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Best Heart Rate Monitors

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic
Samsung
Galaxy Watch6 Classic
Most Comprehensive

If you want a smartwatch that provides in-depth heart rate monitoring, the stainless steel Watch6 Classic is an outstanding choice.

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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

If you want a smartwatch that provides in-depth heart rate monitoring, the stainless steel Watch6 Classic is an outstanding choice.

Pros

Offers continuous heart rate monitoring that can detect irregularities that require medical intervention. Monitors numerous fitness and health metrics. Large screen has a rotating bezel. Long battery life.

Cons

You'll need a Samsung phone to access many of the functions. Pricier than some similar watches.

Fitbit Inspire HR Activity Tracker + Heart Rate Monitor
Fitbit
Inspire HR Activity Tracker + Heart Rate Monitor
Feature-Packed

Not only can you monitor your heart rate, but you can also track your activity overall, and at an affordable price.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

Not only can you monitor your heart rate, but you can also track your activity overall, and at an affordable price.

Pros

Offers guided breathing sessions when your heart rate indicates stress. Crisp OLED display screen. Automatically recognizes a variety of activities.

Cons

Some users believe the interface could be improved upon.

Zac U Rate 500E Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Zac U Rate
500E Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Simple Yet Solid

A basic option with a mid-level price. Ideal for consumers who are looking for an alternative to wrist-strap models.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A basic option with a mid-level price. Ideal for consumers who are looking for an alternative to wrist-strap models.

Pros

A versatile monitor that's ideal for health and athletic purposes. Can be worn with a lanyard. Also reads oxygen levels. Easy to use.

Cons

Fairly basic and not as versatile as others on our list.

Coros Pace 2 Watch
Coros
Pace 2 Watch
Best for Beginners

This wristwatch is perfect for monitoring your heart on runs to maintain your workout intensity.

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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This wristwatch is perfect for monitoring your heart on runs to maintain your workout intensity.

Pros

Its battery lasts for up to 30 hours in GPS mode, 60 hours in UltraMax mode, and 20 days in regular mode. It has over 200 preloaded exercises to guide you in your health journey. It comes in white and navy.

Cons

It takes several minutes for it to start displaying your heart rate once you begin exercising.

Apple Watch Series 9
Apple
Watch Series 9
Stylish & Practical

The Apple Watch Series 9 will monitor your heart health while tracking other health and fitness data to meet your wellness goals.

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Stylish & Practical
Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 9 will monitor your heart health while tracking other health and fitness data to meet your wellness goals.

Pros

Features the ability to take an EKG on demand and will detect irregular heart rhythms. Detects falls and crashes. Trim design and durable construction with a vivid display.

Cons

Price falls on the higher end of the spectrum.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
August 23, 2021
35
Models
considered
28
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for best heart rate monitors

Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated May 2024

The more data you have, the better you can discern which is the most effective approach to a task. When exercising, you monitor your heart rate because, among other information, it reveals whether you are burning fat or just calories. If you are serious about getting the most out of your workouts, you need a heart rate monitor.

The best heart rate monitor has a chest strap to more accurately track your heart rate and a wrist strap so you can see the data in real time. It also connects to an app so you can save and later evaluate the fitness data collected during your workouts. Because of its ease of use, however, many people are satisfied with having just a wrist monitor and an app.

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Some monitors include an alarm to indicate you’ve exceeded your target heart rate and should slow down.

Basic heart rate monitor function

A heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate and other information related to how hard your body works during exercise.

Such data enables you to determine whether you’re working out in a heart rate zone safe for your body, while also reaching an effort level that boosts your fitness.

When exercising, your heart rate determines whether you’ve reached the optimal effort level.

As the HR monitor provides feedback regarding your heart rate, you understand whether you’re working too fast, too slow, or just right.

Basic heart rate monitor design

Two primary types of heart rate monitor designs exist: chest straps and wrist units. Some models use only one device, while others require pairing the two designs.

Wrist unit alone

Nearly all modern HR monitors use a wrist unit that fits like a wristwatch. With some designs, this wrist unit measures pulse, steps, and other fitness data.

Most people prefer a wrist unit alone because of its simple design. You just put on the wristwatch-like device and begin exercising. However, some people find inaccurate readings with wrist units alone.

Most newer wrist units include a display screen to provide constant and immediate feedback. Some older models have no screen, however.

Chest strap alone

Some HR monitors use a simple chest strap with sensors that connect wirelessly to a smartphone app or a computer. Chest strap HR monitors have existed for several years.

However, you won’t have immediate feedback while working out with a chest strap alone, as the unit has no display screen.

Additionally, some people dislike the chest strap because it’s uncomfortable to wear.

Chest strap with wrist unit

Some heart rate monitor designs use a combination of two sensors that communicate with each other.

The wrist unit makes a wireless connection with the chest strap. The chest strap’s sensors fit just over the person’s heart, allowing for an accurate heart rate measurement.

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Did you know?
If the wrist sensor and chest sensor sit more than 24-30 inches apart, the wireless signal may weaken.
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Paired with smartphone apps or software

Most HR monitors send the data they collect to a smartphone app.

Inside the app, you’ll find the stored information helps you keep track of your fitness levels. Studying the app’s data keeps you moving toward your fitness goals over time.

Other heart rate monitors make a wired connection to a computer or tablet to share the data.

Heart rate monitor data tracking

When shopping for heart rate monitors, think about the type of exercise you want to track. Different HR monitors offer strengths in different areas. Some of the types of fitness data the HR monitors measure include the following. (Most of these features only appear with wrist units.)

Calorie burning

The HR monitor may estimate how many calories you’ve burned during exercise. It uses data such as your current weight, the length of your workout, and the intensity of your workout to calculate this number.

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For your safety
If you have health concerns, check with a doctor to determine the best way to use the heart rate monitor.
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Recovery time

Some HR monitors will measure the amount of time your heart needs to go from the target rate to a resting rate after exercising. This measurement indicates your fitness level.

Lap or split times

Wrist HR monitors provide the ability to measure your split times, helpful for maintaining a steady pace during aerobic workouts. Additionally, some HR monitors provide audible lap counting to aid your workout.

Distance measurement

Some heart rate monitors measure distance based on the number of steps you take. Others include a GPS unit that precisely measures distance traveled in a workout. For swimmers, look for an HR monitor that specifically provides distance measurements in the water.

Speed monitor

Although most heart rate monitors measure the strength of your workout based on your heart rate, others measure your actual speed. Such monitors work best for runners or cyclists.

Stopwatch

Like a digital watch, an HR monitor often includes a stopwatch. This allows you to measure your aerobic exercise time.

Target heart rate

You may set the monitor to sound alarms when you exceed or fall below your target heart rate. Some HR monitors only store one target heart rate at a time; others may store several. This allows you to select the target to match your current workout.

Tips

  • Most heart rate monitors use rechargeable batteries. However, some use watch size batteries that need replacement occasionally.

  • Most HR monitors aren’t waterproof. If you want to swim with a heart rate monitor, select one rated to work in water.

  • To clean a heart rate monitor’s screen and sensors, gently wipe them with a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, slightly dampen the cloth first.

  • To clean the wrist strap or chest band of an HR monitor, use warm, soapy water. Air dry the straps away from sunlight.

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Those who are already fit and healthy should use a maximum target heart rate higher than those just starting an exercise program.

FAQ

Q. How do I know when I’m in my target heart rate zone?

A. As a general rule, the target heart rate works as a percentage of your maximum heart rate. When just starting an exercise program, try to stay at about 70% of your maximum heart rate. With a standard aerobic workout, look to work at about 80% of the maximum heart rate. For specific speed and power workouts, aim for about 90% of maximum heart rate. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns over your health or fitness level, and it’s always good to consult a personal trainer when designing your exercise regimen and goals.

Q. Do heart rate monitors work better for a particular type of exercise?

A. Some models of HR monitors offer data tracking aimed at certain types of exercise. For example, you need a water resistant or waterproof monitor for use during swimming. Some HR monitors work better for cycling than running. Other HR monitors offer a full range of measurements, allowing them to have success in multiple exercise arenas.

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