Best MRI Safe Watch For Every Budget

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Welcome to our guide on finding the best MRI safe watch. As a diagnostic imaging professional that works with MRI everyday, I know how important it is to find a reliable MRI safe watch. If you are worried about taking you current smartwatch in the MRI scan room, or looking for a watch you can wear around MRI magnets, this guide will help provide some clarification.

In this article, we take a deep dive into MRI safe watches, including MRI safe smartwatches, digital wristwatches, as well as some analog watch options.

The basic criteria for the items on the list are as follows:

  • Safe for use in MRI Zone 4.
  • Made of non-magnetic and non-ferrous materials.
  • Battery life unaffected after prolonged exposure to high magnetic field environment.
  • Software and applications functionality unaffected after 12 months intermittent exposure to MRI.
  • Vetted by MRI community.

To help you in finding an MRI safe watch that fits your budget, we curated a list of anti-magnetic watches priced as low as $22. We also include some specialty luxury watch that are designed for use around strong magnetic fields.

You can also see the full list of Top 20 MRI safe watches with products reviews below.

Additionally, we included a list of smartwatches that are not MRI compatible. Our goal is to provide the most helpful and accurate resources to empower our healthcare heroes. If you notice any errors in the lists below, please reach out to us here.

What is an MRI safe watch?

MRI safe watches are uniquely designed to function within the powerful magnetic field present inside an MRI scan room. They are crafted using non-magnetic materials and non-ferrous metals that remain unaffected in close proximity to an MRI machine. Additionally, the enclosed design of MRI safe watches ensures that their battery life is not diminished when working in and around MRI Zone IV.

One of the most important considerations when choosing an MRI compatible watch for MRI technologists is magnet strength. A watch model suitable for a 1.5T MRI may not necessarily function reliably in a 3T MRI environment. Further details regarding magnetic field strength ratings will be included in the product descriptions below.

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MRI-safe watches list criteria

This list of the best MRI safe watches features hand-selected smartwatches and analog designs chosen based on their ability to maintain battery life, software functionality, applications, and accessories even after prolonged intermittent exposure (over 12 months) to the magnetic field environment.

Some watches featured on this list are specifically designed for use near MRI machines and certified for compliance in high magnetic fields. These MRI watch models contain additional labeling with appropriate magnetic field ratings and limitations. Although, most of the watches in this list are some of the most popular smartwatch models that meet the unique requirements for MRI technologists, field service engineers and imaging professionals. Most importantly, the watches have been tested and vetted by the members of the MRI community.

Table of Contents

The Top 20 MRI Safe Watches

If you are reading this article, you already know that not all watches are suitable for use inside an MRI scan room. As a matter of fact, one of the questions we most often receive from MRI technologists and imaging professionals is “what watch can I wear in MRI scan rooms?” In response, we catalogued and tested smartwatches, fitness trackers and timepieces recommended by MRI technologists and compiled them into one helpful list.

So, without further delay, we present a curated list of the top MRI safe watches, ranked by number of recommendations each has received among imaging professionals.

1. Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct is the top overall pick for MRI-safe watches, boasting a rugged design that withstands the demands of the MRI suite. With no reported issues up to 3T, it assures seamless functionality in MRI environments for years to come.

  • Robust construction – ensures durability, making it suitable for active healthcare professionals.
  • Compatible with smartphones – it offers convenient access to notifications without compromising safety.

The Garmin Instinct watch combines reliability, functionality, and MRI safety, making it the preferred choice for MRI technologists seeking a dependable MRI-safe smartwatch.

Price

Pricing for the Garmin Instinct begins at $174.99 (Up to $328.49)

2. Casio Quartz Watch

The Casio Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black, emerges as the best MRI-safe wristwatches due to its exceptional value. Many MRI technologists have reported up to 3 years of reliable performance without any issues, making it a trusted option in the field.

  • Affordable price point, at under $22, makes it an attractive choice for professionals seeking a basic yet dependable MRI-safe wristwatch.
  • Despite its lower cost, it works great in MRI environments.

This watch provides technologists with essential timekeeping functionality without compromising on safety. This is the best option for imaging professionals seeking a reliable and affordable MRI safe watch.

Price

Pricing for the Casio Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black begins at $21.92 (Up to $29.95).

3. Casio G-Shock

The Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U-1BJF stands out as an MRI tech favorite. Its rugged design and reliability make it a perfect choice for professional in healthcare settings

Durable construction and shock-resistant features endure the demands of the MRI suite without issue.

Many MRI technologists swear by the Casio G-Shock, reporting years of dependable performance without any complications.

Its functionality extends beyond mere timekeeping, offering additional features such as stopwatch, countdown timer, and backlight for enhanced usability.

The Casio G-Shock represents the epitome of style, reliability and functionality, making it a top choice among MRI technologists seeking a dependable MRI safe watch for their demanding work environments.

Price

Pricing for the Casio G-Shock begins at $73.86 (up to $129.95)

4. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro

The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro is a standout choice among MRI-safe watches, loved for its extensive features and exceptional build quality. Its rugged design ensures durability and reliability in healthcare environments, making it a favorite among MRI technologists.

The Fenix 6X goes beyond basic timekeeping, offering advanced metrics for various activities such as running, swimming, and cycling, providing users with comprehensive health insights.

Priced starting at $419.99, it features a multitude of advanced functionalities, including GPS navigation, heart rate monitoring, and comprehensive activity tracking.

With its robust feature set and dependable performance, the Garmin Fenix 6X proves to be a worthwhile investment for MRI technologists seeking a versatile and reliable wristwatch for both professional and personal use.

Price

Pricing for the Garmin Fenix 6X begins at $419.99 (Up to $699.99)

5. Omega Seamaster 300m MC

The Omega Seamaster 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer 42mm stands out as the premier choice for healthcare professionals in the luxury MRI-safe watch category. Its adjustable strap and versatile design allow for a more casual appearance that seamlessly complements any attire.

Equipped with a Master Chronometer movement, it is certified by METAS for its exceptional precision and magnetic resistance up to 1.5 Tesla (15000 Gauss). It features anti-magnetic properties, ensuring reliable timekeeping even in magnetic environments like those found near an MRI machine.

  • Co-axial escapement and a free-sprung balance, this movement guarantees accuracy and durability.
  • Substantial power reserve ensures prolonged operation without the need for frequent winding.
  • Water resistance up to 300 meters.
  • Anti-magnetic design.

Overall, the calibre 8912 movement exemplifies the high standards of Omega’s Seamaster 300 line, offering reliability and precision crucial for professional use around strong magnetic fields. The Seamaster 300m MC embodies both style and functionality. This is an ideal choice MRI technologists looking to upgrade their watch collection with an addition of an MRI-safe watch model.

Price

Pricing for the Omega Seamaster 300m MC begins at $5600 (Up to $46,500)

6. Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is equipped with features like heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and sleep analysis to assist in overall health and fitness. This makes it one of the most popular choices for MRI safe watches under $150. Its sleek design and comfortable fit ensure wearability throughout demanding shifts.

Furthermore, compatibility with both Android and iOS devices ensures you have access to your notifications no matter which room you are helping patients. Overall, the Fitbit Versa 2 remains one of the most popular choices for an MRI safe watch. Its combination of functionality, compatibility, affordability, and, most importantly, safety, earns it the #6 spot on our list.

Through our research and review process, we found that the Fitbit Versa 3 is not compatible with the MRI environment. This can be attributed to the magnetic charging design introduced with the Versa 3 model. You can find more information in our list of MRI incompatible watches below.

Price

Pricing for the Fitbit Versa 2 begins at $144.56 (Up to $169.99)

7. Fitbit Charge 2

The Fitbit Charge 2 makes an ideal MRI safe watch for MRI technologists and healthcare professionals. With its ergonomic design and MRI-safe materials, this wristband ensures comfort and safety during long shifts in MRI environments.

Equipped with continuous heart rate monitoring and activity tracking, the Charge 2 provides valuable insights into personal health and fitness levels even in demanding work settings.

Its customizable display and smartphone notifications keep users connected without compromising safety. Whether in the MRI suite or on the go, the Fitbit Charge 2 is the perfect tool for healthcare professionals to track their fitness journey with ease and confidence.

Price

Pricing for the Fitbit Charge 2 begins at $129.99 (Up to $167.15)

8. Omega Aqua Terra 150m

The Omega Aqua Terra stands as the premier choice among MRI-safe luxury watches. It features impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design. With a price tag reflecting its prestige, the Aqua Terra justifies its value with exceptional features such as a Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and reliability.

The Aqua Terra’s anti-magnetic properties provide peace of mind in MRI environments, allowing wearers to maintain style and functionality without compromising safety.

An ohmage to OMEGA’s maritime heritage, it boasts a 41mm stainless steel case with a distinctive wave-edged design. The silvery dial features a horizontal “teak” pattern reminiscent of luxury sailboat decks, complemented by blackened hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova, and an orange central seconds hand.

Equipped with the OMEGA Master Chronometer calibre 8900, this movement is Master Chronometer Certified. Water resistant up to 15 bar (150 meters / 500 feet) and, most importantly, rated to withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 Gauss (1.5 Tesla).

Its elegant yet sporty aesthetic makes it a versatile timepiece suitable for both formal occasions and outdoor activities. As the epitome of luxury and sophistication in the anti-magnetic MRI safe watch category, the Omega Aqua Terra stands out as a true masterpiece.

Price

Pricing for the Omega Aqua Terra begins at $5320 (Up to $29,700).

9. Casio Baby G

The Casio Baby-G is a reliable choice for MRI technologists seeking a safe and functional wristwatch. Crafted with MRI-safe materials, the Baby-G ensures peace of mind during shifts in MRI environments.

Its durable and water-resistant design withstands the demands of healthcare settings, providing comfort and reliability throughout the day.

Equipped with essential features like timekeeping, stopwatch, and alarm functions, the Baby-G offers practicality without compromising MRI safety.

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With its vibrant and stylish appearance, this wristwatch adds a touch of personality to professional attire while remaining suitable for any rigorous tasks that come your way. It combines safety, functionality, and style in one compact package. The Casio Baby-G stands as one of the most recommended MRI safe women’s watch and a dependable accessory for MRI technologists.

It’s worth mentioning that there have been reports of reduced battery performance after prolonged intermittent exposure to a 3T MRI environment. However, all feedback has been consistently positive when used in magnetic fields of 1.5T or lower.

Price

Pricing for the Casio Baby G watch begins at $65.99 (Up to 86.42).

10. Rolex Milgauss

The Rolex Milgauss is a revolutionary antimagnetic watch perfect for professionals in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environments up to 1.0 Tesla. Designed for versatility, the Milgauss seamlessly transitions from business to leisure with its durable steel construction, 100-meter water resistance, and anti-magnetic properties.

The modern Milgauss boasts a 40mm steel case, distinctive orange lightning bolt seconds hand, and the innovative Caliber 3131 movement.

Most notably, the Milgauss GV model features a green-tinted sapphire crystal, a groundbreaking feature that sets it apart in the watch industry.

With prices starting at just under $10,000, the Milgauss offers exceptional value in today’s competitive Rolex market. Whether with a white, black, or Z-Blue dial, the Rolex Milgauss is a unique and coveted addition to any watch collection, boasting both style and functionality in one iconic timepiece.

Price

Pricing for the Rolex Milgauss starts at $9,999.00 (Up to $33,060.91).

11. Fitbit Charge 4

The Fitbit Charge 4 is an excellent choice for an MRI-safe watch due to its combination of features and time-tested durability. Its sleek and lightweight design ensures comfort during extended wear, making it suitable for long shifts in MRI environments.

With continuous heart rate monitoring and activity tracking, the Charge 4 enables users to stay informed about their health and fitness levels throughout their workday.

With its exceptional water-resistant properties, it offers unmatched durability, guaranteeing peace of mind in challenging healthcare environments. Additionally, the Charge 4’s seamless compatibility with smartphones ensures effortless access to notifications, enhancing connectivity without compromising safety.

Overall, the Fitbit Charge 4 stands as a reliable, versatile, and MRI-safe watch, delivering unparalleled functionality and comfort to healthcare professionals at an affordable price.

Price

Pricing for the Fitbit Charge 4 starts at $119.99 (Up to $192.99).

12. Fitbit Alta HR

The Fitbit Alta HR proves to be a dependable, versatile and comfortable wristwatch for use in MRI settings. Its lightweight, sleek design guarantees comfort during extended shifts, while continuous heart rate monitoring and activity tracking aid technologists in monitoring their physical well-being throughout the day.

Equipped with water-resistant properties, the Alta HR ensures durability and reliability, perfectly suited for healthcare settings. Additionally, its compatibility with smartphones offers convenient access to notifications, ensuring seamless connectivity without sacrificing safety in MRI environments.

Pricing

Pricing for the Fitbit Alta HR begins at $154.85 (Up to $228.95).

Garmin and Fitbit are the top two brands recommended by MRI technologists.

13. Fitbit Inspire 2

The Fitbit Inspire 2 Smart Watch Health & Fitness Tracker is an exceptional choice for MRI-safe wristwear, blending modern style with advanced functionality. Crafted with durability in mind, this sleek black watch boasts a rectangular shape and a 1.69-inch screen size, providing unisex adults with a comfortable and intuitive companion for their health journey.

Equipped with a heart rate monitor, the Inspire 2 ensures continuous heart rate tracking, offering valuable insights into users’ health status during MRI shifts.

With up to 10 days of battery life and compatibility with smartphones, including iOS 12.2 or later, macOS 12.2, and Android 7 or later, this watch offers seamless connectivity and convenience without compromising safety.

Celebrate milestones and stay motivated with encouraging reminders and friendly challenges, making fitness fun and rewarding. With the Fitbit Inspire 2, prioritize your health and wellness with confidence, whether in the MRI suite or beyond.

Price

Pricing for the Fitbit Inspire 2 begins at $79.99 (Up to $107.26).

14. Garmin Vivosmart

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a slim and stylish activity tracker designed to be your trusted companion in MRI-safe environments. With its fashionable design and sleek metal accents, this tracker combines elegance with functionality. Available in small and large sizes to accommodate wrists of different circumferences, it ensures a comfortable fit for all users.

Equipped with advanced sleep monitoring, including REM sleep tracking and wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation levels, the Vivosmart 4 provides comprehensive insights into your sleep patterns without compromising safety.

Its fitness and health monitoring tools, such as estimated wrist-based heart rate and stress tracking, empower our healthcare heroes to prioritize their well-being during MRI shifts.

With dedicated activity timers for various exercises and vibration alerts for notifications, including calls and text messages, this tracker keeps you connected and motivated throughout the day.

Plus, with a battery life of up to 7 days and water-resistant design, it ensures lasting performance and peace of mind, even during swimming or showering. Overall, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a stylish, reliable, and MRI-safe activity tracker that elevates your health journey with precision and style.

It’s worth mentioning that there have been reports of reduced battery performance for this specific model after prolonged intermittent exposure to a 3T MRI environment. However, all feedback has been consistently positive when used in magnetic fields of 1.5T or lower.

Price

Pricing for the Garmin Vivosmart begins at $84.99 (Up to $149.99).

15. Garmin Vivoactive

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is the ultimate MRI-safe smartwatch designed to elevate your health and fitness journey. With its vibrant AMOLED display, you’ll enjoy a vivid and colorful view of your health metrics and activities.

Featuring an impressive battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, this watch ensures uninterrupted tracking during your MRI shifts.

Equipped with Body Battery energy monitoring, it provides personalized insights based on sleep, stress levels, and workouts, helping you understand when to recharge or rest.

With over 30 built-in sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, and swimming, you can explore new ways to stay active while staying safe in MRI environments. The wheelchair mode tracks pushes instead of steps, offering tailored workouts and challenges for wheelchair users.

Additionally, advanced health monitoring features such as wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, and menstrual cycle tracking provide a comprehensive understanding of your well-being. Whether you’re training or at work, the Garmin vívoactive 5 ensures you’re always connected, with the ability to download your favorite music and enjoy phone-free listening during your shifts

It’s worth mentioning that there have been reports of reduced battery performance for this specific model after prolonged intermittent exposure to a 3T MRI environment. However, all feedback has been consistently positive when used in magnetic fields of 1.5T or lower.

Price

Pricing for the Garmin Vivoactive begins at $299.99 (Up to $349.99).

16. TUDOR Black Bay with Burgundy Bezel

The Tudor Black Bay Watch, a timeless and MRI-safe timepiece is designed for the true watch collector. With its striking black dial complemented by elegant gold-tone hands, this watch exudes sophistication and style.

The uni-directional rotating bezel adds a touch of functionality, while the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and solid caseback provide added durability.

Crafted with a silver-tone stainless steel case and band, it offers durability and a sleek aesthetic that’s perfect for any occasion.

Powered by an automatic movement, the Tudor Black Bay ensures reliable timekeeping with precision. With a water resistance of 200 meters (660 feet), it’s suitable for both professional diving and everyday wear.

Equipped with a fold-over clasp with safety release and screw-down crown, this watch offers security and peace of mind. With a case size of 41mm, it strikes the perfect balance between classic elegance and modern style. Elevate your MRI safe watch game with the Tudor Black Bay, a true statement piece.

Price

Pricing for the Tudor Black Bay begins at $4541.25 (Up to $10,499).

Most analog and mechanical watches aren’t MRI-safe, but there are specially designed models to withstand strong magnetic fields present in MRI rooms.

17. TUDOR Black Bay Ceramic

Introducing the Tudor Black Bay in Ceramic, a sleek and MRI-safe timepiece crafted for the modern adventurer. Featuring a striking black dial with luminous black hands, this watch offers unparalleled legibility in any lighting condition.

Encased in durable black ceramic and paired with a hybrid leather and rubber band, it combines luxury with rugged functionality for a truly versatile look.

Powered by an automatic movement, the Tudor Black Bay ensures precise timekeeping wherever your adventures take you.

With a water resistance of 200 meters (660 feet), it’s suitable for both professional diving and everyday wear. The uni-directional rotating bezel adds a touch of practicality, while the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and transparent caseback provide added durability and insight into the watch’s inner workings.

Equipped with a fold-over clasp and screw-down crown, this watch offers security and peace of mind during wear. With a case size of 41mm, it strikes the perfect balance between boldness and sophistication. Upgrade your wrist game with the Tudor Black Bay, a statement piece that’s as stylish as it is MRI-safe.

Price

Pricing for the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic begins at $4336.01 (Up to $5495.00).

18. Garmin forerunner 220

The Garmin Forerunner 220 is a reliable and MRI-safe GPS running watch designed to be your colorful running companion with connectivity features. Its high-resolution color display provides easy-to-read data on distance, pace, and heart rate, helping you stay informed and motivated during your runs and in the MRI suite.

Built-in accelerometer tracks your metrics accurately, even when GPS is unavailable, ensuring precise tracking whether you’re indoors or outdoors. Connected features include automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking, and social media sharing, allowing you to share your achievements with friends and fans in real-time.

Like having a coach on your wrist, the Forerunner 220 provides constant feedback and records all your stats, helping you focus on your run and achieve your goals. Set up alerts for heart rate, pace, or run/walk intervals to stay in your desired range, and receive post-run summaries to track your progress. With vibration and audible alerts, customizable prompts keep you informed throughout your run.

The Forerunner 220 is easy to use, featuring simple button operations and a comfortable hinged wristband suitable for any size wrist. It automatically uploads your data to Garmin Connect via the Garmin Connect Mobile app, allowing you to review your performance and share it with others. Live tracking lets your friends and fans follow along in real-time, while free training plans from Garmin Connect provide personalized coaching as you run. Stay connected, motivated, and informed with the Garmin Forerunner 220.

Price

Pricing For the Garmin Forerunner 220 begins at $199.99 (Up to $229.99).

19. Oura Ring Fitness Tracker

The Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon is a revolutionary smart ring that discreetly tracks your sleep, activity, stress, heart rate, and more. Oura Ring offers unparalleled accuracy, with research-grade sensors monitoring over 20 biometrics to provide precise health data and insights. Seamlessly sync with your favorite apps, including iOS and Android, and integrate with over 40 apps such as Apple Health, Google Health Connect, Strava, and more.

Made of titanium and water-resistant, the Oura Ring is built to last and can be worn anywhere, from workouts to nights out. Its lightweight design and non-allergenic properties ensure comfort throughout the day. With up to 7 days of battery life, the Oura Ring provides continuous monitoring without interruption.

It is worth noting a subscription is required to enable personalized health data, insights, and guidance. New members enjoy the first month free, followed by a subscription of $5.99 per month. Oura Ring is FSA/HSA eligible, allowing you to use funds for the purchase of the ring, additional chargers, and shipping. Prior to purchasing, ensure the perfect fit with the Oura Ring Sizing Kit, available on Amazon, and receive a $10 credit towards your Gen3 Oura Ring or charger.

Price

Pricing for the Oura Ring Tracker begins at $299.99 (Up to $449.00).

20. Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive

The Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive is an iconic timepiece designed for adventurers venturing to the deepest depths. Crafted with advanced functions and ISO 6425 certification, this quartz/solar diver watch ensures reliability and durability in any environment. The silver-tone stainless steel construction is complemented by luminous hands and markers, anti-reflective mineral crystal, and a unidirectional aluminum bezel for enhanced visibility and functionality.

Powered by Eco-Drive technology, this watch harnesses light energy, eliminating the need for battery replacements. With 200 meters water resistance and a 5-year limited warranty, it is built to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration.

The superluminova BGW9 blue lume provides exceptional visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in the dark.

Comfortable to wear and thoughtfully designed, the Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive features a sleek profile that easily fits under shirt sleeves. While the provided plastic band may feel low-grade, the overall craftsmanship and durability of the watch make it a reliable companion for both water and land activities.

This timepiece offers excellent value for its price point, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a basic yet dependable dive watch that is MRI safe.

It’s worth mentioning that there have been reports of reduced battery performance for this specific model after prolonged intermittent exposure to a 3T MRI environment. However, all feedback has been consistently positive when used in magnetic fields of 1.5T or lower.

Price

Pricing for the Citizen Eco-Drive begins at $192.73 (Up to $399.99).

Top MRI-Safe Watches by Category

Best MRI Safe Luxury Watches

  1. Omega Seamaster 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer 42mm
  2. Omega Aqua Terra
  3. Rolex Milgauss
  4. Tudor Black Bay Watch
  5. TUDOR Black Bay- Ceramic

Best Women’s MRI Safe Watch

  1. Casio Baby-G

Top MRI Safe Watch Under $25

  1. Casio Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black

Best MRI Safe Watches Under $100

  1. Casio G-Shock
  2. Fitbit Inspire 2
  3. Garmin Vivosmart 4

Top 5 MRI Safe Watches Under $200

  1. Garmin Instinct
  2. Fitbit Versa 2
  3. Fitbit Charge 2
  4. Fitbit Charge 4
  5. Fitbit Alta HR

Best MRI Safe Watches Under $500

  1. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro
  2. Garmin Vivoactive 5

Which Watches are Not MRI Safe?

The watches listed below are strictly prohibited from entering the MRI scan room (MRI zone 4). This decision stems from a possible failure of these watch models in functionality and reliability tests conducted in high magnetic environments (Up to 3 Tesla), or reported issues from members of our community.

List of Watches Not Allowed in MRI Scan Rooms

It is important to note, placement on this list does not speak to their quality outside of the MRI magnetic environment. On the contrary, we believe the watches listed below are some of the top-rated, industry-leading watches (which is why they are listed here), however, they fail to meet the unique and strict requirements demanded by MRI settings.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch (permanent damage to watch)
  • Apple Watch 5 (reversed polarity)
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 (permanent damage to watch)
  • Apple Watch Series 9 (permanent damage to watch)
  • Apple Watch Series 6 (permanent damage to watch)
  • Fitbit Versa 3 (reversed polarity)
  • Newer model smartwatches with magnetic charger are generally negatively affected by strong magnetic fields.

Bringing these specific models near an MRI machine may result in permanent damage to smartwatch software, features or may reverse polarity in charging device. As a result, it is strongly advised to avoid taking them near strong magnetic fields.

Key Takeaways

The most popular MRI-safe watch brands are Garmin, Casio, Omega, Fitbit and Rolex, although MRI compatibility varies by model.

Watches with a magnetic charging design, such as those from Samsung and Apple, are generally incompatible with the strong magnet. Additionally, analog mechanical watch movements are typically not compatible with MRI. However, specialty options are available for use near strong magnetic fields.

MRI Safe Watch FAQ

Can I wear an Apple watch in an MRI?

No. Unfortunately, wearing an Apple Watch in an MRI environment is not advisable. The strong magnetic fields found within MRI scan rooms can potentially cause permanent damage to the watch hardware. Additionally, there have been reports of the magnetic charger’s polarity being flipped due to the magnetic field. As a result, we cannot recommend the use of the Apple Watch as a safe option for MRI environments.

Is the Fitbit MRI safe?

Yes, the Fitbit remains one of the most popular choices for MRI-safe watches. However, it’s important to note that MRI compatibility may vary by model. Generally, the Fitbit Versa 2, Charge 2, Charge 4, Alta HR, and Inspire 2 are reported to operate without issue in MRI environments. For specific details on MRI compatibility, please refer to the list provided above.

Is stainless steel safe in an MRI?

Yes, stainless steel watches are typically safe to wear in an MRI environment. Since stainless steel is non-magnetic, it is unlikely to be affected by the magnetic fields generated during the MRI scan. However, it’s crucial to verify the specific MRI compatibility of the watch model with the manufacturer or the MRI facility to ensure safe usage.

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