How We Picked Our Winners for the 2025 Health Tech Awards

Right here at Effectively+Good, not a day goes by that we don’t analysis, speak about, or check a brand new wellness-focused product. (It’s a troublesome job, however somebody’s gotta do it!) Recently, it looks like well being tech merchandise particularly have been launching at a supersonic tempo. Suppose: Every part from sensible home-gym gear and health trackers to VR exercise units and transportable saunas. It’s arduous to maintain up with all of it—which is the place we are available.

This yr, as a part of our inaugural Well being Tech Awards, we examined over TK merchandise inside this class to find out one of the best of one of the best. Positive, high-tech stuff all the time sounds cool, however we wished to know which objects on the market truly ship on their guarantees and deserve a spot in your wellness arsenal. So, our editors rigorously examined merchandise to determine which truly earned our seal of approval—and, finally, are value clicking “purchase now.”

We all know our readers depend on our suggestions, and we don’t take that duty frivolously. Under, we laid out precisely how we selected merchandise to check and the factors we used to totally vet every merchandise that got here throughout our desks throughout this months-long course of.

How We Selected Merchandise to Check: We kicked off this awards course of by first opening up submissions to brands again in November 2024. After receiving TK submissions, we narrowed down our testing pool to the TK that have been the most recent and most promising. To assist information our testing course of, we requested well being and health specialists to share what, precisely, we should always check for in every class. We wished to know what options are crucial to search for, and the way the professionals recommend testing for every one. Our knowledgeable panel additionally famous issues to keep away from or be cautious of as we went all through the testing course of.

Meet Our Consultants

• Shannon Ritchey, DPT, founding father of Evlo Health and host of The Dr. Shannon Show
• Laura Norris, MS, CPT and run coach, co-host of Tread Lightly
• Pete McCall, MS, CSCS, train science knowledgeable and creator
• Whitney Biaggi, CPT and run coach
• Marilisa Morea, PsyD, medical psychologist and proprietor and director of Monarch Therapy and Wellness Center in Thornhill, Ontario
• Courtney Roselle, CPT, USA Weightlifting licensed energy coach, and proprietor of Iron Grace Studio

How We Examined Restoration Merchandise

Right here’s what we thought of when testing restoration merchandise, together with therapeutic massage weapons, vibrating restoration instruments, warmth and vibration pads and compression boots, and sensible alarm clocks:

• Dimension, weight, and luxury. Handheld restoration units needs to be small and light-weight sufficient to comfortably maintain and use. We additionally thought of if it was travel-friendly for tackling sore muscular tissues on-the-go. When testing a therapeutic massage gun, we held it in numerous positions to ensure we may comfortably attain the muscular tissues we wished to apply it to, noting any points we had maneuvering it. For rollers, we famous the density of surfaces and the way comfy they’re to lie on and use.
• Setup. We thought of if any meeting was required, or if the machine got here prepared straight out of the field. If it got here with attachments, we famous what number of have been included and the way straightforward they have been to placed on and take off
• Battery life. A high-tech machine is ineffective if it dies midway by your session or is rarely charged whenever you go to seize it from the shelf and truly use it. We famous how lengthy every machine takes to totally cost and the way lengthy a full cost final (per the producer’s directions and our precise experiences).
• Customizability. restoration product needs to be adaptable to your wants. It’s best to have the ability to regulate and management varied components throughout use, together with: the pace, size of time used, and quantity of stress. The attachments included ought to goal completely different physique elements or use circumstances, and work successfully within the areas they’re meant.
• Noise. Some merchandise on this class is fairly dang loud. When testing, we thought of the noise every merchandise made, and whether or not or not we may use it in public, or with a child sleeping in a close-by room, with out disturbing them.
• Value vs. anticipated profit. Decreasing tissue tightness and rising circulation, hydration, and/or vitamin are all elements of restoration; any restoration product ought to have the ability to successfully hit on a kind of. To find out if a product is definitely worth the cash, we in contrast the price to not solely the meant consequence (what the producer says it is going to do for you) but additionally how we felt proper after utilizing it, if it appeared to have an effect on our exercises the day after, if we felt like we had extra energy/energy or further vitality, and the expertise total.
• For alarm clocks: Sound options, mild, and total expertise. We’re simply going to say it: Some alarm clocks are type of annoying. Whereas testing these merchandise, we famous the number of sound choices and the way a lot we loved them (or didn’t). We additionally paid consideration to the sunshine function and the way good it was at regularly brightening. General, we famous what the expertise was like and if it truly made it simpler to get up within the morning.

How We Examined Wearables

Right here’s what we thought of when testing health wearables, together with wrist-based watches and trackers, rings, and extra:

• Included exercise modes. Some wearables are glorious for monitoring particular sorts of exercises; others are extra Jacks of all trades. We used every machine throughout its meant exercise(s) to gauge how nicely it fulfilled its goal.
• GPS and Bluetooth. A satellite tv for pc connection makes it potential to trace routes and distances. Whereas testing, we famous how shortly the GPS related and if it stayed related by the exercise. We additionally seemed for Bluetooth capabilities and the way straightforward it was to hook up with different units like wi-fi earbuds or a smartphone.
• Accuracy. What good is a tracker if it’s not correct? To check accuracy, we selected a pair knowledge factors to trace by a wide range of exercises, after which examined them in opposition to one thing extra “old fashioned” however correct, corresponding to a conventional coronary heart price monitor.
• Battery life. It appears like a real betrayal when your tracker dies mid exercise. For every machine we examined, we famous the producer’s directions for totally charging, how lengthy it takes to take action, and the way lengthy the battery is anticipated to final on a full cost (each with and with out GPS use). Throughout use, we famous real-use particulars corresponding to how a lot the battery drained throughout a exercise and the way a lot time you’ve gotten between getting a low-battery alert and when it truly dies.
• Companion app. Typically, the app could make or break the tracker—what good is the latter when you can’t simply see all of your stats within the former? For every tracker and app, we thought of which cellphone working methods it’s most suitable with and the way straightforward it’s to navigate and use.
• Consolation/match. An ill-fitting wearable could be distracting throughout a exercise. For every machine, we famous the way it felt to put on (any pinching? rubbing?) and the way adjustable it was. We additionally made positive to get it moist or sweaty and assessed if that modified something.
• Sturdiness and upkeep. After utilizing a wearable just a few occasions, we seemed for any noticeable scratches, smells, or discoloration. Then, we tried cleansing it off, noting how straightforward that was to do and if it was straightforward to interchange the strap as soon as it obtained soiled over time.
• Water/climate resistance. It’s essential to learn the guide to find out if a wearable is waterproof. If there was a swim function, we examined it by both swimming or submerging it in a sink or tub to see the way it behaved. We additionally famous if a tool was not waterproof, and if it appeared like it could a minimum of maintain as much as the weather whereas coaching.

How We Examined Health Tools and Gear

Right here’s what we thought of when testing health gear and kit, together with at-home related health club gear, weights, treadmills, rowers, bikes, yoga mats, VR gear, and extra:

Weights:

• Materials and coating. The fabric of a weight, and particularly the coating on the skin, could make it simpler or more durable to grip, affecting each consolation and performance throughout a exercise. It can also make a weight simpler or more durable to scrub, and a few supplies could turn into broken whereas utilizing a product like a Clorox wipe.
• Form. A weight’s form could make it higher suited to some workout routines than others. For instance, weights which have hexagonal heads on them could be positioned on the ground and used simply for an train like a renegade row, whereas ones with round heads can’t. We famous if a weight’s form made it simpler or more durable to carry and maneuver, and if it affected how/the place you’ll be able to retailer it when not in use.

• Sturdiness. Weights are sometimes an honest funding, so yo need to be sure they are going to maintain up over heavy use. Particularly, we took notice of any chipping, scratching, or different harm that occurred through the testing course of.

Sensible/adjustable weights:

• Dimension. Some adjustable weights in the marketplace could be massive and unwieldy. Throughout examined, we paid consideration to the scale and form of those weights, and famous how straightforward or tough it was to maneuver them with varied workout routines.
• Weight choices. The purpose of adjustable weights is that they change a set of a number of weights, saving you area and ideally cash. When deciding on a set, you need to be sure the load choices meet your wants, and that the increments they modify by are proper to your energy objectives and exercises.
• Ease of use. Racking and unracking adjustable weights needs to be seamless in order that your exercise appears simpler, not more durable. Throughout testing, we famous how straightforward and fast it was to rack and regulate the weights, and famous in the event that they ever obtained caught or in any other case glitched.

Cardio machines (treadmills, rowers, bikes):

• Modes and options. A wide range of guide and computerized exercise modes makes it potential to actually customise your exercise on a cardio machine. We famous any that have been distinctive and price calling out, and those who have been notably lacking. One other professional we seemed for: Profiles or one other means for the machine to recollect our settings, observe progress, and simply swap between customers.
• Noise. For those who’re bringing a cardio machine into your private home, you need it to be as unobtrusive as potential. So, we paid consideration to how loud the machines have been, and whether or not somebody may hear it within the subsequent room.
• Dimension. Most cardio machines are one-size-fits-all, but it surely’s essential to make sure that no matter you’re shopping for is correct to your physique. Which means the arm rails, handles, or pedals are positioned in a means that means that you can have a cushty match (or are adjustable) and for a treadmill, that the belt is lengthy sufficient to accommodate your stride.
• Stability and sturdiness. For those who’re investing in a cardio machine, you need to be sure it’s secure as you employ it, and feels sturdy sufficient to carry up over hours of use.
• Ease of use. Once more, easy-to-use gear = extra pleasant exercises. We famous how straightforward it was to alter the pace, incline, resistance, and different settings throughout use on both common dials and buttons or a touchscreen.
• Security options. All cardio machines ought to have primary security options, like that traditional wire you’ll be able to clip onto your shirt and pull to cease the machine when you fall. Any added security options are additionally value noting.
• Sensible options. For sensible machines that observe and show knowledge, we checked out whether or not it offers biofeedback, how straightforward it’s to attach headphones, sensible watches, or coronary heart price displays by way of Bluetooth; whether or not it will possibly join with third-party apps; if it related to wifi, and the standard of any related options or streaming skills.
• Different options. For treadmills: the horsepower aka the motor energy and any shock absorption or cushioning know-how within the belt. For bikes and rowing machines: the kind of flywheel used.
• Cleansing. After cleansing the machine based on the producer’s directions, we famous how straightforward it was, if it dried shortly, and if any residue or stickiness lingered.

Yoga mats:

• Thickness. A thick yoga mat helps cushion your knees, forearms, and different physique elements in opposition to a tough ground. We famous the thickness and luxury of every mat.
• Weight. Thicker mats could be heavy—which is ok for an at-home observe, however not perfect when you tote it backwards and forwards to the studio. It’s simply one thing to contemplate relying in your typical use.
• Grippiness. The feel of the mat’s floor ought to present grip, and assist your palms and ft keep put even whenever you get sweaty. A yoga mat also needs to keep placed on the ground and by no means slide or shift beneath you throughout your observe.
• Sturdiness. We paid consideration to every mat’s materials, noting if it appeared sturdy or extra on the flimsy aspect. We additionally famous any harm that confirmed up through the testing interval.
• Scent. Some yoga mats give off a nasty scent whenever you first unbox them—and a few have a tendency to hold round for much too lengthy. Throughout testing, we paid consideration to any off-gassing smells, noting how lengthy it took for it to fade and if it was manageable or required just a few days of airing out earlier than use.
• Cleansing. After cleansing based on the producer’s directions, we famous how straightforward the method was, how shortly the mat dried, and if it left any residue behind.

Digital actuality (VR) gear:

• Price. Since VR can get costly, and will include varied pricing fashions, we famous not solely the price of the machine however any further charges for the app subscription or service.
• Performance. A VR health expertise ought to include easy-to-use know-how, together with any companion app. Throughout testing, we famous if issues ran easily and related and synced simply, or if we bumped into any glitches.
• Exercise choices. We additionally paid consideration to the forms of exercises provided, if there’s a massive library of choices (plus how typically it’s up to date), and if there’s a mixture of depth and issue ranges provided for newbies by skilled exercisers.
• Instructors. If digital instructors information these exercises, they need to use clear and correct cueing and be straightforward and pleasant to take heed to.

Headphones/earbuds:

• Weatherproof. Whenever you’re utilizing your headphones or earbuds throughout a exercise, you need them to be waterproof, or a minimum of sweatproof. We additionally paid consideration as to if or not the climate (rain, chilly) appeared to impression their performance or battery life.
• Noise cancellation. Noise-canceling options are handy to get within the zone, however you additionally need to have the ability to hear essential noises like approaching visitors or any alarms or sirens.
• Match and luxury. Headphones ought to keep put whenever you’re shifting. We examined these merchandise throughout high-impact actions, like working, leaping, and many others., to see in the event that they stayed in place or if we would have liked to regulate them all through the exercise.
• Sound high quality. So easy but so essential: pair of headphones or earbuds ought to present high-quality, clear, and even sound.

How We Examined Way of life and Effectively-Being Merchandise

Right here’s what we thought of when testing sensible life-style merchandise, together with water bottles, air purifiers, humidifiers, meditation apps, and extra:

Sensible water bottles:

• Battery. As a part of our testing, we famous how lengthy the battery is anticipated to final on a full cost and the way lengthy it takes to totally cost.
• Ease of use. A sensible water bottle is meant to make life simpler, proper? We famous how straightforward the setup was and usually what on a regular basis use was like and any points that got here uo.
• Cleansing. A tech-packed water bottle often can’t be thrown within the dishwasher. So, we adopted the product’s cleansing directions, and famous how straightforward or tedious this was.

Sauna blanket and at-home sauna

Air purifiers and humidifiers:

Well being and mindfulness apps and units:

• Price. Some apps have free variations which are nice, whereas others are solely value utilizing when you pay for the premium choice. We seen the variations in price and worth, what the essential choice consists of, any further hidden charges chances are you’ll encounter, and if the price is consistent with the options and high quality offered. For units, we thought of if there was any further price past the preliminary buy of the machine.
• Ease of use and reliability. When searching for a high quality app, you need a format that’s easy and arranged, making it straightforward to make use of. We additionally famous how correct and helpful the search function was, whether or not the app gives guided recommendations (like Netflix “because you like this, do this…”), and if the app tended to freeze, lag, or crash throughout use. One other essential factor to contemplate is whether or not the app (or a meditation machine) requires wifi or if you should utilize it offline.
• Further options. The precise options you’ll need in a wellness app or meditation machine will rely in your meant use, however some we wish to search for embody: monitoring choices or encouragement options that make it simpler to realize your objectives, the flexibility to “favourite” issues so they’re simply accessible later, a wide range of packages/actions out there, a wide range of size and issue ranges, opinions for syncing knowledge to a different machine or pulling and sending a report, and the flexibility to personalize content material or practices to your wants.
• Security and help. Earlier than utilizing an app for health-related monitoring, you need to look into the info safety insurance policies. We famous how straightforward or tough they’re to seek out and perceive for every app.
• For psychological well being apps: Along with the above options, we additionally seemed for psychological well being apps which are supported by analysis and reviewed by professionals; supply steerage and psychoeducation on related matters; embody choices to set objectives; embody an area to journal/log; and supply help choices (i.e.helplines and different sources for members if in disaster mode or want extra help/training).

For health apps:

• Along with the above options, we additionally seemed for health apps that observe the science of muscle constructing; function certified instructors; embody easy-to-understand cues and steerage on weight, reps, and units; and keep away from terminology corresponding to “burn fats and slim down.”