From optimizing your workouts to managing your heart health and stress levels, there are plenty of reasons to use a heart rate monitor. Analyzing the data collected from a monitor can help you track your progress and better communicate with coaches, personal trainers, and healthcare professionals. To find the best heart rate monitors, we consulted experts (including a sports medicine physician and certified personal trainers) to learn which key features are the most important. Then, we tested 15 expert-approved heart rate monitors at home for over 187 hours.
We prioritized monitors that are easy to use, accurate, and comfortable to wear. We also looked for devices with a long battery life, a comfortable fit, and accurate readings. Our top picks earned high scores for their ease of setup, comfort, precision, battery, connectivity, additional features, and value. We also had an emergency physician from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, including how to read data from a heart monitor and how they can enhance your health and wellness routines.
Thoroughly Vetted & Reviewed
15
Heart Rate Monitors Tested
Types of Heart Rate Monitors
There are three types of heart rate monitors:
- Chest strap monitors detect your heart rate using wireless electrode sensors that are tightly pressed against your body. They typically provide the most accurate numbers, but the band can feel constricting and irritating across your chest.
- Armband monitors are secured with a strap around your upper arm or forearm. They use optical sensors, so they’re usually less precise than chest strap monitors. But they’re more comfortable to wear for longer workouts, especially in hot weather.
- Wristband monitors also use optical sensors, so they’re slightly less accurate. However, they’re easier to put on and less obtrusive so they can be worn for longer periods of time. Some of these monitors can also track your sleep data and recovery after exercise.
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Very accurate
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Excellent battery life
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User-friendly app
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: 400 hours | Waterproof: Up to 30 meters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginners who want to start tracking their heart rate while exercising.
Why We Love It
After testing 15 heart rate monitors, Polar’s H10 Heart Rate Sensor is by far our favorite. With built-in memory, precise readings, and extra-long battery life—plus Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility—it has everything you need to enhance your workout routine. Setting it up is a cinch: We just had to download the user-friendly app and pair the device with our phone via Bluetooth.
The H10 uses ECG monitoring to track heart rate, producing highly accurate readings during our test runs, weight training sessions, and other workouts. The chest strap, which features grippy silicone spots that keep the sensor close to your chest, feels soft, comfortable, and secure. Even during a hot and sweaty vinyasa yoga class, we didn’t notice any slipping or irritation. We also love that the monitor doesn’t require frequent recharging since it comes with a fully charged battery that lasts up to 400 hours, according to Polar.
Potential Flaws
- We like that the app makes it easy to track your statistics on your phone. But, unlike most wristband monitors, this one doesn’t have a screen where you can view metrics as you work out.
- This monitor can only be worn on your chest, making it less versatile than some other options on our list.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart rate monitor is attached to a band that sits comfortably under my chest muscles. Its strap stays on securely, and there is very little movement while running or working out. And this monitor’s accuracy is great. It uses ECG monitoring to track your heart rate. When running, I would check my phone often to see if it was tracking, and it definitely seemed to be keeping up in real-time.” —Lauren Coughlin, Verywell Fit product tester
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Waterproof
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Soft, comfortable strap
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Very accurate
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: 50 hours | Waterproof: Up to 1 meter | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who It’s For
Best for fitness enthusiasts who want a heart rate monitor with accurate tracking but not a huge price tag.
Why We Love It
If you’d like to try using a heart rate monitor but don’t want to make a huge investment, we recommend CooSpo’s H9Z Chest Heart Rate Monitor. This budget-friendly pick delivers accurate readings and has a decent battery life that rivals some of the more expensive devices we tested. Once we charged the device, it was quick and simple to set up. We just had to snap the sensor into the chest strap and choose one of two apps to download.
The monitor stays in place, thanks to the soft, comfortable strap, which didn’t cause any irritation or chafing during testing. We also love that the readings were precise every time during different workouts. Although it can’t be worn for swimming, the monitor is waterproof and held up to our sweatiest sessions.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that the apps associated with this monitor aren’t the most functional. We wish they had more advanced features, or that this device could connect with other, more detailed apps.
- We had some issues trying to pair the device with our phone for the first time—we wish the instructions for setting up a Bluetooth connection were more clear.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart rate monitor is comfortable to wear during various workouts, feels secure, and stays in place the whole time. Its strap is soft and connects easily with a single hook. Plus, it lasts about 50 hours on a single charge.” —Ashley Schaubroeck, Verywell Fit product tester
Key Specs
Style: Wrist, arm, or chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: Up to 6 months on one charge | Waterproof: Up to 10 meters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone who cross-trains and needs a monitor that can be worn in different ways.
Why We Love It
Myzone’s MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor is our pick for the most versatile device because it can be worn on your chest, arm, or wrist. After initially charging the monitor, it was easy to set up, and we were using it in minutes. Using Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity, you can pair it to the MyZone app or compatible third-party apps, watches, and exercise equipment. And if you want to run, swim, cycle, or do another activity without your phone, the monitor saves 36 hours of exercise data that you can view after your workout.
When it’s worn on your chest, this monitor uses ECG sensor technology to provide very accurate metrics. But we also found that it’s fairly reliable when worn on your arm or wrist. One of our favorite features is the LED light that indicates your current heart rate zone in real time—which definitely pushed us during workouts. We also appreciate the robust workout data displayed in the app, including your calories burned, average heart rate, peak heart rate, and heart rate zones.
Potential Flaws
- The one-size-fits-all armband may not be large enough for some users.
- We liked the flexibility of being able to wear the monitor on our chest, arm, or wrist. But the wristband can be a bit uncomfortable, and we had to adjust it to keep it secure during workouts.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart rate monitor tracks 36 hours of exercise and sleep data. There’s a calendar of all your workouts, and you can click into each day you worked out and see how many calories you burned, when it noted activity and at what time, average HR, and more. I love the real-time data—it motivates me to work even harder during my workouts.” —Stella Yu, Verywell Fit product tester
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Excellent connectivity
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Easy to use
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Accurate and consistent
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: Up to 400 hours | Waterproof: Water-resistant up to 30 meters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for cyclists and other fitness enthusiasts who want a monitor that works seamlessly with smartwatches and cardio machines.
Why We Love It
Polar’s H9 Heart Rate Sensor is easy to use and has both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, making it our top choice for cyclists who want to connect to a smartwatch, activity tracker, or exercise machine. During testing, we were immediately impressed with this monitor’s intuitive setup process. It took us less than five minutes to unbox it, put it on, and pair it to our devices. We were also surprised to find that the Polar app has robust features that make it easy to view and analyze your data.
The chest strap feels comfortable during bike rides, and we like that this monitor provides accurate and consistent readings every time we use it. Plus, you never have to worry about it running out of juice during a race, since the sensor has a replaceable battery that lasts up to 400 hours, according to the manufacturer.
Potential Flaws
- While the strap stayed put for low-impact workouts, like cycling, yoga, and strength training, we noticed that it slipped a bit during our runs.
- The chest strap provides very accurate readings, but we wish the monitor could also be worn on your arms or wrists.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart rate monitor accurately and consistently measures my heart rate. I connected it to my Garmin Fenix 3 and my Peloton Bike+, and it showed consistent readings throughout my workouts. At no point during any of my workouts did it disconnect.” —Christine DiGangi, Verywell Fit product tester
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Very accurate
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Portable
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Color-coded alerts
Key Specs
Style: Finger tracker | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery Life: Not listed | Waterproof: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone who wants a monitor that’s portable and doesn’t have to be worn on your body for an extended period of time to collect accurate data.
Why We Love It
AliveCor’s KardiaMobile 1-Lead Personal EKG Monitor records a medical-grade, single-lead electrocardiogram right on your smartphone—making it a convenient option for older adults who want detailed heart data at their fingertips. It can be used to detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and normal sinus rhythm in just 30 seconds.
We found the monitor easy to set up and use by just placing two fingers on the small pads, with no gels, wires, or patches needed. We also like how you can view the data on a smartphone or tablet using the KardiaMobile app. Color-coded alerts make interpreting your results simple. Plus, the device is small enough to fit in a pocket, so it’s convenient to bring with you while traveling.
Potential Flaws
- Unlike other monitors on our list, this one can’t continuously track your heart rate during exercise because it isn’t wearable.
- The monitor is easy to use, but it’s very sensitive to movement. We noticed that if you move your fingers even a little bit, the reading is disrupted and you have to start over.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart rate monitor is very portable, easy to use, and allows you to get readings within 30 seconds. You read the results on your phone or tablet and can even email them to your doctor.” —Mike Navarro, Verywell Fit product tester
Key Specs
Style: Armband | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: 35 hours (rechargeable) | Waterproof: Waterproof up to 5 feet | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for high-impact workouts, like running.
Why We Love It
Many heart rate monitors are suitable for runners—but Wahoo’s Tickr Fit Heart Rate Armband is our time-tested favorite for its comfortable design and powerful functionality. Once we set up the Tickr app, the armband monitor was easy to use. During test runs, it accurately tracked our heart rate (including our average and maximum heart rate) in real time. We also like the GPS tracking feature, which analyzes where your heart rate changed during your runs.
We were pleasantly surprised by the monitor’s sleek design and comfortable fit. The breathable strap is easy to adjust and can be worn either on your forearm or upper arm. Even better, this monitor is compatible with over 50 fitness apps, including Strava—plus, it will record your data in both the app of your choice and the Wahoo app every time you run. This device is also waterproof and has a 35-hour battery life with each charge, for robust tracking capabilities even on your longest, toughest runs.
Potential Flaws
- This heart rate monitor doesn’t have a screen—you’ll have to check your phone to see all of your data.
- While the monitor is fantastic for tracking statistics during runs or bike rides, we noticed that it wasn’t as accurate or consistent while we lifted weights.
Most Valuable Insight
“This product is pretty straightforward—there is one button on the side that you hold for varying lengths of time/number of times for all of its functions. I really like seeing how my heart rate fluctuates based on where I am in my run or ride. There are also options to track HR to a geographical location on a route and throughout time. I appreciate how easy it is to set up before each workout and to power on and off.” —Claire Bugos, Verywell Fit product tester
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: Up to 12 months | Waterproof: Waterproof to 50 meters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for runners and cyclists who want a simple monitor with impressive connectivity.
Why We Love It
For a seamless user experience and a comfortable chest strap, it’s tough to beat Garmin’s HRM-Pro Plus. The setup is a breeze, as the monitor automatically pairs with your phone, smartwatch, or cardio machine (including the Peloton Bike and Tread). We love that you don’t have to charge anything, press any buttons, or turn anything on. Even if you aren’t wearing your watch, the monitor still captures your heart rate data, as well as steps, calories burned, intensity minutes, and more, feeding it into the Garmin Connect app continuously.
The soft, adjustable strap fits securely and doesn’t cause any chafing or irritation. It’s so comfortable that it’s easy to forget you have it on (we almost wore it into the shower!). The battery lasts for up to one year and when it’s time to replace it, the tool-free battery door is easy to use.
Potential Flaws
- Like some of our other picks, this monitor doesn’t have a screen. You’ll have to use the app to access things like your data and the monitor’s battery life.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love how absolutely easy this heart rate monitor is to use and set up. You don’t have to toggle anything, press any buttons, charge anything, or turn anything on. Once you activate it, it just works. It’s a beautiful thing.” —Donna Freydkin, associate director of product testing and Verywell Fit product tester
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No real-time data
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Limited connectivity
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: ANT+ | Battery Life: Lasts up to 18 months | Waterproof: Waterproof up to 50 meters | Our Overall Rating: 4/5
Who It’s For
Best for Garmin fans and anyone who doesn’t want to clog their smartphone up with all of their training data.
Why We Love It
Specifically designed for swimming, Garmin’s HRM-Swim heart monitor is our top pick for laps in the pool or open water. We love that the lightweight, sleek design causes minimal drag as you swim. Plus, we like that the strap is made with a non-slip material that stays securely in place, even during turns in the pool.
The HRM-Swim stores heart rate data when you’re swimming and forwards it to the Garmin app when you’re done. With a simple setup process and very precise data, it impressed us in more ways than one. We also like the 18-month battery life, which makes forgetting to charge your monitor a problem of the past.
Potential Flaws
- While we found the tracking to be accurate, we wish you could view your data in real time while you work out.
- This monitor can only be paired with other Garmin devices.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart rate monitor’s strap is pretty comfortable. It has a non-slip material around the front portion of the strap (where the heart rate monitor is), and the back portion is made of stretchy elastic. It didn’t cause any irritation or chafing when I used it.” —Riddley Schirm, Verywell Fit product tester
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Accurate tracking
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Intuitive app
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Lightweight design
Key Specs
Style: Arm strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+ | Battery Life: 24 hours (rechargeable) | Waterproof: Up to 10 feet | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for triathletes, especially if real-time tracking is important to you.
Why We Love It
Scosche’s Rhythm24 Waterproof Armband Heart Rate Monitor is our top pick for anyone who’s tackling triathlon training. This lightweight heart monitor uses optical sensor technology to accurately track your heart rate, cadence, distance, calories burned, and more. Designed with soft, rounded edges and no exposed seams, the armband strap is ultra-comfortable and breathable.
During testing, we liked how easy it was to switch between different activities in the app. We were also impressed by how quickly it detects a change in your heart rate and gives results in real time. Plus, the 24-hour battery life means you don’t have to worry about keeping it plugged in all the time when you’re not wearing it.
Potential Flaws
- It took us several tries to connect this monitor to our phones during testing. But once we got through the initial setup process, we realized that the device was pretty easy to use.
- We like that this device has LED lights that show what heart rate zone you’re in—but they can be difficult to see during a workout. We think sound alerts might be a more useful indicator.
Most Valuable Insight
“This heart monitor is very comfortable. I love that it’s worn on the arm, not the wrist, and that you can wear it lower than your elbow. Running is more comfortable because the monitor isn’t tight on the bicep. Its strap was comfortable even when sweating, and its material felt breathable. Plus, its battery life is great. I only need to charge it around every 1.5-2 weeks.” —Michal Hanover, Verywell Fit product tester
Heart Rate Monitors We Also Tested
We tested 15 heart rate monitors, but only nine earned spots on our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of these devices’ features, they ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous standards.
- Although Powr Labs’ Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap is budget-friendly and easy to set up, we don’t like that we have to download third-party fitness apps to view the data it collects. We also wish the strap was easier to adjust.
- iFit’s SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitor was accurate and comfortable during testing. But it doesn’t have a display, so you can’t see your data or battery life on the device itself. Plus, we found it challenging to set up.
- Wahoo’s Tickr Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap feels comfortable to wear during various activities and has an impressive battery life of 500 hours. However, we had some connectivity issues that made it frustrating to use.
- While we liked the sleek, streamlined design of Coros’ Heart Rate Monitor, we found its straps difficult to adjust. We also wish it could track more metrics than just heart rate.
What to Look for When Shopping for Heart Rate Monitors
- Style: The choice between a chest strap, an armband, and a wristband often comes down to personal preference. Armbands and wristbands are usually more comfortable for long training sessions, but chest straps tend to provide more accurate readings.
- Activity: Which workouts do you need a heart rate monitor for? HIIT workouts such as EMOM? If you like to swim, make sure to choose a waterproof option. Runners may need GPS navigation. Also, make sure the device is compatible with all equipment and technology you use (whether that’s your own or the gym’s), recommends certified personal trainer Chris Gagliardi.
- Accuracy: If you’re using your monitor to make sure you’re training in a specific heart rate zone, you’ll want one that’s reliable and precise. Chest straps that use electrocardiography are generally the most accurate. Optical heart rate monitors, like wristbands and armbands, can also be reliable—as long as you get a secure fit.
- Connectivity: Some monitors use ANT+ technology, a wireless system that’s compatible with most exercise machines (like those made by Peloton). Others use Bluetooth, which makes it easy to connect them directly to your smartphone.
- Metrics: Heart rate monitors can also track your speed, distance, stride length, breathing rate, blood pressure, and other metrics. Consider which data is most useful to you before buying. If you’d like to track your statistics over time, look for a device that can be synced to an app or collects data you can download to your computer.
How We Tested the Heart Rate Monitors
We’ve tested 15 options from popular fitness brands to find the best heart rate monitors. When testing heart rate monitors, we evaluate each device based on these key criteria.
- Ease of Setup: After unboxing the monitor, we note how easy it is to set up. Does it come with batteries? Are the instructions clear? If the device requires an app, we download it and consider how easy it is to use.
- Comfort: During our workouts, we evaluate how comfortable the monitor is to wear. Does it fit securely? How does the material feel? Does it cause any irritation or chafing?
- Battery: How long does it take for the monitor to charge completely? If the battery is rechargeable, we pay attention to how long it lasts on a single charge. Does the battery last through at least one full workout? How easy is it to change the battery when it dies?
- Precision: Before working out, we take our own pulse manually while wearing the device and compare our number to the device’s reading. Is it accurate? We also check the numbers during and after exercising. Does the monitor provide real-time data, or is it delayed?
- Connectivity: Which devices, apps, and gym equipment can the monitor connect to? Is the pairing process straightforward? We also consider how reliably the monitor transmits data to connected devices and platforms. Can we easily access and download our data?
- Additional Features: If the monitor comes with any additional features (like GPS or sleep tracking), we test those, too. Are the settings and features customizable?
- Value: To assess each monitor’s value, we wait to check its price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve rated it in all other categories. Then, we weigh the cost against its quality, features, and performance. Monitors that we’d gladly pay full price for earn higher value scores.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts assisted us during the testing process and helped us understand how to properly and effectively use heart monitors to supplement our workout routines. We choose products independently, but expert input influences our picks.
- Neel Chokshi, MD, MBA, director of the Penn Center for Digital Cardiology (PCDC) and medical director of the Penn Sports Cardiology and Fitness Program
- Chris Gagliardi, American Council on Exercise’s scientific education content manager and certified personal trainer, health coach, and group fitness instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
How do heart rate monitors work?
Most chest strap monitors use electrocardiography to measure your heart’s electrical activity, while armband and watch-style monitors use photoplethysmography, a process through which small LED lights measure blood flow through your skin. With both types of monitoring, the collected data is then transferred to a receiver (such as a watch or an app), so you can view your heart rate in real time.
How do you read heart rate monitor results?
Many people use a heart rate monitor while exercising to hit their target heart rate zone and get the most out of their workouts. Some basic monitors just relay your heart rate, so it’s up to you to know your target zone based on your age and fitness level. Other, more high-tech devices can alert you when you reach your target zone and send reminders when you drop below or go above it.
Which heart rate monitor is the most accurate?
Chest strap heart rate monitors detect electrical signals emitted from each heartbeat, so they usually produce the most accurate results. Optical heart rate sensors, which are usually worn on your wrist or arm, can also be reliable. Note that both monitors need full contact with your skin and should be secured in place to provide the best reading.
What’s the difference between an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an optical heart rate sensor?
An ECG is a noninvasive test performed in a hospital or doctor’s office to diagnose certain heart conditions, including irregular heartbeats and previous heart attacks. During the test, electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs to measure the heart’s electrical activity (how many times your heart beats per minute). Optical heart rate sensors are wearable devices that use infrared light to track your pulse rate (how many times your arteries expand and contract per minute) and blood oxygen levels, not your heart rate.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
An avid runner, marathon running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness gear and gadgets. Her decades of running experience have helped her understand the value of using the best gear to improve comfort and performance.