Buy the best heart rate monitor with fitness tracking. Various arm band or chest strap monitors from brands like Polar or Garmin to help your exercise and health training.
Amazing technology has made it possible for anyone to maximize their heart activity. There are many wonderful benefits to a heart rate monitor. Like what?
A heart rate monitor will help you work out, track your progress, provide reliable statistics on your heart rate, and even improve your health. You can easily integrate a heart rate monitor to your life.
Today, heart rate monitors are versatile and connect with smartwatches, fitness trackers and apps, and integrate to brands from Polar to Garmin and more. The best heart rate monitor is waiting for you, so learn more about the understanding of your health and exercise goals.
Our Top 10 Picks: Heart Rate Monitors Highlights
- Best Overall Heart Rate Monitor: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor “Highly rated and reliable heart rate monitor; easy to strap on; affordable and well designed that comes with an app.”
- Best for Comfort Heart Rate Monitor: Wahoo Tickr Heart Rate Monitor “Easy to use and comfortable strap that connects to various devices and apps; Bluetooth accessible and affordable overall.”
- Best for Technology Heart Rate Monitor: Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) “A techie favorite with accurate heart rate monitor results; along with medical precision with high performing and versatile technology options all on your wrist.”
- Best for Accuracy Heart Rate Monitor: Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor “Reputable and top selling heart rate monitor with acclaimed accuracy, chest strap design and versatile options.”
- Best for Runners Heart Rate Monitor: Garmin HRM-Run Heart Rate Monitor “Perfect for runners features 6 different running dynamics metrics; advanced stat keeping and even comfortable to wear!”
- Best Budget Heart Rate Monitor: Huawei Honor Band 4 6-Axis Inertial Heart Rate Monitor “Perhaps the cheapest heart rate monitor on the market; featuring smartwatch functionality with Bluetooth and basic heart sensor readings.”
- Best Beginner Heart Rate Monitor: Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor “Ideal for beginners needing a quick, fast, and easy heart rate monitor; extensive compatibility & highly rated app.”
- Best Wristband Heart Rate Monitor: Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker “An all-around winner for detailed heart rate readings, versatile functionality, great affordability, and innovative design.”
- Best for Runners Heart Rate Monitor: Garmin Forerunner 235 Heart Rate Monitor Watch “Made for runners because it gives you options for heart rate monitor readings; includes wrist based technology for readings.”
- Best Basic Heart Rate Monitor: Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor “A simple yet effective monitor with a guided fitness test, integrated LED lights, and easy phone connectivity.”
Top 10 Best Heart Rate Monitors Reviews
Best Overall Heart Rate Monitor
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Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
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Polar has released perhaps the best overall heart rate monitor that is affordable and reliable. The H10 Monitor is a highly rated and reliable heart rate monitor; easy to strap on; affordable and well designed. This monitor is equipped with a Polar app and training devices.
This is a wonderfully precise and affordable monitor that is comfortable and easy to use. Overall, the accuracy is great considering the price as well design and features offered in this model. The Polar monitor offers a built-in memory for sporty and active users; as well as comfy wearable monitor technology. The Polar monitor as a heart rate sensor comes with a strap. Moreover, there is high quality and interference free measurements with ECG readings. All in all, the monitor is considered one of the more accurate and reliable heart rate monitors. Another great feature, there is a Bluetooth only option that makes the monitor accessible to several connections to be active at the same time. As well, the heart rate monitor is good for swimming and up to 30 meters.
In essence, this is a great deal for heart rate monitors because it is affordable, precise, versatile, waterproof, good for activer users, and Bluetooth accessible. There are a number of monitors that offer a lot of features, but the Polar monitor is the most well rounded.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Versatile to many different types of users
- Affordable and not as expensive as many other heart rate monitors
- Waterproof and able to use 30 meters underwater
- Reliable and Precise Heart rate Monitor Results
You need to pay attention to It:
- Battery issues for some users with wear and tear durability
- Not accessible with Apple technology and hardware
Best for Comfort Heart Rate Monitor
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Wahoo Tickr Heart Rate Monitor
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Wahoo has one of the easiest to use and comfortable straps for tracking and monitoring your heart. This Wahoo model is able to connect to various devices and apps; Bluetooth accessible and affordable overall.
This is a one-of-a-kind monitor that can be attached and used with a variety of devices. The best thing about this monitor is the ease and quickness of setup and comfortability. There is personalized heart rate training that measures your beats during workouts.
As well, you can track and get real time heart rate readings. In addition to calorie burning information for your smartphone and tablet., which is accessible for your training apps. As with other Wahoo models you are able to use this with over 50 smartphones and various devices. And lastly, the battery is rechargeable and good for using longer periods of time.
One of the easier more comfy heart rate monitors that packs a lot more to the punch. Be ready to use this quickly and on the go with any device or technology you have.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Comfortable strap that can attach to your body
- Smart sensor heart technology and ease of use makes this attractive
- Rechargeable battery for longer use
You need to pay attention to It:
- Display issues that may be experienced during certain climates or situations
- General Heart rate monitoring but not specifically geared toward any one activity
Best for Technology Heart Rate Monitor
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Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS)
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Apple has released a watch that is an amazing piece of technology that happens to monitor your heart. This is a techie favorite with accurate heart rate monitor results; along with medical precision with high performing and versatile technology options all on your wrist.
Apple has manufactured a watch that is able to do stable and reliable heart rate monitoring nearly equivalent to medical equipment you’d find in a hospital. Before discussing the heart rate monitor, consider that this watch also offers a powerful new processor for apps, a compass, stainless steel design, phone calling, and more. This is a smartphone watch and heart rate monitor all wrapped into one.
In terms of the heart monitor, you will be able to get in depth results and readings for sensor measurements. You get a reading of beats per minute during the day while wearing as well as even notification of abnormal heart rates. Moreover, you have the capacity to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) with the watch simply by putting your finger within the watch. Overall, this is a highly functional, accurate, and technology forward watch and heart rate monitor.
All in all, the Apple watch and heart rate monitor is one of the most innovative and active ways you can track your heart rate and overall health. This is primarily for big Apple fans as it is designed for big Mac users.
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Why We Recommend It:
- Precise and high tech heart rate monitor with ECG test option
- Wonderful fitness apps and tracking
- A variety of apps, phone calling capacity, and GPS
You need to pay attention to It:
- Very expensive compared to most other common heart rate monitors
- Primarily for active Mac and Apple users and not compatible otherwise
Best for Accuracy Heart Rate Monitor
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Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor
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Polar has released a great strap-on monitor that gives a complete picture of your heart and overall health picture. This is one of the top-rated heart rate monitors for the accurate reading of heart rate during workout sessions.
Polar is known for quality health and tracking devices, this is a highly productive heart rate monitor that is easy to use and a good value. This model offers heart rate readings that show time of the day for specific readings, and exactly how much time is spent while exercising.
Overall, this would be considered a basic but overall complete heart rate sensor. The monitor works with its precision because there is a chest strap design that directly and immediately gives results. The device works as a personal coaching monitor; it has an easy to read display. This has been compared to having a guided monitor to increase or decrease your heart rate.
In general, this is a basic monitor with one button functionality with a strap-on design. Polar has released a great monitor that gives day, date, weekday indicators, along with detailed summaries. However, this monitor is bluetooth compatible and accessible.
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Why We Recommend It:
- Easy to use with one button functionality; convenience
- Affordable and reasonably priced
- Strap-on and easy to start for guided heart monitoring
- High Accuracy and precision rate
You need to pay attention to It:
- No Bluetooth Compatibility is Available
- The Strap-on Chest is not seen as comfortable
- Limited options and features compared to other similar monitors
Best for Runners Heart Rate Monitor
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Garmin HRM-Run Heart Rate Monitor
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Garmin has released the perfect heart rate for runners. This monitor features 6 different running dynamics metrics; advanced stat keeping and even comfortable to wear! You get an attractive and small watch with a powerful display that makes using the monitor quite easy.
This particular model, the HRM-Run, is comparable to a heart rate strap. If you are someone who enjoys getting technical with your devices then this is the best option for you. Why? This heart rate monitor offers advanced statistics, ground contact time for runners, and oscillation.
Moreover, this monitor has wonderful design, an eye catching red cover, as well as durability to be waterproof for underwater use. While running, you can get data during your run that will feature your maximum heart rate to your average heart rate reading. As well, there is a ground contact time feature that measures the amount of time each step is taken while running; even measured in milliseconds. The other neat techie feature is vertical oscillation, which shows the vertical motion of your chest/torso for each step taken while running.
Overall, this heart rate monitor is especially designed for runners because of its specialty purpose and features. The Garmin HRM-Run is very advanced for heart rate monitoring, but a bit overwhelming for non-runners. The heart rate monitor is accurate and very reliable for its direct purpose; along with various running features and modes.
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Why We Recommend It:
- Six Advanced Running statistics for Heart Rate Monitoring
- Accurate and precise Heart Rate Monitor results
- Comfortable to wear especially for running and active sports
You need to pay attention to It:
- Using only Monitor Devices and no Bluetooth capacity
- Monitor is almost entirely made for Runners, so non-runners should avoid
- Not able to wash with a laundry machine
Best Budget Heart Rate Monitor
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Huawei Honor Band 4 6-Axis Inertial Heart Rate Monitor
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Perhaps the cheapest heart rate monitor on the market; featuring smartwatch functionality with Bluetooth and basic heart sensor readings. You get an overall great deal and value with this watch that is able track sleep and of course your heart rate.
This model by Huawei delivers a lot considering the price. Expect a fitness tracker and heart rate monitor that is displayed easily with a versatile screen display. Moreover, you also get a sleep tracker that is able to connect through Bluetooth. In addition, you have a connected GPS tracker that is able to guide and read your heartbeats through bike trips and other activities. Now with the price, there are some limitations with accuracy on/off a certain heart rate average. Also, the software provided is able to read heart beat data raw and as well give some figures and readings for sleep activity and levels.
In essence, for the price you pay Huawei delivers a high functioning monitor. There is a chance to personalize the tracking as well as pair with your various sportier activities. All in all, just beware of accuracy issues and battery life charge time and longevity.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Very affordable price compared to any functioning heart rate monitor device
- All in one Activity tracker that is special to this heart monitor
- Attractive and pleasing design
You need to pay attention to It:
- Battery life is below average and won’t last too long
- Not 100% accurate heart rate monitoring expect up to 7 beats off off or so
Best Beginner Heart Rate Monitor
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Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor
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Ideal for beginners needing a quick, fast, and easy heart rate monitor; extensive compatibility & highly rated app. Polar has released an affordable monitor that delivers easily to first time users to this type of technology.
If you want to track your heart rate and are a little unsure about doing it then the Polar heart sensor may be best for you. For one, it costs less than most other heart rate monitors as well it has a lot of extra features that more than covers the bases. As well, the Polar monitor has great battery life at almost 400 hours of operating time on a battery. Moreover, you can connect through bluetooth and ANT+ devices. In terms of readings, expect heart rate measurements that give you an accurate portrayal of calorie burn and activity. Ease of use is crucial with the Polar monitor; you can strap it to your chest and near your heart for an accurate heart reading. Overall, the monitor is comfortable and even waterproof so you are able to use this monitor for varied outdoor activities.
All in all, this heart monitor is a jack of all trades that gives you the best of some of the higher end monitors. You have connectivity to a variety of apps, programs; fitness oriented apps as well as even gym equipment. This is a great first-time monitor for the price and performance.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Budget choice monitor that is easy to use
- Long lasting battery that can last up to 400 hours
- Bluetooth accessible and compatible to
- Comfortable to wear and waterproof
You need to pay attention to It:
- Basic features for the price and limited options
- May lacks some features comparable to pricier monitors
Best Wristband Heart Rate Monitor
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Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker
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Fitbit has made an all-around winner for detailed heart rate readings, versatile wrist functionality, great affordability, and innovative design. This is an affordable option with a lot of functionality and style; Fitbit has a great reputation for a reason.
Overall, a very general fitness tracker with detailed heart monitor functions. The Fitbit monitor will record your heart monitor daily. As well. The Fitbit Inspire model monitor will also track your sleep and other be an activity monitor overall. Moreover, this heart rate monitor has 24/7 capability to track your calories spent and burned, heart rate during exercise, and even guide and track your slower resting heart sensor ability. The Fitbit offers a lot of versatility in this way that other monitors don’t evaluate. You have the ability with the heart rate monitor to get precision and customized tracking that is unmatched for other heart sensors.
Overall, you get a very well built and designed monitor that is easy to read, use, and customize. This is a great monitor for anyone looking for a variety of depth in their heart rate readings as well as other options and features.
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Why We Recommend It:
- Excellent design and build for wristband comfort and versatility
- Precise heart rate sensor and monitor that is customizable
- Easy to use and make out readings and results for quick use
You need to pay attention to It:
- Weak battery performance overall as battery does not last long
- Accessibility may not work with certain phones
Best for Runners Heart Rate Monitor
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Garmin Forerunner 235 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
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Garmin makes the best heart rate monitor watch that is popular and well rated on various review sites. This is a GPS running watch that gives you a lot in terms of heart rate monitor readings and features.
All in all, this Forerunner 235 is great for runners and very efficient for anyone looking into active heart rate monitoring technology. This Garmin monitor watch gives you readings of electric pulse signals that are measured and gauged from a chest strap.
This Garmin watch is able to utilize optical light to view and evaluate your blood flow in your wrist. This GPS running watch also uses write based heart rate technology that adapts to sunlight for active users. Moreover, you can customize your watch and training methods with a very dynamic and versatile watch.
Furthermore, there is the ability for this heart rate monitor to track distance, pace, time, and more that is great for runners. You are able to connect and be able to upload readings to your apps while running and being active; your heart rate results and readings are tracked to your daily steps, distance, calorie count, and sleep schedule.
Overall, this Garmin watch is wonderful for runners and active users. The wrist-based HRM technology is tailor made for runners and gives you a heart rate reading that is in-depth and complete. This is a great activity tracker with a lot of features attuned for runners.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Specialized watch that is tailor made for runners with activity tracker
- Great watch display that can be used in variable climates
- Activity tracker that is special to this GPS watch for monitoring your heart
You need to pay attention to It:
- Battery life is to be questioned as it last much less than the competition
- Watch is almost uniquely for runners and not other multi-sport functions
Best Basic Heart Rate Monitor
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Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor
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Wahoo has released a basic but effective and high performing heart monitor. This is a simple yet effective monitor with a guided fitness test, integrated LED lights, and easy phone connectivity. Also, featuring a Wahoo app that captures both motion and intensity of your heart.
This heart monitor has great connectivity with Bluetooth and ANT+ as well as connecting with anything from tablets, smartphones, GPS watches, and much more. The amount of options you will get from this heart rate monitor, despite the limitations, will be more than surprising.
You won’t get a more personalized experience and not spend anywhere as little as money. The heart rate monitor works reliably to track and capture real time results. All in all, the heart rate monitor shows your reading based on exercises, training, and overall calories burned. The accessibility issue with this heart rate monitor is quite attractive. The speediness of the monitor is instant once activated and plugged in, however beware of potential false readings. Lastly, you have a wearable, comfortable, and hand washable strap.
In essence, this is a quality monitor that will not set you back and ultimately deliver your heart rate for many of your needs. The main attraction, the TICKR X workout mode is an attractive option that can be paired with the Wahoo app.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Accessibility to many various devices to tablets to even GPS watches
- Reasonably priced considering the Bluetooth accessibility
- Works with 50 plus Smartphones
You need to pay attention to It:
- Basic options considering the many monitors in the marketplace
- Underperforming overall for precise heart monitor results and stability of readings
How to Choose Heart Rate Monitor
Heart Monitors are available as wrist based monitors, a watch, or chest strap. Whether what you want is for everyday activities, running or sports all depends on these important factors.
- Display and Ease of Use
- Fitness Guide Options
- Price
- Accessibility to various devices, and smartphones
- Heart Rate alarms and notification options