Actigraphy devices are critical tools in clinical research for monitoring physical activity, sleep patterns, and physiological metrics. This guide reviews the best actigraphy sensors and watches for clinical studies in 2025, focusing on their features, applications, and suitability for diverse research requirements.

Access our detailed comparison sheet with full pricing and features of all available models.

1. Fibion Helix

The Fibion Helix leads the list as the most practical and versatile actigraphy sensor for clinical studies. Designed with researchers in mind, it provides both affordability and advanced features.

Its heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring is particularly useful in clinical settings where detailed recovery metrics during sleep are required. The Helix automatically calculates key metrics, including sleep stages, sleep efficiency, sleep continuity, and overall recovery, making it an excellent choice for studies focusing on sleep and activity.

In addition to its core functionality, the Helix includes a robust SDK and API, enabling seamless integration with research workflows. Although it lacks ambient light measurement, its affordability and feature set make it the top choice for clinical researchers.

Highlights:
The Helix is known for its high accuracy, advanced sleep metrics, and cost-effective design, which supports its widespread use in clinical studies.

2. ActiGraph LEAP

The ActiGraph LEAP is a multisensor device tailored for clinical research requiring detailed environmental and physiological data. While it is significantly more expensive than the Helix, it offers unique features such as light exposure monitoring, skin temperature measurement, and photoplethysmography (PPG).

This wrist-worn device is particularly useful in studies that examine the relationship between sleep and circadian rhythms, as it measures environmental light exposure and other key variables. The LEAP also includes a display, providing participants with real-time feedback, which can improve compliance in certain clinical trials.

Considerations:
While the LEAP offers an impressive range of sensors, its cost may be prohibitive for smaller studies. Its wrist-only design can also limit versatility in placement options.

3. Fibion SENS

The Fibion SENS is ideal for clinical studies that require long-term data collection. With an industry-leading battery life of 22 weeks, it minimizes the need for device maintenance and participant interaction, which is critical in longitudinal studies.

This lightweight, waterproof sensor collects raw acceleration data, making it suitable for examining sleep-wake cycles and physical activity patterns over extended periods. While it does not measure physiological signals such as heart rate, its simplicity and durability make it a popular choice for studies focused solely on movement analysis.

Advantages:
The SENS offers an unparalleled combination of affordability and ease of use, especially for studies requiring minimal maintenance.

4. Fibion Flash

The Fibion Flash stands out for its versatility and advanced capabilities. Unlike other devices, it can be worn on both the wrist and the chest, allowing researchers to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and ECG alongside activity metrics.

Its six-axis motion sensor ensures accurate movement tracking, while its robust SDK and API provide extensive customization options for study-specific needs. Despite its adaptability, the Flash is less specialized for sleep research, making it better suited for studies that require a combination of activity and physiological data.

Considerations:
While the Flash offers impressive flexibility, its customization options may require additional technical expertise, potentially complicating its use in certain clinical settings.

5. GENEActiv

The GENEActiv is a compact and reliable device that is well-suited for clinical studies focusing on light exposure and circadian rhythms. Its light exposure sensor provides valuable insights into sleep environments, making it a strong candidate for sleep-related research.

Although it offers fewer features than the Helix or LEAP, its sleek design ensures participant compliance in long-term studies. However, the lack of heart rate or HRV monitoring capabilities may limit its applications in studies requiring physiological data.

Best Use:
The GENEActiv is a solid choice for clinical studies where light exposure data is critical, but it may not be the best option for more comprehensive analyses.

6. Condor Instruments ActTrust2

The ActTrust2 rounds out the list as a durable and versatile option for clinical research. Its sensors include light exposure monitoring, temperature measurement, and a 3-axis accelerometer, making it suitable for studies focusing on circadian rhythms and environmental influences on sleep.

However, its larger size and higher price make it less practical for budget-conscious projects. While it excels in collecting light and temperature data, it lacks some of the advanced features found in other devices, such as HRV and recovery metrics.

Key Features:
The ActTrust2 is best suited for studies examining the impact of environmental factors on sleep and activity. Its durability and sensor set make it a reliable choice for intensive research, albeit at a higher cost.

Conclusion

Actigraphy sensors and watches are essential tools in clinical research, providing detailed insights into sleep, activity, and circadian rhythms. The Fibion Helix offers the best combination of affordability, advanced features, and research-grade accuracy, making it the top recommendation. For studies requiring additional environmental data, the ActiGraph LEAP and GENEActiv are strong contenders, though their higher costs may limit accessibility.

Access our comprehensive comparison sheet with detailed pricing and features for all major actigraphy watches.

Call to Action

📅 Planning research measuring physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep? For a chat with our accelerometer and wearable expert, book a video call with Dr. Miriam Cabrita, or request a quote.

Samad Esmaeilzadeh