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Best heart rate monitors of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or changing your diet.
If fitness is part of your everyday life, it's likely that you have some goals that you're trying to achieve. One helpful tool in taking steps forward in reaching that goal, is a heart rate monitor.
While heart rate monitors are good for tracking resting and active heart rates, they are also useful when trying to monitor stress and activity levels throughout the day. You can also keep an eye on how well you are sleeping at night. All of this can ensure you're staying in top form and crushing workouts daily.
How we chose the best heart rate monitors
As someone who's been around the block in the endurance athlete world, I've tried my fair share of heart rate monitors from all the big names. I've got the inside scoop on their functionality and a good understanding of which ones work best for different workouts.
To be sure I was identifying the very best ones for you, I also did a lot of research, digging deep into user reviews and taking a good look at quality, comfort, price, reliability, durability, battery life, style, and the brands' reputation. So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out your fitness journey, we've got something here to match your preferences and keep you on track.
Top heart rate monitors
- Best overall heart rate monitor: Polar H10
- Best heart rate monitor for running: Garmin HRM-Pro
- Best heart rate monitor for multisports: GarminHRM-Tri
- Best armband heart rate monitor: Wahoo Tickr Fit
- Best budget-friendly heart rate monitor: Polar H9
Best overall heart rate monitor: Polar H10
- Internal memory for a full training session
- Waterproof up to 30 meters
- Available in two colors and two sizes
About the Polar H10
Polar has become one of the most widely-used and well-respected brands in the world of fitness products and accessories. The Polar H10 heart rate monitor continually finds itself on “best of” lists thanks to its comfort, accuracy, and overall awesome functionality. The actual heart rate monitor snaps onto a well-designed chest strap featuring non-slip silicone spots to ensure the sensor never loses grip, a firm flat-lying buckle and a soft textile strap.
When it comes to accuracy, the Polar H10 impresses by using EKG technology to measure precise heart rate even during intense workout sessions. Users appreciate the notable 400-hour battery life, which roughly translates to 100 weeks of training one-hour sessions up to four times per week. What’s more, this reliable heart rate monitor for fitness junkies is deemed waterproof for up to 30 meters making it especially attractive to those who plan on swimming.
The Polar H10 comes equipped with connectivity via ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing users to wirelessly sync with top third-party fitness apps, watches and popular equipment such as Peloton and Zwift. Designed with athletes in mind, this reliable monitor is engineered to suit people of all sizes and personal preferences.
Why we like it
- Connectivity
- Comfortable
- Reliable and accurate
What to consider
- The compatible Polar app, Polar Beat, may be glitchy
- Some reports of inaccurate readings when in water
- Not as many features as higher-end heart rate monitors
Best heart rate monitors for running: Garmin HRM-Pro
About Garmin HRM-Pro
Garmin has made quite a reputation in the running community for its dependability, accuracy, functionality, and user-friendly GPS watches and accessories. As one of its higher-end models of heart rate monitors, the HRM-Pro lives up to the hype, upholding the performance and quality standards true to the Garmin name.
What sets it apart from the majority of heart rate monitors is that, in addition to heart rate tracking, running pace and distance, the HRM Pro assesses key running dynamics with metrics on vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, vertical ratio and more. For seasoned runners, this data offers insights into the quality and consistency of your running form. Here is the catch: you must own a compatible Garmin device to unlock these features.
Now, not all is lost if you don’t have one. This heart rate strap uses both ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy technology, allowing for real-time data transmission to not only Garmin devices but also to popular online training apps and compatible fitness equipment such as treadmills. Plus, it can store heart rate data even when your watch or device is out of range and sync the information later.
Why we like it
- Also tracks steps, all-day heart rate and calories
- Stores data to transfer later
- Integrates with popular running and fitness apps and equipment
What to consider
- One of the pricier heart rate monitors
- Only available in one size
- Some features only available with compatible Garmin devices
Best multisport heart rate monitor: Garmin HRM-Tri
- Heart rate data in three disciplines: swimming, biking and running
- Garmin’s smallest and lightest heart rate monitor
- Stores up to 20 hours of heart rate data on swims and provides detailed running dynamics.
About the Garmin HRM-Tri
Specifically designed for triathletes, the Garmin HRM-Tri is an ideal choice for multisport athletes. As Garmin’s top-tier heart rate monitor, it comes with a slightly higher price tag, but it packs a punch with a range of features. What sets it apart from some of its predecessors is its ability to store and transmit heart rate data in three disciplines: swimming, biking and running.
This advanced chest strap is Garmin’s lightest and smallest, featuring a monitoring module that fits within the width of the soft strap. It is specifically designed for outdoor swims rather than laps in a pool, which is something to be aware of if you plan to use it for swim training. That said, it provides detailed running dynamics as well as cycling metrics with compatible Garmin devices, which is often the information that my fellow triathletes look for to track performance.
The main drawback of the HRM-Tri is that it only has ANT+ connectivity and not Bluetooth. Bluetooth monitors tend to be larger.
Why we like it
- Works very well on outdoor swims
- Specifically designed for multisport athletes
- Provides in-depth running analytics
What to consider
- It is expensive
- There’s no Bluetooth
- Reportedly does not work well in pools
Best armband heart rate monitor: Wahoo Tickr Fit
- Ant+ and Bluetooth connectivity
- LED light for visible connection
- Connects with over 50 popular fitness apps
About Wahoo Tickr Fit
The Tickr Fit heart rate armband is a great option for those who find chest straps uncomfortable. Using advanced optical heart rate technology, it provides accurate heart rate and calorie burn data reported to be more precise than most wristband monitors.
Worn on the forearm with an adjustable band, it's designed to stay in place even during your most intense workout session. There is an LED light that shows its connection status, so you never have to guess if you are connected. While the majority of users find the band comfortable, there are a few who commented that it can be annoying if you’re wearing long sleeves.
The Tickr Fit features water-resistant technology and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 hours, making this armband a reliable fitness tool for anyone on the hunt for an armband heart rate monitor.
Why we like it
- Comfortable
- Syncs with over 50 fitness apps
- Users report the heart rate data recorded is very accurate
What to consider
- Reports of it being less than comfortable when wearing long sleeves
- Some found it difficult to adjust the band when wearing it
- Can be tricky to get on as you can only use one hand
Best budget-friendly heart rate monitor: Polar H9
- ANT+, Bluetooth and 5kHz connectivity
- 400 hours of battery life
- ECG heart rate monitoring technology
About the Polar H9
This wallet-friendly monitor boasts some standout features, including ECG heart rate monitoring with 400 hours of battery life, Bluetooth, ANT+ and 5kHz connectivity with a soft, washable strap. As a result, you can connect it to your phone, running watch and other fitness equipment without any hassle.
The Polar companion apps offer heart rate training options and simple VO2 max tests to track your fitness over time. While it does not come equipped with the special features you find on higher-end heart rate monitors, it covers all the basics. For anyone new to heart rate training, the Polar H9 is very easy to use. There are even some beginning training programs on its compatible app.
Why we like it
- Great price
- Covers all the basic features and then some
- Users find it accurate
What to consider
- Probably not a great choice for serious athletes
- Some reports of the band sliding down
- The soft strap may be tricky to adjust and find the right fit
How to choose a heart rate monitor
How to choose a heart rate monitor boils down to two major things - how you plan to use it and your budget. Knowing how much you can comfortably spend on your heart rate monitor is the first step in your search. It makes little sense to spend time researching a monitor you simply can’t afford.
How you plan to use the heart rate monitor is also crucial in your decision-making process. Do you want to compete in triathlons with it? Are you planning to primarily use it during a fitness class? What features do you need it to have to train effectively with it? These are the questions you need to answer, which enable you to hone in on the best option for you.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features, and created a short list of the top heart rate monitors. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews, and user ratings to find the best heart rate monitors for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews, and expert opinions.
FAQ
What is the most accurate heart rate monitor on the market?
Polar is known for offering extremely accurate heart rate monitors. The Polar H10 is a top pick among athletes looking for precise readings.
What heart rate monitors do hospitals use?
Most hospitals use heart rate monitors that utilize ECG sensors. These are also the sensors used in medical devices, so choosing a heart rate monitor that uses ECG sensors is a safe bet when looking for accurate readings.
Which is better chest strap or an armband heart rate monitor?
Knowing which is better for you, a chest strap or an armband heart rate monitor depends on both which is more comfortable for you and how accurate you want the data to be. Both are reported to provide accurate heart rate metrics, chest straps have the edge for their precision. However, some users simply don’t like the way a chest strap feels, so they prefer armband monitors.
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