Hypertension, often known as the "silent killer", is a risk factor for all-cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. High blood pressure contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths a day. And if that is not scary enough, 20% of Americans are not even aware that they have this condition.
The best way to keep hypertension under control is through monitoring blood pressure. Research suggests that self-monitoring may help lower blood pressure numbers by empowering individuals to track their readings regularly, make informed lifestyle adjustments, and adhere more effectively to treatment plans.
Therefore, to help you stay on top of your health, we have compiled a list of the best rated blood pressure monitors. We hope you find the right match among our top picks.
Best blood pressure monitor: a shortlist
- Oxiline — best intuitive blood pressure monitor
- Withings — best tech-savvy blood pressure monitor
- OMRON — most affordable blood pressure monitor
- Qardio — best blood monitor for daily use
- HealthSmart — most suitable blood pressure monitors for beginners
How have we compiled the best blood pressure monitors?
We aim to provide best blood pressure monitors in 2024 that are easy to use, accurate, and affordable for those who want to keep their hypertension under control, or who simply wish to be more involved in their well-being.
| Price | Adaptability | Data storage | Usability | Device certifications |
| $44.00–169.00 | Functionality of the machine, cuff size, portability | Possibility to track blood pressure numbers over time | Intuitive design for different types of individuals | American Medical Association, FDA, and other certifications |
- Price. We evaluated the price of each product regarding their features, quality, and other essential information about the brand.
- Adaptability. Blood pressure devices should adapt to a wide variety of individuals. It is important to choose a device easy to use, portable, and with various cuff sizes to correctly measure blood pressure.
- Data storage. We evaluated the storage functionality of these devices to keep track of readings for long periods.
- Usability. Blood pressure devices should be intuitive to use. Instructions and display of results should be clear, and the device should be easily incorporated into your routine without consuming much time.
- FDA and other certifications. We evaluated the FDA approval of the products and other additional certifications.
5 best blood pressure monitors in 2024: overview
We have compiled a list of the best home blood pressure monitors that can adapt to the needs of different individuals. Whether you are looking for the best portable blood pressure monitor, the best blood pressure cuff for your arm size, or the best tech-advanced monitor, we hope that you can find the right one for you in this list.
1. Oxiline — best intuitive design in a blood pressure monitor
Oxline’s Pressure X Pro monitor is innovative and easy to operate, making it the best automatic blood pressure monitor for those who want a more minimalistic design.
This blood pressure monitor is not only a standout in simplicity but also integrates seamlessly with health insights from the smart app, allowing users to build their health profile to accurately interpret the results. Moreover, it includes a VIBRA™ TX sensor, a feature that detects and warns about changes in blood pressure.
The device displays three indicators: systolic blood pressure measure, diastolic blood pressure measure, and heart rate. Additionally, the smartphone app has unlimited storage that users can consult anytime on the device.
The best thing about Oxline is that it is well suited to different individuals, including those with eye-sight problems, as the numbers are big-sized and bright to increase visibility.
It is available for $169.00 and offers free shipping and a lifetime warranty.
2. Withings — best blood pressure monitor for tech-savvy users
Withings BPM is an accurate blood pressure monitor that will come in handy for those tech-savvy lovers who enjoy keeping track of their health. Tested clinically by European and USA medical organizations, it offers the perfect balance between an intuitive and tech-advanced device.
This blood pressure monitor is easy to understand and operate. Users will just have to download the Withings app and push the button of the device to start their measure. Once the reading is done, the device will display the information on the screen in large LED lights.
Through the Withings app, individuals will be able to store multiple readings and analyze trends in their health state. Whether this information is kept for personal use or shared with the doctor, the app will indicate personalized recommendations and stay up to date with the individual's health.
It is available for $129.95 and includes free shipping and a 30-day trial policy.
3. OMRON — best budget-friendly blood pressure monitor
OMRON blood pressure device can become an ally for those who do not have enough time to check complex instructions or apps but still wish to keep track of their health.
It is designed with smart features that read blood pressure in the wrist and alert users if their blood pressure or heartbeat presents some irregularities. This can be beneficial for many individuals, as they can quickly find out about possible health hazards.
Furthermore, the device can display the average 3 last readings within 10 minutes, making it the best arm blood pressure monitor to find health data without downloading apps or complex analysis.
The scuff rages up to 8.5” (21 cm) and includes a storage case to take the device anywhere. It is available for $44.00.
4. Qardio — best blood monitor for everyday use
QardioArm is a portable monitor for those who enjoy keeping daily track of their health. It offers the perfect balance between an intuitive and tech-advanced device. Additionally, it is clinically validated to meet US and European standards.
This blood pressure monitor not only detects irregular heartbeats but also seamlessly connects with various devices to provide comprehensive charts and graphs of individuals' health status.
The monitor utilizes an oscillometric method with automatic inflation and a user-friendly one-touch pairing, making the blood pressure measurement easy and streamlined for various types of users.
It is available for $85.95 and includes free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
5. HealthSmart — best upper arm blood pressure monitor for beginners
HealthSmart blood pressure device is easy to operate and adaptable to a wide range of cuff sizes — up to 16.2” (42 cm).
The device has bright and big-sized numbers on the monitor, making results clear and easy to read. Additionally, it is also very comfortable to use as it does not include any cords.
HealthSmart also has outstanding accessibility features, displaying visual instructions and guides for users in two languages with a storage of 60 readings per user.
Lastly, this blood pressure monitor also alerts users of irregularities and provides a quick start manual to learn how to start operating the device.
It is available for $69.24 in the Diabetes Store.
Comparison of the best blood pressure monitors of 2024
| Brand | Price | Clinically tested | Certification | Size | Storage | App |
| Oxiline | $169.00 | N/A | FDA | 8.7"– 16.5" (21–42 cm) | Unlimited in the app | Yes |
| Withings | $129.95 | Yes | FDA, European Society of Hypertension, British Hypertension Society, American Heart Association | 9"–17" (22–42 cm) | Unlimited in the app | Yes |
| OMRON | $44.00 | N/A | European Society of Hypertension International Protocol and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation | 5.3”–8.5” (13–21 cm) | 60 readings | No |
| Qardio | $85.95 | Yes | FDA | 8.7"–14.6" (22–37 cm) | N/A | Yes |
| HealthSmart | $69.24 | N/A | N/A | 11.7”–16.5” (30–42 cm) | 60 readings | No |
What is a blood pressure monitor?
A blood pressure monitor is a device to check blood pressure levels. Blood pressure devices using oscillometric technology measure the vibration of blood traveling through the arteries at the moment of the reading.
Blood pressure monitors will have two indicators, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The first one is the pressure when the heart muscle is contracting (squeezing) and pumping oxygen-rich blood into the blood vessels. The second one is the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscle relaxes.
Normal blood pressure is considered under 120 mmHg for systolic value and under 80 mmHg for diastolic value. If these measurements are consistently higher than normal range, you are said to have high blood pressure, and the medical term is known as hypertension.
Types of blood pressure monitors
- Manual. A blood pressure device that includes a cuff for the arm, a squeezable bulb, and a gauge. This device needs to be operated by a doctor who listens to the sounds of the blood pulsing through the arteries.
- Digital. There are different types of digital monitors, some can inflate and deflate the cuff automatically, while others require manually inflating the cuff. In any case, digital devices measure the pressure based on the variations in the volume of blood in the arteries.
How does a blood pressure monitor work?
Blood pressure monitors include an arm cuff connected to an air pump that individuals can adjust to the upper arm or wrist. The cuff gets slowly inflated until it has enough pressure to stop the blood flow. As the cuff is deflated, it allows the blood to flow again, setting a detectable vibration in the arterial wall.
When the cuff pressure completely deflates, the blood flows smoothly again through the artery without any vibration. The change of these vibrations is transferred from the arterial wall to the monitor that converts the measurements into electrical signals.
What is the most accurate blood pressure monitor?
The best at-home blood pressure monitor is the digital one. Some studies suggest that the blood pressure results from these devices may be more reliable in some cases than the readings done at the doctor's office. This usually happens because individuals who take their blood pressure readings at home tend to be more relaxed and comfortable than when they visit their doctor.
The most accurate BP measurement device is the mercury sphygmomanometer. It is highly reliable for tracking blood pressure but requires a skilled professional to take the measurements manually.
When it comes to accuracy, it is essential to select monitors validated by the FDA or the American Medical Association. It is also recommended to avoid certain activities before taking the measurement that may impact the blood pressure like exercise.
What to look for when choosing a blood pressure monitor for home use
There are some factors to take into account when selecting a blood pressure monitor like accuracy, ease of use, type of blood pressure device and display.
Accuracy
When selecting an accurate blood pressure monitor, individuals should check for its validation by national and international health organizations like the American Medical Association or the European Society of Hypertension. Additionally, keep in mind that some other factors can impact the reading of a blood pressure like stress, smoking, or an incorrect size of cuff.
Ease of use
Blood pressure monitors should be intuitive and easy to adapt to your lifestyle. Whether you are a senior not very skilled with technology, or a youngster who enjoys keeping health records on his smartphone, blood pressure devices should be able to cover a variety of needs.
Type of blood pressure monitor
There are manual and digital blood pressure monitors. The latter is more convenient to take the blood pressure at home. However, when it comes to this type, there are various options like wrist or finger devices. It is always recommended to take blood pressure readings through the upper arm and make sure that the cuff fits correctly.
Display
Nobody enjoys using a magnifying glass to read their blood pressure results. The display should be clear for any individual, regardless of their age or condition. Additionally, brightness should also be optimised so results can be checked in one glance without tossing or turning the machine.
How to take blood pressure at home?
- Preparations. Avoid smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before the measure. Empty your bladder and relax your body.
- Taking your blood pressure. Sit with your back straight, supporting your arm on a flat surface. Place the cuff above the bend of the elbow and follow the instructions provided by your blood pressure device.
- After instructions. Measure the blood pressure at the same time every day and record the numbers in the device or by hand. It is advisable to take two readings on each blood pressure measurement. Additionally, you can take the monitor and your readings to your doctor.
FAQ
What is the best blood pressure monitor?
Depends. There are several good blood pressure monitors on the market. Some include apps for tech-savvy individuals, others have displays for seniors and some are automated. In any case, you should consult with your doctor about the use of a blood pressure monitor for your specific needs.
Are at-home blood pressure monitors accurate enough?
Some studies suggest that these devices are reliable blood pressure monitors. Additionally, individuals usually take them in the comfort of their homes, leading to relatively accurate results. However, they should never be used to diagnose any conditions.
What type of blood pressure monitor should I buy?
Depends. The best digital blood pressure monitor for you is the one that adapts to your needs. It is always best to review all the features of these devices and select the one that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
5 resources
- JAMA Internal Medicine. Home Blood Pressure Monitoring.
- BMJ. Oscillatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices.
- Nature Reviews Disease Primers. Hypertension.
- American Family Physician. Home Blood Pressure Monitoring.
- The Journal of Clinical Hypertension. How to check whether a blood pressure monitor has been properly validated for accuracy.
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