There are many reasons to use a heart rate monitor, from optimizing your workouts to managing your heart health and stress levels. Analyzing the data collected from a heart rate monitor can also 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 a certified personal trainer, to learn more about which key features to look for in a high-quality option. Then, we spent over 187 hours testing 15 expert-approved heart rate monitors at home, wearing them while walking, running, hiking, and more. We evaluated each option for its ease of use, comfort, precision, battery, connectivity, additional features, and value to find the top options on the market. We also had an emergency physician from our Review Board review this article for accuracy.
Thoroughly Vetted & Reviewed
Hours Spent Testing
Heart Rate Monitors Tested
Experts Consulted
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.
Best Overall
POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor
Very accurate and comfy to wear
Excellent battery life
User-friendly app
Doesn’t have a screen
Not as versatile as other options
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ | Battery Life: 400 hours | Waterproof: Up to 30 meters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who want a precise and comfortable heart rate monitor with an extra-long battery life.
Why We Love It
Polar’s H10 Heart Rate Sensor is by far our favorite option, thanks to its built-in memory, precise readings, and extra-long battery life. Plus, with 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 its user-friendly app and pair it with our phone via Bluetooth. We also love that this monitor doesn’t require frequent recharging since it comes with a fully charged battery that lasts up to 400 hours, according to Polar.
This heart rate monitor uses electrocardiography (ECG) to track the heart rate, producing highly accurate readings, which we especially noticed during our runs, weight training sessions, and other high-intensity 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.
Potential Flaws
- We like that its 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 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
Best Budget
COOSPO Rechargeable Chest Heart Rate Monitor
Waterproof
Soft, comfortable strap that stays in place
Very accurate
Apps have limited features
Limited connectivity
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth, 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 budget-friendly heart rate monitor with accurate tracking.
Why We Love It
If you’d like to use 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 this 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.
During testing, this monitor stayed in place thanks to its soft, comfortable strap, which didn’t cause irritation or chafing. We also love that its readings were precise every time during different workouts. Although it can’t be worn for swimming, this 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
Most Versatile
MyZone MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor
Saves up to 36 hours of data
Shows heart rate zone in real time
Long battery life
Armband may not be large enough for some
Wristband isn’t as comfortable as other options
Key Specs
Style: Wrist, arm, or chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth, 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 within minutes. Using Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity, you can pair it to the MyZone app or compatible third-party apps, watches, and exercise equipment. And, whether running, swimming, cycling, or doing another activity without our phone, we love that this monitor saves 36 hours of exercise data that we can view after our workout.
When worn on our chest, this monitor uses ECG sensor technology to provide accurate metrics. But we also found that it’s fairly reliable when worn on our arm or wrist. One of our favorite features is the LED light that indicates your current heart rate zone in real time—which definitely pushes us during workouts. We also appreciate the robust workout data displayed in the app, including calories burned, average heart rate, peak heart rate, and heart rate zones.
Potential Flaws
- Its one-size-fits-all armband may not be large enough for some users.
- We like the flexibility of wearing this monitor on our chest, arm, or wrist. However, its 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
Best for Cycling
Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor
Excellent connectivity
Easy to use, with an intuitive setup process
Accurate and consistent readings
May slip during high-intensity workouts
Not as versatile as other options
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth, 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 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 also like that the Polar app has robust features that make it easy to view and analyze our 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, we never have to worry about this heart rate monitor running out of juice during a race since the sensor has a replaceable battery that lasts about 400 hours.
Potential Flaws
- While the strap stayed put for low-impact workouts like cycling, yoga, and strength training, it slipped a bit during our runs.
- The chest strap provides accurate readings, but we wish the monitor could also be worn on our 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
Best for Older Adults
AliveCor KardiaMobile 1-Lead Personal EKG Monitor
Very accurate
Small and portable
Color-coded alerts
Can’t be worn for exercise
Very sensitive to movement
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 very accurate and convenient option for adults who want detailed heart data at their fingertips. In just 30 seconds, it can be used to detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and normal sinus rhythm.
We found this monitor easy to set up and use—just place two fingers on the small pads—with no gels, wires, or patches needed. We also like how we can view our data on a smartphone or tablet using the KardiaMobile app. And color-coded alerts make interpreting our results simple. Plus, this device is small enough to fit in a pocket, so it’s convenient to bring 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
Best for Runners
Wahoo Fitness Tickr Fit Heart Rate Monitor Armband
Lightweight and comfortable
GPS tracking
Can connect to multiple devices simultaneously
Doesn’t have a screen
May provide inconsistent readings depending on exercise
Key Specs
Style: Armband | Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ | Battery Life: 35 hours (rechargeable) | Waterproof: Waterproof up to 5 feet | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for runners who want a sleek, comfortable, and waterproof heart rate monitor.
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, this 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 its GPS tracking feature, which analyzes where our heart rate changes during our runs.
We were pleasantly surprised by this monitor’s sleek design and comfortable fit. Its breathable strap is easy to adjust and can be worn on our forearm or upper arm. Even better, it's 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. We love that it's waterproof and has a 35-hour battery life with each charge for robust tracking capabilities, even on long-distance runs.
Potential Flaws
- This heart rate monitor doesn’t have a screen, so 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
Best Chest Strap
Garmin HRM-Pro™ Plus
Easy to set up and use
Soft, comfortable strap provides a secure fit
Battery lasts up to a year and is easy to replace
Doesn’t have a screen
Key Specs
Style: Chest strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ | Battery Life: Up to 12 months | Waterproof: Waterproof up 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. Its setup is a breeze; this monitor automatically pairs with your phone, smartwatch, or cardio machine (including the Peloton Bike and Tread). We love that we don't have to charge anything, press any buttons, or turn anything on. Even if we aren't wearing our watch, this monitor still captures our heart rate data, steps, calories burned, intensity minutes, and more, continuously feeding it into the Garmin Connect app.
We love that its soft, adjustable strap fits securely and doesn't cause any chafing or irritation. It’s so comfortable that it’s easy to forget we have it on (we almost wore it into the shower!). Plus, its battery lasts up to one year, and when it’s time to replace it, its 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
Best for Swimming
Garmin HRM-Swim
Lightweight, sleek, and comfortable
Accurate tracking
Long battery life
No real-time data
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 its lightweight, sleek design causes minimal drag as we swim. Plus, we like that its comfy strap is made of non-slip material that stays securely in place, even during turns in the pool.
This heart rate monitor stores our heart rate data while swimming and forwards it to the Garmin app when we're done. It impressed us in more ways than one with its simple setup process and very precise data. We also like its 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 we could view our data in real time while working 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
Best for Triathlon
Scosche Rhythm24 Waterproof Armband Heart Rate Monitor
Accurate tracking
Intuitive app
Lightweight, breathable design
Setup process can take a while
HR zone indicator lights are tough to see
Key Specs
Style: Arm strap | Connectivity: Bluetooth, 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 heart rate, cadence, distance, calories burned, and more. Designed with soft, rounded edges and no exposed seams, the armband's strap is ultra-comfortable and breathable.
During testing, we liked how easy it was to switch between different activities in the app. We are also impressed by how quickly it detects changes in our heart rate and gives us results in real time. Plus, its 24-hour battery life means we don’t have to worry about keeping it plugged in all the time when we’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? If you like to swim, make sure to choose a waterproof option. Runners may need GPS navigation. Also, ensure the device is compatible with all equipment and technology you use, whether your own or the gym’s, says 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
To find the best heart rate monitors, we spent over 187 hours testing 15 options from popular fitness brands, wearing them on hikes, swims, runs, and more. When testing heart rate monitors, we evaluate each device based on the following 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 consider 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 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 has additional features, like GPS or sleep tracking, we test those, too. Are the settings and features customizable? How helpful are they?
- 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. We prioritize heart rate monitors whose quality exceeds their value.
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 Verywell Fit 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.