How do heart rate monitors work?

Chest strap monitors typically use electrocardiography to measure the electrical activity of the heart, while armband and watch-style monitors use small LED lights to measure blood flow through the skin in a process called photoplethysmography . With both types of monitoring, the collected data is then transferred to a receiver, such as a watch or an app, so you can view your heart rate in real-time.

How to read heart rate monitor results

Many people use a heart rate monitor when exercising to hit their target heart rate zone and get the most out of their workouts. Some basic monitors just relay your heart rate, so it’s up to you to know your target zone based on your age and fitness level and to determine whether you’re exerting the right amount of effort. Some more high-tech devices send notifications when you reach your target zone and if you drop below or go above it.

What's the most accurate type of heart rate monitor?

Chest strap monitors detect electrical signals emitted from each heartbeat, so they usually produce the most accurate results. They still need to maintain secure, wet contact with your skin for good reading and will be less effective if they’re slipping and sliding. Optical heart rate sensors, which are usually worn on your wrist or arm, can be reliable but their accuracy may be reduced if the fit is not tight and light leaks in from the sides.

What are the different styles of heart rate monitors?

The most common styles of heart rate monitors are chest straps, armbands, and wristbands. While chest straps are typically more accurate, armbands and wristbands are usually more comfortable and convenient. Newer products, such as earbud monitors or fitness rings, are less cumbersome but tend to be pricier and less reliable than other styles.

The 13 Best Heart Rate Monitors of 2023

From improving your fitness and performance to managing your heart health and stress levels, there are plenty of beneficial reasons to use a heart rate monitor. The two main types of heart rate monitors are chest straps and wristbands or watches.

When selecting a heart rate monitor, it’s important to consider how and why you’ll be using it. A wristband or watch is generally more comfortable on long runs or rides while chest straps provide more precise readings for heart rate training. Another feature to consider is ease of use. If the device is complicated, it's not helpful. We reviewed the heart rate monitors in our roundup for these features as well as durability, comfort, and connectivity.

Here are the best heart rate monitors on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Willful Waterproof Sports Watch at Walmart

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Best Armband:

Wahoo Fitness Tickr Fit Heart Rate Monitor Armband at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Watch:

Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Smartwatch at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Earbuds:

Jabra Elite Sport at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Runners:

Garmin Forerunner 45S Running Watch at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Cycling:

Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Peloton:

Scosche Rhythm24 Waterproof Armband Heart Rate Monitor at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Triathlon:

Garmin HRM-Tri Heart Rate Monitor at Amazon

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Best Bluetooth Compatible:

POWR LABS Pulsr+ Heart Rate Monitor at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

4.5

Amazon

Pros

Very accurate
Versatile and comfortable
Good value

Cons

No screen to view stats

Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor Review

Versatile, comfortable, and extremely accurate, the high-quality Polar H10 heart monitor is one of the best heart rate monitors money can buy which is why we selected it as our best overall. With built-in memory, precise readings, extra-long battery life of 400 hours, and Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility with apps, watches, and cardio machines, it has everything you need. It's perfect for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other fitness enthusiasts.

The strap is made of a soft, comfortable fabric and is machine-washable. Although some chest strap monitors tend to slip, the H10 has silicone friction dots along the strap to minimize shifting, as well as a buckle that easily adjusts for a good fit.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Type: Chest strap | Battery Life: 400 hours | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 30 meters | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+}

Verywell Fit / Joline Buscemi

Walmart

Pros

Inexpensive
Good battery life
Comfortable and stylish

Cons

Sleep tracker not always accurate

If you’d like to try using a heart rate monitor but don’t want to make a huge investment, this smartwatch is an affordable pick with lots of the features of more expensive devices. In addition to heart rate monitoring, you can use it to track activities such as steps, distance, pace, calories burned, workout routes, and active minutes.

You can also use it to get calendar reminders, text alerts, and phone notifications on the go. Useful tools such as sleep tracking, deep breathing guide, and movement reminders can all help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Type: Wristband | Battery Life: 7 days (rechargeable) | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
Sweatproof and waterproof
Can simultaneously connect to multiple devices

Cons

Not as accurate as a chest strap

For simplicity and comfort, the Wahoo Tickr Fit heart monitor is a great choice for athletes to use with fitness apps, GPS watches, or machines such as your Peloton.

With a streamlined design and secure, fully adjustable fit, the armband heart monitor works with more than 50 smartphone fitness apps and tracks your heart rate as well as calories burned and training zones. It can be worn on both the forearm or upper arm, has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 35 hours, and is waterproof up to 5 feet.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Type: Armband | Battery Life: 35 hours (rechargeable) | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 5 feet | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+}

4.3

Amazon

Pros

Stylish and versatile
Comfortable and convenient
Good battery life

Cons

Need a connected phone for GPS

If you like the simplicity and comfortable feel of a watch, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a great choice for continuous heart rate monitoring right on your wrist. Additionally, you can track your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, sleep metrics, and more.

You can also use it with the Fitbit app to view your fitness and heart rate trends over time. The Versa 2 also uses music apps such as Spotify and syncs with your phone when it’s nearby so you can get call, text, and calendar notifications.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Type: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 6 days (rechargeable) | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 50 meters | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Amazon

Pros

Versatile
Comfortable, snug fit
3-year warranty

Cons

Short battery life

If you love listening to music or podcasts while you’re working out, you’ll appreciate these versatile, multi-tasking wireless earbuds that can monitor your heart rate via your inner ear. With passive noise cancellation and clear sound quality, they’re ideal for listening to tunes or taking a call hands-free on the go (or while working out on rowing or elliptical machines).

The earbuds come with three sizes of EarGels and foam tips for a secure, custom fit that enhances the overall comfort and accuracy of the heart rate sensor. Versatile and durable, they feature a waterproof, sweatproof design, so they can hold up during your toughest, most sweat-inducing workouts.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Type: Earbuds | Battery Life: 4.5 hours of playtime (13.5 hours using portable charging case) | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy to use
Lightweight and comfortable
Accurate tracking

Cons

Connecting to GPS is sometimes slow
No touch screen

While many heart rate monitors are suitable for runners, the Garmin Forerunner 45S stands out for its performance, versatility, and ease-of-use. Ideal for runners of all levels, it allows you to continuously monitor your heart rate at your wrist, while the built-in GPS tracks your distance, pace, and intervals.

Additionally, the Forerunner 45S measures activity, such as steps and calories, and offers coaching plans that provide expert, personalized training right at your fingertips. It also connects to your phone to receive smart notifications for texts and calls and to control your music player. And when you need to get in some cross-training, the Forerunner 45S can record your efforts during yoga, cycling, cardio, and more.

Price at time of publication: $170

^{Key Specs:
Type: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 14 hours in GPS mode (rechargeable) | Satellite System: GPS | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 50 meters | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Courtesy of REI

Pros

Lightweight yet durable
Built-in GPS
Long battery life

Cons

Limited options for display

While heart rate monitoring can be useful to cyclists, they also need a device that can provide other metrics as well as navigation. The durable Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch is a versatile training watch that accurately tracks your heart rate and also features robust GPS capabilities. Suunto's unique algorithm combines GPS and motion sensor data to improve accuracy, while also extending battery life.

Whether you're out hiking, running, or riding an exercise bike at home, you can use any of its more than 80 different sports modes. In addition, the watch has a barometer to track weather trends and features storm alerts to help keep you safe while riding. You can also connect it to your phone so you can quickly view incoming messages and calls, notifications, and more.

Price at time of publication: $599

^{Key Specs:
Type: Wristband | Battery Life: 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking (rechargeable) | Satellite system: GPS, Fusedtrack | Water resistance: Water-resistant up to 100 meters | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Amazon

Pros

Accurate tracking
Versatile—works with more than 200 fitness apps
Lightweight design
Pairs with most devices

Cons

Mobile app is lacking

The Peloton Bike Offers an Exclusive, Studio-like Cycling Experience at Home

To monitor your heart rate while on your Peloton, you’ll need a device that’s compatible with Bluetooth or ANT+ to ensure that it can connect to your bike. The Scosche Rhythm24 heart rate monitor works effortlessly with all devices and equipment that support Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ heart rate data and its lightweight and comfortable design is ideal for Peloton workouts.

It uses optical sensor technology for highly accurate monitoring and can also measure cadence, distance, calories burned, and more. With just a quick glance at the band, you can easily view the indicator LED lights to see which heart rate zone you’re in. In addition to using it with Pelotons and other indoor cycling bikes, the Scosche Rhythm24 works with more than 200 of the most popular fitness apps.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Type: Armband | Battery Life: 24 hours (rechargeable) | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 10 feet | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
Accurate tracking
Good choice for racing

Cons

Battery not rechargeable
Can’t be used for pool swimming

Specifically designed for triathletes, this lightweight chest strap heart monitor from Garmin can be used to track your heart rate and other metrics when running, cycling, and open water swimming. Designed with soft, rounded edges and no exposed seams, the strap is extremely comfortable both in and out of the water. Triathletes can pair it with their Garmin wearable to track their data from start to finish.

The HRM-Tri stores heart rate data when you’re swimming and forwards it to your wearable when you’re done. When running, you can use it to get form and dynamic feedback including cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and more.

Price at time of publication: $79

^{Key Specs:
Type: Chest strap | Battery Life: 10 months, assuming 1 hour of use per day | Water-resistance: Waterproof up to 50 meters | Connectivity: ANT+}

Amazon

Pros

Works with multiple apps
Wide, adjustable strap
One-year battery replacement
Water- and sweat-proof

Cons

Can't wear while swimming
Possible pairing issues

If you rely on your smartphone to get you through your workouts, you'll want a heart rate monitor with Bluetooth compatibility. The POWR LABS Pulsr+ allows for easy connectivity with your favorite fitness apps including Strava, Garmin, Wahoo, Peloton, and more. Dual-band Bluetooth 4.0 also means that you can accurately track your heart rate while working out on your home fitness equipment or spin bike.

Editors Notes: "I rarely use a heart rate monitor during my workouts in fear of discomfort. Fortunately, the POWR LABS Pulsr+ features a comfortable, adjustable chest strap that doesn't dig or pinch my skin. It took me a minute to put it on (you have to wet the conducting gel on the band before setting it in place), but I got used to it after a couple of tries. The Bluetooth compatibility makes pairing it to my Apple Watch easy, and I'm able to monitor my heart rate in real-time. From what I can tell, the feedback is accurate and I appreciate that it can also connect with my home exercise bike." — Megan Foster, Verywell Fit Product Tester

Designed with an adjustable chest strap, the Pulsr+ can fit comfortably on a variety of body types, and the low-profile design allows for discrete wearability under clothing. While the battery should last six months, the brand offers free battery replacement in addition to a forgiving one-year warranty.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Type: Chest strap | Battery Life: 6 months (free replacements) | Water-resistance: Waterproof and sweatproof. Can't be worn when swimming | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Very accurate
Easy to use
Long battery life

Cons

Battery difficult to change

This versatile and comfortable chest strap is compatible with both Bluetooth and ANT+, making it a good choice for runners, cyclists, and other fitness enthusiasts who want to connect to their smartwatch or cardio machines such as a Peloton. You can even use it to connect to two different devices at the same time.

However, even if you aren't wearing your watch, the monitor will still capture heart rate data and feed it into the Garmin Connect app continuously. The strap is soft, adjustable, and machine-washable, once you remove the heart rate module.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Type: Chest Strap | Battery Life: Lasts up to 3.5 years | Water-resistance: Water resistant to 10 meters | Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

24/7 heart rate monitoring
Long battery life

Cons

Sleep tracking not always reliable

For seniors who want a device with 24/7 heart rate monitoring that’s simple and user-friendly, the Fitbit Inspire HR is an excellent pick. In addition to tracking real-time heart rate zones, you can use it to measure your calories burned, steps, active minutes, and distance, both on the device or in the Fitbit app.

The Fitbit Inspire HR also helps you stay motivated with regular reminders to move and milestone celebrations, keeping you on track with your fitness goals. This durable, versatile device is a great fitness companion for all your activities, including walking, running, swimming, cycling, and more.

Price at time of publication: $198

^{Key Specs:
Type: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 5 days (rechargeable) | Water-resistance: Water resistant up to 50 meters | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Measures oxygen saturation and stress levels
Sleek and stylish
Long battery life

Cons

Small screen

Not only does the Garmin Vivosmart 4 monitor your heart rate, but it also measures oxygen saturation levels, or how much oxygen is getting to your tissues. For those with heart or lung ailments, they can use their oxygen saturation levels as a warning to take steps to remedy it, determine if a treatment is working, or seek medical attention if necessary.

Plus, you can use the Vivosmart 4 to track activity and calories burned, monitor your sleep, and get notifications for calls, texts, and more. Additionally, it has a stress monitor and features guided breathing exercises for relaxation.

Price at time of publication: $129 for a small/medium

^{Key Specs:
Type: Wristband | Battery Life: 7 days (rechargeable) | Water-resistance: Can be worn for swimming and showering | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

Final Verdict

For accuracy, comfort, and performance, it’s tough to beat the high-quality Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor. The extra-long battery life, secure fit, reliable results, and Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility make it a solid choice for runners, indoor and outdoor cyclists, and other fitness enthusiasts.

If you prefer a wristband monitor for the convenience of viewing your heart rate and other fitness stats at a glance, the Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch is another reliable, versatile pick. It’s easy to operate, comfortable, and can be used to track a wide variety of activities and health metrics.

What to Look for in a Heart Rate Monitor

Accuracy

If you’re monitoring your heart rate to make sure you’re training in a specific range, then you’ll want a device that’s reliable and precise. Generally, chest straps that use electrocardiography are known to be the most accurate. With this method, the chest strap’s electrode pad picks up electrical signals given off with each heartbeat, which allows for continuous heart-rate readings.

Optical heart rate monitors, which include wristband and armband devices, use small LED lights to track your pulse. Although that method can also produce reliable readings, the accuracy depends on a secure, tight fit, and outliers in readings may be present.

Comfort

Even the most comfortable chest straps can start to feel constricting and may lead to chafing issues during seriously long rides or runs. Armbands and wristbands are usually a better fit for long training sessions, especially in the warm weather.

Connectivity

Analyzing the data collected from your heart rate monitor can help you monitor your progress, fine-tune your workouts, and provide useful information to a coach or healthcare professional. If you want to view your stats over time, look for a model that can be synced to an app or have its data downloaded to a computer.

Some heart rate monitors use ANT+ technology, a wireless system that’s used with exercise machines such as Peloton. Others offer Bluetooth technology, which for some, may be easier to use and can connect the device directly to your phone.

Ease of use and compatibility

If a device is too difficult to use, then you won’t be able to take advantage of all its benefits and features. “Make sure the device meets your needs and is compatible with the exercise equipment you’re using and technology used at certain exercise facilities,” says Chris Gagliardi, a certified personal trainer and Scientific Education Content Manager for the American Council on Exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do heart rate monitors work?

Chest strap monitors typically use electrocardiography to measure the electrical activity of the heart, while armband and watch-style monitors use small LED lights to measure blood flow through the skin in a process called photoplethysmography. With both types of monitoring, the collected data is then transferred to a receiver, such as a watch or an app, so you can view your heart rate in real-time.
How to read heart rate monitor results

Many people use a heart rate monitor when exercising to hit their target heart rate zone and get the most out of their workouts. Some basic monitors just relay your heart rate, so it’s up to you to know your target zone based on your age and fitness level and to determine whether you’re exerting the right amount of effort. Some more high-tech devices send notifications when you reach your target zone and if you drop below or go above it.
What's the most accurate type of heart rate monitor?

Chest strap monitors detect electrical signals emitted from each heartbeat, so they usually produce the most accurate results. They still need to maintain secure, wet contact with your skin for good reading and will be less effective if they’re slipping and sliding. Optical heart rate sensors, which are usually worn on your wrist or arm, can be reliable but their accuracy may be reduced if the fit is not tight and light leaks in from the sides.
What are the different styles of heart rate monitors?

The most common styles of heart rate monitors are chest straps, armbands, and wristbands. While chest straps are typically more accurate, armbands and wristbands are usually more comfortable and convenient. Newer products, such as earbud monitors or fitness rings, are less cumbersome but tend to be pricier and less reliable than other styles.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

An avid runner, marathon running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness gear and gadgets. Her decades of running experience have helped her understand the value of using the best gear to improve comfort and performance.