Best heart rate monitor 2024: track your pulse with precision

The best heart rate monitors for running, cycling, triathlon and gym workouts

best heart rate monitor: female athlete wearing the Garmin HRM-Fit
(Image credit: Garmin)

Looking for the best heart rate monitor? You're in for a treat! Unlike smartwatches that think they know your heart's desires with their flashy (flashing?) optical sensors, heart rate monitors are the real MVPs of data precision.

These bad boys, whether strapped to your chest or arm, use special sensors that don't need to see your skin to get the job done. It's like having a mind reader for your heart!

Don't get us wrong, we love the best smartwatches as much as the next person, but when it comes to serious training, you need to get up close and personal with your heart rate data. That's where heart rate monitors shine brighter than a disco ball at a dance-off. 

But wait, there's more! Ever tried tracking your heart rate during a kettlebell workout with a wrist wearable? Let's just say it's like asking a fish to climb a tree – not going to happen! With a trusty heart rate monitor, you can swing those kettlebells like a pro and still keep tabs on your ticker.

And for all you aqua enthusiasts out there, fear not! Some heart rate monitors can even dive underwater with you, providing accurate readings even in the deep end. So, whether you're pounding the pavement or making waves, a heart rate monitor has your back – or should we say, your heart?

Best heart rate monitors to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

Garmin HRM-Pro Plus heart rate monitor

(Image credit: Garmin)

1. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus

Best heart rate monitor overall

Specifications

Sensor type: electrode pad/transmitter
Battery type: CR2032
Battery life: 12 months (considering one hour of usage per day)

Reasons to buy

+
Bluetooth & ANT+ connectivity
+
Advanced Running Dynamics
+
Offline workout support

Reasons to avoid

-
It's the same as the HRM-Pro, but you can swap batteries easier

The Garmin HRM-Pro Pro is essentially the HRM-Pro with a revised battery cover that you can now remove without using any tools. They both have the same sensor, the same design, and the same everything; they even cost the same. There is no point getting the HRM-Pro instead of the HRM-Pro Plus unless you like using small screwdrivers to access the battery.

Should you have a Garmin watch, the HRM-Pro Plus can add advanced running metrics to the million data points the watch already collects, such as vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length and vertical ratio. It's also required to run Garmin's lactate threshold test (you also need a compatible watch).

The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus can connect to multiple devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and ANT+: you can feed heart rate data into your smartwatch and your Wattbike simultaneously. Perfect for those athletes who track their performance in a million different apps.

Read our full Garmin HRM-Pro review (the same as the HRM-Pro Plus).

Best for cyclists

Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review

(Image credit: Hammerhead)

2. Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor

Best heart rate monitor for cyclists

Specifications

Sensor type: electrode pad/transmitter
Battery life: 900 hours
Battery type: CR2032

Reasons to buy

+
Provides accurate heart rate data
+
Comfortable to wear for workouts
+
Long battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't suit people with broader chest circumference
-
Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you're a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)

The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is an obvious choice if you’re looking for a quality HRM to supplement your Hammerhead Karoo 2. There’s not a whole lot to it, but the asking price seems reasonable enough, especially considering how well it works. It’s easy to get set up, too, and the battery life is excellent. While the Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor has plenty of rivals worth considering, a few of which we’ve outlined in this guide, it makes total sense if you’re keen to keep everything in the Hammerhead family.

Read our full Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review.

Best affordable

Polar H10 on white background

(Image credit: Polar)

3. Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

Best affordable heart rate monitor

Specifications

Sensor type: electrode pad/transmitter
Battery life: 400 hours
Battery type: CR 2025

Reasons to buy

+
Versatile training partner
+
Excellent value-for-money wearable

Reasons to avoid

-
Chest strap might be too tight for people with girthier torso, even at the longest setting

If you don't want to buy more than one heart rate monitor to track more than one type of sport, your best bet is on the Polar H10. It is the "most accurate heart rate sensor in Polar's history", and in fact, the Polar H10 can monitor your ticker very accurately.

The best thing is that the Polar H10 has built-in memory for one exercise, so you can wrap the heart rate monitor around your chest, start the exercise in the Polar Beat app and then leave the phone behind. The strap will sync with the phone once you are back home. More on this here (links to YouTube).

Polar H10 can connect to fitness apps, sports and smartwatches, and gym equipment using Bluetooth and ANT+ connection. Polar H10 can be connected to Bluetooth and ANT+ devices simultaneously so that you can hook it up with your watch and your turbo trainer at the same time.

The Polar H10 is also suitable for swimming, although it's not a dedicated swimming heart rate monitor. For the best results, you want to wear a tri-suit or wetsuit over it so it is pressed closer to your skin as you swim.

Best for a secure fit

Wahoo Tickr X (Gen 2) on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Wahoo)

4. Wahoo Tickr X (Gen 2 – 2020)

Best heart monitor for a secure fit

Specifications

Sensor type: electrode pad/transmitter
Battery life: over 500 active hours
Battery type: CR 2032
Sweatproof: yes
Water rating: IPX7 (waterproof up to 5 ft)

Reasons to buy

+
ANT+ running dynamics (when paired with a running watch)
+
Lightweight design
+
Can connect to multiple devices simultaneously
+
Improved strap design

Reasons to avoid

-
Data screens in the Wahoo App are mainly useful for checking running/cycling metrics

The second-generation Tickr X has an integrated strap design, making it easier to put the sensor on, and the fit feels more secure. As soon as the monitor is on and picks up the heart rate (you might want to apply some water to the back of the strap for better connection), the LED lights on the top of the device start flashing, signalling it's ready to connect.

Runners will enjoy the new advanced running metrics: when paired with a GPS multi-sport or running watch, the ANT+ Running Dynamics will be broadcast on the Tickr X and recorded on the watch for real-time feedback. Should you decide not to use any other fitness wearables for your workouts, you'll be happy to hear that the Tickr X has built-in memory for up to 50 hours worth of exercising, which can later be synced with the Wahoo App.

Much like the screen on running watches, the Wahoo App functions as the user interface for the Wahoo Tickr X heart rate monitor: you can see your profile and workout history, as well as check your stats in real-time as you exercise. The Wahoo App has 43 pre-configured profiles, and you can also switch out data screens with others, although it is worth mentioning that most screens are focused on either cycling or running metrics (obviously). So even if you do a 'gym workout' session, your average speed, distance and elevation gain will be recorded, too.

Best for measuring ECG

Frontier X heart rate monitor on a deskT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

5. Frontier X

Best heart rate monitor for measuring ECG

Specifications

Sensor type: Electrode pad/transmitter
Battery life: Upto 24 hours of continuous usage; 12 - 15 days under typical usage
Battery type: Rechargeable (built-in)
Sweatproof: Yes
Water rating: Water resistant up to 1.5 meters

Reasons to buy

+
Measures Heart Rate, Cardiac Rhythm, Cardiac Strain and HRV (Heart Rate Variability)
+
Also Breathing Rate, Training Load, Body Shock, Step Cadence
+
Can connect to Polar, Garmin, Wahoo, Zwift, Peloton, etc. via BLE (Bluetooth Low-Energy) connection
+
Can record continuous ECG for up to 24hrs

Reasons to avoid

-
Way more expensive than other heart rate monitors
-
Button could have better press-feedback 
-
Not sure if the display is a necessary inclusion
-
No GPS

Some fitness trackers and wrist wearables can already measure ECG – e.g. Withings ScanWatch and Fitbit Charge 5 – but the accuracy of these measurements is questionable. If only there were a heart rate monitor that measured ECG...

Well, there is one! Better still, the Frontier X tracks more than just ECG; it can track heart rate (obviously), cardiac rhythm, cardiac strain (similar to the Whoop 4.0) and even heart rate variability). As well as those, the Frontier X can also measure breathing rate and estimate training load, something called the Body Shock and step cadence.

Sounds good? It is good. The Frontier X provides endurance athletes with loads of data and recommends workouts based on previous sessions. It also assesses your workouts straight after they conclude via the Frontier X App, where you can analyse and overanalyse each and every activity you did wearing the heart rate monitor.

The app and the device mainly focus on training load and cardiac strain, so it's safe to say the Frontier X is best suited for runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes. It can track different types of workouts, of course, but the recommendations for strength athletes won't be quite as practical.

Sadly, no matter how large the head unit is, the Frontier X hasn't got a built-in GPS, so you'll have to take the phone with you if you need distance data attached to your workout assessments. Alternatively, you can connect the Frontier X to watches and fitness machines via BLE (no ANT+, sadly), although it's too expensive to be used only as an external heart rate monitor.

On the upside, there is only this hefty lump sum to pay initially; using the Frontier X App is free forever.

Best for HIIT workouts

Polar Verity Sense on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Polar)
Best heart rate monitor for HIIT workouts

Specifications

Sensor type: optical heart rate sensor
Battery life: up to 20 hours
Battery type: rechargeable battery

Reasons to buy

+
Great design
+
Comfortable to wear
+
Decent battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Polar Flow app could be more user-friendly

Verity Sense is a serious heart rate monitor for running, swimming, cycling and workouts, but it's also designed to be comfortable and easy to use. The latest from hardcore Finnish fitness brand Polar, it's one of the best heart rate monitors to date to use an optical sensor rather than the traditional electrical one. 

Boasting a host of additional fitness features, we loved that the Verity Sense has the potential to be a great alternative for those who find chest straps too clunky and smartwatches too unreliable: it's fantastically versatile, feature-rich, and well-priced heart rate monitoring strap – but you do have to contend with a not-so-user-friendly Polar Flow app.

We recommend using the Polar Beat app instead, which is way more user-friendly and feeds data back into the Polar Flow app. You can initiate a workout from the Polar Beat app and monitor heart rate and calories burned in real-time using the phone, which acts as an external screen for the Verity Sense strap.

Read our full Polar Verity Sense review.

Best for ease of wear

MyZone MZ-Switch on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: MyZone)
Best heart rate monitor for ease of wear

Specifications

Sensor type: electrode pad/transmitter
Battery life: up to 6 months
Battery type: rechargeable

Reasons to buy

+
Light heart rate zone indicator is a nice touch
+
Integrated ECG and PPG sensors
+
Stores up to 30 hours of exercise data
+
ANT+ and Bluetooth connection

Reasons to avoid

-
Myzone app is slightly confusing
-
Feels kinda' cheap
-
Expensive compared to some other heart rate monitors

The Myzone MZ-Switch is a super versatile fitness companion that will deliver accurate results during almost any workout. With exceptional battery life, a compact and lightweight design and an easy-to-use, feature-rich companion app, you can’t go far wrong here.

In case you're unfamiliar, Myzone monitors use a different system than other heart rate monitors, the so-called MEPs system. Essentially, the Myzone MZ-Switch tracks which heart rate zone you're in and gives Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) after each workout.

MEPs are similar to all other gamified fitness reward systems, but at first, it can be a bit confusing to see a workout in the Myzone app composed of nothing but coloured lines. However, once you've got the hang of it, it's straightforward enough to use.

Read our full Myzone MZ-Switch review.

Best for women

Garmin HRM-Fit reviewT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Lucy Miller)

8. Garmin HRM-Fit

Best heart rate monitor for women

Specifications

Sensor type: Optical sensor
Battery life: No information available
Battery type: Rechargeable (built-in)
Sweatproof: No information available
Water rating: No information available

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable to wear
+
Easy to connect to wearables/Peloton products
+
Premium feel

Reasons to avoid

-
Wide and comparatively thick band might get too warm during longer workout sessions
-
No ANT+
-
Admittedly, it's not as feature-rich as other heart rate monitors
-
Mainly for Peloton users

The Garmin HRM-Fit emerges as the top choice for women seeking a reliable heart rate monitor for their workouts. Compatible with Garmin watches and apps, it boasts accurate readings and connects seamlessly to multiple devices.

Designed to clip onto a sports bra, we found that it eliminates the discomfort of traditional chest straps, offering a secure fit for women during exercise. With easy setup and real-time data tracking, it enhances workout efficiency and performance.

Despite its slightly protruding design, it remains lightweight and comfortable throughout workouts. While it lacks swim compatibility, it excels in sweat and rain resistance, making it ideal for various high-intensity activities.

Priced higher than standard chest straps, its reliability and accuracy justify the investment for dedicated athletes seeking precise heart rate monitoring.

Overall, the Garmin HRM-Fit offers a superior alternative to wrist-based wearables and traditional chest straps, providing female athletes with a comfortable, chafe-free, and dependable option for tracking their workout metrics and performance.

Read our full Garmin HRM-Fit review.

How to choose the best heart rate monitor for you?

Which heart rate monitor is best depends on the type of sport you do most often and on convenience factors, too. For example, there is no need to get a waterproof Garmin HRM-Swim if you hardly ever swim in a pool. No need to pick the Polar OH1 armband, either, if you don't want to charge/replace the battery in your heart rate monitor more than once a year.

When it comes to heart rate monitors, the cream of the crop is the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus. It combines the best features of the Garmin HRM-Run and HRM-Swim and can be used both in and out of the water. It can also provide advanced running metrics and can be used without a watch too. 

If you are after versatility, the Polar H10 is your best bet. It is very accurate as well as being waterproof, and able to track heart rate underwater. The Polar H10 has a 400-hour battery life and a single-activity memory, and it is also just comfortable to wear.

If you are after comfort, the Polar OH1 armband is your best bet. This uses optical sensors to track heart rate and has a much shorter battery life than their chest-strap counterparts; it can be worn on the upper/lower arm, making them less awkward to put on and remove.

If you are after ultimate precision, instead of just using good-old tap water, you can apply contact gel on the back of non-optical heart rate monitors, although it is a little bit of an overkill for most athletes apart from pros who need to track every minute change in their heart rate during workout sessions.

FAQ

What's a good resting heart rate?

Resting heart rate – or pulse rate – is a number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm) when you aren't active. This can vary widely from person to person and anything between 60-100 bpm can be considered 'normal' levels of resting heart rate, according to the British Heart Foundation. Pulse rate varies throughout the day and tends to be the lowest at certain stages of sleep.

Athletes, especially endurance athletes, generally have a lower resting heart rate: young, healthy athletes can have a resting heart rate close to 40 bpm or even lower sometimes.  The emphasis is on 'young' and 'healthy' as overworking your body, especially after a certain age, can have a detrimental effect on cardiovascular health. 

What device is most accurate in checking your heart rate?

The device most accurate in checking your heart rate is typically a chest strap heart rate monitor. These monitors use electrodes placed against your skin to measure electrical signals produced by your heart. This method tends to provide more accurate readings than wrist-based optical sensors found in smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.