Garmin Elevate 5 optical HRM Sensor
Garmin’s ELEVATE-branded optical heart rate monitor has gradually improved its capabilities through various iterations in recent years.
We have witnessed the support for optical HR (oHR) during swimming, the inclusion of resting HRV calculations, the implementation of 24×7 per-second recording, and the addition of blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring.
At first glance, one might assume that the technology has reached its limits. It could certainly become slightly more accurate or save a bit more energy, and perhaps one day we could even obtain HRV data during exercise. But is that all there is to it?
Well, no. These wrist-based optical sensors are set to enhance their capabilities in the years to come. While Garmin may never be at the forefront of the latest groundbreaking advancements in wrist sensor technology, it will remain competitive.
We are on the brink of witnessing a wide array of new metrics being measured from the wrist and incorporated into a single LED (or laser) sensing unit, such as lactate, blood pressure, electrolytes, creatinine, hydration, blood glucose, and more. However, we are tantalisingly close to this point, but the market hasn’t quite caught up, and Garmin certainly hasn’t either. Garmin is still playing catch-up to some extent, and that is precisely what the ELEVATE GEN 5 embodies, which is scheduled for release within a month—a catch-up effort. Let’s go through what we know.
Next Gen Sports Sensors for 2023 and beyond – Lactate, blood pressure, hydration, creatinine
New Hardware – new Elevate
The new ELEVATE Gen 5 model sits wider on your skin than before.
Most strikingly, however, it features six green LEDs, four receptors, two orange LEDs, and an electrical isolation ring surrounding it. However, look closer and you will also see four silver areas adjacent to each of the four sides of the main LED module. We’ll revisit all these points shortly.
Note also that the Start/Stop button retains its appearance from the previous version. However, if you examine competitors’ smartwatches, you will find that this type of button construction supports ECG/EKG functionality.
Elevate 5.0 has Skin Temperature Measurement.
Skin temperature is a health and sleep metric that can, for example, aid in the detection of sleep stages, ovulation cycles, and illness. So don’t expect to be wowed by knowing your skin temperature but DO expect to see improvements to the accuracy of Garmin health and wellness insights.
.
Skin temperature serves different purposes than core temperature, with the latter being more relevant to athletes during a performance. Athletes seek assistance in acclimating to higher-temperature environments and may desire insights into core temperature to prevent overheating, dehydration, and suboptimal performance. However, I am sceptical that such insights will be available from the beginning with Elevate 5.
Skin temperature sensors can be used in conjunction with sophisticated algorithms to determine core body temperature accurately. These algorithms can improve their accuracy by incorporating HR data from a chest strap. They can be scientifically validated to measure core body temperature with a precision of within 0.1 °C to 0.2 °C, such as the GreenTEG Core.
It’s worth noting that the silver area, which is mentioned earlier, does not necessarily need to be made of metal to possess temperature measurement capabilities.
Will Elevate 5 deliver More Accuracy?
A: Yes, there are modest improvements reported (edit: and that I experience in my testing)
Previously, issues with hairy skin, darker skin, and motion artefacts have caused accuracy problems with Garmin sensors. However, they can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint as they are specific to individual users and their exercise habits.
More LEDs should be able to create more data points, which can then be cross-validated to eliminate the bad ones and improve accuracy. At least that’s the theory; the reality will come down to how well Garmin implements its algorithms, and it’s not always had the best record in that department.
One interesting and very plausible suggestion from the suggestions below is that Garmin will fire up 2 or 4 of the six green LEDs during workouts for maximum accuracy, but only rely on 2 LEDs for the 24×7 HR monitoring. I like that idea but has Garmin already considered it?
Will Elevate 5 need more power?
a: No, probably not.
Despite the increased use of LEDs implying a significant power consumption, there will be efficiencies elsewhere that will almost certainly reduce the overall energy requirements. For example, some components within the watch can be merged into one, resulting in energy savings.
Will Elevate 5 be an ECG?
A: Yes, it’s been confirmed as an on-demand ECG
Garmin has already released an ECG on a Venu 2 Plus earlier this year, following years of research and approval/patent processes. The new Elevate sensor will support ECG, although not at launch and pending FDA clearance.
Will Elevate 5 support Afib?
a: Yes, Garmin’s ECG app supports the on-demand detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or normal sinus rhythm
Will Elevate 5 support SpO2
A: Yes, v4 already does.
Garmin ECG now Live – Possibly Garmin’s most boring-ever January product announcement
Is Elevate 5 also a GSR?
A: Probably not. But this would be the most interesting addition to a Garmin watch.
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors, also known as Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensors, made their debut in Consumer Wearables in 2014. They are devices used to measure the electrical conductivity of the skin. GSR sensors are commonly used in fields such as psychology and neuroscience to evaluate an individual’s physiological response to various stimuli. They operate based on the principle that the skin’s electrical conductivity alters when a person experiences emotional or physiological changes. These changes primarily stem from the activity of sweat glands, which are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. While GSR sensors do not directly measure HRV/ANS changes, such data could serve as input for recovery/readiness algorithms, enhancing their accuracy.
Will Garmin try a new sensor technology (GSR) on a new sensor package on its most important watches? A: Garmin is quite a conservative company, so probably not.
Take Out
Garmin’s latest ELEVATE Gen 5 optical heart rate monitor (oHRM) sensor represents another step for the company’s wrist sensor technology. With improvements such as ECG & skin temperature measurement, the Gen 5 sensor should offer enhanced accuracy and valuable insights for users. Supported by clever algorithms and potential integration with HR data from a chest strap, this oHRM sensor demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to staying competitive and delivering comprehensive health information. While supporting features like ECG, the Gen 5 sensor may not include Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) capabilities. Nonetheless, it sets the stage for future advancements in wrist-based metrics and solidifies Garmin’s position as a leader in sports and wellness.
Expect to see it within a month on the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro series.
all the details – new Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, new Elevate, new features, new Epix Pro
More New Features Inbound
Garmin Epix PRO and Fenix 7 PRO Pricing & Model Options Confirmed
Garmin ANT+ Profile Changes in advanced beta – this means new features SOON
Garmin Fenix/Epix – new PRO Models Get Improved displays and improved flashlight
Last Updated on 27 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee ❤️
All articles are written by real people, fact-checked, and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
This new sensor looks like the old one, with 4 new LEDs added. I think all 6 LEDs only work during activity to improve accuracy. And only two “old” LEDs will work to measure the pulse 24/7.
Also, I think the new silver areas are designed to measure sweat, because probably we don’t need such a large area to measure temperature.
I’ll bet my trousers, that it’s ECG contact pad. But it seems that they are four separate pads, so maybe it could measure more things like you wrote. We will know more soon.
ty
the 6/4LED comment makes good sense…we shall soon find out !!
I’m pretty sure it will be for skin temp as a minimum. GSR/sweat too…let’s hope so
I don’t understand who is making product decisions in Garmin. First they release FR955, then 9 months later they release its successor 965 (while 955 has still a lot of unresolved issues/bugs). And then in another 3 or so months they release Epix2 Pro models with *NEW* optical HR sensor. If they were little bit more organised, they should have waited for few more months with 965 release and give it the new OHR sensor. Also this could make the release of 965 less painful for lot of 955 users, since it would be delayed few months (at least 12 months after 955). And yes, unfortunately I have bought 955 when it launched.
the answer to Garmin’s incompetencies likes in its bottom line
(the profit line)
I agree – I think they should announce new watches together, now some people (my self included) rush out and buy the 965 and expect that it will be the latest Garmin for a while, and then they release a new pro version .
I was tempted to get the 965 but noticed that none of the latest hardware features were included… it’s really odd for a version bump.
It will be interesting to see if the F7 pro will include some or all of those new features. Will it impact the 965 price since it would look like a previous generation watch.
I wonder if the 4 silver areas might also be for magnetic charging?
Separately, what do you make of the leaked spec sheet showing ‘Power Sapphire’ for epix 2 Pro?
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Garmin-Epix-2-Pro-and-Fenix-7-Pro-series-European-prices-leak-alongside-release-date.719605.0.html
i was going to say ‘typo’but it’s on their source info.
i though epix was solar-free. i could be wrong.
yes, the 4 areas could be multi-purpose including for QI
Hi, how do you finding this article after Fenix 7 pro was released? Do you still believe that there is ECG / skin temperature sensor included in V5?
i believe there are elements of the sensor mechanism in the f7.
as you see from elevate v6 and venu 2+, garmin considers different sensor elements
Great article. How can I determine which heart rate monitor hardware is used in a given watch? Every time I click on a specification for a watch model they only list the wrist heart rate monitor hardware as being “Garmin Elevate™ wrist heart rate monitor.” They don’t specify the version of Elevate. I called the Garmin customer support and they told me that the information I was requesting was not available to the public.
hey Nat
there will be a document somewhere that someone has compiled but I don’t have it.
Gen 5 is only on watches made from this year from Epix Pro and F7 Pro onwards (there probably will be the odd exception to new watches in 2023/24)
Gen 4 was from 2021 when it first started on venu 2 and 945LTE
you can tell by looking at the pictures of the rear as the sensors are visually different