Heart rate monitors can be useful to most people who need to monitor their cardiovascular health during exercise.
Heart rate monitors come in different forms: chest straps, wristbands, and fingertip models, each with their own benefits.
In order to find the best heart rate monitor for you, you need to consider whether accuracy or comfort is the highest priority for you.
We’ve researched all of the most popular models and chosen the best heart rate monitors with the best user reviews and ratings to make things that much easier for you!
Top Heart Rate Monitors – Editor’s Pick
This table highlights five of the best heart rate monitors from our list, comparing them based on the basic criteria we mentioned above.
Product Name |
Style |
Other functions |
Get It AT |
| Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor | Chest strap | Calories, running, walking, and workouts tracking | |
| Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor | Chest strap | No | |
| FitBit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband | Wristband | Fitness tracking | |
| Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor | Armband | Calories, distance, and pace tracking | |
| Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor | Chest strap and wristband | No |
10. Garmin HRM-Run
Ideal for: Runners
First on our best heart rate monitors list is this HRM-Run chest strap heart monitor that provides real-time cardiovascular data.
It’s comfortable, easily adjustable, and measures so much more than just your heart rate.
The HRM-Run also measures your performance condition and stress score.
It’s designed to give additional data customized for runners, such as cadence and stride length.
Moreover, it’s compatible with smartphones.
Heights:
- Accurate readings
- Adjustable, comfortable strap
- Additional running data
Plains:
- Not waterproof
9. AliveCor Kardia Mobile ECG
Ideal for: Medical-grade heart rate readings, non-fitness use
The Kardia allows you to check your heart rate by placing your fingers on the small portable sensors.
It is, therefore, better for regular accurate heart rate readings rather than ongoing heart rate analysis during workouts.
This is great for those who need to keep an eye on their heart rate at regular intervals for medical reasons.
Heights:
- Small, easily portable size
- Quick read-out
- Cleared by FDA
Plains:
- Must place fingers on sensors for reading
- EKGs – you must first understand them to be able to use the data
8. Fitbit Alta HR
Ideal for: Fitness tracking, all-day heart rate monitoring
The Fitbit Alta HR is a classic fitness tracker wristband with heart rate monitor capabilities.
It measures heart rate as just one aspect of its overall tracking. It also tracks sleep, distance, steps, and overall activity.
The Fitbit is certainly pricier than a simpler heart rate monitor, but since it’s an all-in-one solution, it’s perfect for those who need a lot of fitness data in one place.
Heights:
- Slim design
- Wear it everywhere you go
- Smartwatch capabilities, such as texts and calls
Plains:
- Heart rate monitoring is generally not as precise with wristbands
7. Polar FT60
Ideal for: Fitness tracking
The FT60 from Polar is like a more complex version of the FT4.
It uses the same model — a chest strap with a wristband display — but provides more data about your heart rate.
Also, it gives training feedback and creates a personalized training program based on your data.
It’s easy to use and maintain.
Heights:
- Comfortable chest strap
- Provides more heart rate data than the FT4
- Intuitive
Plains:
- Not compatible with all other Polar devices
Suggested: You can also check out the best activity trackers.
6. Acc U Rate Premium Fingertip Pulse
Ideal for: Health-related heart rate monitoring
The Acc U Rate heart monitor is another fingertip pulse monitor.
It’s approved by the FDA and is both accurate and easy to use.
It uses regular AAA batteries and is small enough to carry with you, getting a precise pulse reading whenever and wherever you need it.
This monitor even comes with a lanyard. In addition to heart rate, the Acc U Rate monitors blood saturation levels.
Heights:
- Quick read-outs
- Accurate and FDA approved
- Easy to use
Plains:
- Only for momentary heart rate readings
5. Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor
Ideal for: All-purpose
The Wahoo Tickr is a chest strap monitor that’s compatible with almost any fitness-tracking app or device, including smartwatches, smartphones, and tablets.
This is the simplest and most popular version of the Tickr.
Users appreciate that it’s affordable and versatile, they don’t have to be tied to one fitness app, and it provides reliable heart rate data.
Heights:
- Compatible with a huge variety of fitness trackers and apps
- Relatively comfortable chest band
- Easy to set up and use
Plains:
- Strap closure can be flimsy
4. Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor
Ideal for: All-purpose
The Garmin Premium is among the best heart rate monitors that use an elastic chest strap to pick up on heart rate data and wirelessly transmits it to a device.
You can use it with a variety of Garmin smartwatches and other Garmin tracking devices.
This monitor is popular with users because it’s affordable, comfortable, and easy to use.
Heights:
- Reliable accurate data
- Pairs with Garmin devices
- Comfortable adjustable strap
Plains:
- Difficult to change the battery
3. Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband
Ideal for: Fitness tracking, all-day heart rate monitoring
The Charge 2 is a wristband fitness tracker and heart rate monitor.
This model is bulkier/wider than others of its kind, but it is a classic option that’s by far the best-selling heart rate monitor.
It offers additional stats and uses GPS to tell you your pace and distance while running or walking.
It also includes a sleep tracker, step counter, and guided breathing sessions based on your heart rate data.
Heights:
- All-in-one monitor and display
- Additional fitness tracking data
- All-day tracking
Plains:
- Heart rate monitoring is generally not as precise with wristbands as with chest straps
2. Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband
Ideal for: Fitness tracking
The Scosche Rhythm+ is more similar to an overall fitness tracker.
It doesn’t involve a chest strap but instead monitors your heart rate through a lightweight armband.
In addition to your heart rate, it gives information about calories, distance, and pace.
It’s waterproof up to one meter, and it is compatible with smartwatches as well as smartphones.
Heights:
- Accurate readings
- Compatible with many devices and apps
- Waterproof
Plains:
- Can become slippery when sweaty
- Requires another device to read, display, and store data
1. Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor
Ideal for: Heart rate data only
The Polar FT4 is a simple wristband-and-chest-strap heart rate monitor that also counts calories.
It’s water resistant, and it connects with gym equipment to give you information about your heart rate.
It alerts you when your heart rate seems too high or too low.
This monitor is affordable and reliable, it has no frills but does the job well.
Heights:
- Streamlined and simple
- Accurate heart rate reading
- Connects with gym equipment
Plains:
- Doesn’t provide any additional metrics
Conclusion
Heart rate monitors can help improve your health, keep you safe, and improve the accuracy of your training and workouts.
After seeing their features, it is easy to understand why the models above are among the best heart rate monitors you could get nowadays.
If you use a heart rate monitor, what brand and type of model do you most prefer?
Recommended Read: Be sure to always stay hydrated. Get a sports water bottle or a hydration bladder.