Over the years, wearable technology has redefined how we approach health, fitness, and connectivity. In 2023, the Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2 is making waves as an affordable yet feature-packed contender in the market. With FDA-cleared ECG functionality, multi-sport tracking, and a seven-day battery life, this smartwatch is turning heads—particularly among fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and budget-savvy buyers.
But is it truly the best budget smartwatch of the year? Let’s break it down in detail.
Unboxing the Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2
Opening the box reveals a no-fuss, premium experience:
- Charging dock
- User manual
- Warranty card
There’s a clear focus on function over flash. The packaging feels thoughtful and efficient, echoing the overall design philosophy of the watch itself.
Design & Build Quality
Sleek and Durable Construction
Right out of the box, the Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2 impresses with a sleek aluminum alloy frame and a 1.5″ AMOLED display boasting 450 nits of brightness. This ensures excellent readability, even under direct sunlight.
The display is crisp, vibrant, and responsive, rivaling the screen quality of more expensive smartwatches. The Gorilla Glass protection adds durability, while the IP68 rating assures resistance against water and dust—perfect for everyday wear.
Despite its solid build, the watch remains lightweight and comfortable, suitable for long wear, whether at work, working out, or sleeping.
Setting Up: Plug and Play Simplicity
Pairing the watch with your device is simple:
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Download the Gard Health+ app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Scan the QR code on the watch.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
The app walks you through calibration and preferences, allowing customization immediately.
Advanced Health Monitoring: A Personal Health Assistant
Real-Time Biometrics
The Gard Pro 2 continuously tracks:
- Heart rate
- Blood oxygen (SpO2)
- Stress levels
- Respiratory rate
This provides users with 24/7 insights into their physical state. The sensors are impressively accurate for a smartwatch in this price range and rival those in higher-end models. The heart rate and SpO2 sensors provide readings consistent with other devices in this price range, ensuring reliable data for health-conscious users.
FDA-Cleared ECG: How Accurate Is It?
The ECG functionality is the crown jewel of the Gard Pro. Place your finger on the sensor, and in 30 seconds, it generates a report of your heart rhythm.
Limitations of ECG
- Does not detect all heart abnormalities.
- Relies on proper placement and a stable hand.
- Reports should be shared with healthcare professionals for accurate interpretation.
Sleep Analysis
Using motion and heart rate sensors, the Gard Pro breaks down your sleep into:
- Light sleep
- Deep sleep
- REM cycles
It offers sleep scores and tips to improve rest quality. Unlike basic trackers, the insights here feel actionable, and the app offers charts and daily comparisons.
Health Alerts & Reminders
The watch notifies you if your:
- Heart rate is abnormally high or low
- SpO2 drops below safe levels
- Stress levels spike
- You’ve been sedentary too long
These subtle nudges help encourage daily mindfulness and healthier routines.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
Multi-Sport Modes (20+)
The Gard Pro isn’t just for the gym rats. It supports:
- Running
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- HINT
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Rowing
You name it—it tracks it. Plus, with 5 ATM water resistance, swimmers can confidently wear this smartwatch in the pool or ocean.
Built-in GPS: Precise and Practical
The built-in GPS is a standout feature at this price point.
GPS Accuracy
- Accuracy: Up to 98% when compared with GPS-enabled smartphones.
- Connection Time: It typically locks on within 5–10 seconds outdoors.
- Update Frequency: The location updates every 1-2 seconds, ensuring smooth route mapping. During workouts, the GPS updates the location at least every second, providing real-time, precise data, whether jogging or cycling.
Whether running a city marathon or hiking trails, the GPS keeps up without needing your phone.
Activity Dashboard in Gard Health+ App
All your fitness data is viewable in the app, including:
- Steps
- Calories burned
- Distance
- Workout history
Charts and graphs offer daily and long-term views. Set goals, track progress, and receive reminders to stay active—all within one intuitive dashboard.
Battery Life & Performance
7-Day Battery Life
One of the strongest features of the Gard Pro is its longevity. Even with GPS and all-day health monitoring, it lasts 7 days on a single charge.
Fast Charging
In a hurry? Just 10 minutes of charging gives you 24 hours of use—a rare feature, especially in this price category.
Smooth and Snappy Interface
The UI is fast and fluid. Swipes register instantly, animations are smooth, and navigation is intuitive. There is no noticeable lag, even with multiple functions running.
Enhanced Software Experience
Gard Health+ App: Features & Customization
The Gard Health+ app is available for both Android and iOS. Features include:
- Daily health summaries
- Graphical health trends (weekly/monthly)
- Workout logs with GPS maps
- Custom alerts (reminders, hydration, medication)
- Sleep coaching tips
- Goal setting and achievement badges
For further personalization, the app allows customizable watch face settings, and users can set alerts for specific metrics (e.g., heart rate thresholds and hydration reminders). It syncs effortlessly and rarely encounters bugs or sync delays.
Smart Features for Everyday Life
- Notifications: Receive calls, messages, and app alerts.
- Weather updates
- Voice assistant compatibility (works with Google Assistant and Siri)
- Remote camera control
- Music Control
- Alarm clock
- Sedentary reminders
- Breathing exercises
Custom Watch Faces
The watch offers a variety of customizable watch faces via the app, from minimalist analog to detailed fitness dashboards. You can even upload personal images to match your mood or outfit.
Design Meets Durability
Comfortable for All-Day Wear
- Comfort: Silicone straps are soft, breathable, and sweat-resistant.
- Style: The watch looks elegant enough for meetings but sporty enough for a workout.
- Durability: Scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and IP68 rating ensure rugged performance in tough environments.
Gard Pro vs. The Competition
Gard Pro vs. Fitbit Charge 5
FeatureGard Pro Health 2Fitbit Charge 5
Price Under $150 ~$149–$179
ECG FDA-cleared Yes
GPS Built-in Built-in
Battery Life 7 days 7 days
App Integration Gard Health+ Fitbit App
Third-party App Support Limited Moderate
Verdict: While Fitbit has a more mature ecosystem and third-party app support, the Gard Pro offers similar features at a lower cost, with faster charging and broader sports modes.
Gard Pro vs. Amazfit GTS 4
FeatureGard Pro Health 2Amazfit GTS 4
ECG FDA-cleared No
SpO2 Monitoring Yes Yes
Battery Life 7 days Up to 8 days
Third-Party Apps Limited Moderate
GPS Built-in (fast connect) Built-in
Verdict: The GTS 4 has better third-party support and slightly longer battery life but lacks ECG functionality, which is Gard Pro’s unique edge.
Third-Party App Limitations
Currently, the Gard Pro doesn’t support apps like:
- Spotify or music streaming
- WhatsApp call integration
- Google Fit or Apple Health sync (limited)
This is where it lags behind big-brand ecosystems. However, this won’t be a dealbreaker for most users focused on core health and fitness features.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2?
Absolutely—if your focus is health, fitness, and battery life without breaking the bank. With an impressive list of features typically reserved for $200+ smartwatches, the Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2 delivers:
✅ Medical-grade ECG functionality
✅ Reliable GPS and fitness tracking
✅ 7-day battery life with fast charging
✅ Customizable design and durable build
✅ Affordability without compromise
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What devices are compatible with the Gard Pro Smartwatch 2?
A: It works with both Android and iOS smartphones through the Gard Health+ app.
Q: How accurate is the ECG?
A: It’s FDA-cleared for detecting AFib and other irregular heart rhythms but should be used alongside medical consultation for diagnosis.
Q: Can I use it for swimming?
A: The 5 ATM rating makes it suitable for swimming and light water activities.
Q: Is there onboard music storage?
A: No, music must be controlled via your phone.
The Bottom Line
If you’re on a budget and want premium health features, the Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2 is one of the most well-rounded choices for 2023. It doesn’t just keep up—it often leads the pack in functionality, especially in health tracking, battery life, and real-world usability.
Take control of your health today. The Gard Pro Health Smartwatch 2 isn’t just a smartwatch—it’s a smarter lifestyle companion.
