Want to Monitor Your Heart Rate? These Editor-Tested Monitors Can Help You Track It (2024)

Heart rate monitors are a convenient, non-invasive tool for monitoring your heart health at home. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Abnormalities in your heart rate (HR) can be the first indicator that something’s not quite right.

Regular heart rate monitoring is important for people experiencing CVDs or conditions like arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or hypertension (high blood pressure), but everyone can benefit from understanding and tracking heart rate, especially during exercise. As Mark Estes III, MD, past chair of the American Heart Association scientific publishing committee, notes, measuring HR during exercise will give you a sense of your overall fitness level and let you know if you’re overdoing it.

Whether you want to check your exertion levels against your personal best, program workouts to fit your lifestyle, or maintain regular checks on an existing condition, your HR monitor has to fit your purpose. But navigating the jargon—EKGs, ANT+s, and HRVs, to list a few examples—can be tricky. To help you find the best at-home HR monitors around, our editors spent over 187 hours testing 15 popular models. We measured usability, comfort, accuracy, connectivity, and extra features. After writing this article, we also had a physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board review it for medical and scientific accuracy.

• Best Overall: AliveCor KardiaMobile 1-Lead Personal EKG Monitor
• Best Budget: COOSPO REALZONE H9Z Rechargeable Chest Heart Rate Monitor
• Best with Chest Strap: POLAR H10 Heart Rate Sensor
• Best for Cycling: Garmin HRM-Pro Plus Heart Rate Monitor
• Best for Beginners: Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor
• Best Adaptable Design: MyZone MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor
• Best Armband: Wahoo Fitness Tickr Fit Heart Rate Monitor Armband

Why We Like It

From the moment we connected the AliveCore KardiaMobile 1-Lean Personal EKG Monitor to the Kardia app, we loved its combination of comfort, ease of use, and accuracy. By placing two fingers on the sensors we were able to detect medical-grade EKGs/ECGs (electrical signals from the heart indicating various heart conditions) in 30 seconds, with metrics including atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and normal sinus rhythm.

The monitor is small enough to keep in your pocket for use immediately pre- and post-workout, and the EKG history function allows you to track metrics over time and export data to your health apps or general practitioners. The color-coded readings alert you to abnormalities like signs of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia, which means with each 30-second check, you’re not just tracking HR, but also proactively monitoring for serious health conditions.

It’s Worth Noting

You can't wear this monitor when exercising, so you’ll need to pause your workout if you want readings on the fly. It’s also 100% reliant on the Kardia app and lacks the broad-platform ANT+ connectivity of other models we tried.

Product Details

• Type: Finger sensors
• Battery Life: Not listed
• Connectivity: Metrics tracked on Kardia app

Why We Like It

After an initial charge of 1.5 hours and a little fiddling with the chest strap, the COOSPO REALZONE H9Z Rechargeable Chest Heart Rate Monitor was comfortable to wear during a variety of workouts. The CoospoRide app is geared towards cycling, so we only recommend it if bike workouts are your thing. Once we shifted to the Heartool app, we were able to track heart rate variability (HRV) data over time.

The simple chest strap design connects with a hook that holds the silicone sensor in place, barring some slight movement during cardio-intense workouts. The simple five-color LED notification system gives real-time HR zone tracking (red for intense, green for moderate, and blue for low-intensity workouts). Beyond this color code, you can’t access information during exercise.

All in all, this monitor lacks some of the detailed real-time tracking and advanced features of more expensive options, but the affordable price tag makes it an effective budget choice for measuring HR before and after exercise.

It’s Worth Noting

The monitor doesn’t have a display screen, and we found the connectivity and functionality lacking when compared to other devices we tried. The instructions were also difficult to interpret, so it’s not the best choice for the technologically challenged.

Product Details

• Type: Chest strap
• Battery Life: 50 hours per charge
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
• Waterproof: Water/sweat-resistant

Why We Like It

The Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor was the top-performing chest-strap monitor we tried. Throughout testing we found the real-time ECG/EKG monitoring accurate, and we loved that the ANT+ connectivity options allowed us to record and track our HR via the free Polar app. You an also broadcast to additional apps, devices, and gym equipment.

The firm buckle, soft textile straps, and slip-preventing silicone dots hold the unit in place with zero discomfort, and the 400-hour battery life means there’s little chance of mid-workout shutdown. This is a no-fuss HR monitor with no additional bells or whistles, but in terms of accuracy, ease of use, and comfort, it was one of our favorites.

It’s Worth Noting

We attempted to use this sensor during a heated vinyasa yoga class, but it felt uncomfortable in the steamy setting. Also, the device itself doesn’t provide any metrics, so you’ll have to rely on apps to track your results.

Product Details

• Type: Chest strap
• Battery Life: Up to 400 hours
• Connectivity: Dual-band, ANT+ and Bluetooth

Why We Like It

Unbox the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus, pair it with your phone or exercise bike, wet the electrodes, and track your active HR as you ride. The app provides real-time data on the HR zone you’re in, so you’re able to dial up or down the intensity to match your workout goals.

Even when you’re not connected to the app, the monitor captures steps, calories burned, intensity minutes, and all-day HR, to be uploaded to the app when you next connect. This device is not designed to capture complex medical information to pass onto your doctor for analysis, but what it does (measures HR during exercise), it does incredibly well. If bike workouts are your thing, we wholeheartedly recommend adding this tool to your arsenal.

It’s Worth Noting

There’s no user interface, so you're dependent on the Garmin app even if you don't use a Garmin watch. You also can’t track battery life on the device itself.

Product Details

• Type: Chest strap
• Battery Life: 12 months (at one hour of use per day)
• Connectivity: Metrics tracked on Garmin smartwatches and compatible fitness apps and equipment
• Waterproof: Yes

Why We Like It

The Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor is an accessible, accurate chest-strap HR monitor that connects to your watch or Peloton seamlessly every time. Once fitted correctly, this device stays in place for more than an hour at a time during low-impact workouts like yoga, strength training, and cycling.

We loved how easy it was to connect this sensor to multiple apps and devices via ANT+, including a Garmin watch, a Peloton bike, TrainingPeaks, and Strava. Sharing data with the Health app on our phones was also straightfoward. The Polar app offers workout tracking and diary functions, which are useful features for newbies who don’t yet have their systems streamlined. This combination of reliability, accuracy, and no-fuss connectivity make this monitor our top pick for beginners.

It’s Worth Noting

After extended periods of high-intensity workouts like running, the strap tends to stretch and slip out of place, so it pays to tighten it before every workout. We also found the strap itchy in some positions, so it might take some trial and error to find the most comfortable fit.

Product Details

• Type: Chest strap
• Battery Life: Up to 400 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+
• Waterproof: No

Why We Like It

If you enjoy a variety of exercises and need adaptable accessories, the wrist-, arm-, or chest-mountable MyZone MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor is an ideal choice. Once fully charged, setup is easy and the instructions are clear and to the point. Just sync it to your phone, and you’re ready to go. Using this monitor is like having your own workout coach motivating you to reach your personal bests.

We love that this device transfers accurate data to the app in real time, allowing you to dial up the intensity and hit the upper HR zones for fat-burning workouts. It also tracks up to 36 hours of exercise data, including calories burned, your comparative effort, and time spent within each HR zone.

It’s Worth Noting

Make sure you’re connected to the app pre-workout, or you may miss tracking your efforts (a mistake we made). In terms of comfort, the monitor takes some getting used to. We’d recommend experimenting with positions until you find the one that feels best.

Product Details

• Type: Chest, wrist, or arm strap
• Battery Life: Up to six months
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+
• Waterproof: Yes

Why We Like It

Definitely one for the cyclists, the combination of breathable fabric and adjustable velcro make the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband a comfortable choice for people who don’t like the restriction of chest straps. With the super-simple ANT+ connectivity, you can link with apps like Strava and measure average HR, real-time HR, and max HR data, alongside other metrics like distance and power. A paid subscription allows you to unlock a heap of additional features and metrics.

During our testing, we found the history function helpful for honing in on a specific part of a workout like hill climbs. The GPS tracking was also useful for reviewing HR variations throughout each section of a run or ride. Overall, for a simple, reliable, functional HR monitor to use during cardio workouts like cycling and jogging, this armband is a solid choice.

It’s Worth Noting

During longer weight training sessions, we found the monitor only recorded HR data for part of the workout. It also slipped out of position during high-impact sessions and was tricky to use while wearing long sleeves. Additionally, keep in mind that to access real-time data, you’ll need to carry your phone.

Product Details

• Type: Armband
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours per charge
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+
• Waterproof: Yes

We tested these heart rate monitors, but they don't measure up to the ones on our list:

• Garmin HRM-Swim: We loved the non-slip material but found the strap positioning difficult to adjust. It’s also only for swimming, and only compatible with Garmin watches. Plus, the data is only saved once you’re back on dry land, so you won’t get any motivational real-time updates.
• Powrlabs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap: This device scored highly in terms of ease of setup and pairing, but we didn’t enjoy rifling through several third-party fitness apps to find a suitable option. There are several options on our list (including our top-scoring AliveCor KardiaMobile 1-Lead Personal EKG Monitor) that boast superior functionality at a similar price point.

Our Testing Process

To determine the best HR monitors, our editors tested 15 popular models at home. After unboxing and evaluating ease of setup and pairing to apps and devices, we fitted each monitor according to manufacturer instructions and took a stationary reading. We then compared this reading to a manual pulse reading from our radial arteries.

We tested each monitor during various exercise activities including running, cycling, and weight training, and noted comfort in different positions. Post-workout, we measured HR again and compared the results to a manual reading. After a minimum of six workout sessions, we evaluated each monitor based on the following criteria:

• Ease of use: Setup and fit, ease of HR measurement, navigation of settings and manufacturer instructions.
• Comfort: Use in various positions, discomfort, chafing or irritation, slippage or catching on clothing, and any impacts on our regular exercise routine.
• Precision: Accuracy when measured against other manual or digital results, availability of real-time data, and tracking of other metrics including HRV.
• Battery: Time for full charge, longevity, low battery warnings, and whether the battery type is suitable for a typical workout.
• Connectivity: Range of compatible apps/devices, ease of pairing, and ability to export data to connected devices/platforms.
• Features: Tracking modes, sleep tracking, GPS, customizable settings for specific fitness goals, alerts and notifications, and integration with third-party apps and platforms.
• Value: Our comparison of each device’s retail price to the median price of $79 and additional insights into whether we would purchase the product at full price.

We spoke to experts at every stage of researching and reporting this story. Prior to testing, we consulted with cardiologist Dr. Neel Chokshi, who helped us define our testing criteria. For further expert advice and health recommendations, we interviewed several cardiology professionals, including:

• Neel Chokshi, MD, MBA, Associate Professor, Medicine and Cardiology, Perelman School of Medicine
• Mark Estes III, MD, past chair of the American Heart Association Scientific Publishing Committee and the Council on Clinical Cardiology
• Eli Friedman, MD, Medical Director of Sports Cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute
• George Sopko, MD, MPH, Medical Officer and Program Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

What to Know About Heart Rate Monitors

• Type: Heart rate (HR) monitors generally fall into two categories: electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) monitors, which detect heart-generated electrical currents, and photoplethysmography (PPG) monitors, which detect pulse rate via infrared sensors. The most common type uses ECG/EKG sensors on the chest, secured by a strap. Arm- and wrist-based monitors and finger sensors are also available. Dr. Friedman recommends chest-strapped monitors for accuracy, cautioning that arm-based monitors can be unreliable during arm exercises.
• Accuracy: Many of the devices we tested boast accuracy nearing 100%. All our experts agree that no at-home HR monitor should be used as an alternative to professional cardiological advice. If in doubt, look for devices that are FDA-approved, which ensures accuracy.
• Compatibility and Connectivity: Before buying a heart rate monitor, check its compatibility with other technologies. The devices connect via Bluetooth and feature ANT+ connectivity for sharing information across various devices. Some also allow data export to your doctor.
• Intended Purpose: Consider your activities and find a model that fits your needs. During testing, some monitors fell short of their claims. For example, the Wahoo TICKR FIT armband worked well for low-impact activities but not high-impact ones. The top-scoring monitor, the AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG Monitor, isn't meant for exercise.
• Features: Consider how and why you want to use it to determine the features you need. If you want real-time visual cues for tracking your workout, look for color-coded HR zones. For accurate pre- and post-workout readings with alerts for abnormalities, consider a more sophisticated ECG/EKG monitor. For advanced tracking, aim for ANT+ connectivity. Also, consider long battery life, non-slip electrodes, and automatic device pairing.
  

Samson McDougall is a journalist, copywriter, editor, and biology graduate. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists.