Best Alternatives to Philips Actiwatch Spectrum in 2025: Complete Comparison for Researchers

1. Introduction

The Philips Actiwatch Spectrum has long been a trusted tool in sleep and circadian rhythm research, widely used in clinical trials, academic studies, and healthcare settings. However, with Philips discontinuing the Actiwatch product line, many researchers and institutions are now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement that offers comparable features and validated accuracy.

Actigraphy remains essential for non-invasive, long-term monitoring of activity patterns, light exposure, and sleep-wake cycles. The Actiwatch Spectrum was valued for its multi-spectral light sensors, reliable activity tracking, and robust clinical validation. Fortunately, several modern actigraphy devices have emerged that not only match but, in many cases, exceed the capabilities of the Actiwatch.

In this guide, we compare the best research-grade alternatives to the Philips Actiwatch Spectrum available in 2025, helping researchers select the most appropriate device based on their specific study needs.

2. Key Features to Look for When Replacing the Actiwatch Spectrum

When considering a replacement for the Actiwatch Spectrum, it’s crucial to evaluate devices based on the features that researchers relied on most. These key criteria will ensure that data quality, participant compliance, and research objectives remain uncompromised.

• Light Sensing Capabilities: The Actiwatch Spectrum offered RGB light sensors that allowed researchers to capture detailed information about environmental light exposure. Replacements should include reliable light sensing—ideally with multi-spectral or broad-spectrum sensors—to continue providing accurate light data, particularly relevant for circadian rhythm research.
• Accelerometer Sensitivity & Axes: Activity tracking is at the core of actigraphy. The original Actiwatch utilized a uniaxial accelerometer, which is sufficient for basic sleep-wake assessments but lacks the detail of modern triaxial accelerometers. Replacements with triaxial sensors provide higher sensitivity and capture movement across three axes, enabling more refined analyses.
• Skin Temperature Monitoring: While the Actiwatch did not include a skin temperature sensor, many researchers today require this additional physiological marker to assess circadian phase. Devices offering a skin-contact temperature sensor can enhance study depth, especially when investigating thermoregulation and circadian patterns.

• Event Marker Button and Participant Interaction: The Actiwatch featured an event marker button that allowed participants to log events (such as lights out or awakenings), which is helpful for correlating subjective and objective data. Retaining this feature in alternative devices ensures continuity in data collection protocols.
• Battery Life & Data Storage: Depending on the duration and environment of the study, battery longevity and internal memory capacity are important factors. Devices with long battery life and ample data storage reduce participant burden and minimize data gaps.
• Data Access: Raw vs. Processed Outputs: Researchers may require either processed sleep scores or access to raw accelerometry, light, and temperature data for custom analysis. Ensuring that a replacement device supports flexible data export is vital for many labs.
• Wearability & Waterproofing: Finally, participant compliance depends on how comfortable and durable the device is. A lightweight, waterproof, and user-friendly design—along with features like compliance tracking—can significantly improve data quality.

3. Top Actigraphy Alternatives to Philips Actiwatch Spectrum (2025 Comparison)

With the Philips Actiwatch Spectrum discontinued, researchers now have several scientifically validated alternatives to choose from—many of which offer enhanced features compared to the original Actiwatch. Below, we review the leading actigraphy devices available in 2025, focusing on light sensing, accelerometry, temperature monitoring, and overall usability.

3.1 Fibion Krono: Comprehensive Multi-Sensor Alternative to Actiwatch Spectrum

The Fibion Krono is one of the most advanced and versatile actigraphy devices on the market today, making it an excellent alternative to the Philips Actiwatch Spectrum. It is specifically designed for detailed sleep and circadian rhythm research, providing superior sensor accuracy and data flexibility.

One of its key strengths lies in its multi-spectral light sensors, which capture blue light (460–490 nm), photopic light, and infrared light. This allows researchers to distinguish between natural and artificial light sources, quantify circadian-effective light exposure, and assess the light environment with greater precision. Crucially, the Fibion Krono also incorporates 50/60 Hz flicker reduction, eliminating noise introduced by artificial lighting (such as LED or fluorescent lights) and ensuring stable, reliable light measurements—an area where many other devices fall short.

Another standout feature is the inclusion of a high-precision skin-contact temperature sensor, accurate to ±0.1°C. Unlike devices where the temperature sensor may be affected by ambient conditions, the Krono ensures true wrist skin temperature monitoring, which is highly valuable for circadian phase assessment.

The device also features a triaxial accelerometer (±2 g, 0.001 g sensitivity) for detailed activity tracking, along with an event marker button that enables participants to log key events during the study.

The Fibion Krono’s performance has been validated in clinical research, including comparisons with polysomnography (PSG) and studies involving clinical populations. It offers raw data export options, giving researchers full flexibility in analysis, and the battery supports approximately 21 days of continuous monitoring.

Pros:

• Multi-spectral light sensors (blue, photopic, infrared) with 50/60 Hz flicker reduction
• Accurate skin-contact temperature sensor
• High-sensitivity triaxial accelerometer
• Event marker button for participant interaction
• Clinically validated; raw data export for advanced analysis

Considerations:

• Slightly bulkier design (~64 g with strap)
• USB data transfer (no wireless sync)

3.2 Condor ActTrust 2: Long Battery Life Alternative to Actiwatch

The Condor ActTrust 2 is another strong alternative to the Actiwatch Spectrum, particularly well-suited for long-term studies where battery longevity is a priority. It features a light sensor array capable of measuring red, green, blue (RGB), infrared, and UV light channels, allowing detailed analysis of light exposure patterns.

For temperature monitoring, the device includes dual thermistors, recording both skin and ambient temperatures. However, the accuracy of skin temperature readings may vary depending on how securely the device is worn.

The ActTrust 2 is equipped with a 2-axis accelerometer by default, with an optional upgrade to 3-axis accelerometry. One of its standout features is its exceptional battery life of up to 90 days, minimizing participant burden during extended studies.

While it provides RGB light sensing, it does not include flicker reduction technology, which may affect measurement stability under certain artificial lighting conditions. Data is downloaded using a proprietary USB docking station, and analysis is performed through Condor’s ActStudio software.

Pros:

• RGB, IR, UV light channels
• Dual thermistors (skin + ambient temperature)
• Long battery life (~90 days)
• Rugged, waterproof (IP67 rating)

Considerations:

• Default 2-axis accelerometer (triaxial optional)
• Requires proprietary docking station for data transfer
• Skin temperature reading influenced by strap fit
• No flicker reduction feature in light sensors

3.3 GENEActiv: Open-Access Alternative to Actiwatch for Raw Data Research

The GENEActiv device by Activinsights is a popular choice for researchers seeking open-access raw data and flexibility in data analysis. It includes a broad-spectrum photodiode light sensor (400–1100 nm), recording total light intensity across visible and near-infrared ranges. However, it does not differentiate between specific color bands, and it lacks flicker detection features.

Temperature monitoring is supported with an onboard sensor, though the precision of skin temperature readings depends on how securely the device is worn and may sometimes reflect ambient conditions.

For movement tracking, GENEActiv offers a triaxial accelerometer with configurable raw data sampling rates up to 100 Hz, making it ideal for researchers requiring detailed activity data. Battery life lasts up to 30 days, depending on settings, and all data can be easily exported in raw format.

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum light sensing (400–1100 nm)
• Temperature sensor included (placement-dependent accuracy)
• High-resolution raw accelerometer data (up to 100 Hz)
• Waterproof and durable
• Widely validated in large-scale studies (e.g., UK Biobank)

Considerations:

• No spectral light color differentiation
• No flicker reduction in light sensor
• No event marker button
• Skin temperature readings influenced by placement

3.4 ActiGraph wGT3X-BT: Bluetooth-Enabled Alternative to Actiwatch

The ActiGraph wGT3X-BT is a well-established actigraphy device commonly used in clinical trials and large-scale studies. It combines a triaxial accelerometer, capable of capturing raw movement data at sampling rates up to 100 Hz, with a basic photopic light sensor for monitoring overall light intensity. However, the light sensor lacks color channel differentiation and has a relatively low saturation point (~1500 lux), which may limit its usefulness in bright outdoor conditions.

One distinguishing feature of the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT is its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capability, allowing real-time data streaming and integration with external devices, such as heart rate monitors. This makes it particularly useful for tech-enabled studies requiring live data transmission.

Unlike the Actiwatch, the wGT3X-BT does not include a temperature sensor or event marker button. Its battery life typically supports up to 25 days of continuous use, and data is managed through ActiGraph’s proprietary ActiLife software platform.

Pros:

• High-resolution triaxial accelerometer with raw data access
• Bluetooth streaming and external device integration
• Widely validated in clinical research
• Suitable for multi-modal data collection

Considerations:

• Basic photopic light sensor only (no spectral channels)
• No skin temperature sensor
• No event marker button
• Proprietary software license required

3.5 CamNtech MotionWatch 8: Lightweight, Long Battery Alternative

The CamNtech MotionWatch 8 is designed for simplicity, long-term wear, and participant compliance. It includes a photopic light sensor, measuring light intensity from 0 to 64,000 lux, but lacks spectral light analysis capabilities. It is equipped with a triaxial accelerometer, providing reliable movement data with configurable epoch settings.

One of its key advantages is its exceptionally long battery life, lasting between 3 to 6 months using a standard coin-cell battery. This makes it ideal for extended field studies or clinical settings where frequent recharging isn’t feasible. The MotionWatch 8 is fully waterproof and highly durable, enhancing compliance in real-world environments.

However, it does not include a skin temperature sensor, event marker button, or spectral light breakdown—features that some researchers may find essential depending on the study’s focus.

Pros:

• Triaxial accelerometer
• Long battery life (up to 6 months)
• Waterproof, lightweight design (~16 g with strap)
• Simple USB data transfer, no proprietary docking station needed
• Proven reliability in sleep and activity studies

Considerations:

• Photopic light sensor only (no color channels, no flicker reduction)
• No skin temperature sensor
• No event marker button
• No raw light data spectral analysis

4. Comparative Table: Actiwatch Spectrum Alternatives at a Glance

To simplify the decision-making process, the table below compares the key features of the leading alternatives to the discontinued Philips Actiwatch Spectrum. It highlights each device’s light sensing capabilities, accelerometer type, skin temperature monitoring, event marker availability, and standout features—helping researchers quickly identify the best fit for their study needs.

This overview clearly shows that while each device offers strengths, Fibion Krono stands out for researchers needing detailed circadian data, offering advanced light sensing (with flicker reduction), accurate skin temperature monitoring, and participant-friendly features like the event marker button—all validated in clinical research contexts.

5. How to Choose the Right Actiwatch Alternative for Your Research

Selecting the best replacement for the Philips Actiwatch Spectrum depends on your research focus, participant needs, and the type of data you aim to collect. While there are several validated alternatives available, certain features can make a significant difference in the quality and depth of your research outcomes.

Consider Light Sensing and Circadian Data Quality

If your study involves detailed analysis of light exposure, especially across different spectral bands such as blue light (critical for circadian phase shifting), the Fibion Krono offers an immediate advantage. Its multi-spectral light sensors, combined with 50/60 Hz flicker reduction, ensure precise light measurement even under artificial lighting environments—providing a more stable dataset than basic photopic-only devices.

Prioritize Skin Temperature Monitoring

While the Philips Actiwatch Spectrum did not include temperature monitoring, modern research increasingly recognizes the value of peripheral skin temperature as a circadian phase marker. Devices such as the Fibion Krono and Condor ActTrust 2 incorporate large skin-contact temperature sensors, ensuring that the temperature readings reflect the participant’s actual skin temperature, rather than ambient conditions. This adds valuable physiological data to complement actigraphy and light measurements.

Event Marker Button for More Nuanced Data

Another important feature to consider is the event marker button. The original Actiwatch included this function, allowing participants to log key moments (such as lights off or awakenings). Devices like Fibion Krono and Condor ActTrust 2 retain this feature, providing researchers with more nuanced, participant-reported data alongside objective sensor readings—essential for enhancing study accuracy.

Summary Recommendation:

For researchers seeking a validated, high-precision, all-in-one replacement for the discontinued Philips Actiwatch Spectrum, the Fibion Krono is the strongest choice. Its combination of multi-spectral light sensors with flicker reduction, high-sensitivity triaxial accelerometer, large skin-contact temperature sensor, and event marker button offers a complete, reliable solution for advanced sleep and circadian rhythm research.

6. Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Philips Actiwatch Spectrum has left many researchers in search of a suitable alternative—one that meets the same high standards of accuracy, reliability, and usability. Fortunately, several modern actigraphy devices have not only filled this gap but also advanced beyond the Actiwatch’s capabilities.

While each device reviewed offers distinct strengths, the Fibion Krono stands out as the most comprehensive alternative. Its advanced multi-spectral light sensing with flicker reduction, accurate skin-contact temperature monitoring, triaxial accelerometry, and participant-friendly features like the event marker button make it particularly well-suited for detailed circadian and sleep studies.

By carefully evaluating the specific needs of your research, you can confidently transition to a new device without compromising data quality—and, in many cases, gain access to more detailed, flexible datasets that support the next generation of circadian rhythm research.

Call to Action

📅 If you want to learn more about Fibion Krono, do not hesitate to book a video call with our experts, or to ask for a quote.