Products Reviewed:
Best Overall: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
Best Splurge: Garmin Premium Heart Rate Strap
Best Budget: Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate
Best for Exercise: Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband
Best for Accuracy: KardiaMobile Personal EKG Monitor
If you’re even a little into fitness, there’s a good chance you want to keep track of how you’re doing. And among the various metrics you want to track, heart rate is probably on top of your list. Fact is that it makes perfect sense to own a reliable heart rate monitor these days just because of how affordable and convenient they are, and the plethora of valuable insights they provide.
In this blog post, we unveil our list of the top five heart rate monitors. We have carefully analyzed various models, considering factors such as accuracy, functionality, comfort, and overall user experience. These aren’t subjective picks. All of these heart rate monitors have proven their mettle and garnered a strong base of happy customers among fitness enthusiasts as well as regular people.
But why is monitoring your heart rate so crucial? Your heart rate serves as a powerful measure of your cardiovascular well-being and overall fitness level. Monitoring your heart rate enables you to assess the intensity of your workouts, evaluate your progress over time, and even identify potential health risks.
Utilizing a heart rate monitor gives you immediate access to insights about your heart’s performance, which empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your training, recuperation, and general wellness.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone just starting their fitness journey, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect heart rate monitor to elevate your training and keep your heart in check.
How do we choose the best heart rate monitors?
Before moving on to the best heart rate monitors, it is crucial to consider key factors contributing to selecting the best option from the market. By understanding these factors, you can ensure that your choice aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
- Accuracy: Look for a heart rate monitor that provides accurate and consistent measurements. Optical heart-rate sensors provide adequate accuracy for most users, while chest strap monitors tend to be more precise.
- Compatibility with Your Devices: Make sure the heart rate monitor is compatible with the devices you use, including smartphones, tablets, or fitness trackers. Check the product specifications for compatibility information.
- Heart Rate Monitoring Features: Consider monitors that automatically track rest, exercise, and recovery heart rates, as well as those that offer heart rate zone training programs.
- Activity Tracking Capabilities: Heart rate monitors that track physical activities such as steps, distance, and calories burned provide additional fitness insights.
- Comfort and Fit: Choose a heart rate monitor that feels comfortable and secure on your body, whether it’s a chest strap or a wristband.
- Battery Life: Look for a monitor with a long-lasting battery that charges quickly and can track your activities for extended periods.
- Connectivity Options: Opt for heart rate monitors with Bluetooth and/or ANT+ connectivity for seamless syncing with your devices.
- Data Storage and Syncing: Heart rate monitors that store workout data and sync them to your devices help you analyze your progress over time.
- User Interface and Ease of Use: Select a heart rate monitor with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate menus.
- Price and Value for Money: Compare different product features against their price, and select the one that offers the best value for your budget.
Now that you have gained an understanding of heart rate monitors and the criteria for selecting the right one, it’s time to explore our meticulously curated list of the finest heart rate monitors of 2023.
Best for Accuracy
KardiaMobile 6-Lead Personal EKG Monitor
Why we love it
KardiaMobile Personal EKG Monitor is an exceptional device designed for those seeking unparalleled accuracy in monitoring their heart health. Recommended by medical professionals, the KardiaMobile 6L holds the distinction of being the world’s only FDA-cleared six-lead personal EKG monitor.
Within a brief span of 30 seconds, this remarkable monitor records a medical-grade, six-lead EKG that even professionals trust. Its FDA-cleared determinations of heart rhythm demonstrate its outstanding dependability, setting it apart from traditional monitors.
The KardiaMobile 6L goes beyond the expected by offering a comprehensive overview of your heart’s well-being, thanks to its six leads. This capability empowers users to detect up to six common arrhythmias, covering concerns such as AFib. Conveniently integrated with your smartphone, this groundbreaking device ensures accessibility and ease of use.
Its unique features and capabilities make it a top choice for individuals with specific health concerns, heart condition patients, and anyone in need of accurate results. Plus, with the reassurance of top-quality heart health monitoring, the KardiaMobile 6L proves its value by providing peace of mind.
What you should know
KardiaMobile Personal EKG Monitor being a groundbreaking device, offers a top-notch user experience with its seamless integration into popular smartphones and tablets. To unlock its full potential, all you need is to download the user-friendly Kardia app on your compatible device; doing so is as simple as can be. This well-designed app enables you to harness the monitor’s myriad capabilities, all at your fingertips.
What sets the KardiaMobile Personal EKG Monitor apart from the competition is its ability to deliver highly accurate and detailed six-lead EKG results without requiring any additional subscription. This powerful feature holds immense value for those needing consistent and precise monitoring for common heart conditions such as Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, and Normal Sinus Rhythm.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that the KardiaMobile 6L does not provide heart attack detection. Despite this limitation, the device remains highly beneficial for its primary purpose: accessible and accurate heart rhythm monitoring.
In summary, the KardiaMobile Personal EKG Monitor stands as a stellar option for those who value accuracy and comprehensiveness in monitoring their heart health. Its innovative features, trusted by medical professionals and offering a convenient experience, make this device an excellent choice for potential buyers seeking reliable, detailed information about their heart’s condition.
Best for Exercise
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband, Bluetooth, ANT+
Why we love it
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband is a pinnacle exercise partner for fitness enthusiasts and avid gym-goers alike. Its capabilities far surpass ordinary heart rate trackers, making it an essential addition to your workout gear.
The TICKR FIT excels in providing real-time tracking of your heart rate, calorie consumption, and workout duration through the user-friendly Wahoo Fitness app. As someone who enjoys staying active and values performance data, the reliability and accuracy of the TICKR FIT elevate it to a must-have accessory.
One of the standout features of this armband is its dual-band technology. Equipped with both ANT+ and Bluetooth, the TICKR FIT possesses premium wireless technology that seamlessly connects to smartphones and GPS devices, ensuring a versatile and hassle-free experience.
What you should know
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband is a revolutionary device that caters to all your heart rate monitoring needs, ensuring you achieve maximum efficiency during your workouts.
Get ready to experience the ideal fit. The brilliant minds behind the TICKR FIT have incorporated advanced performance material into the strap, so you can chase those personal bests without any discomfort or worries about slippage, even during the most vigorous of exercises.
What makes the Wahoo TICKR FIT truly impressive is its incorporation of the visible LED light. This ingenious feature simplifies the armband’s setup process, ensuring a reliable connection and accurate heart rate readings every time.
The fun doesn’t stop there; say goodbye to app constraints! TICKR FIT readily syncs not only with the Wohoo app but also with your favorite third-party fitness apps, opening up a world of endless possibilities.
Despite the multitude of benefits, some individuals may find the armband design to be less preferable compared to traditional chest straps. However, the TICKR FIT heart rate armband more than makes up for it, offering exceptional comfort and functionality through its sleek and lightweight design.
In short, the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband is an impressive tool that will undoubtedly boost your fitness routine, providing valuable insights into your performance metrics. Its unique features and accurate heart-rate data tracking make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their physical well-being.
Best Budget
Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Sleep Monitor
Why we love it
Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate is the ultimate budget-friendly solution for your fitness journey. Featuring a sleek 1.47″ HD-color full touch screen, this fitness tracker does more than just look good on your wrist. Its curved design offers an intuitive and visually striking user experience that sets it apart from the competition.
With over 150 watch face options and the ability to customize using your own photos, you can effortlessly match your style for every occasion. The Smart Watch Fitness Tracker is not only fashionable but also boasts an ultra-long battery life of up to 7 days of heavy use or 10 days of daily use.
Worry-free activities are now a reality, thanks to its IPX8 waterproof protection. Never miss a beat while monitoring your health metrics in real-time, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. The detailed insights offered will make you feel like an expert in your own health and wellness journey.
What you should know
Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate is a stylish smartwatch that offers unparalleled value, neatly packaged in a sleek design suited for any occasion.
Awaken each morning feeling refreshed as the watch analyzes your sleep patterns and provides insights into your slumber. Delve into a diverse range of activities with its 100 sports modes, giving you more reasons to stay active. Glance at advanced workout metrics, which make tracking your progress an absolute breeze.
Stay connected to the world with real-time notifications for incoming calls and messages, and easily navigate your busy life with clever life assistant features. Employ the watch’s drinking water and sedentary reminders to stay on top of your health while reaping the benefits of its menstrual cycle reminders, remote camera control, music control, and more.
Show off your new Smart Watch Fitness Tracker in any weather, thanks to its real-time weather display functionality, and enjoy the convenience of its timer and do-not-disturb mode. Compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, its comfortable adjustable strap ensures a secure fit, guaranteeing satisfaction for any wearer.
If budget is a key concern, the Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate is an excellent choice for those looking to get started in the world of fitness tracking without breaking the bank. Its impressive features and capabilities prove that affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or style. However, experienced users may find it somewhat basic compared to higher-end alternatives.
Putting it simply, the Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate is an irresistible blend of style, functionality, and affordability that will surely be a hit among budget-conscious individuals and beginners alike. Experience for yourself why this fitness tracker is the best budget option on the market today.
Best Splurge
Garmin 010-12955-00 HRM-PRO, Premium Heart Rate Strap, Real-Time Heart Rate Data and Running Dynamics
Why we love it
For those who seek excellence in their athletic performance, the Garmin Premium Heart Rate Strap is a dream come true. This high-end heart rate monitor is a top choice for dedicated fitness enthusiasts craving unparalleled accuracy and dependability.
Utilizing advanced ANT technology and BLUETOOTH Low Energy, real-time heart rate data is relayed seamlessly to your Garmin devices, compatible gym equipment, and famous training apps like Zwift. This invaluable connectivity ensures peak performance and precise monitoring every step of the way.
Beyond tracking your heart rate, this Garmin HRM Pro Strap offers deep-dive analytics into your running dynamics. Aspire for perfection with insights into vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, and vertical ratio. Upgrade your training with informed decisions, all thanks to this indispensable training tool.
What you should know
Garmin Premium Heart Rate Strap boasts seamless heart rate monitoring. What sets it apart from others is its ability to store heart rate data during activities such as swimming or when out of range from your Garmin watch, syncing the data as soon as you’re back in range. This ensures you’ll never miss a beat during your workouts.
Apart from heart rate, the strap adeptly tracks steps, calories, and intensity minutes, storing this valuable data until it can sync with your compatible Garmin watch. This feature-rich strap aids you in pushing your limits and elevating your training to reach new heights of success.
Comfort is key, and the Garmin Premium Heart Rate Strap excels in this department. Its slim design and snug fit make it a pleasure to wear, even during the most intense training sessions. Be it a quick jog, a HIIT workout, or a long swim, this strap stays put without chafing or discomfort.
Worried about battery life? Fret not! The strap boasts an advanced battery life that effortlessly keeps up with your demanding fitness routines, eliminating the need for frequent recharging.
Though the price tag may be steep, the long-lasting benefits and superior quality make it a sound investment for serious athletes. Don’t compromise on the power to unleash your full potential with Garmin Premium Heart Rate Strap.
Best Overall
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap – ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women
Why we love it
Introducing the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor, the undisputed champion in the world of fitness trackers. With unrivaled accuracy and seamless compatibility, it effortlessly adapts to every need of fitness enthusiasts, athletes, or anyone in pursuit of a reliable heart rate solution.
Imagine sliding into your rowing machine, hopping on a bike, or hitting the trails with the knowledge that your heart rate is being tracked by the same monitor trusted by professional athletes. The Polar H10’s supreme accuracy has solidified its position as the go-to heart rate sensor in the industry.
Step into your gym, and witness the magic of compatibility as the Polar H10 flawlessly connects with a variety of sports and smartwatches, fitness apps like Strava and Nike, and all HRM-compatible cardio equipment.
The multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, ANT+, and 5 kHz, allow you to link to several devices at once, making this heart rate monitor a master of adaptability.
Comfort is paramount with the Polar Pro Chest Strap. Designed for absolute flexibility and interference-free readings, you’ll be able to wear it across a host of activities, from indoor training to swimming. The chest strap monitor ensures consistent readings, making it an essential companion in your fitness journey.
What you should know
Experience seamless connectivity as the Polar H10 flawlessly operates in temperatures ranging from -10 °C to +50 °C (-14 °F to 122 °F). Compatibility won’t be an issue, as it pairs effortlessly with iOS mobile devices (iPhone 5 and later, with iOS 11 or later) and Android mobile devices with Bluetooth 4.0 capability and Android 5.0 or later.
Built to endure even the most demanding workouts, the Polar H10’s robust construction is fully waterproof, allowing you to track your heart rate during swimming sessions. Never worry about losing valuable data, as its internal memory stores information from one training session.
Moreover, being the best heart rate monitor, the Polar H10 chest strap heart rate monitor is not only reliable and versatile but also enhances your fitness tracking to new heights. While no product is perfect, the Polar H10 offers a balance of features and capabilities that cater to a wide range of fitness goals.
If there were any minor drawbacks, it’s the learning curve that comes with mastering the extensive functionality and compatibility. However, once you’ve acquainted yourself with this gem, there is no turning back.
Uplift your fitness game with the truly remarkable Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor. Experience the perfect blend of precision, versatility, and comfort while making an informed decision in your pursuit of excellence.
Best Heart Rate Monitors: Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s our comprehensive FAQ section on the best heart rate monitors, designed to address any questions you may still have:
Which heart rate monitor has the best battery life?
All heart rate monitors presented in the list above have a decent battery life but the Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate from the Best Budget category shines on paper with its 7-days battery life.
Do I need a chest strap or a basic heart rate monitor?
Whether you need a chest strap or a basic heart rate monitor depends on your specific fitness needs and preferences. A chest strap is recommended if you desire accurate and precise heart rate monitoring during your workouts. It provides a secure fit and is known for its reliability in tracking heart rate. On the other hand, a basic heart rate monitor, such as those found in fitness trackers or smartwatches, can also provide valuable heart rate data without the need for a chest strap. These monitors utilize optical sensors to measure heart rate from your wrist, offering convenience and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between a chest strap and a basic heart rate monitor depends on the level of accuracy and comfort you require for your fitness tracking.
What are the 4 types of blood flow?
- Arterial flow
- Venous flow
- Capillary flow
- Portal flow
Are chest straps worth it?
Yes, chest straps are worth it as they accurately track heart rate. Chest straps are known for their precise heart rate measurements, making them a preferred choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They provide reliable data during various activities, including high-intensity workouts. Additionally, chest straps are compatible with a wide range of third-party apps and fitness devices, allowing seamless integration with your preferred tracking platform. Having said that, most chest straps will primarily monitor only your heart rate, which results in better accuracy.
Do optical heart rate monitors come with a rechargeable battery?
Yes, optical heart rate monitors often come with a rechargeable battery for convenient and sustainable use. They offer a whole lot of other long-term benefits, which demonstrates that your heart rate monitors money will prove to be well spent.
What is the cheapest way to measure your heart rate?
The cheapest way to measure your heart rate is by using a basic heart rate monitor. These devices typically come in the form of chest straps or wristbands and offer a cost-effective solution for tracking your heart rate during exercise or daily activities. While they may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, basic heart rate monitors provide accurate heart rate measurements at an affordable price point. Additionally, smartphone apps equipped with optical heart rate monitoring capabilities can also serve as a budget-friendly alternative for monitoring your heart rate.
What are the two main types of heart rate monitors?
The two main types of heart rate monitors are electrical and optical. Electrical heart rate monitors, such as chest straps, use electrodes to measure the electrical signals produced by your heart. These signals are then used to calculate your heart rate. Optical heart rate monitors, on the other hand, utilize light sensors to measure changes in blood flow under the skin. These sensors detect the pulsations of blood vessels and convert them into heart rate readings. Both types have their advantages and may be preferred based on individual preferences and intended use.
What is ECG vs heart rate monitor?
ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart to assess its health and detect abnormalities. It provides detailed information about the heart’s rhythm and electrical patterns. On the other hand, a heart rate monitor is a device used to measure and display the heart rate, which represents the number of heartbeats per minute. While ECG focuses on the overall electrical activity of the heart, a heart rate monitor specifically tracks the heart rate for monitoring purposes during activities or daily life.