I’ve tried many heart rate monitors over the years, and only these 3 are worth the money

The idea of a heart-rate monitor might sound a bit pointless if you’ve already got one built into your running watch, but what many people don’t realise is that, for those more serious about their fitness data, these monitors can offer way more accurate results.

Don’t get me wrong, wrist-based heart rate tracking on smartwatches has improved loads over the years, but if you do anything with quick spikes (such as HIIT, intervals and circuits) or you just want cleaner, more consistent numbers, a dedicated HR monitor always wins.

And once you start training in zones, pacing workouts, or simply trying to avoid going too hard every session, accurate heart rate suddenly feels way more relevant.

I’ve used chest straps for years, but I also get why loads of people hate them. They can feel restrictive, they can slip if you don’t get the fit right, and not everyone wants to strap themselves up like they’re a lab experiment.

The good news is, there’s much more choice nowadays. If you want the most accurate traditional option, that’s still there, but if you’re looking for something comfortable without sacrificing accuracy, that’s also an option.

And with that, these are the top three heart rate monitors I recommend, depending on user preference and workout type.

Best overall

Garmin HRM 600

If you’re the kind of person who just wants the most reliable “classic” option, the Garmin HRM 600 has to be the best chest strap out there. As far as chest straps go, it’s comfortable, built to survive years of sweat, and delivers consistently stable heart rate data.

Where it really shines, though, is if you’re already in the Garmin ecosystem. It pairs really nicely with other Garmin devices like cycling computers and watches, and adds extra layers, like storing data when you’re training without your watch, which is handy for team sports, gym sessions, or if you just don’t want to wear your watch.

For runners, it provides additional running dynamics data based on your setup. It’s also the best heart rate monitor where accuracy is paramount, for example, interval runs, or anything where I’m using heart rate to control effort rather than just collecting pretty graphs. If you want a heart rate monitor for more serious training, this is the one to go for.

Best arm band

Polar Verity Sense

If having a tight band strapped around your ribs sounds a bit claustrophobic, the Polar Verity Sense is probably your best bet.

This optical sensor looks more like a smartwatch, with a strap of a similar size, but the main difference is where you wear it. Strapped snugly on your upper or lower arm, it doesn’t need to be around your chest, but it still tends to get a much better read than your wrist during movement-heavy workouts.

In my testing, it was reliably accurate for runs, steady-state cardio, gym sessions and even sweaty circuit work where wrist HR might not give you the most accurate reading. It’s also more comfortable and less restrictive than a chest strap, and doesn’t need readjusting as much - so much so that you forget you’re even wearing it.

It’s also a genuinely versatile little unit. You can connect it over Bluetooth and ANT+ to watches, gym kit and apps, and it’s especially handy if you bounce between platforms as I do. If you’re someone who trains in classes, uses a treadmill one day and runs outside the next, it just fits into everything without needing constant tinkering.

Best all-in-one

Myzone MZ-Switch

The MZ-Switch is the heart rate sensor I’d recommend if you want more flexibility without owning multiple HR monitors. Its biggest selling point is its versatility, with a design that lets the sensor be clipped to multiple band sizes – from chest to arm – each included in the box.

Like the Polar Verity Sense, this makes it worth considering if your workouts change day to day. It can be a chest strap for intervals or harder sessions where you want the best accuracy, an arm band for strength training (where chest straps can feel annoying), or a wrist if you just want something quick and fuss-free.

The other reason it stands out is the Myzone ecosystem. Their tech is properly established in gyms and studios for zone-based training, and if you like that “gamified” approach (effort points, HR zones on screens, training targets), it’s one of the slickest systems going.

Good to know

If you want the simplest, most comfortable upgrade from wrist-based heart rate tracking, I’d start with the Polar Verity Sense. It’s accurate enough for the vast majority of people, it’s easy to live with, and you’ll actually wear it, which is the most important thing.

However, if you like the idea of one device that can adapt to whatever training you’re doing, the Myzone MZ-Switch is probably the most practical option, especially if you’re into zone-based training and gym classes.

And if you're after the most trustworthy, traditional option for proper training sessions, the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus is still the gold-standard chest strap style pick - especially if you’re an existing Garmin user.