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Heart Rate Monitors
Every heart rate monitor page we publish, in one place: chest straps and optical armbands. Each ranked guide scores five sensors for one situation with FitScore, built from the specs of 8 heart rate monitors and weighted for that buyer. Training by heart rate makes it easy to track the 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity the CDC recommends for adults.
- 2ranked guides
- 8heart rate monitors scored
- 0reviews
- 0comparisons
- 2guides
- 1free tools
Our top picks
The #1 of our two rankings: the overall pick and the best chest strap. The ring shows the pick’s FitScore in that ranking.
Polar Verity Sense
Armband · #1 in our heart rate monitor ranking
Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate
Chest strap · #1 in our chest strap heart rate monitor ranking
FitScores are not comparable across rankings: each one uses the weights of its own buying guide.
Find the pick for your situation
2 situations, each with its own ranked top 5.
Choose your situation
Pick the case closest to yours. Every guide ranks five heart rate monitors with FitScore weights for that situation, so the #1 pick fits the way you will actually train.
Chest strap or armband?
Two kinds of heart rate monitor: the sensor decides how fast it reacts, how it feels and how often you charge it. Start here if you are unsure.
Chest straps
Electrodes on a strap under the chest: the fastest response in intervals; 5 in our rankings. See the picks
Armbands
An optical sensor on the forearm or upper arm: the most comfortable for long sessions; 3 in our rankings. See the picks
Heart rate monitor guides and tools
A type comparison and a zone calculator, plus a comparison tool and every ranked sensor in one list.
Chest Strap vs Armband Heart Rate Monitor
How each form reads your heart, response, comfort, battery and who each suits.
Heart Rate Zone Calculator
Your five training zones from your age or measured heart rates.
Heart Rate Monitor Comparison Tool
Any two or three heart rate monitors, spec by spec, with the FitScore for your use.
Heart Rate Monitor Deals
Every heart rate monitor we rank in one sortable list, with price tiers.
How we rank heart rate monitors
One method across every heart rate monitor guide.
Scored for your use
FitScore weights six categories (sensor and data, durability, comfort, battery and connections, extras, price) for one buying intent, so a strap and an armband are judged on what matters for each.
Specs that matter
Sensor type, HRV output, ANT+ and Bluetooth links, battery, water rating, weight, memory and warranty are what set these sensors apart.
Clear top picks
Every guide names one top pick and four alternatives with a clear role. A brand holds at most two places in each guide.
Not sure where to start?
Most people do well with the #1 pick of our main guide. If you train in intervals, start with the chest strap guide.