Best heart rate monitors

Heart rate monitoring for medical and sports purposes does not require manual heart rate monitoring. You can use special meters that automatically determine the heart cycle and provide information in numbers on the device screen. Chest, wrist, forearm and finger models are available on the market. The rating includes the best heart rate monitors of all four varieties, which have collected the most positive reviews and have successfully passed tests.

Heart rate monitors rating

The TOP includes the most functional, accurate, stylish, comfortable, safe and time-tested models. Both users and experts speak positively about them. To compare the information received, a number of tests were carried out. As a result, 7 participants out of more than 20 applicants entered the rating.

The emphasis in the study of the nominees was made on the following characteristics:

• Type - sports or medical;
• Suitable directions in sports - running, swimming, cycling, etc .;
• Wearing place - on the chest, finger, wrist like a watch or a bracelet;
• The type of sensor used - built-in (internal) or external;
• Case and strap materials - silicone, rubber, plastic, textiles;
• Available colors;
• Dimensions and weight of products;
• Available options - determination of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, etc .;
• Method of displaying information on a smartphone;
• Shock resistance of the case;
• Applications with which the devices interact;
• Dimensions and brightness of screens, backlighting;
• The size of the font used to display information on the display;
• Data processing speed;
• Power supply method - from removable batteries or non-removable, built-in battery;
• The ability to adjust the length of the strap and the range available for this;
• Battery charging speed;
• The presence of a sound alert about the need to correct the load;
• Life time.

Also, during the analysis of characteristics and product reviews, the accuracy of the readings in percent, the ratio of the price and quality of the goods, the water resistance and hypoallergenicity of the materials, and the number of training zones offered were taken into account.

Chest heart rate monitors

Such a device consists of a belt with electrodes and a housing with a sensor, which can be combined or located separately. The device responds to every heartbeat, which increases the accuracy of the analysis of its electrical activity. The expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ team studied 7 nominees and added 2 of them with the most positive reviews to the rating.

Polar H10 M-XXL

The Polar H10 M-XXL chest heart rate monitor features high-precision measurement by counting your heart rate using two electrodes. The software is regularly updated with support for the Polar Beat and Flow mobile apps. It can be used while running, exercising on simulators, swimming due to moisture protection and transmission of information at a frequency of 5 kHz.

Polar H10 M-XXL, like smart watch, allows you to monitor changes in heart rate due to the presence of built-in memory. The resulting data can be stored in the above applications, which make it easier to control your physical form. It is also allowed to transfer them to a phone with OS "Android" and "iOS".

The device is presented in the form of a belt fixed on the chest with a strong buckle. Silicone elements exclude chafing of the skin, and hypoallergenic materials - its irritation. Its sizes are suitable for both women and men.The product requires batteries to operate, which can be replaced if necessary.

Advantages:

• Calculates the fat burned in grams;
• Does not stretch;
• The length of the strap can be adjusted;
• Does not fall off the body;
• Reliable fastening system.

Disadvantages:

• Not all phones support Polar Beat.

The reviews say that the device is comfortable and does not interfere during sports. It can be worn under a sweater, T-shirt and other clothing.

Garmin HRM-Tri

The model is adapted for use in water and is protected from moisture, therefore it is perfect for swimmers. It is compact (2.94 x 5.14 x 0.85 cm) and lightweight (59 g), which eliminates the inconvenience of long-term wearing. The product is designed to be fixed on the chest using a textile strap that does not open during the process.

Garmin HRM-Tri will not chafe with prolonged use. In case of discomfort, you can adjust the length of the strap. The body is made of plastic resistant to mechanical stress. Built-in memory allows you to store the readings inside and monitor your health.

All data can be transferred to the phone thanks to the interaction with the Android and iOS systems, as well as through the introduction of the ANT + wireless technology. The device runs on batteries, which lasts for 10 months if used for 1 hour every day. It can be immersed to a depth of 50 m.

Advantages:

• Measurement accuracy;
• There are no strict restrictions on the minimum and maximum heart rate;
• Fast data transfer;
• Ease of Management;
• The adjustment range of the belt is within 60-142 cm.

Disadvantages:

• No display;
• Shows only heart rate.

The chest heart rate monitor is suitable for running, swimming, cycling, and triathletes who do these sports at the same time.

Finger heart rate monitor

It is a small and lightweight plastic device that locks onto your finger. The sensor is usually built-in here, so you don't need to wear any additional belts. It is not very conspicuous and does not cause severe discomfort even with prolonged use. The medical device described below meets these criteria.

SP-04

It is a medical heart rate monitor designed for patient transport, rehabilitation, outpatient and ward monitoring. The machine measures oxygen saturation in arterial blood and heart rate, as well as heart rate.

The range of heart rate readings for the “SP-04” model is within 30-240 BPM, and the error does not exceed 1%. High accuracy is also characteristic for determining the saturation of blood with oxygen - 1%, which is detected in the range of 70-99%. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, but you have to buy them separately.

The body of the product is made of ABS plastic, which is hypoallergenic and shock-resistant. It is made in black, which does not get dirty for a long time. The heart rate is shown on the large display in large red digits for easy reading. The device is securely fixed on the finger and held for a long time without discomfort.

Advantages:

• Low power consumption - less than 30mA;
• Voltage: 2 / 6-3 / 6 V;
• Weighs 40 g;
• Hull strength;
• Environmental friendliness of materials.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

According to reviews, the SP-04 wireless heart rate monitor, thanks to the finger mount, does not hinder movement and is practically not felt on the hand.

Heart Rate Bracelets

It's about design like a watch. The device has a strap and a screen that displays heart rate information and other indicators (if additional functions are available). The device is attached to the wrist and can be combined with sports, casual and classic clothing. Out of 10 applicants who took part in the selection, 3 models reached the finish line with the best accuracy.

Sanitas SPM22

The design is designed to fit on the wrist, which provides high information content.It is equipped with the most accurate external sensor and has a stainless steel housing that is resistant to shock and moisture. This increases the service life of the product.

For comfortable wearing of a wrist heart rate monitor with different physiques, the Sanitas SPM22 has an adjustable strap length. Outwardly, the model looks like an electronic clock and has the same screen of considerable size. The information is displayed in large black numbers that are easy to interpret due to the backlight.

Sanitas SPM22 records 25 laps of the workout, which allows you to identify the average. It differs in the rating by its versatility, since in addition it calculates the amount of fat burned and calories burned. The model is equipped with a built-in speaker for data playback.

Advantages:

• Availability of 3 training zones;
• Comes with a chest strap;
• There is a stopwatch;
• There is a watch;
• Low margin of error.

Disadvantages:

• The stopwatch has fine print.

Thanks to its aesthetic appearance (beautiful silver case and strap), the bracelet also serves as an ornament and does not spoil even the classic look.

Beurer PM26

Sports heart rate monitor, focused on measuring heart rate during jogging, cycling, etc. In terms of quality of work, it corresponds to the ECG results. It can also be used by swimmers due to the water resistance of the case to a depth of 50 m.

The Beurer PM26 offers 3 training methods and individual fitness settings. With it, you can control fat burning and energy expenditure in calories. This information is displayed on the screen like a wrist watch. The product is hung on the wrist, so readings are freely accessible here. It can be easily purchased at the pharmacy.

The device also has a chest strap with a soft, stretchable strap that does not press on the skin, even when worn for a long time. In case of contamination, it can be easily cleaned with soapy water, and the tape itself can be machine washed at temperatures up to 30 degrees.

Advantages:

• Maximum for measurement - 220 contractions;
• Shows the time;
• 10 hours are given for each lap;
• There is a countdown timer;
• Receives a signal from the sensor at a distance of 70 cm.

Disadvantages:

• Do not press buttons underwater.

The manufacturer asks in the instructions to avoid contact of the product with creams and other cosmetics that can damage the inscriptions and plastic parts.

Sigma PC 15.11

The inexpensive wrist-based heart rate monitor "Sigma PC 15.11" is sold in 4 colors - red, green, gray, blue. Therefore, you can choose both female and male options. The device is supplied with an analog external probe that is securely attached to the chest. The product is made of hypoallergenic rubber with ventilation holes, which eliminates excessive sweating.

The device has a display made of shock-resistant plastic. The diameter of the screen is 26 mm, which, along with its convexity and large numbers, simplifies the perception of information. The kit includes a battery that lasts for 1 year with regular use.

The Sigma PC wrist heart rate monitor is suitable for both men and women due to the minimum strap length of 120 mm. If necessary, it can be adjusted up to 210 mm. The product is in close contact with the skin, which improves the accuracy of the data. For cyclists, there is a lock on the handlebars of two-wheeled vehicles.

Advantages:

• Large amount of built-in memory;
• Manual setting of training zones;
• Helps keep track of calorie expenditure;
• There is a clock and a stopwatch;
• Quick display of information on the screen.

Disadvantages:

• To stop the training mode, press the Stop button.

The accuracy of the data directly depends on the established age, weight, gender. The model is suitable for runners, walkers and hikers. The device is activated by pressing any button.

Forearm heart rate monitor

Such a model is attached just above the elbow in the form of a strap with a built-in sensor.She transmits the received information to the phone through a special application. The device does not interfere with running, swimming (with water resistance), cycling and other sports. The most accurate, versatile and functional device is intended, which is considered further by experts from expertpro.techinfus.com/en/.

Wahoo Tickr FIT

This is one of the few heart rate monitors with a built-in sensor that allows you to determine the heart rate with just one touch of the electrodes on the body. The model is made in the form of a bracelet with a textile strap that tightly lightens the forearm, but does not chafe the skin. There is a replacement for it.

On the Wahoo Tickr FIT, the strap can be adjusted to the diameter of your hand for a secure fit and tighter contact with your skin. Moisture protection prevents damage to the device when interacting with water. The device is powered by a built-in battery that can withstand up to 30 hours in active mode. It is charged via a USB cable.

The strap dimensions are 260 × 25.4 mm and 375 × 25.4 mm, respectively, which is relevant for both women and men. Calorie consumption monitoring has been added to the main function - heart rate measurement, which allows you to keep track of your weight. The model is available in one, black color and will slowly get dirty.

Advantages:

• Does not slip off the hand;
• High accuracy;
• Wide range of indications;
• All data can be analyzed in applications;
• Fast connection to your phone.

Disadvantages:

• The strap stretches quickly.

Before deciding which heart rate monitor is better to choose, you should find out that the reviews about this model indicate its unpredictable behavior at the start of the workout. Therefore, for maximum effect, it is required to analyze several readings obtained during the lesson.

How to choose a heart rate monitor

The maximum permissible error for a good device is 1%. If it is planned to be used in water, then it must be moisture resistant in order to avoid failure. It is important that the tape is in close contact with the skin for a more accurate reading of the pulse. A large backlit display with large numbers is welcomed for ease of reading.

View

We are talking about sports and medical devices. The former are designed to monitor the heart rate of runners, swimmers, boxers, cyclists, etc. They are used at home. For easy control over your workout, an audio signal notifies you to increase or decrease the pace. With their help, it is possible to analyze the effectiveness of classes and plan everything for the future.

For medical purposes, the most commonly used pulse oximeters are also known as pulse oximeters. They measure two indicators - heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. Most often, such devices are fixed on the forearm or finger.

Heart rate sensor

Most devices on the market are equipped with an external sensor, also called a chest strap. It is located separately in the area of ​​the ribs and transmits information to the smartphone via a radio signal. This provides high data accuracy, but creates some inconvenience, for example, for runners.

Less informative, but practical is the internal sensor, or built-in. It delivers heart rate information using sensors. To do this, you need to put your finger on the surface and hold for a few seconds. These models are attached to the wrist or finger. It is convenient to run and ride a bike with them.

Place of wearing

There are models with wrist, chest and finger fixation. The first ones look like fitness bracelet or an ordinary electronic clock. On their screen, the information provided by the internal or external sensor is displayed in numbers. These models look stylish, fit different looks and do not interfere with prolonged wear.

The chest model has a wide textile strap that attaches to the ribs. Depending on the size of the user, its length can be adjusted to suit yourself.A sensor with electrodes is attached to the tape, which record the activity of the heart. This product can be worn under clothing.

The heart rate monitor is also marketed as a medical finger heart rate monitor. Its advantages are small size, light weight, wide functionality and low power consumption. The disadvantages include a very limited assortment.

Which heart rate monitor is better

The main requirement is that the device accurately determines the heart rate both during rest and during physical activity. It should be equipped with a sensor that quickly responds to the work of the heart, which transmits information to the monitor.

Each of the devices is good for solving its tasks in different operating conditions:

• Polar H10 M-XXL is a good choice for those who want to track their training performance and their health over a long period of time to determine the average values.
• Swimmers are advised to take a closer look at the Garmin HRM-Tri waterproof heart rate monitor, which can also be used in water.
• For monitoring the health of patients in hospitals and clinics, the medical device with fixation on the finger "SP-04" is relevant.
• If, in addition, you need to monitor the amount of fat burned and calories burned for effective weight loss, then you should choose Sanitas SPM22 on the wrist.
• For those who are fond of triathlon, which combines swimming, running, cycling, it will be useful to use the Beurer PM26 with a low error.
• Those who want to change the training zone should take a closer look at the Sigma PC 15.11 with this option.
• For those who are watching their weight, especially if you are overweight, it is recommended to buy the Wahoo Tickr FIT with the function of analyzing calories burned.

Both medical and sports heart rate monitors must be selected taking into account the place of wearing, the accuracy of the readings and the operating conditions (type of sport, climate, etc.). An integrated approach to buying such a device will reduce the risk of getting a low-quality and unreliable product.