The best heart rate monitors: track your vitals on the go

Heart rate monitors come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. Whether a smartwatch with tracking features, a chest strap to hook up and monitor activity, or an oximeter reader to spot-check pulse rate as well as oxygen levels, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right one for you.

Most heart rate monitors use Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity to pair up with apps on your smartphone or tablet and with a range of smartwatches and gym equipment. Each heart rate monitor device aims to give real-time results for you to keep an eye on your heart rate to keep you healthy and reach your fitness goals.

To help you pick the most suitable option for you, The Recommended has scoured the web and rounded up some of the best heart rate monitors on the market. Check out our top picks below.

The best heart rate monitors at-a-glance:

• Best long-lasting device: Garmin HRM-Dual Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
• Best for sweaty workouts: POWER LABS Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
• Best budget heart rate monitor: LPOW Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Heart Rate Monitor
• Best for fitness pros: Polar H10 - H9 - Verity Sense Heart Rate Sensor
• Best subtle heart rate monitor: Magene H303 Heart Rate Monitor
• Best app compatibility: Auzest Heart Rate Monitor
• Best for all activities: Coospo Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
• Best lightweight device: Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor
• Best heart rate monitor watch: Azttkia Smartwatch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor
• Best for travel: Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Heart Rate Monitor

The best heart rate monitors

Best long-lasting device: Garmin HRM-Dual Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

An investment for years

Pair up with your Garmin device via Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity and receive real-time heart rate data as you move. You can also use it in conjunction with online training apps, including Zwift.

This heart rate monitor has an adjustable strap, made of soft material for the ultimate comfort, and can be tailored to each individual to sit securely in place no matter what movement you make. It has a reliable battery life of approximately three and a half years.

Best for sweaty workouts: POWR LABS Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

Prioritising comfort

This heart rate monitor is easy to use and compatible with a range of popular fitness apps, including Strava, Peloton, and Garmin.

The chest strap is made from a soft stretch material providing a comfortable fit and avoiding chafing. It is water and sweat-proof, washable, and has free battery replacements for 12 months.

Best budget heart rate monitor: LPOW Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Heart Rate Monitor

Quick and easy

Track your heart rate wherever you go with this multifunctional oximeter device featuring a heart rate monitor.

Easy to use by placing your finger inside, this device will display heart rate readings in just eight seconds, as well as your blood oxygen saturation levels and perfusion index. Lightweight and portable, it’s a great option for those on the go, at the gym, or travelling.

Best for fitness pros: Polar H10 - H9 - Verity Sense Heart Rate Sensor

Track your progress

Download Polar’s free fitness app, Polar Beat, to access your real-time heart rate on your smartphone or connect via Bluetooth with a variety of compatible sports watches and gym equipment.

This heart rate monitor is simple to set up, with a 400-hour battery life. The chest strap is ultra-soft with high-quality electrodes to ensure accurate readings and has non-slip silicone dots to hold firmly in place when active. It is water resistant and available in sizes XS-S and M-XXL.

Best subtle heart rate monitor: Magene H303 Heart Rate Monitor

Smart and slick

This heart rate monitor has a flashing LED light to indicate when it is connected and functioning.

It can be paired with smart devices and fitness equipment via ANT+ and Bluetooth and has a long battery life of up to two and a half years. Its durable material makes it dustproof and waterproof while also being soft and comfortable to wear.

Best app compatibility: Auzest Heart Rate Monitor

Monitor your heart rate wherever you go

Track your heart rate by syncing up this heart rate monitor chest strap to your favourite fitness apps, including Strava, Peloton, and Zwift.

Easy to activate via Bluetooth and ANT+, you can also connect to GPS watches such as Garmin and Polar. The strap is adjustable to position under your chest muscle and is waterproof and lightweight to avoid getting in the way of your activity. Featuring a battery life of 300 hours.

Best for all activities: Coospo Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

With accurate results

Monitor your heart rate and calories burned while exercising with this chest strap heart rate monitor that is quick and easy to set up and use.

Equipped with Bluetooth and ANT+, connect with your smartphone, sports watch, or fitness equipment such as a spinning bike or treadmill and keep a track of the readings, as well as on apps including Zwift and Peloton. Sweat and water-resistant, this heart rate monitor has a 300-hours battery life.

Best lightweight device: Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor

You’ll barely notice it’s there

This ultra-slim, lightweight chest strap accurately tracks your heart rate as well as calories burned during your workout.

Easy to pair up with smartphones, GPS watches, and bike computers, the heart rate monitor uses Bluetooth and ANT+ technology to display your readings. You can keep a record of your data on a range of compatible fitness apps, including Strava, Wahoo Fitness, and Map My Run.

Best heart rate monitor watch: Azttkia Smartwatch Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor

Plus other important readings

Keep in check with your health with this smartwatch fitness tracker, featuring an integrated 24/7 heart rate monitor. The strap is waterproof and has a large screen to display readings.

It also monitors blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, and has a step counter, alarm clock, and drink water reminders. You can also choose between multiple sports modes, from running to yoga and cycling, to get the most accurate results.

Best for travel: Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Heart Rate Monitor

Light and portable

Requiring a one-button operation, this heart rate monitor is fast and simple to use. Place your finger inside the oximeter, and your results will be shown on the large LED display.

This device also monitors blood oxygen and pulse rate and comes with a detachable lanyard for easy transportation. Lightweight to carry and automatically powers off after 10 seconds to save its battery life.

If you would like to read more expert-recommended fitness round-ups, check out our Fitness page for a full list of recommendations, including the best exercise bikes, the best fitness trackers, the best weight benches, and the best dumbbells, recommended by personal trainers.