If you know how to put their readings to good use, heart rate monitors (HRMs) can provide some very useful data.
The higher you push your heart rate and the longer you do it, the more it will affect the body in various ways.
Smart training means using your heart rate data to inform your workouts. You may want to keep your MHR relatively low for a given length of time in order to work on fat burning or pace yourself for a longer session, or you may push it up so you can work on stamina.
Yet another convenience for your HRM is having the ability to automatically record your resting heart rate using the device.
Heart rate monitors come in all shapes and sizes, and are often integrated into many of our favorite fitness trackers and other health and fitness tech.
In this article, we’ll examine standalone HRMs by themselves, although many can also connect to a fitness tracker or sports watch for better fitness tracking.
Below, we run down all of the benefits offered by these individual monitors and list are top choices for each. Make sure to also take a look at our buying guide at the end for useful shopping advice.
5 Best Heart Rate Monitors For Workout
POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor — Ideal for beginners who want to start monitoring their heart while training.
Polar H10 Heart Rate has built-in memory, accurate readings, and extended battery life, it is also compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+ — all the tools to help you improve your training.
Bakes-Setting this one up is easy, the app is simple and user-friendly, just install it on your phone and pair the device with the phone via Bluetooth.
These were much more accurate than the heart rate reading provided by the usual optical sensors on a treadmill workout, weight training session, and easy run; even high-intensity sessions on the treadmill were relatively close to the estimated value.
The grippy silicone spots on the chest strap keep the sensor where it should be: close up on your chest, making for a nice, snug, and secure fit.
During a hot and sweaty vinyasa yoga we didn’t slip or feel uncomfortable. In total, the monitor is designed to last, with a battery life of up to 400 hours claimed by polar, so you will not need to charge it all that often.
✯ Pros:
Highly accurate.
Excellent battery life.
User-friendly app.
✯ Cons:
Don’t have a screen.
Less flexible than some alternatives.
This AliveCor KardiaMobile 1-Lead Personal EKG Monitor provides a medical-grade, single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from your smartphone and is an easily accessible way for older adults to receive detailed heart measurements.
This can determine afib, bradycardia, tachycardia and normal sinus rhythm in 30 seconds.
The monitors do not require any gels, wires, or patches, and we found it really easy to set up and use; simply place two fingers on the small pads.
Data can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet using the Kardia Mobile app, and it uses color-coded alerts to help you understand your results.
Also, it is small enough to be carried in your pocket to have on the go.
✯ Pros:
Very accurate
Portable
Color-coded alerts
✯ Cons:
Can’t be use for exercise
Very sensitive to movement
The Wahoo Tickr Fit Heart Rate Armband is special not only for being our old favorite pick but also because it is one of many heart rate monitors runners can use it is our overall favorite because it’s comfortable and does everything you would expect it to do.
The Tickr app was simple to install, as was the armband monitor once it was physically set up. In testing, it did indeed provide live tracking of our heart rate and then also the average and max rate padding Horizontal without any delays.
We also liked the GPS tracking, which shows you where your pulse stepped in your runs.
We found the monitor to look good and be comfortable against the wearer as well. It is adjustable, breathable, and can be worn on top of the forearm or upper arm.
Even more impressive is the monitor’s compatibility with over 50 fitness apps (including Strava), which will log the data every time you workout in not just Wahoo app but also in the app of your choice.
It is also waterproof, with a huge 35-hour battery life that should allow you to track even your most challenging races.
✯ Pros:
Lightweight and comfortable
GPS tracking
Supporting two devices at the same time
✯ Cons:
Doesn’t have a screen
Readings may be inconsistent
User-friendly Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor with Bluetooth or ANT voice activation is intended for a top choice for cyclists who are looking to connect to a smartwatch, activity tracker, or exercise machine.
In our testing, the monitor’s easy installation process wowed us from the get-go. The unboxing, wearing, and pairing it with our devices took less than five minutes.
On that front, we were relieved to see that the Polar app packs in most of the features you’ll need, making it simple to see and study your data.
This heart rate monitor comes with chest strap that is comfortable for cycling and it consistent reading whenever you use it.
If you choose to take intervals, do so (though you—probably—still shouldn’t be racing Strava KOMs.
And don’t worry about the battery dying midrace—the sensor has a replaceable battery according to the manufacturer, it lasts for up to 400 hours.
✯ Pros:
Excellent connectivity
Easy to use
Accurate and consistent
✯ Cons:
Slipping during high-intensity workouts
Less versatile than other alternatives
For those who want to buy a heart rate monitor without spending a lot of money, we recommend the CooSpo H9Z Chest Heart Rate Monitor.
Indeed, although this budget-friendly model doesn’t have the absolute best battery life out there, it is certainly competitive with many of the more premium models we have tested in this metric.
However, the soft fit is held stably on the wrist by the soft band without any bumps or abrasions in the test phase.
We also liked the the calibration was spot on every time we used it in different workouts.
The watch is waterproof but cannot be worn for swimming, and it has no problem withstanding even our sweatiest workout sessions.
✯ Pros:
Waterproof.
Soft, comfortable strap.
Very accurate.
✯ Cons:
Apps have limited features.
Limited connectivity.
Disclaimer: At Thriven Authority, we strive to provide clear and helpful information for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by our editorial team, but we recommend using your discretion and seeking an expert’s opinion before using them. Prices and availability may change after publication. If you buy something via the links in this article, we may earn a commission
