipped into a pocket, or worn on a wristband—and its ability to store and display up to 14 days of historical data directly on the device. However, notable cons include its lack of water resistance, the absence of a vibration motor for silent alarms or inactivity alerts, and a display that can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.

Technical Specifications of Withings Pulse

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the fitness tracker's technical performance, covering eight key areas: health tracking, sports features, connectivity, display, battery, smart features, design, and app support.

When it matters: When you want to compare fitness trackers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

?

Sports & Navigation

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Health

18.0%

?

Display

8.0%

?

Smart Features

8.0%

?

App & Wellness

4.0%

?

Connectivity

4.0%

?

Design & Durability

7.2
Withings Pulse has a technical score of 7.2 points, which is higher than 57.8% of fitness trackers.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the fitness tracker.

When it matters: When you want to know how a fitness tracker performs in daily use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the fitness tracker.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
1.0
Withings Pulse has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the fitness tracker's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a fitness tracker with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.0
Withings Pulse has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 49.8% of products in this category.
Heart rate monitor
What it is: Sensor that measures heart rate in real time.
When it matters: When you care about live heart-rate feedback during training or resting trends outside of workouts.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Withings Pulse supports heart rate monitoring. 40.2% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
On-demand finger reading.
Resting heart rate
What it is: Measures heart rate while resting.
When it matters: When deeper insight into sleep quality, recovery, or overall readiness matters more than raw numbers alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Withings Pulse supports Resting heart rate. 52% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
Tracks resting heart rate.
Fast/slow heart rate alerts
What it is: Alerts for heart rates that are too fast or too slow.
When it matters: When you want the tracker to warn you about unusual changes instead of only logging them.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support high and low heart rate alerts. 33.7% of fitness trackers support high and low heart rate alerts.
Irregular heart rate alerts
What it is: Warns of irregular or abnormal heart rhythms.
When it matters: When you want the tracker to warn you about unusual changes instead of only logging them.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support irregular heart rate alerts. 11.5% of fitness trackers support irregular heart rate alerts.
Blood oxygen sensor
What it is: Sensor that measures blood oxygen saturation.
When it matters: When blood oxygen readings are part of the health picture you want from the device instead of relying on heart rate and step count alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Withings Pulse has a blood oxygen sensor. 74.4% of fitness trackers have a blood oxygen sensor.
On-demand finger reading.
Show more
GPS
What it is: Satellite navigation capability for positioning and tracking.
When it matters: When you train outdoors and want pace, distance, and route tracking without depending completely on your phone.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not have GPS. 11% of fitness trackers have GPS.
Satellite systems supported
What it is: States which satellite navigation systems the device can use for positioning.
When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse supports no satellite systems which is less versatile than that of 12.2% of fitness trackers and the same as that of 87.8% of fitness trackers.
no satellite positioning support.
GNSS bands supported
What it is: Number and type of GNSS frequency bands supported.
When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support advanced GNSS bands. 8.9% of fitness trackers support advanced GNSS bands.
Galileo support
What it is: Supports Galileo satellite system.
When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support Galileo. 4.9% of fitness trackers support Galileo.
Acquires GPS faster
What it is: Shows whether the tracker includes features that help it lock onto satellite positioning more quickly at the start of an outdoor activity.
When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support faster GPS acquisition. 7.2% of fitness trackers support faster GPS acquisition.
Show more
Notifications
What it is: Delivers smartphone notifications on the watch.
When it matters: When getting calls, messages, and app alerts on your wrist saves you from checking your phone constantly.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Withings Pulse does not support notifications. 73% of fitness trackers support notifications.
Vibrating alerts
What it is: Provides vibration-based notifications and alerts.
When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support vibration alerts. 84.2% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
Call control
What it is: Allows control of phone calls from the device.
When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support call controls. 41.1% of fitness trackers support call controls.
Call answering
What it is: Allows answering calls directly from the device.
When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support call answering. 1% of fitness trackers support call answering.
Calendar sync
What it is: Syncs calendar events with the connected device.
When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support calendar sync. 19.9% of fitness trackers support calendar sync.
Show more
Activity reports
What it is: Generates summaries and insights from activity data.
When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

yes
Withings Pulse supports activity reports. 5.7% of fitness trackers support activity reports.
Goal setting
What it is: Allows setting personal fitness or activity goals.
When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

yes
Withings Pulse supports goal setting. 2.4% of fitness trackers support goal setting.
Achievements
What it is: Rewards progress and completed milestones.
When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

yes
Withings Pulse supports achievements. 24.3% of fitness trackers support achievements.
Inactivity alerts
What it is: Alerts when the user has been inactive for too long.
When it matters: When account rules, app costs, exports, or software flexibility affect whether the ecosystem suits you long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support inactivity alerts. 76.9% of fitness trackers support inactivity alerts.
Coaching
What it is: Provides guided training and workout advice.
When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

yes
Withings Pulse supports coaching. 67.5% of fitness trackers support coaching.
Via coaching programs in the Withings app.
Show more
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth supported by the device.
When it matters: When wireless stability, pairing quality, and long-term phone compatibility matter more than Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

4.0
Withings Pulse supports Bluetooth 4.0 which is newer than in 5.1% of fitness trackers and equal to that in 51.5% of fitness trackers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: States the maximum Bluetooth connection range supported under normal conditions.
When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
Withings Pulse offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m which is higher than that of 14.6% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 69.2% of fitness trackers.
NFC
What it is: Supports near-field communication for contactless features.
When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not have NFC. 10.1% of fitness trackers have NFC.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Connects to wireless internet networks.
When it matters: When the tracker should sync, update, or download data directly without always routing everything through the phone.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support Wi-Fi. 1.8% of fitness trackers support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Version of Wi-Fi standard supported.
When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support modern Wi-Fi. 1% of fitness trackers support modern Wi-Fi.
no Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Total time the battery lasts on a full charge.
When it matters: When the tracker needs to last through travel, sleep tracking, long workouts, or several days between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >5 days

14 days
Withings Pulse offers a battery life of 14 days which is longer than that of 60.4% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 13.9% of fitness trackers.
Battery life with GPS on
What it is: Battery duration when GPS tracking is active.
When it matters: When you want fewer charging breaks during travel, longer workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=8 hours

N/A
Battery life in training mode
What it is: Battery duration during active training sessions.
When it matters: When you want fewer charging breaks during travel, longer workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous use.

Importance: LOW

?
Battery life in power-saving mode
What it is: Battery duration when using power-saving mode.
When it matters: When you want fewer charging breaks during travel, longer workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous use.

Importance: LOW

?
Battery capacity
What it is: Energy storage capacity of the battery.
When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of trusting the advertised hours alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=100 mAh

?
Show more
Display
What it is: Main interface showing information and metrics.
When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: LOW

yes
Withings Pulse has a display. 24.1% of fitness trackers have a display.
Screen size
What it is: Physical size of the device’s display measured diagonally.
When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Display type
What it is: Technology used for the screen, such as AMOLED or LCD.
When it matters: When display technology affects contrast, color quality, power efficiency, or how premium the screen feels.

Importance: MEDIUM

OLED
Withings Pulse uses OLED display technology which is more advanced than that of 53% of fitness trackers and the same as that of 21.8% of fitness trackers.
Screen resolution
What it is: Total number of pixels displayed on the screen.
When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

128 x 32
Withings Pulse has a screen resolution of 128x32 which is lower than that of 51.7% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 9.1% of fitness trackers.
Pixel density
What it is: Number of pixels per inch determining screen sharpness.
When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=280 ppi

?
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Form factor
What it is: Overall physical design and shape.
When it matters: When materials, shape, and build details affect comfort, durability, or how discreet the device feels.

Importance: LOW

clip-on
Hybrid design
What it is: Combines analog and digital display elements.
When it matters: When materials, shape, and build details affect comfort, durability, or how discreet the device feels.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse does not support Hybrid design. 2.4% of fitness trackers support Hybrid design.
Designed for kids
What it is: Indicates whether the fitness tracker is explicitly designed for children, with child-focused sizing, branding, safety limits, or kid-oriented activity features.
When it matters: This matters when you want a tracker that is genuinely child-focused rather than just a smaller adult model.

Importance: LOW

no
Withings Pulse is not designed for kids. 2.4% of fitness trackers are designed for kids.
No child-specific positioning found.
Replaceable watch band
What it is: Ability to replace the wristband with other styles.
When it matters: When strap comfort, fit, or the ability to swap bands matters for sport, style, or replacement.

Importance: LOW

yes
Withings Pulse has a replaceable watch band. 24.4% of fitness trackers have a replaceable watch band.
Band width
What it is: Width of the strap where it connects to the watch.
When it matters: When strap comfort, fit, or the ability to swap bands matters for sport, style, or replacement.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more

Withings Pulse vs the average fitness tracker

  • Blood oxygen monitoring
    Withings Pulse has a blood oxygen sensor, while the average fitness tracker does not. 26% of fitness trackers have a blood oxygen sensor.
    On-demand finger reading.
    What it is: Sensor that measures blood oxygen saturation.
    When it matters: When blood oxygen readings are part of the health picture you want from the device instead of relying on heart rate and step count alone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Withings Pulse has a blood oxygen sensor, while the average fitness tracker does not. 26% of fitness trackers have a blood oxygen sensor.
  • Lower resting heart rate
    Withings Pulse supports Resting heart rate, while the average fitness tracker does not. 48.2% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
    Tracks resting heart rate.
    What it is: Measures heart rate while resting.
    When it matters: When deeper insight into sleep quality, recovery, or overall readiness matters more than raw numbers alone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Withings Pulse supports Resting heart rate, while the average fitness tracker does not. 48.2% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
  • Touchscreen
    Withings Pulse has a touchscreen, while the average fitness tracker does not. 43.8% of fitness trackers have a touchscreen.
    What it is: Ability of the display to recognize touch input.
    When it matters: When smooth touch response and quicker on-screen interaction matter during workouts or daily use.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse has a touchscreen, while the average fitness tracker does not. 43.8% of fitness trackers have a touchscreen.
  • Coaching features
    Withings Pulse supports coaching, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32.8% of fitness trackers support coaching.
    Via coaching programs in the Withings app.
    What it is: Provides guided training and workout advice.
    When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse supports coaching, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32.8% of fitness trackers support coaching.
  • 4 days longer battery life
    Withings Pulse has a higher battery life than the average fitness tracker (14 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.
    What it is: Total time the battery lasts on a full charge.
    When it matters: When the tracker needs to last through travel, sleep tracking, long workouts, or several days between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >5 days

    Withings Pulse has a higher battery life than the average fitness tracker (14 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.14 days vs 10 days
  • Tracks elevation
    Withings Pulse supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 27.2% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
    What it is: Measures elevation gain and loss during activity.
    When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 27.2% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
  • Low power mode
    Withings Pulse supports low power mode, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.4% of fitness trackers support low power mode.
    Includes a power save mode.
    What it is: Operates in energy-saving mode.
    When it matters: When charging speed, charging method, or battery upkeep convenience matters to your routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse supports low power mode, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.4% of fitness trackers support low power mode.
  • Tracks menstrual cycle
    Withings Pulse supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
    What it is: Tracks menstrual cycle and related data.
    When it matters: When cycle tracking is part of your health routine and you want those records kept alongside the rest of your wearable data.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • Blood oxygen monitoring
    Withings Pulse has a blood oxygen sensor, while the average fitness tracker does not. 26% of fitness trackers have a blood oxygen sensor.
  • Lower resting heart rate
    Withings Pulse supports Resting heart rate, while the average fitness tracker does not. 48.2% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
  • Tracks menstrual cycle
    Withings Pulse supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • Period notifications
    Withings Pulse has period notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32% of fitness trackers have period notifications.
  • Ovulation prediction
    Withings Pulse predicts ovulation, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.4% of fitness trackers predict ovulation.
  • Cycle start prediction
    Withings Pulse predicts the start date, while the average fitness tracker does not. 42.2% of fitness trackers predict the start date.
  • Tracks elevation
    Withings Pulse supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 27.2% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
  • Built-in barometer
    Withings Pulse has a barometer, while the average fitness tracker does not. 10.7% of fitness trackers have a barometer.
  • 4 days longer battery life
    Withings Pulse has a higher battery life than the average fitness tracker (14 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.
  • Low power mode
    Withings Pulse supports low power mode, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.4% of fitness trackers support low power mode.
  • Touchscreen
    Withings Pulse has a touchscreen, while the average fitness tracker does not. 43.8% of fitness trackers have a touchscreen.
  • 1 more physical buttons
    Withings Pulse has a higher physical buttons than the average fitness tracker (1 vs 0). The average fitness tracker has 0 of physical buttons.
  • 3 mm thinner design
    Withings Pulse is thinner than the average fitness tracker (8 mm vs 11 mm). The average fitness tracker has a thickness of 11 mm.
  • Coaching features
    Withings Pulse supports coaching, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32.8% of fitness trackers support coaching.
  • Available on PC
    Withings Pulse is available on PC, while the average fitness tracker is not. 16.9% of fitness trackers are available on PC.

Total
Health
Sports & Navigation
Battery
Display
Smart Features
Design & Durability
App & Wellness
  • No exercise tagging
    Withings Pulse does not support exercise tagging, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.8% of fitness trackers support exercise tagging.
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Withings Pulse has a higher charging time than the average fitness tracker (2 hours vs 1.5 hours). The average fitness tracker needs 1.5 hours to charge.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Withings Pulse has a lower screen resolution than the average fitness tracker (128x32 vs 194x368). The average fitness tracker has a screen resolution of 194x368.
  • Basic display glass
    Withings Pulse uses less durable display glass than the average fitness tracker (plastic vs glass). The average fitness tracker uses glass display glass.
  • No notifications
    Withings Pulse does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
  • No vibrating alerts
    Withings Pulse does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
  • No stopwatch
    Withings Pulse does not have a stopwatch, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.4% of fitness trackers have a stopwatch.
  • 50 m lower waterproof depth rating
    Withings Pulse has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average fitness tracker (0 m vs 50 m). The average fitness tracker has a waterproof depth rating of 50 m.
    Not waterproof.
  • 5 ATM lower water resistance rating
    Withings Pulse has a lower ATM rating than the average fitness tracker (0 ATM vs 5 ATM). The average fitness tracker has an ATM rating of 5 ATM.
    Not waterproof.
  • Low water resistance
    Withings Pulse is not water-resistant, while the average fitness tracker is. 99% of fitness trackers are water-resistant.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Withings Pulse has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average fitness tracker (-10 °C vs 0 °C). The average fitness tracker supports a minimum operating temperature of 0 °C.
  • 3 older release date
    Withings Pulse was released earlier than the average fitness tracker (2,013 vs 2,016). The average fitness tracker was released in 2,016.
  • No personalization options
    Withings Pulse cannot be personalized, while the average fitness tracker can. 80% of fitness trackers can be personalized.
  • No inactivity alerts
    Withings Pulse does not support inactivity alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 76.5% of fitness trackers support inactivity alerts.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Withings Pulse has a lower screen resolution than the average fitness tracker (128x32 vs 194x368). The average fitness tracker has a screen resolution of 194x368.
    What it is: Total number of pixels displayed on the screen.
    When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Withings Pulse has a lower screen resolution than the average fitness tracker (128x32 vs 194x368). The average fitness tracker has a screen resolution of 194x368.128x32 vs 194x368
  • No notifications
    Withings Pulse does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
    What it is: Delivers smartphone notifications on the watch.
    When it matters: When getting calls, messages, and app alerts on your wrist saves you from checking your phone constantly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Withings Pulse does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
  • No exercise tagging
    Withings Pulse does not support exercise tagging, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.8% of fitness trackers support exercise tagging.
    What it is: Allows tagging or categorization of specific exercises.
    When it matters: When you want the tracker to capture more workouts and training details with less manual effort.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse does not support exercise tagging, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.8% of fitness trackers support exercise tagging.
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Withings Pulse has a higher charging time than the average fitness tracker (2 hours vs 1.5 hours). The average fitness tracker needs 1.5 hours to charge.
    What it is: Time required for a full charge.
    When it matters: When short charging windows matter and you do not want the tracker off your wrist for too long.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Withings Pulse has a higher charging time than the average fitness tracker (2 hours vs 1.5 hours). The average fitness tracker needs 1.5 hours to charge.2 hours vs 1.5 hours
  • 50 m lower waterproof depth rating
    Withings Pulse has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average fitness tracker (0 m vs 50 m). The average fitness tracker has a waterproof depth rating of 50 m.
    Not waterproof.
    What it is: Maximum depth the device can withstand underwater.
    When it matters: When you plan to swim, shower, dive, or use the tracker regularly around water.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=50 m

    Withings Pulse has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average fitness tracker (0 m vs 50 m). The average fitness tracker has a waterproof depth rating of 50 m.0 m vs 50 m
  • No vibrating alerts
    Withings Pulse does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
    What it is: Provides vibration-based notifications and alerts.
    When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
  • 5 ATM lower water resistance rating
    Withings Pulse has a lower ATM rating than the average fitness tracker (0 ATM vs 5 ATM). The average fitness tracker has an ATM rating of 5 ATM.
    Not waterproof.
    What it is: Water resistance depth measured in atmospheres.
    When it matters: When you plan to swim, shower, dive, or use the tracker regularly around water.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5 ATM

    Withings Pulse has a lower ATM rating than the average fitness tracker (0 ATM vs 5 ATM). The average fitness tracker has an ATM rating of 5 ATM.0 ATM vs 5 ATM
  • No personalization options
    Withings Pulse cannot be personalized, while the average fitness tracker can. 80% of fitness trackers can be personalized.
    What it is: Shows whether the device or companion platform allows meaningful personalization such as layouts, watch faces, recommendations, or settings.
    When it matters: When watch faces, app layout, recommendations, or personalized metrics affect whether the ecosystem feels useful long term.

    Importance: LOW

    Withings Pulse cannot be personalized, while the average fitness tracker can. 80% of fitness trackers can be personalized.
Total
Overall
Sports & Navigation
Battery
Display
Smart Features
Design & Durability
App & Wellness

Graphic comparison of Withings Pulse and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Withings Pulse?

  • Sleek and slim design with a lightweight form factor that is comfortable for 24/7 wear
  • Highly versatile wearing options, including a belt clip, wristband, or simply keeping it in a pocket
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting between 10 to 20 days on a single charge
  • Accurate heart rate monitoring and pedometer readings compared to industry standards
  • Comprehensive health app (Health Mate) that provides clear visual progress and integrates well with other Withings devices
  • Charging via standard micro-USB, eliminating the need for proprietary cables

What customers dislike about Withings Pulse?

  • OLED display is notoriously difficult to read in bright daylight and can appear blurry due to the matte finish
  • Earlier models lack water resistance, making them vulnerable to moisture and unsuitable for showers or swimming
  • Manual input often required to start sleep tracking or heart rate measurements, which can be unintuitive
  • Durability issues reported, such as the silicon clip casing wearing out or the plastic strap anchors cracking over time
  • No built-in silent alarm or vibration motor for idle alerts in original Pulse models
  • The 'lift-to-wake' screen feature is sometimes unreliable, requiring a physical button press to see the time or stats

Expert reviews

E
engadget.com
29/07/2013
Review: Withings Pulse jumps into the connected activity tracker market

The Withings Pulse is a lightweight, ultra-compact activity tracker that integrates seamlessly into the company's existing connected health ecosystem alongside its smart scales and blood pressure monitors. Priced competitively at $99.99, it stands out by packing an impressive range of features into an 8-gram rectangle, including a 128 x 32 pixel OLED touchscreen, automatic Bluetooth...Read more

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gizmodo.com
18/07/2013
Withings Pulse Review: Lots of Data In a Little Package

The Withings Pulse is a miniature, pocketable fitness-tracking pod designed to monitor steps, stairs climbed, active minutes, and sleep patterns, while uniquely featuring a built-in pulse oximeter for heart rate tracking. Operating via Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy, it syncs with selected mobile devices to display an extensive array of metrics through an easy-to-read, navigable app. Key...Read more

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theverge.com
09/08/2013
Withings Pulse review

The Withings Pulse, a $99.95 fitness tracker reviewed by The Verge, stands out for its high functionality in a compact design, offering features like heart rate monitoring, step tracking, elevation tracking, and sleep analysis. Its versatile design allows for easy portability via clips or armbands, and the companion app provides detailed data tracking. However, the reviewer...Read more

W
weartested.org
04/05/2017
Withings Pulse Activity Tracker Review Would you like a similar list for the Pulse HR or Pulse Ox models for comparison?

The Withings Pulse is an 8-gram, pocket-sized activity tracker that monitors steps, distance, elevation, calories, sleep, and heart rate. It syncs automatically via Bluetooth Smart with the free Health Mate app to store up to 14 days of historical metrics, which can also be navigated directly on its built-in OLED touch surface. Key strengths include its versatile form factor that...Read more

A
appleinsider.com
05/11/2013
Review: Withings Pulse with built-in heart rate monitor

The Withings Pulse is a highly pocketable, sensor-laden fitness tracker praised for its overall tracking accuracy and long battery life, earning a 3.5 out of 5 rating from AppleInsider. Designed primarily as a grab-and-go device rather than a wrist-bound wearable, it functions excellently when thrown in a bag or slipped into a pocket, keeping pace nearly step-for-step with user...Read more

P
phonearena.com
01/10/2013
Withings Pulse Review

The Withings Pulse is an exceptionally compact and lightweight activity tracker designed to compete with popular fitness devices like Fitbit, standing out by incorporating a dedicated pulse rate monitor on its back via green and red LEDs. Priced competitively at $100, the device functions primarily as a pedometer to track steps, calculate distance, and estimate calories burned,...Read more

L
livescience.com
02/10/2013
Withings Pulse: Fitness Tracker Review

The Live Science review of the Withings Pulse gives the fitness tracker a 6.6/10 rating, praising its built-in heart rate monitor, versatile clip-on design, and detailed, educational insights into physical activity and sleep. However, the device is limited by a lack of a built-in alarm, inadequate documentation for setup, and a failure to provide long-term adaptive tracking of user...Read more

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dcrainmaker.com
21/11/2013
Withings Pulse In-Depth Review

The Withings Pulse is an activity tracker that monitors daily metrics like steps, calories, elevation gain via a barometric altimeter, and sleep patterns when worn in an included wristband. A key differentiator is its built-in optical sensor that measures resting heart rate on demand when a user places a finger against the back of the device. The reviewer notes that the device...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
06/03/2014
Withings Pulse Review Would you like to see a comparison of how the original Pulse performed against its main competitors from that same year?

The PCMag UK review of the Withings Pulse awards the activity tracker an Outstanding 4.5 out of 5 rating and an Editors' Choice designation, praising its ability to blend traditional fitness tracking with advanced health metrics. The slim, rectangular device features a touch-sensitive monochrome OLED display hidden behind a matte-black face, which allows users to swipe through 14...Read more

T
theverge.com
06/08/2013
The quantified workout: one run, eight trackers

The Verge’s 2013 test of eight trackers revealed high consistency in step-counting among popular devices like the Fitbit Flex and Jawbone Up, which recorded nearly identical data, while companion apps were praised for converting raw biometric data into actionable metrics. Conversely, the review highlighted significant fragmentation, with proprietary data points creating incompatible...Read more

C
cnet.com
17/07/2013
Withings Pulse review: Tiny wireless pedometer with heart(dcrainmaker.com) | November 21 2013 | Withings Pulse In-Depth Review

The Withings Pulse is a highly capable, ultra-compact wireless pedometer that successfully balances design and robust feature integration. It stands out from competitors like the Fitbit One by packing a three-axis accelerometer for step counting, a sleep tracker, and an innovative, tiny integrated heart rate sensor into a modular lozenge-like body. The device syncs seamlessly via...Read more

F
futurezone.at
19/07/2013
Withings Pulse: Clinically dead?

The Withings Pulse is a compact, eight-gram activity tracker made of matte black plastic that monitors steps, distance, elevation, and sleep cycle metrics. Its standout feature is an integrated rear heart rate sensor that syncs collected data via Bluetooth 4.0 to a well-designed Android or iOS application. On the positive side, the device boasts a highly responsive touch display, an...Read more

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C
chip.de
07/04/2015
Withings Pulse O2 (Fitness Tracker) Review

The Withings Pulse O2 review by CHIP highlights a feature-rich fitness tracker that delivers highly precise data tracking for daily activity. The device excels with its broad equipment list, including accurate step counting, calorie calculation, sleep analysis, and an integrated heart rate monitor. It offers strong versatility by being fully compatible with both iOS and Android...Read more

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N
netzwelt.de
Keine Angabe
Withings Pulse review", "Withings Pulse tested

The Netzwelt review of the Withings Pulse evaluates a compact fitness tracker equipped with a touch screen, a physical control button, and an integrated optoelectronic heart rate sensor. The core pros highlighted in the gallery are its advanced tracking hardware, which includes red and green LEDs designed to measure the user's pulse directly in beats per minute (bpm) when a finger...Read more

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E
endomorfun.fr
04/12/2013
Withings Pulse and Pulse O2: the activity tracker for runners

Based on the review, the Withings Pulse (and its updated Pulse O2 version) is a versatile "Quantified Self" activity tracker designed to bridge the gap between sedentary users and athletes. The reviewer highlights its multi-functional hardware, which includes a pedometer, barometric altimeter for elevation, and a heart rate monitor activated by placing a finger over a light beam....Read more

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F
frandroid.com
22/06/2014
Getting started with the new Withings Pulse O2

The Withings Pulse O2 tracker features a lightweight design (8g) and an impressive two-week battery life, providing users with the convenience of continuous 24/7 tracking directly on the wrist. The device introduces the ability to monitor blood oxygen saturation (SO2) and automatically tracks sleep patterns, successfully detecting the morning wake-up phase without requiring manual...Read more

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F
frandroid.com
24/06/2013
Review of the Pulse, Withings' mini activity tracker

The Withings Pulse is a highly capable, lightweight mini-activity tracker. It stands out due to its compact 8-gram form factor, excellent construction, and a remarkable two-week battery life. Unlike some competitors, it integrates a built-in touchscreen display that allows users to seamlessly navigate through real-time metrics—including step count, elevation, distance, and...Read more

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D
dailymotion.com
08/01/2014
The Pulse in Live Test #5 - Dailymotion Video

The Withings Pulse is a versatile, day-and-night activity tracker designed to improve wellness by integrating into the comprehensive Withings ecosystem. This device effectively tracks all core pedometer metrics, including total steps taken, elevation and stairs climbed, distance traveled, and calories burned. Beyond basic movement, it stands out by monitoring sleep patterns and...Read more

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C
cnetfrance.fr
01/12/2014
Withings Pulse: Our Full Review

The Withings Pulse is a lightweight, compact activity tracker designed by the French health-tech company Withings to track a user's daily movement and sleep patterns. According to the Withings Pulse Review on CNET France, the device serves as a 24/7 wellness companion that seamlessly integrates into the broader Withings ecosystem, connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth to smartphone...Read more

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I
iphon.fr
02/02/2014
iPhone accessory review: the Withings Pulse, a highly comprehensive health tracker

Product Review Summary The Withings Pulse is a lightweight, 9-gram connected health tracker designed to monitor daily steps, elevation, sleep, and heart rate via a retro blue pixel touchscreen. It functions autonomously for real-time tracking and syncs automatically with the "Compagnon santé" mobile app and Withings servers via Bluetooth to offer data analysis and reward badges....Read more

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B
belgium-iphone.lesoir.be
11/07/2013
Withings Pulse review

The Withings Pulse review on Belgium-iPhone (Le Soir) highlights the device's ultra-compact, lightweight design, allowing it to easily slip into a pocket or be worn via a clip. Key pros include comprehensive tracking of steps, elevation, and sleep, along with a rear sensor for heart rate monitoring, Bluetooth 4.0 syncing, and a long two-week battery life. Conversely, the review...Read more

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0
01net.com
29/07/2013
Withings Pulse review: the pocket-sized health companion

The Withings Pulse is an exceptionally precise health tracker that operates like a pocketable, USB-like control center rather than a standard wristband. In real-world testing, its pedometer demonstrated flawless accuracy, making no errors across multiple 100-step test sequences. Key advantages of the device include a highly readable, integrated tactile OLED screen for quick metric...Read more

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X
xataka.com
12/07/2013
Withings Pulse Review

The Withings Pulse is a compact, 8-gram personal fitness tracker designed in a classic clip-on format to compete directly with the Fitbit One. It features a discrete, straight-edged design equipped with a 128 x 32 pixel touchscreen OLED display that allows users to navigate up to two weeks of historical data directly on the device. It accurately tracks daily metrics like steps,...Read more

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I
id.nl
07/10/2013
Withings Pulse

The ID.nl review of the Withings Pulse highlights a lightweight, compact design that, while prone to scratches, excels as a "Quantified Self" tool for tracking daily activity, heart rate, and elevation changes. Its user-friendly app offers seamless data visualization, although the necessary silicone clip-on sleeve adds unwanted bulk. ID.nl While the OLED touchscreen provides good...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
16/01/2016
Withings Pulse Ox Smart Activity Tracker Black Black

The Withings Pulse Ox review on Tweakers awards the device a 1 out of 5 stars rating, labeling it completely worthless due to critical functional failures. Despite a high-quality design and appealing features like a SpO2 meter, the reviewer experienced insurmountable Bluetooth connectivity and data synchronization issues, rendering the tracker unusable immediately upon setup. The...Read more

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S
smarthealth.live
19/03/2014
SmartHealth Review: Withings Pulse

The SmartHealth review highlights the Withings Pulse as a small, lightweight activity tracker priced at €99 that stands out for its versatile, pocketable design and an impressive battery life of over two weeks. It features an OLED touchscreen that uniquely lets users scroll through up to 10 days of historical data directly on the device. The tracker integrates seamlessly via...Read more

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I
id.nl
02/08/2013
Review: My Month with the Withings Pulse

The ID.nl review of the 8-gram Withings Pulse praises the health tracker's ultra-lightweight, highly pocketable design and the seamless, feature-rich app integration for tracking steps, sleep, and heart rate. However, the device is criticized for poor long-term build quality, including pre-existing coating damage, and an OLED screen that is nearly unreadable in direct sunlight....Read more

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