10 Best Heart Rate Monitors (Review) In 2022

- The Best Heart Rate Monitor
- 1. Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate & Fitness Tracker
- 2. Metene Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
- 3. Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch
- 4. LETSCOM Fitness and Activity Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
- 5. Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap
- 6. Garmin Vivosmart 4 Activity and Fitness Tracker
- 7. Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap
- 8. Lintelek Fitness and Activity Tracker + Heart Rate Monitor Watch
- 9. Garmin HRM-Run
- 10. Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap
Heart rate monitors might sound like a medical term, but if you’re into your fitness, you’ll know they’re so much more than that! With the best heart rate monitors by your side, you can ensure your health and fitness is at its peak, whether you’re working out or resting.
For a long time now, step counters have taken the lead when it comes to tracking fitness. Still, in recent years it’s become widely acknowledged that by tracking your heart rate, you’ll get a more accurate view of how much you’ve pushed yourself in your workout and can also monitor your recovery times.
These days, it’s possible to find some of the best heart rate monitors on a whole range of smart devices from heart rate monitors with chest straps to those embedded in your smartwatch with an app for heart rate results that you can easily download to your smartphone or tablet.
With so many options available, our team of fitness and tech experts have narrowed down your search to the heart rate monitors they believe are best for comfort, accuracy, and convenience. Selected to suit a whole range of budgets and styles so you can find the best heart rate monitors to fit into your lifestyle. For even more information, keep reading below for FAQs, top tips on features to look for, and more. If you are interested in gadgets like these, check out our list of pedometers too.
The Best Heart Rate Monitor
1. Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate & Fitness Tracker

Up to 5 days of battery life, fully charged in approximately 2 hours
Able to provide 24/7 heart rate monitoring and additional information
Bluetooth enabled
Water-resistant up to 50m
Comfortable and stylish enough to wear all day and night, whatever you’re doing, this Fitbit Inspire HR Tracker offers five days of battery life to track your heart rate and fitness levels 24/7. This information is translated into calorie burn, resting heart rate, and workout heart rate zones as well as your sleeping patterns, minutes active, and much more to give you a complete overview of your fitness levels. Made from a flexible and durable elastomer material, the band won’t irritate your wrist and fastens with a comfortable and discrete peg and loop system. The fitness and heart rate monitor is also water-resistant up to 50m so you can even wear it swimming!
2. Metene Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor

Collects data on your blood oxygen saturation levels, pulse rate, and pulse intensity
Large LED screen with backlighting for easy-read results
Results available in seconds
Senses information using a highly advanced MCU chip and photoelectric sensing
Utilizing the most advanced MCU chip and sensor available, Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor clips to the tip of your finger to accurately measure your heart rate and blood oxygen levels within just a few seconds. With a large LED display, results are easy to read, and the compact design allows for discrete and convenient transportation. It even comes with a lanyard included, making life even simpler! One of the best heart rate monitors for accurate results, you can easily keep yourself at peak fitness and health with this fingertip monitor in your pocket.
3. Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch

Built-in GPS can track how far, how fast, and where you run
Connect to compatible devices for automatic uploads, smart notifications, live tracking, and even music controls
Garmin Elevate technology monitors heart rate 24/7 (or while the watch is being worn)
Connect to Garmin Connect app for heart rate monitor information plus free online fitness community
This incredibly easy to use Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch from Garmin is perfect for runners. It tracks running distance, time, and destinations. It features a GPS enabled smartwatch and Garmin elevate wrist heart rate technology to keep you informed on exactly how hard you’ve worked out. With some incredibly smart connection features, including automatic uploads to your Garmin Connect, live tracking, and even music controls, you can stay connected wherever you roam. What’s more, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is comfortable enough to wear all day/night so you can receive data 24/7 on your exercising, resting, and sleeping heart rate. If you are interested in products like this, check out our list of hiking watches too.
4. LETSCOM Fitness and Activity Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

Accurately tracks and records all-day activities including heart rate, steps, distance, calories, active minutes, and sleep status
Comes with 14 exercise mods
Connects to the GPS on your smartphone to show stats including running distance/pace and allows you to receive calls/SMS, check your calendar, and receive social media alerts
Easy charge via USB and can last up to 7 days on one charge
One of the best heart rate monitors watches on the market; this innovative LETSCOM Fitness and Activity Tracker Watch can track your real-time heart rate automatically and continuously. It can provide you with thorough information on your pulse at rest, sleep, or during exercise so you can make the changes you need to live a healthier and happier life. Tracking more than heart rate, this monitor also records steps, distance, calories, active minutes, and sleep status to give you an overview of your general health all day long. The Multi-Sports Modes and GPS offer 14 different exercise modes to choose from, and you can even connect it to your smartphone for SMS notifications, the ability to receive calls, check your calendar, or receive social media notifications on the go.
5. Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap

Huge range of connectivity options including Bluetooth, ANT+, and 5 kHz so you can connect to loads of external devices
Renowned for high accuracy with updated electrodes and high-quality ECG measurement capabilities
Preferred by many professional athletes
Comfortable and interference-free strap stays put whatever workout you’re undertaking
Fully waterproof design
One of the best heart rate monitors with chest strap included that we could find, Polar Heart Rate Monitor is fully compatible with a vast range of smartwatches, cell phones, and HRM compatible cardio equipment. You can easily view your results in a way that works for you. The Polar H10 is widely renowned for its accuracy thanks to its provision of top-quality ECG measurements and is the top choice of several professional athletes. The electrodes are top of the range, and the easy-to-use buckle and silicone dots make putting this on/off simple, and the strap is irritation-free so you can focus on your workout.
6. Garmin Vivosmart 4 Activity and Fitness Tracker

Slim, smart, and stylish design looks good on your wrist and is comfortable enough to wear all day/night
Advanced sleep monitoring can tack REM sleep and blood oxygen saturation levels through the night
Track your fitness and health throughout the day with wrist-based heart monitoring, all-day stress tracking, a relaxation breathing timer, Vo2 Max, and much more
Compatible with most smartphones so you can connect to GPS and receive vibrate notifications
Slim, smart, and comfortable, Garmin Vivosmart Fitness Tracker features a large, bright LED display screen for easy-to-read results and registers a colossal amount of data. Use this heart rate monitor to keep an eye on daily stress levels. It also includes a relaxation breathing timer, a blood oxygen level sensor, and much more. Connect this tracker to your smartphone to receive notifications on your wrist for things like texts, incoming calls, and more so you can stay connected while you work out, and don’t worry about missing out thanks to the 7-day battery life. The wrist heart rate monitor is even water-resistant, so you can wear it swimming or in the shower!
7. Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap

Comfortable and adjustable strap is designed not to irritate or move position
Heart rate module is removable, and you can wash the strap
Battery life up to 3.5 years
Able to connect to compatible Garmin wearables, bike computers, and online training apps
With Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor, you can transmit real-time heart rate data to a compatible app for heart rate monitor via Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity settings. Then receive your results directly to your compatible Garmin GPS wearable, bike computer, or online training app for a fully connected workout with this chest heart rate monitor. Featuring a comfortable and adjustable chest strap that won’t slip while you exercise and can be thrown in the wash to prevent smells (don’t forget to remove the heart rate monitors first!), this monitor is ideal for athletes and sportspeople. The battery can last over three years and is suitable for use indoors, outdoors, or even online, so you know you can get the information you need, no matter how you train.
8. Lintelek Fitness and Activity Tracker + Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Receive vibrations on incoming calls/SMSs or as a reminder to move around
Track your heart rate, sleep data, steps, calories, and more
Set to 14 different exercises for accurate information
Able to connect to the GPS on your smartphone
Built-in USB charging plug
Featuring a sleep monitor, step tracker, calorie counter, and heart rate monitor, Lintelek Fitness and Activity Tracker is stylish and comfortable to wear 24/7, giving you the benefit of continuous real-time tracking on your fitness and heart rate levels. Connect to your smartphone to receive vibration notifications on incoming calls/SMSs as well as vibrations to remind you to get up and move if you’ve been still for too long. The large LED screen is incredibly simple to read, and you can also transmit the information to the downloadable app for heart rate monitor and other data.
9. Garmin HRM-Run

Registered six different running metrics
Comfortable and adjustable strap
Compatible with ANT+ connected devices
Provides accurate and detailed results
Smart and comfortable heart rate monitors with chest straps don’t come around every day. Luckily, Garmin is a pro when it comes to combining the accuracy of a chest monitor with enough comfort that you’re not distracted from your workout. Garmin HRM-Run strap is easily adjustable, so you can be sure to get precisely the right fit. Plus, the heart rate monitors offer six different running dynamic metrics, including cadence, vertical, oscillation, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio, to provide a full overview of your cardio activities.
10. Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap

Compatible connectivity with most smartphones and GPS devices via Bluetooth or AMT+
Full IPX67 water and sweat-proof design
Chest strap adjustable from 26″ to 38.”
Over six months of battery life
Thoroughly tested by endurance athletes, Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor is one of the best monitors with a chest strap that we could find thanks to the high accuracy and durability shown in a wide variety of tests. Download an app for heart rate monitor to easily connect via dual-band Bluetooth or AMT+ for detailed and precise results. The comfortable and adjustable chest strap can fit chest sizes from 26″ up to 38″ to suit a range of physiques and features full IPX67 water & sweat-proof design that lasts. The ultralightweight design weighs just 15g, and the battery can last over six months without needing to be changed or charged!
Heart Rate Monitor Buying Guide And FAQ
Now that we've considered some of the best heart rate monitors on the market as selected by our team of experts, we thought it might be helpful for you to take a look at some of the aspects that are key to our selection process. We've also outlined some of the main types of heart rate monitors as well as answering some of the most common queries you might have.
Features To Look For In Best Heart Rate Monitors
Type Of Sport - Depending on the kind of sport or exercise you wish to undertake to wear your heart rate monitor, different models might be more/less suitable for you. For example, heart rate monitors watch options might be great if you want an easy option but can slip around while running or undertaking a HIIT workout. Heart rate monitors with chest straps tend to provide more accurate readings and move around less, but can also be very uncomfortable if they slip out of position while running or jogging. If you intend to participate in a water-based regime, you're going to need something waterproof. Thinking about the type of sport or exercise at the beginning will save you getting an unsuitable option.
Comfort - If you're shopping for the best heart rate monitors on the market, chances are this is because you want to track your heart rate while exercising. Similarly to how you wouldn't work out in a pair of skinny jeans because they will simply be uncomfortable, you should consider the comfort levels of your chosen heart rate monitor. An unpleasant or poorly fitting option will just distract from the workout as you constantly have to readjust or suffer irritation on your skin.
Style - Although this might not be a significant consideration for everyone, there's no reason a piece of sportswear can't be stylish as well. Heart rate monitors come in a vast range of styles, so you can find something that works for you in aesthetics as well as practicalities.
Target Zones - One incredibly useful feature many of the best heart rate monitors will contain is the ability to see what heart rate 'zone' you fall in. That way, you know whether you have a healthy heart rate or whether you might have over/under exerted yourself in your workout. Heart rate monitors that are also able to track your resting heart rate can be awesome for this, too, as you'll be better able to track your recovery rates.
Accuracy - The accuracy of your heart rate monitor will depend on several factors. Generally, heart rate monitors with chest straps that attach close to your heart will be far more accurate than those worn on your wrist, with arm straps being a nice middle-ground for those concerned with accuracy. That said, you probably don't need to know the exact BPM most of the time, and simply being aware of which heart rate zone you fall in will be suitable for most users.
Connectivity - If you're not going for a smartwatch option, you'll likely find most of the best heart rate monitors should offer some sort of connectivity to download your heart rate data to your smartphone or be downloadable to a PC. They usually connect via Bluetooth or AMT+.
Additional Features: Many heart rate monitors will contain other features to help you with your fitness journey. These could include step counters, information on calories burned, or other features. Naturally, smartwatches come with a whole host of additional features. They are so much more than a heart rate monitor, while in-ear options usually come as part of Bluetooth-enabled headphones so you can listen to music while tracking your BPM.
Types of Heart Rate Monitors
Wrist - An increasingly popular choice for heart rate monitors, watches, or wrist-based options are incredibly useful. They are also comfortable monitors. They also have the benefit of often being worn all day so you can get a full view of your BPM throughout the day and night. They use optical technology (simply put, a light that shines into the skin and registers what's returned to translate the data into a pulse reading) that's increasingly accurate.
Chest - Heart rate monitors with a chest strap that sits close to your heart are the best option for accuracy as it uses a small electrical pulse to read your heart rate and is quicker at picking up any changes. They're also less likely to move around during exercise, so are great for thigs like HIIT workouts. That said, they are much less convenient to put on/take off and can be uncomfortable if not worn correctly or if they do slip.
Armband - An armband-based tracker offers a middle ground between wrist and chest options. They also use optical technology but tend to give a more accurate reading than those worn on the wrist. You can wear an "armband" monitor on the forearm, upper arm, or thigh, depending on what's more comfortable for you. They are much easier to slip on/off than a chest strap as well as being more convenient to adjust should they slide out of position during an intense workout or run.
In-Ear - Finally, in-ear heart rate monitors are a relatively new addition to the family and provide some accurate readings. They also use optical technology, but as they do this directly into the thin skin in your ear, they tend to be able to easily spot changes to your pulse and offer some detailed readings. They also have the added benefit of not needing anything you wouldn't normally wear as many people workout with headphones in, and this way, you can listen to your music as well as track your heart rate with ease.
Heart Monitor FAQ
Q: What is a heart rate monitor?
A: Heart rate monitors are handy tools often worn during cardiovascular exercise to monitor how fast your heart is beating. They're able to provide immediate feedback (in most instances) on how hard you're pushing yourself, so you know when to push harder/less and can even help you see your recovery rate in real-time. They can be worn in several ways and are features of many modern smartwatches.
Q: Are heart rate monitors accurate?
A: The accuracy of your heart rate monitor will depend on a few different things, including the position on your body, how firmly it's attached to the skin, and what recording technology it uses. A 2019 study in the Journal of Sport Sciences found most watches featuring a heart rate monitor showed a margin of error of 2.4%-13.5%. So although they might not be detailed enough for a medical procedure, almost any wearable heart rate monitor should be more than accurate enough to help you establish a thorough and productive workout regime.