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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.
While some heart rate monitors only track only your heart rate, others provide additional workout metrics like speed, distance, and breathing rate.
Keep reading for 12 of the best heart rate monitors available, plus tips on how to choose the best one for you.
A note on price
Devices with more features often have a higher retail cost. And sensor quality and accuracy tend to be better on higher priced heart rate monitors.
When calculating cost, keep in mind that some devices also require a monthly or yearly app subscription.
Cost calculations
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is considered rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, list prices range from $79–$230, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.
When rounding up the best heart rate monitors, we considered the following factors:
Functionality: Heart rate monitors can be worn as chest bands, armbands, or watches. We’ve included various options to help you find what works best for your needs.
Features: We included options for people looking for a basic heart rate monitor and for athletes with specific needs. Plus, all these monitors have Bluetooth connectivity.
Price: We know that budgets can vary, which is why we included heart rate monitors at a variety of price points.
Customer reviews: We looked for options with high ratings and positive feedback.
Vetting: The heart rate monitors on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
There are many great heart rate monitors on the market. However, to find one that’s right for you, it’s important to think about which metrics you’re interested in and what type of monitor you need.
For example, some monitors only keep an eye on heart rate, while others offer additional fitness metrics, such as:
While some heart rate monitors are in the form of a chest band, armband, or watch, other options include hats and earbuds.
In general, chest straps tend to be the most accurate, as they use electrode sensors that ideally should be tightly pressed against your body.
In contrast, armbands and watches use optical sensors, which may be less precise but offer greater convenience and are more comfortable for all-day wear.
You’ll also want to think about any additional features you might need. For example, some of the monitors on our list offer features designed for swimmers or cyclists like:
water resistance
GPS navigation
internal memory for offline workouts
If you want to pair your data with your smartphone, you’ll want to look for a monitor with Bluetooth or ANT+ capabilities.
When considering your budget, make sure to factor in any additional costs, such as subscription fees.
For some people, the best way to track heart rate is with a chest strap heart rate monitor because this type of monitor can provide the most accurate results (1). Of note: Folx with large breasts have reported difficulty with accuracy using chest monitors over or under thick-banded or wire-reinforced bras.
You can also use a wearable device such as:
an armband
a smartwatch
a wrist fitness tracker
Other options include:
earphones
exercise machines
blood pressure machines
While you can manually measure your heart rate by taking your pulse, a wearable device can provide more accurate results and allow you to track your heart rate over a set period or during an activity.
Some devices provide additional metrics that give you valuable insight into your:
heart health
fitness level
overall health
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.
Different types of movement can affect the optical sensors used in wrist-worn heart rate monitors, so the accuracy of your heart rate readings may depend on what kind of exercise you’re doing (1, 2).
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 like visible LED lights or a screen that displays things like:
your heart rate
steps
the time
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 (3).
Your resting heart rate is your heart rate when you’re seated or lying down and are in a calm, relaxed state. A low resting heart rate is ideal and often associated with:
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 tends to keep a steady beat with less effort.
Other factors can also influence your resting heart rate. Examples include:
medications
medical conditions
body size
temperature
What is ANT+ and is it a better heart rate monitor?
Ant+ (Advanced and Adaptive Network Technology Plus) is a wireless technology that allows your monitoring devices to communicate and work together.
ANT+ uses the same frequencies as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (about 2.4 GHz), but it works in smaller networks or short distances, such as those within 5 feet. Thus, it uses less battery power.
In short, ANT+ is better suited for fitness gadgets like heart rate monitors and power meters because of its:
longer battery life
shorter working distance
processing rates
What about an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor during physical activity?
An ECG app records the beats in your upper and lower heart chambers to make sure they’re in rhythm. If they’re not in rhythm, it could mean you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heart rhythm that’s a major risk factor for stroke.
If you’ve experienced prolonged periods of palpitations, a racing heart, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with AFib, it might be a good idea to use an ECG app during workouts.
Heart rate monitors use electrodes or optical sensors to calculate heart rate and can provide valuable insight into your workouts, helping you improve your fitness level and reach your goals.
While some products simply offer heart rate tracking, others provide detailed metrics and insights into other aspects of your health, such as:
mood
stress
sleep
As there are several devices to choose from, be sure to consider factors such as your budget and intended use to find the heart rate monitor that’s right for you.
Last medically reviewed on May 12, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
