Best Heart Rate Monitors

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Garmin Fenix 3
Test Winner: Garmin Fenix 3
Amazon Link
In this day and age, there are so many different types of technology devices that have an integrated heart rate monitor built into them that it is almost commonplace to have one. Indeed, smartwatches, fitness bands, and even some headphones will implement this technology. Of course, standard heart rate chest straps are always a feasible option. No matter the type you are after, there is a specific criterion that you need to analyze; such as the overall design of the device and the other functionality it has. It is very important for those of you with heart problems or prior heart issues to keep an eye on your heart rate at all times.

Standout Picks

Garmin Fenix 3
Garmin is probably best known for their GPS devices. Were you aware that some of them, such as the Garmin Fenix 3, also function as a heart rate monitor? It is not a standard chest strap that takes the number one spot but, instead, a GPS watch.
Polar H7
A fitness tracker with a heart rate sensor goes as good together as chocolate does with milk. It is almost unfair to have one without the other and the Polar H7 not only has it but as an overall product is second to none.
Amazon Link
$109.99
Bose Soundsport Headphones
Wait, what is a pair of headphones doing on this list? Was there a mistake? Nope, it is not an illusion as Bose’s SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones feature a built-in heart rate monitor while also acting as a standard pair of headphones.
Amazon Link
$109.98
FitBit Charge 2
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Fitbit Charge 2 is one of the most popular heart rate monitors on this list, bar none. With its diverse and in-depth functionality and superb battery life, it is not too difficult to see why.
Amazon Link
$119.99
Scosche Rhythm Armband
Being compatible with several popular health and fitness apps, this armband is not only suitable as a heart rate monitor but also as a standalone fitness tracker. In addition, with optical sensor technology, the heart rate functionality is highly accurate.
Amazon Link
Garmin Run
It is fair to assume that when you see this next heart rate monitor, the Garmin HRM-Run, does not integrate Bluetooth technology, you will immediately move on with no interest. But, give the HRM-Run the light of day as, despite this, it is a superb device.
Amazon Link
$149.95
Moov Sweat
Despite some people who are worried about their physical appearance (in terms of their attire) and may not want to wear a “tacky” headband, the Moov HR Sweat is an ideal option as it provides real-time audio coaching for your training.
Amazon Link
Wahoo Tickr X
Much like the Garmin HRM-Run, the Wahoo TICKR X is yet another chest strap, heart rate monitor. What is beneficial about this model is that it has built-in memory and can be used without a smartphone (although you can sync the data to it later).
Amazon Link
Garmin Premium
If you are literally simply looking for a heart rate monitor and nothing more, there may not be a more ideal device than this bad boy from Garmin. As such, this is simply an ANT+ product and does not feature Bluetooth technology.
Suunto Spartan
Besides Garmin, Suunto is one of the leading manufacturers in the world of GPS watches. Their Spartan Watch also happens to integrate a heart rate monitor and while the watch itself can be a bit sluggish, the design is still great overall.
Amazon Link
$199.00

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Use

All heart rate monitors are different in one way or another. However, they all share the distinct similarity of providing you with your heart information. But, why is it so important to keep track of this, especially while you are exercising? The reality is that your heart rate is an ideal indicator if you are trying to determine the effort you are putting in. Although, it can also be an important component of monitoring your overall health as you age. Because when you age your pulse rate and regularity can alter, this can lead to potential heart conditions that need to be addressed. Possibly, this could end up saving your life.

But, what makes a great heart rate monitor. For one, you want it to provide precise readings of your heart rate. If the measurements are constantly off and you notice they are not consistent with other readings, it is not going to do you much good in the long run. Also, the response time can also be a factor. Would you rather have instantaneous results or have to wait several seconds for the heart rate monitor to catch up?

Battery Life

Another design aspect that all heart rate monitors will have in common is they will have an integrated battery with a limited life. But, and here is where they differ, some will be rechargeable and some will need to be replaced when they stop working. The best way to explain further is to break down the certain types. For example, let’s start with GPS devices. Because GPS technology requires so much juice, the battery life will be significantly reduced the longer you use the GPS. However, for those without GPS and that run off a rechargeable battery, this is not an issue.

What about rechargeable versus non-rechargeable? Is one superior? It is not as if a rechargeable battery will last forever but, for the most part, it cuts back on the number of regular batteries you will use. With that being said, regular batteries (and you will often see coin batteries in chest straps) are not necessarily bad. Truth be told, most chest straps will have a coin battery and for some, you can enhance the battery by detaching the transmitter from the chest strap.

Materials

Everything so far has addressed the internal design, the software and battery. Now, though, it is time to shift gears and analyze the physical design of heart rate monitors. Once again, the details you need to pay close attention to will differ based on the type you are looking into. Take, for example, wristwatches, fitness bands, and even armbands. Many will see these types of devices as fashion statements. So, if this is important to you, look for multiple color options and the overall appeal of the product. But, what is also vital is the water rating or lack thereof. Is it rated to withstand certain amounts of water and sweat? This is important not only if you wanted to measure your heart rate while swimming, but also if the device is exposed to rainfall.

Then, there are chest straps. You may be looking to avoid this due to the fear of skin irritation and discomfort. Yet, granted that the fabric is soft and the design is comfortable, irritation should not typically be a concern.

Connectivity

In some way, shape, or form, your heart rate monitor will connect to other devices. For the most part, they provide superior information this way and without it, the functionality would be sorely lacking. At the end of the day, it comes down to a simple question of whether you want Bluetooth, ANT+, or both. Most people know what Bluetooth is, the technology that allows you to sync compatible device together, but may be unsure about ANT+.

Relatively speaking, it works the same way. It is a wireless technology that allows monitoring devices to “talk” to one another. Just like Bluetooth, the door needs to open both ways and each device must have the ANT+ protocol. But, as most smartphones use Bluetooth as their primary wireless technology, ANT+ is not typically ideal if you want to sync to your smart devices.

Top 10 Picks

1. Garmin Fenix 3

Where to buy
Garmin Fenix 3
Amazon Link

Garmin is probably best known for their GPS devices. Were you aware that some of them, such as the Garmin Fenix 3, also function as a heart rate monitor? It is not a standard chest strap that takes the number one spot but, instead, a GPS watch.

Read more

Use
Simply by placing this on your wrist, the Fenix 3 has the capability of measuring your heart rate. As such, an additional chest strap is not necessary.

This is far from a heart rate-only device. It has GPS functionality and in conjunction with the altimeter, barometer and 3-axis compass, it has excellent outdoor navigation. Also, it has fitness training features with running metrics.

Battery Life
In “watch mode”, the batter on the Fenix 3 will last up to three weeks. However, this is reduced to 40 hours and 16 hours in UltraTrac mode and GPS training mode, respectively.

Materials
With a black silicone band which is both appealing and resistant to discoloration, a water rating of up to 100 meters, and a 1.2-inch chroma display, this has all the goods.

Connectivity
This utilizes wireless technology, which has specific advantages over Bluetooth, and you can use one or more hot spots to sync your data with Garmin Connect.

Overall
As a heart rate monitor, the Fenix 3 is good enough to sell itself as is. But, when you combine all the other functionality and superb design, it becomes a no-brainer to invest in this GPS watch.

2. Polar H7

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$109.99
Polar H7
Amazon Link

A fitness tracker with a heart rate sensor goes as good together as chocolate does with milk. It is almost unfair to have one without the other and the Polar H7 not only has it but as an overall product is second to none.

Read more

Use
Through the power of Bluetooth technology, this device provides a live feed of your heart rate (and does so with super accuracy) in conjunction with certain compatible training applications.

Past its ability to operate as a heart rate monitor, this also has software that can count your calories. As simple as it seems, it is handy for many to monitor how many calories they are burning.

Battery Life
Polar advises that you detach the transmitter from the chest strap to enhance the battery life. If you do so, the integrated coin battery should last you several months.

Materials
To adapt to many sizes, this device comes in extra-small through small or medium through XX-large. As long as you have the strap secured in place, no irritation or discomfort should be present.

Connectivity
As mentioned earlier, this utilizes Bluetooth technology. This makes it compatible with devices such as the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and the 5th generation of the iPod Touch, among others.

Overall
About the only minor complaint that is present with the Polar H7 Fitness Tracker is that the back-access panel to access the battery is difficult to unscrew. However, in terms of its performance, it is worth it alone.

Amazon Link
$109.99

3. Bose Soundsport Headphones

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$109.98
Bose Soundsport Headphones
Amazon Link

Wait, what is a pair of headphones doing on this list? Was there a mistake? Nope, it is not an illusion as Bose’s SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones feature a built-in heart rate monitor while also acting as a standard pair of headphones.

Read more

Use
Not only does this have a built-in heart rate monitor but it also has PerformTek sensor technology. Both of which combine to make a more than suitable heart rate device.

Clearly, these are wireless headphones and as such, they can be used to listen to your audio devices. But, this can also be used in conjunction with several popular fitness apps.

Battery Life
Per a single charge, you can expect around five hours of battery life. While this is not the most impressive battery life, it should suffice for most who only utilize them moderately.

Materials
Being both sweat and weather-resistant, these are truly feasible in any kind of conditions you can think of. Also, a gentle seal is created when you insert them in your ears to increase the audio performance.

Connectivity
With both Bluetooth and NFC pairing, connecting your device to these headphones is an absolute breeze; granted the device you are attempting to sync has the proper technology.

Overall
It is pretty obvious that you live in an intuitive world when you become witnessed to Bluetooth headphones that can measure your heart rate. While it seems like something that only Jimmy Neutron could concoct, it is a reality at the forefront.

Amazon Link
$109.98

4. FitBit Charge 2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$119.99
FitBit Charge 2
Amazon Link

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Fitbit Charge 2 is one of the most popular heart rate monitors on this list, bar none. With its diverse and in-depth functionality and superb battery life, it is not too difficult to see why.

Read more

Use
Besides the basic ability to measure your heart rate, which Fitbit warns the accuracy will be affected by certain variables such as the location of the device, the Charge 2 has personalized breathing sessions that are based directly on your current heart rate.

While this does not have a standalone GPS, when using a connected GPS, you can view real-time statistics on metrics such as your distance and pace. In addition, the ability is there to track your sleeping patterns.

Battery Life
Clearly, one of the best aspects of this wristband is its superb battery life. With normal use, you should be able to crank out up to five days of battery before needing to recharge it.

Materials
For some people, a fitness band represents a sense of style. As such, multiple color selections are available for you to choose from. Also, this band is rated to operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees and as high as 113 degrees (both in Fahrenheit).

Connectivity
Integrated modern technology allows the Fitbit Charge 2 to sync wirelessly to over 200 compatible devices; ranging from iOS devices to Windows.

Overall
A standalone GPS would have been a nice addition and the notifications do leave a lot to be desired. However, these two minor drawbacks should not stop you from highly considering this excellent device.

Amazon Link
$119.99

5. Scosche Rhythm Armband

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Scosche Rhythm Armband
Amazon Link

Being compatible with several popular health and fitness apps, this armband is not only suitable as a heart rate monitor but also as a standalone fitness tracker. In addition, with optical sensor technology, the heart rate functionality is highly accurate.

Read more

Use
To ensure that this device is as accurate as possible so you get your money’s worth, Scosche has implemented patented optical sensor technology.

With the ability to act as a fitness tracker, you can monitor important metrics such as your calories burned, total distance and pace. Plus, this is compatible to work with several health and fitness apps for further functionality.

Battery Life
Without allowing it to charge, and running it on a fully charged battery, you can get a maximum of eight hours. This is not too bad and for most, should be an adequate-enough amount.

Materials
This armband is rated per IP67 standards of waterproofness. It is also claimed that it is sweatproof; however, as one user noted the band can become drenched with sweat. Also, there are multiple color options available.

Connectivity
Thanks to the built-in dual-mode processor, this is both ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible. So, you can actually transmit data to multiple ANT+ displays and Bluetooth devices.

Overall
The battery life can leave a little to be desired for fitness junkies but its work as a heart rate monitor is fantastic thanks to its optical sensor technology for improved accuracy.

Amazon Link

6. Garmin Run

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$149.95
Garmin Run
Amazon Link

It is fair to assume that when you see this next heart rate monitor, the Garmin HRM-Run, does not integrate Bluetooth technology, you will immediately move on with no interest. But, give the HRM-Run the light of day as, despite this, it is a superb device.

Read more

Use
No doubt, the HRM-Run lives and breathes through its functionality as a heart rate monitor. Thankfully, it does so very well and as one reviewer reported, it has a rapid fast response time when measuring your heart rate.

This device is highly noted for its capability of providing you with six different, advanced running dynamics that can be used with Garmin Forerunner watches. Some of which include ground contact time, vertical oscillation and stride length.

Battery Life
If you were to use this for approximately one hour per day, according to Garmin, then the battery in the HRM-Run should last for up to one year.

Materials
In case you were not aware, this is a chest strap. Some may be fearful that this will cause discomfort and irritation but with its combination of thin plastic and nylon fabric, it is both soft and flexible.

Connectivity
One of the HRM-Run’s shortcomings is the fact that it does not have an integrated Bluetooth chip. Instead, it only utilizes ANT+ which is a bit limited with the modern technology.

Overall
Wristwatches, fitness bands, and headphones are great, but sometimes a good old-fashioned chest strap will do the trick just fine. The Garmin HRM-Run is a terrific consideration thanks to its supreme comfort, heart rate accuracy and fast response time.

Amazon Link
$149.95

7. Moov Sweat

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Moov Sweat
Amazon Link

Despite some people who are worried about their physical appearance (in terms of their attire) and may not want to wear a “tacky” headband, the Moov HR Sweat is an ideal option as it provides real-time audio coaching for your training.

Read more

Use
Moov claims that their team of experts were able to discover the best combination of placement and technology to deliver the most precise heart rate reading they could with their HR Sweat.

What is super convenient about the HR Sweat is, in conjunction with the Moov App, you can receive real-time audio coaching that will guide you through your workouts.

Battery Life
First off, this is a rechargeable battery. Now, unfortunately, its six-hour battery life is not that spectacular. But, it is also not as if you will need to re-charge your battery every day (unless you are a gym rat).

Materials
Moov designed this sweatband, which does go on your forehead, for athletes. As such, the material is highly-breathable, sweat-absorbing, quick-drying, comfortable, and lightweight.

Connectivity
The Moov HR Sweat can be used as a heart rate monitoring device with several applications with the power of Bluetooth technology. However, it is worth noting the audio coaching is only possible through the Moov app.

Overall
Could this be labeled as tacky? One could see it that way but hey, wearing a headband is not the worst thing in the world. Besides its clear functionality as a heart rate monitor, it will also absorb the sweat coming down your face which is a bonus.

Amazon Link

8. Wahoo Tickr X

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Wahoo Tickr X
Amazon Link

Much like the Garmin HRM-Run, the Wahoo TICKR X is yet another chest strap, heart rate monitor. What is beneficial about this model is that it has built-in memory and can be used without a smartphone (although you can sync the data to it later).

Read more

Use
Wahoo has designed personalized heart rate training into their TICKR X and this allows you to view your real-time heart rate to work out more efficiently. As a cool tidbit of information, this is actually the official heart rate monitor of Team Sky.

The TICKR X seconds as a fitness tracker and can deliver you with some important dynamics including the calories that you burn, various running analytics, indoor spin cadence, and rep counting.

Battery Life
Included with this device is a standard coin-cell battery and if used in moderation, it should last you a good year. Obviously, this will vary depending on use.

Materials
Because this is adjustable from 23 inches to 48 inches, it is suitable for a wide range of body sizes. In addition to this, it has an IPX7 water rating which means it is waterproof up to five feet.

Connectivity
The devices you can sync this heart rate monitor to are nearly endless thanks to ANT+ and Bluetooth functionality. Such devices include smartphones, tablets, and GPS watches. But, due to its internal memory, it is not mandatory to sync to such devices to use it.

Overall
There is a reason this is the official heart rate monitor for Team Sky. The impressive combination of its software, waterproof design and various forms of connectivity make it suitable for any athlete around the world.

Amazon Link

9. Garmin Premium

Where to buy
Garmin Premium
Amazon Link

If you are literally simply looking for a heart rate monitor and nothing more, there may not be a more ideal device than this bad boy from Garmin. As such, this is simply an ANT+ product and does not feature Bluetooth technology.

Read more

Use
With your connected device, during an activity, this chest strap will transmit your heart rate data directly to it. Thus, providing you with instant feedback so you can monitor how much effort you are outputting.

This is as cut and dry as it gets. It does not have much functionality past its use as a heart rate monitor. For those only seeking this, it could not be a better match.

Battery Life
Much like other heart rate monitors that do not run off a rechargeable battery, you should be able to get around a year of use out of this; if used in moderation.

Materials
Being crafted from a very soft fabric, irritation and discomfort should not be an issue with this device strapped to your chest. Also, it is adjustable so you can tailor it to properly fit.

Connectivity
As soon as you connect to a device, which must be ANT+ compatible, it will automatically be recognized in the future. It is even optimized to be used in highly-crowded areas, guaranteeing signal interference will not be an issue. But, it does not have Bluetooth technology.

Overall
Simplicity is certainly not always a bad thing and that is apparent with this heart rate monitor from Garmin. The lack of Bluetooth and diverse functionality could be seen as drawbacks, but that is looking at the glass half empty.

10. Suunto Spartan

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$199.00
Suunto Spartan
Amazon Link

Besides Garmin, Suunto is one of the leading manufacturers in the world of GPS watches. Their Spartan Watch also happens to integrate a heart rate monitor and while the watch itself can be a bit sluggish, the design is still great overall.

Read more

Use
On the screen, there is a daily heart rate that you can monitor that displays your minimum heart rate. In addition, while you sleep, you can monitor your average heart rate.

Yes, this is a GPS watch. It has the ability to track your speed, pace, distance, altitude and various other metrics because of it. In addition to this, an unprecedented 80 sports modes have been pre-installed.

Battery Life
As you can see the percentage of the battery, you will know at all times when it needs to be recharged. On average, you can expect around three to four days on a single charge.

Materials
With an improved slimmer fit and several color options to choose from, everyone should be satisfied with the appeal and fit.

Connectivity
As this is basically a smartwatch, you can receive smart notifications from your smartphone.

Overall
For the price, an interface that was more profound would have been nice. It is a bit sluggish but besides that, there is too much to like to not consider an investment.

Amazon Link
$199.00