Cardiovascular system performance plays a vital role in optimizing athletes' workouts. And even if one is only an enthusiast, real-time heart rate monitoring can help train, track, and recover.
Feedback and evaluation of progress can lead to better results and, overall, better health. There are several types of heart rate tracking products: chest straps, armbands, and, in some cases, finger monitors.
Even though heart rate monitors are usually a valuable tool for runners, cyclists, weightlifters, swimmers, and those in team sports, they are also useful in regular workouts, especially when there is an ambition to improve. Here we are going to dive deeper and create the ultimate 2024 heart rate monitor shortlist.
The best heart rate monitor: a shortlist
- Kardia — an FDA-approved, unique heart rate monitoring device
- Scosche — the best wrist heart rate monitor for all skin tones
- CooSpo — the best for starting out on a budget
- Polar — praised by the pro-athletes
- Garmin — the longest operating hours
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How we compiled our list of the best heart rate monitors
We put together our heart rate monitor shortlist, looking at several key criteria.
We wanted to make sure our recommendations are tailored and fit for a diverse group of people, from professional athletes to amateurs or even people new to cardiovascular tracking and its benefits.
| Ease of use | Compatibility | FDA approval | Value | Battery life | Price |
| From setting it up to daily use. | Fit for smartphones, synced with fitness apps and other devices. | The clearance from the official regulatory bodies of the device. | Quality, affordability, and the overall standing in the market. | Working hours rate. | From $29.99 to $99.95. |
- Ease of use. One of our top priorities was to choose easy-to-use heart rate monitors, which collect data, allowing users to focus on the workout rather than the gadget strapped to them.
- Compatibility. As heart rate monitors are rarely the sole tool used in a workout, we’ve considered compatibility with technologies, apps, phones, fitness gear, and even data exportability — all for a smoother experience.
- FDA status. This is a quality step and a mark that cardiovascular health gadgets should be investing in, and we will look at it and the situation in the market.
- Value. We took into consideration the affordability and value-for-money of each heart rate monitor.
- Battery life. We have looked into the operating hours and capacity of heart rate monitors. A great battery life makes the product reliable and useful for prolonged periods of time.
Best heart rate monitor: an overview
Creating this list was no easy task, as technologies are always evolving and offering new and exciting features.
However, we’ve tried to curate a diverse shortlist, examining the technological aspects, practicality, reviews, and other aspects to provide a truly valuable overview of the heart rate monitor market.
1. Kardia — FDA-approved, unique heart rate monitoring device
Kardia Mobile is a personal smart device that, according to the manufacturer, records a medical-grade electrocardiogram (EKG) straight to your smartphone.
A single-lead ECG provides information about one's heart health and can detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia. The reading is instant and works without an internet connection.
Kardia Mobile is a clinically tested, CE-marked, and FDA-cleared gadget.
It also has the really useful feature of importing and sharing the cardiogram with your healthcare provider. Under the circumstances where there is a need to track your heart’s health, this might be really useful.
For $79 and no additional subscriptions, the device is trusted to work for 200 operational hours, and that should be enough for one full year. Amazon ratings show a solid 4.4 our 5-star rating.
After reviewing what customers talk about Kardia, two most common subjects were mentioned: its lightweight build and accuracy, although this device is more commonly used by people with heart health concerns than fitness enthusiasts.
This is a rather unique and different product from all our listed heart rate monitors, yet we felt that it was important to include this option on our list, as Kardia Mobile seems to be one of the most medically established technologies in its class.
2. Scosche — the best wrist heart rate monitor for all skin tones
One more unique heart rate monitor is on our shortlist: the Scosche Rhythm R+2.0 Armband.
The brand claims that it is just as accurate as chest straps, yet slightly more comfortable to wear and move around in. The armband is also the best value, priced at $29.99; Amazon reviewers give it a 4.1 out of 5-star rating.
A 24-hour battery life seems to be okay for most physical activities, and a 100-foot wireless range is a great feature, improving the promised comfort.
It is also the only device on our shortlist with a rechargeable battery. Scosche claims their green/yellow optical sensor array is accurate for all skin tones.
Of course, as fit for sports equipment, the armband is water and dustproof and pairs well with more than 200 fitness apps. However, there is a lack of information about FDA status.
Overlooking the reviews, we have noticed that customers compliment Scosche's comfortable fit, easy-to-use nature, and accuracy on data, but some report that after several years of usage, the device no longer charges.
3. CooSpo — the best for starting out on a budget
Unlike the others, the CooSpo H808S chest strap stands out with its simplicity. Instead of a rechargeable battery, it uses a replaceable battery (CR2032) that should deliver 300 working hours.
Setting up this chest strap seems to be straighforward. CooSpo included sound and visual guides to know when the strap is working and when it is connected to ANT+ or Bluetooth.
At the price of $35, the H808S chest strap could be the perfect first chest strap if your physical performance tracking needs that extra kick. Not to forget mentioning a solid 4.1 out of 5-star rating on Amazon.
However, there is no information on FDA approval or compatibility with smart devices; as of now, they only mention several of the most popular apps and gadgets.
Reviews for the CooSpo H808S are mixed. People compliment its price value and easy-to-use approach, but they are rather worried that battery life should be longer and connectivity to other devices might be an issue at times.
4. Polar — praised by the pro-athletes
The Polar H10 Sensor stands out as one of the most praised chest strap monitors in the sports world. It seemingly gets such praise for valid reasons.
The Polar H10 comes in two sizes for better fit: M–XXL and XS–S. It proudly promises to be waterproof up to 30 meters underwater, making it the most suitable for water activities on our shortlist.
Polar measures heart rate during electrocardiogram measurement instead of the usual optical heart rate technology mostly used in sports watches. This approach is considered to be more accurate than optical measurement.
The chest strap should work for 400 operational hours before the CR2025 battery needs a change.
For those who need to dig deeper to know a brand, Polar has a Research Center. It consists of in-house technology experts in physiology and data science. Experts work on innovative studies in the fields of sport sciences. They contribute greatly to global research collaborations.
After looking at reviews, we have noticed that people are genuinely happy about their Polar H10 sensor. They praise its fit and lightweight feel, are happy about the battery life and the overall professional build.
At $99.95, the Polar H10 Sensor might be the most expensive on our shortlist, yet it promises to deliver high-end accuracy and an overall user experience. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this just might be true.
5. Garmin — the longest operating hours
HRM-Dual heart rate monitor by Garmin elevated the working hours from the usual one battery a year to a whopping 3,5 years of operating hours.
This is due to a technology that consumes low amounts of energy and transmits real-time heart rate data over ANT+ connectivity or Bluetooth.
Garmin promises great results, whether working outside, indoors, or even online. Yet, the 3-meter range seems rather constricting, and there is little information about compatibility with products outside of the Garmin brand.
Water resistance stands at 1 ATM, or the equivalent of a depth of 10 meters.
Reviewers mention that Garmin truly delivers on its promise of a long-lasting battery life
People praise the snug fits, but we have noticed some complaints about the connectivity with Apple Health, and that might be a discomfort for those with Apple Watch and iPhone.
A dual heart rate monitor comes at a price of $69.99, making it a smart choice for those who look for a longer-lasting investment in heart monitors with a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Amazon.
Comparing the best heart rate monitors
| Brand | Battery life | Waterproof | Type | FDA-cleared | Price |
| Kardia | 200 hours | - | Fingers reader | Yes | $79 |
| Scosche | 24 hours / rechargeable | Yes, but not recommended | Armband | No | $29.99 |
| CooSpo | 300 hours | 0.5 meters | Chest strap | No | $35 |
| Polar | 400 hours | 30 meters | Chest strap | No | $99.95 |
| Garmin | 3.5 years | 10 meters | Chest strap | No | $69.99 |
What is a heart rate monitor, and how does it work?
A heart rate monitor measures and displays heart rate in real-time. It is commonly used in fitness to track cardiovascular performance.
By detecting electrical signals from the heart and/or measuring blood flow, they create data that can be analyzed to learn about heart capacity, recovery time and aid in the prevention of exhaustion due to overtraining, and gather valuable information for trainers or medical teams.
Chest strap monitors use ECG sensors for higher accuracy, making them a go-to for serious athletes.
Wristbands and smartwatches use optical sensors to measure heart rate via blood flow changes. Being lightweight and convenient, they're great products for general fitness enthusiasts.
In general, heart rate monitors help optimize workouts, aiding in achieving the best performance and safety in sports routines.
Benefits of using a heart rate monitor regularly
A heart rate monitor may help enhance a fitness routine and devise the safest training approach for the best progress toward health goals.
Motivation
Real-time feedback and progress tracking can be a motivational lift to push further while staying safe on the track.
Recovery Monitoring
Heart rate variability (HRV) indicates stress and fatigue levels, aiding in effective recovery. Recovery is as important to progress as any other subject.
Performance tracking
Training programs are ever evolving and adjusting. Analyzing heart rate may provide the needed information to improve training routine.
Optimized training
Heart rate monitors allow tracking of specific heart rate zones while training, making it possible to use this information for better endurance, speed, and overall cardiovascular health.
Health monitoring
Continuously monitoring your heart rate can help detect irregularities and potential health issues early on, giving you the opportunity to seek medical consultation.
How to use a heart rate monitor effectively
When talking about the correct way to use a heart rate monitor, there are two main factors to consider.
Placement
Firstly, the placement and fitting of the heart rate monitor. Chest straps should be placed snugly around the chest, just below the pectoral muscles. Sensors have to be in contact with the skin for accurate readings.
The same close contact should be conducted with armbands and smartwatches. ECG or optical sensors need clear access to the measurement zone to record your heart rate.
Understanding of data
Second, comes the interpretation of heart rate data. What good is the data without a proper understanding of it?
The focus should mainly be on resting heart rate (RHR). RHR should be measured in the morning before getting out of bed, and the goal is to have a lower RHR, indicating better cardiovascular function.
Common mistakes to avoid when using a heart rate monitor
Reading so far, you might have guessed that some of the most common mistakes are wrong positioning and incorrect reading of bodily signals.
Also, ignoring calibration can lead to inaccurate data, so manufacturers' instructions should always be followed. It would be advisable to check with a professional trainer to ensure the fit is right and the data is accurate, just so you would know that the device is used properly.
A heart rate monitor is a very valuable asset to one's fitness routine, but if it is used or interpreted at fault, it might be at risk of severe injury or overworking.
Heart rate monitor care and maintenance
Since the device is constantly in contact with the skin, it should be cleaned quite often for accuracy and hygiene. After some time using a heart rate monitor, it would be advisable to check on battery life.
A spare battery might come in handy after the initial working hours are up. A regular calibration should be executed as advised, and even though most devices are dust- and waterproofed, they are still precision measuring tools and should be cared for properly.
Best heart rate monitor — conclusion
Choosing the best heart rate monitor might be a tough task, but we hope our shortlist makes it just a bit easier.
For pro-athletes, we definitely suggest choosing chest straps, as they usually measure heart rate based on ECG measurement, making the data real-time and more accurate than other options.
This is also why the aspects of accuracy, professional approach and quality we would conclude that Polar H10 Sensor is the best choice overall.
It has great reviews from both pro-athletes and amateur fitness enthusiasts highlighting that Polar is 30 meter water resistant and works for staggering 400 hours.
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FAQ
How accurate are wrist-based heart rate monitors compared to chest straps?
They are usually less precise due to optical sensors being less accurate than electrodes registering the electrocardiogram.
What is the best heart rate monitor for swimming?
On our list, we have a heart rate monitor that can be submerged 30 meters under water, and it should be the best for swimming: the Polar H10 sensor.
Are there heart rate monitors that can sync with my smartphone?
Yes. Most heart rate monitors sync with smartphones and export data to them, either via the heart rate monitor's own app or via the most popular exercising apps.
How long do batteries typically last in heart rate monitors?
200 to 400 hours. On a typical heart rate monitor, we have noticed a 200–400 operating hours ratio. Everything around it makes it possible to use a heart rate monitor for hours a day for a year.
8 resources
- National Library of Medicine. An Overview of the Sensors for Heart Rate Monitoring Used in Extramural Applications.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Is Continuous ECG Recording on Heart Rate Monitors the Most Expected Function by Endurance Athletes, Coaches, and Doctors?
- International Journal of Sport, Exercise and Health Research. A Review of the Relationship between Heart Rate Monitoring, Training Load, and Injury in Field-Based Team Sport Athletes.
- Frontiers in Psychology. Psychophysiological Benefits of Real-Time Heart Rate Feedback in Physical Education.
- Journal of Clinical Medicine. Heart Rate Variability in Sport Performance: Do Time of Day and Chronotype Play A Role?
- Cleveland Clinic. Heart Rate Zones Explained.
- Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy. Accuracy of Wearable Heart Rate Monitors in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
- Journal of Clinical Medicine. Effects of Exercise on the Resting Heart Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies.
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