Comprehensive list of wireless sensors in wearable devices (BLE, BT, ANT+)

Many of our clients have asked for a detailed breakdown of what different wearables providers use wireless communication technologies. Although Bluetooth (BT) has long been considered the golden standard for wireless communication technology, many wearables have recently moved to Bluetooth Low Latency (BLE) to improve the battery life and reduce the cost of wearable devices. ANT+ is another form of wireless communication technology that selected wearable device providers use.

Some wearable devices, such as Whoop and Oura Ring, require users to manually upload data to their app before it records biomarkers such as HRV, sleep tracking, respiratory rate, and heart rate. These devices use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication technology to connect wearables to apps, a new form of BT (Bluetooth) sharing. This article will explain in detail the different types of wireless communication technologies available today, and give you a breakdown of what different wearables use wireless communication technologies.

Bluetooth (BT)

Bluetooth (BT) is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances. It is based on a standard developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and is used in various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices. Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and uses Bluetooth Core Specification to enable communication between devices. Bluetooth uses a spread spectrum frequency hopping technique to transmit data, which helps to reduce interference from other devices operating in the same frequency band. Bluetooth (without low latency) is less standard nowadays as most new wearable devices are equipped with Bluetooth Low Latency wireless communication technology.

Bluetooth Low Latency (BLE)

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless communication technology designed to provide low-power consumption and low cost. It is based on the Bluetooth standard but has been optimized for low power consumption and is intended for use in portable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. BLE is well-suited for applications that require a low data rate and low power consumption, such as beacons, fitness trackers, and smart home devices. One of the main advantages of BLE is that it can operate for extended periods on a small, coin-sized battery. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices and is commonly used for applications that require a reliable connection between devices over short distances. As shown in the table below, BLE is the dominating communication technology for fitness trackers and wearable devices. We saw, for example, Apple changing from Bluetooth without low latency, which was used in every Apple Watch until 2017, to utilizing BLE technology in every Apple Watch since (Apple Watch 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Apple Watch Ultra).

Advanced Navigation Technologies (ANT+)

ANT is a wireless communication protocol designed and marketed by Garmin and built for low-power, high-bandwidth wireless communication in sports and fitness applications. It is based on the ANT protocol, initially developed for wireless sensor networks, and has been optimized for sports and fitness devices. ANT was created by Dynastream Innovations in 2003 but evolved shortly after to a new low-power standard, ANT+, in 2004 which Garmin eventually bought in 2006.

ANT+ is designed to support various sports and fitness applications, including heart rate monitors, speed and cadence sensors, power meters, and fitness equipment. It is a low-power protocol built to operate on small batteries for extended periods and, therefore, suitable for use in portable devices. One of the main benefits of ANT+ is that it allows devices to communicate with each other wirelessly, eliminating the need for cables and physical connections. It is also compatible with many devices and is commonly used in sports and fitness applications that require reliable communication between devices over short distances.

The table above shows that most wearable devices today are equipped with Bluetooth Low Latency (BLE) wireless communication technology. The consumer demand for wearables with long battery life and low cost has risen sharply in recent years. Furthermore, ANT+ wireless communication technology is currently only supported by Garmin wearable devices, Wahoo, and a select few Coros, Suunto, and Polar devices. This technology is not used by recognized providers such as Fitbit, Oura Ring, Apple, and Samsung.