How To Choose The Best Heart Rate Monitor Watch
With so many options available, it can be daunting to choose a reliable heart rate monitor watch.
The Fitbit Versa is our top pick, as it features 24/7 heart rate monitoring, which tracks your heart health over time and always displays your current heart rate, whether youre resting or exercising.
Furthermore, it shows your metrics on the main screen so that you dont have to navigate elsewhere.
Still, you may want to consider other factors like cost, customer reviews, and features.
Note that very few smartwatches only measure your heart rate. Most connect to your phone, and many offer features for athletes, such as GPS and activity tracking, or people with heart or lung problems, such as blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitoring.
Alternatively, if youre looking for the most accurate heart rate readings possible for example, to help manage your heart condition consider a chest monitor. This device straps around your chest and is much more precise than a smartwatch (
6 ).
In particular, an elevated heart rate can also be a risk factor for future health issues, including heart disease and stroke .
Garmin Fenix 7 Outdoor Watch
Features a large 1.3 display and 47 mm fiber-reinforced polymer case. The watch is tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Trusted button controls that work in any environment are matched with a responsive new touchscreen interface for quick access to selections and functions.
Garmin Fenix 7s Solar Edition Outdoor Watch
Meet any athletic or outdoor challenge with the rugged fnix 7S Solar multisport GPS watch. Its styled for smaller-sized wrists, and its Power Glass solar charging lens extends battery life powering advanced training features, sports apps, health and wellness monitoring sensors, and more.
$799.99
What Is the Stress Level Feature on My Garmin Watch?
Stress level is a feature found on many Garmin watches allowing a user to determine their current level of stress based on their heart-rate variability. When using the stress level feature, the watch uses heart rate data to determine the interval between each heartbeat. The variable length of time in between each heartbeat is regulated by the body’s autonomic nervous system. The less variability between beats equals higher stress levels, whereas the increase in variability indicates less stress. Some watches will prompt you when it detects a high level of stress offering you the option to reduce it through a breathing exercise. Some watches also provide all-day stress tracking so you can see your trends throughout the day and over time.
Training, physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and general life stress all impact your stress level. Wearing your device both day and night will return the most consistent, accurate results. If you are too active to determine stress level , a stress level will not be recorded.
My Garmin watch indicated I had the flu
$69.00
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The Best Heart Rate Monitors For 2022
Whether you use an arm band or chest strap, smarten up your exercise and training routine by adding one of the best heart rate monitors we’ve tested.
I’ve been contributing to PCMag since 2011, at times as an analyst and columnist, and currently as deputy managing editor for the software team. My column, Get Organized, has been running on PCMag since 2012. It gives advice on how to manage all the devices, apps, digital photos, social networks, email, and other technology that can make you feel like you’re going to have a panic attack.
I’m PCMag’s expert on fitness and smart home technology, and I’ve written more than 6,000 articles and reviews in the 10-plus years I’ve been here. I unbox, set up, test, and review a wide range of consumer tech products from my home in Florida, often with the help of my pitbull Bradley. I’m also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.
Runner Up: Wahoo Tickr Fit Heart Rate Monitor
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
- Some may find the forearm positioning a bit awkward
Wahoo keeps things simple and user-friendly with its TICKR FIT armband, which features dual-band ANT+ and Bluetooth technology so you can use it for workouts using Zwift, Wahoo Fitness, Runkeeper, Endomondo, Peloton and more. Its compatible with iPhone and Android devices and is also the first TICKR with a rechargeable battery for added convenience.
To ensure accurate feedback, innovative optical heart rate technology delivers reliable heart rate monitoring and calories burned. Like the Whoop 4.0 tracker, you can rely on the accurate feedback to accurately track your workouts and recoveries.
Besides the apps mentioned above, you can use it with most popular workout programs such as Strava, Cyclemeter, Map My Run and more. If youre tracking a cycling workout, sync it with your GPS cycle computer to gain valuable performance insight.
Along with running, fitness classes and cycling, you can also wear it to track swim workouts. All TICKR products have an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means that they are waterproof up to five feet. Additionally, each model comes with LED lights and dual-band technology for Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility.
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Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Edition Outdoor Watch
Meet any athletic or outdoor challenge with the rugged fnix 7 Sapphire Solar multisport GPS watch. Its scratch-resistant Power Sapphire solar charging lens uses the suns energy to extend battery life powering advanced training features, sports apps, health and wellness monitoring sensors and more.
How We Chose These Watches
Healthline assembled this list based on the following criteria:
- Functionality. We included watches that measure heart rate while offering other valuable features, such as sleep or fitness tracking.
- Reviews. The watches on this list have mostly positive customer reviews.
- Suitability for specific needs. We considered watches that are specifically designed for certain populations, such as athletes or people with heart problems.
- Price. We included watches at a variety of price points to suit different budgets.
- Vetting. The watches on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
Here are the 10 best heart rate monitor watches of 2022.
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Editors Choice: Garmin Hrm
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with the Garmin Connect app
- Connectivity is limited to Garmin devices
- Not compatible with most older GPS units
Theres nothing fancy or flashy about the Garmin HRM-Dual, which is what makes it so appealing for athletes seeking a basic and dependable heart rate monitor. Its designed for your favorite indoor, outdoor and online workouts, making it a versatile accessory for your active lifestyle. Garmin is a trusted name in the fitness industry, with a reputation for reliable products that are built to last. This Bluetooth monitor is no exception, which is why is our top choice.
This device connects with a broader range of devices thanks to ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy technology. In fact, you can use it with your favorite Garmin device and training apps such as Zwift for bike trainer workouts and ANT+ and Bluetooth-compatible equipment at the gym.
The HRM-Dual features a soft, comfortable and adjustable strap along with a removable and washable heart rate module. With a battery life of roughly 3.5 years, you dont have to worry about frequently replacing the battery.
If youre looking for a running watch with music, Garmin has several options. Many watches have onboard storage so that you can conveniently download songs and podcasts to your wrist for phone-free entertainment.
Why Do People Use Heart Rate Monitors
Heart rate monitors are very popular features in wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. Many of these devices also connect wirelessly to smartphones and computers. That allows users easy access to review their heart rate data. Heart rate monitors see common use for the following purposes:
- Tracking heart rate during exercise.
- Monitoring stress and activity levels during the day.
- Tracking sleep quality at night.
- Monitoring your vital signs at home, especially if you have certain health conditions or concerns.
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Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor: Very Long Term In
Theres arguably no tech product in my arsenal of products thats been used as much as the Polar H10 chest strap, yet I never exactly got around to writing an in-depth review on it. Or, even a short review. In fact, it only had cursory mention when it was announced five years ago. For the most part, the H10 predated when I did dedicated general-purpose heart rate strap reviews.
In fact, the H10 has been around so long that theyve announced features, implemented features, and then those features have reached end of life. Such as the also-announced-on-launch-day GoPro integration some 5 years ago, which never made it past the Hero 4/5 cameras . There have been more important features though, like when Polar added ANT+ connectivity to the H10 . That update also included dual-Bluetooth connectivity, allowing multiple connections.
And in fact, its been since around the timeframe that they added ANT+ & dual-Bluetooth integration a few years ago, that my usage has picked up. Prior to that, I only occasionally used it, as I generally preferred straps that could connect to multiple devices .
What Is A Good Resting Heart Rate
According to the American Heart Association, a typical resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute .
Your resting heart rate is your heart rate when you are seated or lying down and are in a calm, relaxed state. A low resting heart rate is ideal and often associated with low blood pressure, a low body weight, and good physical fitness .
Older adults may have a higher resting heart rate, while children and people who are active or physically fit may have a lower resting heart rate. This is because their heart can keep a steady beat with less effort.
Other factors, such as medications, medical conditions, body size, and temperature, can also influence your resting heart rate.
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What Are Heart Rate Monitors
Heart rate monitors are devices that detect and measure your heart or pulse rate. Thanks to advances in technology, these devices are small, wearable and many use sensors that are very accurate. However, while these devices are excellent for personal use, theyre no substitute for medical devices that are much more accurate.
Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor
- Precision: Tracks precise heart rate to determine heart rate zones to enable you to identify your limits of training. Accurately calculates the calories burnt.
- Technology: Bluetooth and Ant+ technology- wear at home, the gym, your favorite fitness classes.
- Breathable & Adjustable Neoprene Soft Strap: A lightweight and comfortable strap keeps you giving you all day comfort unlike many rubber straps wear on the chest for accuracy.
- Durable: Uses CR2032 battery with expected 1 year life.Customized Real-time Heart Rate Training-Record heart rate, Zones , calories and fitness tests.
- Waterproof: IP67 water-resistant standard ensures that your chest strap remains sweat-proof and splash-proof. The strap is detachable and hand-washable for continuous smooth usage.
- Compatible: Ideal for fitness apps, equipment, and GPS. Peloton, Strava, TRX- and more. JAMWORKOUT, Wahoo Fitness, Polar Bear, Strava, Zwift, Runtastic Pro, Nike+ Run Club and 100s of possible fitness apps. Easy to pair with smartphones with bluetooth 4.0 or above and ANT+ connectivity.
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Are Wrist Heart Rate Monitors Accurate
Wrist heart rate monitors are not quite as accurate as chest strap heart rate monitors, but they can still give you a good idea of your heart rate.
The optical sensors used in wrist-worn heart rate monitors can be affected by different types of movement, so the accuracy of your heart rate readings may depend on what kind of exercise youre doing .
If you need highly accurate heart rate data to help with your training, a chest strap may be a better option.
That said, wrist heart rate monitors may be more comfortable to wear throughout the day and often have additional features such as visible LED lights or a screen that displays the time, your heart rate, steps, and more.
Connecting To Other Apps/devices:
As outlined earlier, the Polar H10 supports three basic connectivity types using industry standards to do so:
ANT+ heart rate Bluetooth Smart heart rate 5kHz analog heart rate
For most people, youll use ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart, with more than likely Bluetooth Smart for smartphone/tablet/etc apps, and ANT+ for things like bike computers or many watches. In general, if your device supports both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, Id recommend using ANT+ for the connectivity type. This is because it wont take up one of your two Bluetooth channels. Well quickly iterate through some scenarios here.
First up, is pairing to a Polar watch. In this case the Polar Grit X Pro, but it doesnt really matter which one they all act the same here. Polar watches only support Bluetooth Smart sensors, so youll go into the sensors menu and search for a sensor. Youll see the Polar H10 listed, along with the ID:
Speaking of which, the ID thats displayed is the same one etched into the top of the strap:
Once you tap to pair it, itll save it for future use, and automatically connect. In the case of Polar watches, the little HR icon will change slightly to show a strap and the coloring will change to blue:
In fact, Polar actually saves your straps in your Polar Flow account and syncs them to all Polar watches automatically.
After pairing it up, we can give it a friendly name of our choice:
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What Is A Heart Rate Monitor
Heart rate monitors measure your heart rate while working out, which may help you reach your target rate safely and efficiently without exceeding your maximum heart rate.
You can use heart rate data to adjust your intensity, maintain an appropriate pace, and boost your cardiorespiratory endurance. Over time, you may be able to sustain higher intensities for longer durations with a lower heart rate.
Some heart rate monitors track only your heart rate, while others provide additional workout metrics such as speed, distance, and breathing rate.
Keep reading for our picks of the 9 best heart rate monitors, plus tips on how to choose the best monitor for you.
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Can A Smartwatch Detect Heart Issues
Smartwatches can be beneficial for identifying certain heart issues.
Dr. Nick West, chief medical officer and divisional vice president at Abbotts vascular business, notes that heart rate monitoring watches may help detect abnormally fast or irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.
According to West, There are early reports of smartwatches picking up early signs of heart attack from analyzed changes in electrical activity. However, he also states that this technology is still being developed.
What’s The Best Heart Rate Monitor For Apple Watch
Generally speaking, most Bluetooth heart rate monitor straps on the market today should be compatible with the Apple Watch. However, devices using older Bluetooth technology or purely ANT+ connectivity might not work. Many users report having the most success with devices that support Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
Our list includes Bluetooth Low Energy monitors such as the Garmin HRM-Dual, Kinetic Dual Band Heart Rate Monitor, Scosche Rhythm+ and the Wahoo TICKR.
The Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor has Bluetooth 4.0 technology, as does the TACX Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor.
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Moofit Ant+ Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
Cons:
- Lacks an “on” indicator
- Strap may stretch over time
Simultaneous Bluetooth and ANT+ ensure more reliable connectivity to your favorite fitness apps, equipment and smartwatches. Use this moofit heart rate monitor for accurate results for running, cycling and other land-based workouts. Its not recommended for swimming.
As with its popular speed and cadence sensors for your bike, this fitness accessory is compatible with mainstream apps such as Zwift and Peloton. It also works with Wahoo Fitness, Rouvy and Polar Beat, among others.
This straps soft material feels comfortable against the skin and wont slide as you move. Its also fully adjustable between 25 and 37 inches to fit different body types.
Instead of a rechargeable battery, this monitor has a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts up to 12 months. You can easily replace the lithium-ion battery when needed.