A couple of weeks ago Fitbit was hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging the device used to measure heart rates in the company’s Charge HR and Surge fitness watches “do not and cannot consistently and accurately record wearers’ heart rates” during exercise.
Today Consumer Reports took on the issue, and published a report stating both models "passed our tests handily, accurately recording heart rates at everything from a leisurely walk up to a fast run."
The magazine, widely read by consumers who like to kick the tires on all sorts of products, had previously tested both devices and found the heart rate readings to be accurate.
After the lawsuit, which claims the Fitbits “consistently mis-record heart rates by a very significant margin, particularly during exercise,” Consumer Reports went back to its lab to perform more stringent tests, the magazine says. Testers found hardly any variance between the measurements of the Fitbits and a reference heart monitor.
Of course, Consumer Reports doesn't get to make the final judgment in the case. But maybe Fitbit will use it as Exhibit A.