Best Heart Rate Monitors Reviewed For Wellness Tracking Capabilities
In a fitness market saturated with toys touted as fitness tools, products like heart rate monitors truly stand out. These tools most often come in one of two forms, either a wrist wearable or a chest strap that can be worn over a shirt or directly against the skin. Each version has its benefits and its drawbacks but the information they provide is invaluable for anyone seeking to improve their fitness, manage a medical condition, or get to know the natural rhythms of their body. Monitors have largely been popularized as tools from the realm of the ultra-dedicated, but just about anyone can benefit from their use and the better the monitor is, the easier it is to use.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 18 hrs of research

Provides Guided Exercise
Very Versatile
Bluetooth Connectivity










Top 10 Picks
1. Fitbit Charge 2


Provides Guided Exercise
Very Versatile
Bluetooth Connectivity
Temperamental Sensors
Most people would not be surprised to see Fitbit at the top of this list. They were one of the first independent wearable companies on the market and they have so thoroughly dominated the world of wearable fitness trackers that the company's name has almost become synonymous with the product they offer. The Charge 2 could almost be a flagship of the company in terms of both styling and quality. It provides guided exercises, shows notifications from the wearer's smartphone, and connected with multiple devices. Its slim design and sleek styling allow it to blend well with nearly anyone's wardrobe which allows the wearer to receive updates without broadcasting their use of a monitor.
Read moreProvides Guided Exercise
These products are ideal for those that are serious about fitness or are managing heart-related conditions. Both of these demographics are also the type of people to need fairly frequent exercise. This is usually where people hit roadblocks, unfortunately. It can be hard to come up with an exercise routine that feels useful and can fit into a busy schedule. Fitbit takes a lot of the stress out of the task by preprogramming the Charge 2 with several workouts as well as the ability to guide wearers through the routines.
Very Versatile
The Charge 2 is more than just a heart rate monitor. It provides real-time tracking for things like activity levels. It also displays notifications from a connected smartphone which lets the user stay connected even when they are at the gym or on a run. This versatility packs extra value into the product's cost and gives the buyer a lot more usability for their investment.
Cost and Value
This is one of the most expensive product on this list but, given Fitbit's reputation, the price is actually fairly reasonable. Some of the prices can be attributed to Fitbit's brand name, but it can also be explained by the device's usability and versatility as well as the unit's sleek and discreet design. Some users have reported that the device will shift during rapid movements and intense fitness routines which may throw off the heart rate readings, but this issue may not impact users who are partaking in more static or less intense fitness styles.
2. Polar FT7


Offers Calorie Tracking
Chest Band Included
Tracks if Workouts are Fat Burning or Fitness Focused
Drains Batteries Fast
Polar is a relative newcomer to these lists but it is making a splash in all the right ways. The company is actually featured twice on this list and their first offering is the FT7 wrist and chest-wearable tracker. The device comes pre-attached to a wristband but can be attached to the included chest strap for use in monitoring a user's heart rate. It also offers calories tracking and tells the user if their workouts are reaching fat-burning levels or cardio-health levels.
Read moreOffers Calorie Tracking
Counting calories is often on the most tedious parts about losing weight. It takes more time than most people have to track exactly how much they eat of each thing and then calculate the calories for the portion they ate. That number then must be compared to the number of calories burned in a day and most people don't even know where to begin with that. Products like the FT7, however, simplify the process by taking on about half the work. This wearable not only tracks heart rates but also tracks the number of calories burned throughout a day. Users can then use the number to make sure that they are eating enough to ensure proper bodily functions.
Chest Band Included
The company is quick to point out that the device reads heart rates best when strapped to a user's chest. They include a chest strap for just this purpose, as well as instructions on how to convert a wrist-wearable into a chest-mounted tracker. Few products on this list, or on the market in general, are quite this versatile in terms of how they track their information.
Cost and Value
Polar's products aren't cheap, but they don't skimp on the quality or usability. The worst thing that most people could find to say about it is that the batteries drain fast. On the flip side of that, they are rechargeable and the device comes with a charging cable so that users can keep their device running smoothly. The true value of this product lies in its unique versatility as well as its ability to tell a user what intensity level their workouts are really getting to so that the user can make any adjustments necessary to get the most from their workouts.
3. Zacurate 500BL


Medical Grade
Suitable for Athletes
Accomodates a Wide Range of Ages
12-Month Warranty
Real-Time Only
Zacurate's offering varies from every other product on this list in a few key ways that deserve an immediate mention. The 500BL is a medical-grade device that is just as useful for athletes as it is for people tracking their heart rate for medical reasons. The device can fit hands of all sizes including children, and it comes with a twelve-month warranty. It is also the most affordable product on this list and is particularly well-suited to people who do not enjoy the idea of constant connectivity or more far-reaching tracking options.
Read moreMedical Grade
While all of the products on this list can be used to manage medical conditions, Zacurate is the specifically-noted medical-grade device. This is the term used by Zacurate themselves to describe their product and is apparently reflected in the monitor's quality and longevity. It is also allegedly reflected in the accuracy of the readings which is the true mark of quality among these devices.
Suitable for Athletes
This product might be medical-grade but it is also suitable for athletes. It cannot provide constant real-time updates on an athlete's heart rate but it can give them reading right before and right after a workout so that users can determine how effective their workout has been.
Cost and Value
This is the most affordable product on this list. It is wildly less expensive than wearable trackers likely due to the intermittent nature of the information it can give. There is still a large amount of value in this product, however. There are a lot of consumers who do not want constant monitoring and, with this device, they can take their vitals when and where they want to without always being recorded.
4. Garmin Standard


Wirelss Connectivity
Two Band Types Available
Tracks and Records Heart Rate During Exercise
Batteries are Spotty
Garmin is best known for their GPS systems, which in turn are best known for being very put-upon when they have to recalculate a route. This, in addition to the quality of their products, has really made a name for Garmin and they have translated that name into highly rated fitness trackers. Their standard heart rate monitor is an excellent example of how the company made the leap from GPS systems to wearables with such success that they are featured not once but twice on this list. Their first offering, a standard monitor, offers two different chest band styles, wireless connectivity, and the ability to track and record a person's heart rate during exercise so that the numbers can be evaluated later.
Read moreWireless Connectivity
This feature might not seem all that impressive in today's world of Bluetooth-enabled products for nearly any use. Traditionally, however, chest monitors were not wireless. They had to be plugged in at certain points which would then, in turn, limit the wearer's range of motion. It's still not advisable to take this product swimming, but nearly any other type of exercise can be performed by someone wearing ad Garmin wireless monitor.
Two Band Styles
Chest monitors typically come with either a very soft band that can wrap around the wearer or they come with a very hard band. Garmin seems to understand that each band has its use and, as such, including both with the purchase of this monitor. Users can choose whichever band best fits their needs or switch them out when one needs to be cleaned.
Cost and Value
This is certainly one of the more affordable products on this list. It doesn't have any usability beyond monitoring the user's heart rate and recording it, and the batteries can be a little bit spotty. But the accuracy of the information more than makes up for these two shortcomings. It also helps that this chest monitor can be worn almost anywhere and through almost any type of exercise without slipping and ruining the information it is supposed to be tracking.
5. Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Unit


Checks to Assure Readings are Taken Properly
Checks Blood Oxygen Too
Batteries Included
Small Finger Slot
Innovo is a uniquely focused company whose entire inventory is made up of products that report various vital signs. Thermometers, pulse monitories, and all the necessary accessories are just a few of the products they offer. Their deluxe fingertip unit measures not just the user's heart rate but their blood oxygen level as well. It has a built-in quality control system to make sure the information is as accurate as possible and it is shipped with the first set of batteries necessary to get the user up and running. The device may be a little small for people with larger fingers, unfortunately, but there are several similar products form both Innovo and other companies if this sort of device is preferred over a wearable tracker.
Read moreChecks Blood Oxygen Too
Although most people will be looking at this device because of its accuracy when measuring a person's heart rate, some people will find its blood oxygen level data even more interesting. Blood oxygen level doesn't sound all that important on its surface but this balance affects a person's ability to breathe as well as the health of cells and organs throughout the body.
Ensures Readings Are Accurate
Accuracy is of the utmost importance when tracking a person's heart rate, especially if it is being monitored for medical reasons. All of the products on this list promise accuracy but Innovo's model is the only product on this list that has a built-in quality control system. This system ensures that the results are accurate before delivering them to the user so that there are less stress and guesswork for those who may already be under stress.
Cost and Value
This device is almost double the price of the Zacurate model, but it also has a built-in quality control system that will more than justify the cost to some users. The ability to track blood oxygen level is another feature that will draw in key buyers, giving the Innovo deluxe model a leg up on their competitors and a fair amount of value on the dollar.
6. Polar H10


Suitable for swimming
Low-Profile
400 Hour Battery Life
Requires Secondary Device
Polar's second offering might seem like a more basic version of their FT7, but rest assured that the H10 has its own features that set it well apart from its predecessor on this list. The H10 truly stands out among the products in Polar's inventory not only for its slim profile but also for its watertight construction. This wireless monitor will not only stand up to the sweat and strain of a dry-land workout but can also take a turn in the pool so that users can track their heart rates during an aquatic exercise routine.
Read moreSuitable for Swimming
Few fitness trackers can stand a dip in the pool and even fewer heart rate monitors are built to go for a swim. The H10 is unique in that it is rated for water workouts. And although it does best with a wetsuit worn over the top to keep it tight against the wearer's skin, the point remains that swimming with it is possible and that in and of itself is a hard trait to find.
Low Profile
Polar tends to make their monitors discreet but the H10 is low-profile even by their standards. This allows it to rest comfortably beneath a wearer's bathing suit without impeding their range of motion. This, in turn, leads to a more accurate reading because the wearer does not have to slow down or alter their routine to accommodate the monitor the way they would if it were bulkier.
Cost and Value
This monitor is offered at several prices, the lowest of which is on-point with the previous offering from Polar. The higher prices are more than double the cost of the FT7 but it is important to remember that this device can be taken into the pool while most other monitors and trackers cannot. Users must also use a specific app to view and process the data collected by the monitor which might be a deal-breaker for some users. Overall it is a great option for swimmers or people who participate in triathlons in which they must swim, but it may be overpriced for anyone who strictly stays on dry land.
7. Letsfit Fitness Tracker


GPS Connected
Multiple Sports Modes
Sleep Quality Data Available
Requires a Specific App
Letsfits's inventory is more varied than many companies' on this list, but they stay true to the theme of getting people up and moving. They have also been mentioned on a few other lists prior to this one which only goes to show the quality of their products. They offer several fitness trackers but only one or two models have a built-in heart rate monitor. All of these models are wrist wearables designed with discretion in mind. The trackers are also GPS-connected, has multiple sports modes for more accurate and nuanced tracking, and can even provide data on the quality of a user's sleep.
Read moreGPS Connected
A GPS connection might seem a little silly to some people but for other people, like runners, it is incredibly helpful. It is also ideal for anyone who travels on foot for any length of time as it will track where you have gone and let you see how long each segment of a journey took you. This information can then be applied to travel expenses or to a person's activity total for a given day.
Tracks Sleep Quality Data
People who track their heart rate are likely to need other vitals tracked, regardless of their reason for tracking their heart rate. This device also tracks a person's sleep quality which is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Letsfit's tracker can pinpoint nights when a person sleeps well and nights where they don't so that the user can see what sort of behaviors lead to better sleep and what sort of behaviors will leave them awake all night long.
Cost and Value
Letsfit is not a company that has built themselves on milking their customers. Their trackers might require a specific app where the user can see the information their device has been collecting, but that is the worst that can be said about them. And given that they are one of the most affordable pieces of equipment on this list, that is impressive! Its price tag could probably fit most budgets which makes it ideal for families or for people just starting out in the world of tracking their vital signs.
8. Willful Fitness Tracker


Very Versatile
Waterproof for Hand Washing
USB Charged, No Cable Needed
Not Rated for Swimming
Only Tracks Sleep During Certain Hours
Willful is another company with a somewhat varied inventory but their products are all either fitness trackers or they are headphones. All of their products seem well-received and it's easy to see why when one takes a closer look at their standard fitness tracker. The device is waterproof enough to withstand being caught under the faucet when the wearer washes their hands. It is also USB charged and does not need cables either to charge or to transmit the data it collects. Its sleep tracker only works during certain hours and it cannot be taken into the pool, but it is otherwise a great device at an affordable price.
Read moreWaterproof for Hand Washing
Most wearables, whether on this list or not, are so sensitive to water that they cannot be caught under a running faucet without risking permanent ruin. Willful's tracker can't be taken into the pool for a swim but it can easily withstand the water that hits it when the user washes their hands or gets caught in heavy rain. This is more than most of their competitors can say and it really gives the device an added boost of value to an already low price.
USB Charged
When Willful says that their device is USB-charged, they don't mean that a USB connection cable will be needed for the device to take a chare. They mean that that device can be plugged directly unto a USB port and be charged that way instead. It reduces the number of cables a person might have laying around and allows people on busy schedules to go about their day with the confidence that their tracker isn't down for the count just because they forgot its charger at home.
Cost and Value
It's hard to overstate the value of this wearable. It can withstand the water involved in washing a person's hands, it can be charged in any USB port without a cord, and it is one of the most affordable products on this list. It has a discreet profile and sleek design as well as a range of colored cases to choose from. It cannot be taken swimming and only tracks sleep during certain hours overnight which will be a problem for those who work at night. But for the day-working dry-land fitness fan, this is an excellent and affordable product.
9. Garmin HRM-Tri


Low-Profile
Rated for Swimming
10-Month Battery Life at 1 Hour Per Day
Water Workouts Should Use Wetsuits
Garmin's "Tri" heart rate monitor is an excellent improvement on the basic idea of a chest-mounted monitoring unit. This device has a spectacularly low profile so that it can be worn beneath a person's shirt or wetsuit without causing any issue with their mobility. It is rated for swimming which is an unusual feature in this sort of monitor. And it has a 10-month battery life, provided that it is only used for one hour at a time each day. It functions best when worn under a wetsuit, but that is a small price for swimmers to pay if they want to track their heart rate while in the water.
Read moreLow Profile
People who are dedicated enough to invest in a chest-mounted heart rate monitor are not likely to care if it makes their shirt lay funny or something like that. They will, however, care very much if a device impedes their range of motion or ability to move as fast and as aggressively as they please. Low-profile trackers like this one are more likely to stay in place while also staying out of the way so that the user can exercise exactly how they would without a monitor on and still get accurate readings at the end of their workout.
Rate for Swimming
There's no real need to explain why electronic devices so rarely go into the water. It is difficult to make a case that still allows users to access the internal components of their device should something break without leaving some gap for water to get in. Cases that strike this balance often cost a fair amount but Garmin seems to have found the sweet spot between waterproofing their devices and offering them at relatively competitive prices.
Cost and Value
Chest-mounted monitors do not come cheap and Garmin's falls right in the middle of this style's price range. That being said, the cost is more than justified, particularly if the buyer is a swimmer. They might have to wear a wetsuit, but it is hard to find a wearable that can go into the water and help them keep their workouts on the track, so the investment is definitely worth it.
10. Scosche RHYTHM+


Compatible with ANT+ Watches
Compatible with Smart Bluetooth Devices
Waterproof Up to 1 Meter
Connected App Must Stay Running While Band is In Use
Scosche is a company that is all about connectivity. Whether their products meet the need for phone mounts or cable adapters, they want to keep people connected and the new world of technology running smoothly. They have a few trackers but their RHYTHM+ is the most popular by far. The name likely gives away the main purpose of this device, but it truly is a bit of a unique monitor. It is not a far-reaching tracking device and it is not a "smart" wearable that will deliver notifications to the wearer. It is an armband with a built-in heart rate monitor. The band then connects to any smartwatch or phone with Bluetooth and uploads the data there to be evaluated. It is waterproof up to one meter which means it can withstand being worn while the user is washing their hands and the band comes in several different colors.
Read moreCompatible with Bluetooth
Most devices produced today come equipped with Bluetooth. It is the main way that products seek to keep people connected without holding them back with cables and cords that can get tangled or lost. Scosche's armband is one such Bluetooth device and, as long as the product's app is up and running on the user's phone, they will receive all the information they need on the device they choose to connect to this armband.
Waterproof Up to 1 Meter
This device is waterproof up to 1 meter which means that users can keep the band on when sweating or wash their hands as well as when they splash themselves to stay cool. It should not be worn in the pool or shower, however. While that may be a deal breaker for some, others will find its heightened ability to withstand water a bonus when the device needs to be hand-washed.
Cost and Value
Scosche's product falls at the same price point as most of the chest-mounted monitors on this list. It seems to do the same quality of work with a smaller and more discreet amount of space. The app it uses must absolutely be up and running while it is in use or it won't transmit the data properly, but that is the only real drawback that users seem to find with this product.
Criteria Used for Evaluation

Accuracy
When a product cannot fulfill its basic function, there is little reason to buy it. This is especially true for fitness aides and products that are intended to help people monitor their own health. Faulty monitors could lead to bad results, faulty workouts and, more dangerously, incorrect medical treatment. These products were rated according to accuracy and all of them outstripped unlisted competitors in the same comparison. Despite this, it is important to note that a healthcare professional should always be consulted when using a device like this as they are the only ones qualified to inform or affect fitness and treatment.

Durability
Wearables see a lot of wear and tear over the course of their lifetime. Some wearables, such as chest band monitors, see that wear in small doses. Others, like wrist-based wearables, see a lot more of it and they see it more frequently. It can lead to a product’s lifespan being shorter than intended but that does not mean that the lifespan should be short. This is the exact reason that durability was the second criteria on which these products were rated. Whether the exact durability consideration applied to the strength of a chest band or the likelihood that a wristwatch’s band would snap, these products are meant to last under the strain of fitness-related use.

Versatility
Although these products are intended to primarily monitor the user’s heart, many of them are designed to offer other services. Multi-functional devices were given more consideration than single-use devices for the simple reason that they offer more for the consumer’s money. They also give the user a wider window into the effects of fitness and health changes which allows them to make more informed decisions when planning further changes.

Color
These two criteria points were given the least weight but they were still taken into consideration for those wearables that would be seeing daily use. Limited colors and odd styles are likely to clash with most wardrobes and make the device unusable for wearers who must have their device in a professional setting or who do not want people to know how closely they are monitoring their vitals.

Style
Whether they are intended for short-term use or long-term wear, every product on this list was evaluated based on its basic shape and the thickness of the casing that holds the actual monitor. The shape of a device is more important for daily wearables because odd shapes will draw attention to the device and most users don’t want to be too obvious about the fact that they’re tracking health factors like heart rate and activity level. The thickness of the casing is relevant regardless of the monitor types. Thicker cases have a higher likelihood of being knocked out of place which will interrupt the measurements and potentially render them useless. Slimmer devices were favored over bulkier ones to give users more range of motion and less risk of false readings.
Expert Interviews & Opinions

Most of the companies have their own return policies and certain aggregate-seller websites offer buyer protection.
Most do not cause allergic reactions, even for people who may be sensitive to nickel. It is best to directly contact a company to ask rather than take it on faith, however, especially if the allergy is severe.
Other Factors to Consider

Comfort
It is hard to say which heart rate monitor is the best overall, though this list certainly tries. Accuracy and durability were the two most important factors taken into account in the creation of this list. Versatility and portability were close behind, and a product’s appearance was considered last. Many of these products are daily wearables and, for that reason, need to have a certain aesthetic so that they will not be too obvious when worn from day to day. Without accuracy and durability, however, the products would be useless. Every product on this list met or exceeded the expectation of quality on every one of these criteria so that consumers can find the best heart rate monitor to fit their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Do these products run on batteries or are they rechargeable?
It varies from product to product. Those that can recharge often have a USB adaptor to make it easy while other products have long-lasting batteries.
q: Can I change the bands or straps on these monitors?
For the most part, yes. Some of the products even come with a second band or wrist strap so that the user can choose which they prefer. A few have “static bands” however an cannot be changed.
q: How do I clean a non-waterproof monitor?
These products can be spot-cleaned with a lightly dampened washcloth or towel. They should not be submerged or soaked, however.
q: What do I do if my heart rate doesn’t go up during a workout anymore?
Most trainers agree that the best option in these situations is to try a new kind of exercise or to increase the intensity of the current exercise style.