8 best heart rate monitors

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

If you love to play sports, then you definitely need a heart rate monitor. This device will not hurt those who need to lose weight – the heart rate monitor will help you choose the intensity of your workouts. The problem is that not all such devices are accurate and durable. If you do not want to make a mistake with the choice, then check out this article. Our online magazine will try to help you figure out what types of heart rate monitors exist now. We will also mention the best heart rate monitors among those sold in Russian stores.

How to choose a heart rate monitor?

Any heart rate monitor is used to monitor the work of the heart. In this regard, the device can be considered narrowly focused – no one argues that some people do not need it at all. But if you monitor your physical form, regularly subjecting the body to certain loads, then the heart rate monitor can even save your life. The fact is that such a device will help in determining your maximum heart rate (MHR). In the future, it allows you to control the pace of training. If the pulse reaches 90-95%, then you will receive a warning about this. And this is correct, because under certain conditions, such a load can lead to a heart attack, excessive dehydration, or some other problems.

It should be noted that the heart rate monitor allows you to accurately determine the number of calories burned. Therefore, without such a device, it is impossible to play sports for those people who want to lose weight. Also, this device allows you to plan your workout as intelligently as possible. That is, you can order yourself not only to run for a certain amount of time, but also to try to achieve a high heart rate (for one or two minutes or, if your form allows it, even for a longer period of time).

In short, a heart rate monitor may well come in handy. But how to choose it? And wouldn't it be better to buy a smartwatch that also has a built-in heart rate sensor? The second question is difficult to answer. If we are talking about cheap smartwatches, then you should definitely not look in their direction. The fact is that they have the simplest sensor made using LED technology, which still cannot work in a constant mode. In a word, you should not count on any high accuracy of heart rate measurement when buying such a smart watch. This also applies to most fitness bracelets. If you need accurate measurements, it is better to choose a full-fledged heart rate monitor. And this does not mean that a specialized device will only monitor heartbeats. No, modern gadgets of this kind can be endowed with the following functions:

1. Heart rate monitoring;
2. Heart rate too low or too high warning;
3. MHR calculation;
4. Calories burned;
5. Show time and date;
6. Stopwatch and timer.

This is just the minimum functionality. Many heart rate monitors have additional capabilities. For example, they can have a training history, synchronization with other devices, an alarm clock and even GPS navigation. You need to choose a heart rate monitor, including focusing on its functions. For example, GPS tracking makes the gadget more expensive, but you don't need it if you run in the same place or don't do this type of workout at all. But if you want to find out to what speed you accelerated during a run, then you cannot do without a heart rate monitor with a GPS chip. Although this is a double statement, you can use your smartphone to save the route of your run and other related information.

The most popular now are two types of heart rate monitors: chest and wrist. The most accurate measurements are carried out, of course, by the chest device, because it is located very close to the heart. Between themselves, such devices differ in the configuration:

1. Heart rate monitors without a watch receiver send heart rate information to your smartphone. They do this by means of Bluetooth. All information is immediately saved in a special application. After finishing the workout, the user can open the program by engaging in analysis. Usually, such devices are great friends with both Android and iOS. But when buying a gadget from your hands, make sure that its support has not ended – whether the branded application has disappeared from Google Play.
2. Heart rate monitors with a watch receiver do not require a smartphone nearby. This is very convenient, because while jogging, you want to get rid of any excess load. It is also impossible not to notice that the watch allows you to get acquainted with the heart rate and some other information right during training – for this it is enough to raise your hand. Many watches have a limited amount of memory, so from time to time they still need to transfer information to a smartphone. And this is good, because past workouts are easiest to analyze on the large screen of a smartphone or tablet.

By the way, information on the watch can be transmitted in different ways. Some heart rate monitors support analog data transmission – this is not the best choice if you train near the owner of the same device (interference may occur). Also, an analog heart rate monitor is able to synchronize information with cardiovascular equipment. But the digital type of data transmission is more accurate and expensive. It is not subject to interference, but you can forget about synchronizing with a cardio equipment.

As for wrist heart rate monitors, they are most like a watch or even a bicycle computer. However, there are also the most simplified models that display the minimum amount of information – they can easily be confused with a fitness tracker (in fact, this is it). Wrist heart rate monitors differ from each other in the principle of heart rate monitoring:

1. Measurement of the pulse when a finger is in contact with a special sensor on the front of the device – this method of measurement is less and less common. Everyone understands the main drawback of such a gadget – pulse measurement cannot be carried out in a continuous mode. Therefore, such a device is more suitable for tourism, and not for full-fledged training.
2. Measurement using an LED sensor that transmits through the blood vessels – this is the method of determining the pulse that is implemented in almost all modern wrist devices that lack an external sensor. It should be noted that such a heart rate monitor should sit firmly on your hand, and the strap should be tightened as tightly as possible. Also, the operation of the sensor can be disrupted by heavy sweating and a sudden onset of rain (although the heart rate monitors themselves are often not afraid of water).

Perhaps now you know what exactly you need to pay attention to when choosing such an unusual device. Finally, we will explain what exactly the prices for a heart rate monitor depend on:

1. The quality of the case – the durability of the device depends on it;
2. The presence of water protection, implemented according to one or another standard;
3. Heart rate monitor type – chest straps are bought less often, so they are cheaper (with the exception of models with watches);
4. Manufacturing company – the louder the name, the higher the price tag;
5. Package contents – all kinds of covers and replaceable straps make the product more expensive;
6. Data transfer type – analog and digital;
7. Strap – this can be quite expensive to manufacture;
8. The presence of additional functions – for example, GPS tracking adds several tens of dollars to the price of the device.

Rating of the best heart rate monitors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best heart rate monitors	1	Beurer PM90	RUB 10,990
	2	SIGMA iD.RUN HR	10 431 RUB
	3	SUUNTO Smart Sensor	RUB 1,990
	4	Beurer PM62	RUB 7,990
	5	Polar H10 M-XXL	RUB 6,290
	6	Beurer PM26	RUB 3,590
	7	SIGMA PC 10.11	RUB 2,915
	8	SIGMA PC 3.11	RUB 1,999

Beurer PM90

Rating: 4.9

The best creation of the German company Beurer GmbH. It is a watch with a monochrome display, supplemented by an external sensor – it is he who measures the heart rate. Last but not least, the display here is circular, which makes the device more stylish. It should be noted that the watch is rather bulky. But there is nothing to be done about this; for the sake of economy, the manufacturer had to use old components that do not differ in minimum dimensions. However, you shouldn't worry too much about this, because you will only use the heart rate monitor during training. Of course, there is a calendar, clock and even an alarm clock. But 90% of the functionality is tailored not for ordinary life, but for improving training. For example, the device quite successfully measures the number of calories burned. Moreover, the device can calculate the amount of fat burned! Also, the gadget tries to show the average and maximum heart rate, for which it was created, it must be, in the first place. There is also a lap counter, which will come in handy for those who like to run in the stadium.

Such a heart rate monitor will also help in climbing some mountain. The fact is that there is a barometer and a heart rate monitor. They will warn in time that too difficult conditions await you ahead. On their basis, the definition of the maximum volume of inhaled oxygen is implemented here. And the gadget also includes a thermometer, even if its measurements on the wrist are not particularly accurate.

The body of the device is waterproof. So much so that in the Beurer PM90 you can descend to a depth of 50 m.The device weighs no more than 50 g, and it is powered by a CR2032 battery. Synchronization with a computer is carried out either through a cable or via Wi-Fi (in the second case, power consumption is actively increasing). Finally, it should be noted that there is a backlight here – it allows you to get acquainted with the readings even in the dark.

Advantages

• Two color options;
• Comfortable and adjustable strap;
• Long enough work from one battery;
• There are a large number of sensors inside;
• Shows the amount of fat burned;
• It can even work underwater;
• The display is supplemented with a backlight.

disadvantages

• Large enough size;
• Using an external heart rate sensor will not suit everyone;
• High price.

SIGMA iD.RUN HR

Rating: 4.8

A very large number of devices are produced under the SIGMA brand, intended for use by athletes. For example, bike computers are in great demand, which usually sell for less money than products of more famous competitors. In this regard, it should not be surprising that three gadgets from this manufacturer were included in our rating at once. The best of these is the iD.RUN HR. It is a wrist heart rate monitor with a built-in heart rate sensor. It uses a display of the usual close to a square shape, which is also monochrome. In normal use, it displays the current date, time and heart rate. But, of course, the device is able to display other information, no less useful.

The body of the device was made of plastic. It can be painted black, red or blue. There is a battery somewhere under the case, which cannot be removed. It is charged using the micro-USB connector. Upsetting is the fact that the heart rate monitor works no more than six hours – after that the charge dries up. However, there is a reason for this – there is a GPS chip with the highest power consumption when compared to other components. This module is used to measure the distance and speed of movement. Also, with its help, each overcome circle is recorded in automatic mode. If your workout does not involve running outdoors, then GPS can be turned off to extend battery life.

This heart rate monitor does not have a built-in alarm clock – the watch is supplemented only with a stopwatch. This alone suggests that the creators do not intend to use their device on an ongoing basis. Slightly surprising is the speaker here – a special beep does an excellent job of alerting you that your reading is approaching your maximum heart rate. And the gadget is also capable of boasting moisture protection. However, the manufacturer does not specify by what standard this heart rate monitor is protected. Can I take a bath in it and bend into the pool? Or is the device not only afraid of rain?

Despite the rather high cost, the device offers not many types of measurements. In fact, it is intended only to measure the pulse and get acquainted with the number of calories burned. You don't have to think about any kind of burned fat. There are no specific sensors here either – like an altimeter and a barometer. I am glad that the manufacturer has at least implemented a display backlight, as a result of which you can run even in the dark. It also allows you to transfer data from the heart rate monitor to a smartphone running Android. This is done wirelessly, which is good news.

Advantages

• Synchronization with a smartphone is possible;
• Three body colors to choose from;
• The display is backlit;
• Built-in battery is used;
• There is a GPS chip; Possible
• there are audible warnings;
• Implemented moisture protection;
• Built-in heart rate sensor.

disadvantages

• When GPS is activated, the operating time is greatly reduced
• A small number of types of measurements;
• High price.

SUUNTO Smart Sensor

Rating: 4.8

Our rating could not do without a chest heart rate monitor. One of the best representatives of this class of devices is SUUNTO Smart Sensor. It has a comfortable strap that practically does not get in the way during training. Moreover, its length is adjusted without any problems, almost instantly. The weight of the device does not exceed 40 g, which is good news. This parameter was achieved due to the abandonment of the LCD display. And why is it needed if the device will almost always be under outerwear? The power source also played an important role in reducing weight, which uses a tiny CR2025 battery.

The device is not afraid of a sudden onset of rain, as well as sweat. Moreover, the water protection here is implemented in such a way that with the sensor you can dive to a depth of 30 m.However, under water the tightness of the sensor to the body may become insufficient for accurate measurements, so this heart rate monitor will not suit scuba divers.

The main disadvantage of a chest heart rate monitor is that it only measures your heart rate. But it costs only 5-6 thousand rubles. Also, not everyone will be satisfied with the fact that it is almost impossible to see the measurement result in real time. Only after training can you display the measurement result on your smartphone by Bluetooth. In a special application designed for devices based on iOS and Android, you can enter information about your height, weight and age. After that, it will try to calculate the number of calories burned, focusing on the number of workouts and the displayed heart rate. Do not count on anything more with such a device, because it does not have an altimeter, barometer or GPS chip.

In short, the SUUNTO Smart Sensor is a good choice for those who have some kind of training device, but do not yet have the ability to measure the heart rate. And buying such a gadget is unlikely to seriously affect your family budget.

Advantages

• Comfortable strap;
• Minimum weight;
• Stable synchronization with a smartphone;
• Long battery life;
• Full water protection has been implemented;
• Not very high cost.

disadvantages

• Of the sensors in the device, only the heart rate monitor is present;
• Difficulties with viewing the measurement result in real time.

Beurer PM62

Rating: 4.7

Another heart rate monitor from a German manufacturer. This device is sold for 9 thousand rubles. We can say that it is as close as possible to the mid-budget segment. In this regard, the gadget has received a number of simplifications when compared with the model considered at the very beginning of this rating. In particular, a simple monochrome display is used here, the shape of which is close to square. Buttons that perform different actions seem to be less convenient here. At the same time, the thickness remains the same – it is 14 mm. And how much more? Otherwise, using a 45g wrist heart rate monitor would be very uncomfortable.

As is the case with many other gadgets from the German company, an external heart rate sensor is used here. Alas, there is no barometer or altimeter inside this model. This means that the device will definitely not suit all climbers. But those who like to swim will definitely appreciate it, because there is a water protection that allows you to dive to a depth of up to 30 m.

An interesting feature of the device are two colored indicators on the front panel. They try to get your attention if your heart rate drops to too low a value during exercise or rises too much. The heart rate monitor cannot issue a warning in another way, since there is no speaker here, even the simplest one. This design allowed the manufacturer to supply power from a CR2032 battery. You do not need to change it too often, especially if you do not train every day.

It remains to add that in addition to the heart rate, the device measures the number of calories burned, and then the amount of fat burned. However, there is no need to rely heavily on the provided figures. Too few readings are used to calculate the result.

Advantages

• There are colored indicators;
• Measurement of the amount of consumed energy is available;
• Long battery life;
• There is a full-fledged water protection;
• Display backlight is present;
• There is a clock, calendar, stopwatch and alarm;
• Transfer of information to a PC is possible;
• Convenient strap;
• Two colors to choose from.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will find the external sensor convenient;
• No altimeter and other bonuses;
• The price, after all, cannot be called low.

Polar H10 M-XXL

Rating: 4.6

The Polar brand has been on the wearable market for many years. At least one of them could not fail to get into our rating. Our choice fell on the Polar H10 M-XXL chest heart rate sensor. There is nothing on its front panel except the manufacturer's logo. However, the heart rate data is measured without any problems – you can get acquainted with it using a smartphone, to which it is transmitted via technology Bluetooth. However, not only. Heart rate information can also be sent to Polar smartwatches or wrist heart rate monitors from this company, which do not have a built-in sensor. Also, some scales can receive information from this gadget.

A distinctive feature of the Polar H10 M-XXL heart rate monitor is the support for data transmission using GymLink technology. With its use, it is possible to accurately measure the heart rate while swimming. This is also facilitated by a dense belt that does not move in the water with sudden movements. In a word, water protection is not implemented here for show. It is really convenient to dive under water with such a heart rate monitor. The hull is able to withstand pressure at a maximum depth of 30 meters.

It should be noted that this is one of the lightest devices in our rating – its weight does not exceed 21 g. Of course, the weight of the belt must be added to this – it turned out to be quite large, but due to this, it is very durable. There is some built-in memory under the body of the device. The manufacturer assures that it will be enough for 30 hours of training recording. The gadget is powered by a battery. And I must say that compared to its predecessors, the operating time has increased significantly. But they were larger!

In short, this is one of the best heart rate sensors on the market for such devices. Of course, there is no altimeter and any other 'goodies' here. But such sensors exist in modern flagship smartphones – additional measurements can be made with their help. The cost of Polar H10 reaches 27 thousand rubles, so the buyer of such a device is unlikely to use some kind of cheap phone.

Advantages

• Synchronization with a smartphone, smart watch and scales;
• GymLink technology is supported;
• Full water resistance;
• Convenient stretch strap;
• Very light weight;
• Long battery life;
• Durable construction.

disadvantages

• Scary high cost;
• In fact, he can only measure the pulse.

Beurer PM26

Rating: 4.5

One of the cheapest creations of the German company Beurer. You can buy it in Russian stores for only 4000 rubles. It is not worth waiting for any additional sensors in such an inexpensive device. Moreover, there is not even an LED heart rate sensor – traditionally, a Beurer product comes with an external heart rate sensor. However, this product could not fail to be included in our rating.

Many buyers have appreciated the design of the device. The device is similar to an electronic clock, offering you to quickly get acquainted with the measurement result – all numbers are clearly distinguishable in any conditions. In the dark, the backlight saves, which is complemented by a monochrome display installed here. The screen displays information not only about the pulse, but also about the current energy consumption, as well as the amount of fat burned. To do this, you must first enter your age, weight and height, at the same time indicating your gender.

Despite its low cost, the Beurer PM26 heart rate monitor has a waterproof housing. With this device, you can dive to a depth of 50 m. The device is powered by a CR2032 battery, which is enough for a sufficiently large number of workouts (the manufacturer assures that the installation of a new battery will be required only after 24 months). The heart rate monitor features include a clock, stopwatch, timer and even an alarm clock. The gadget will wake up the user through the built-in speaker.

Alas, you don't need to count on anything more. It must be admitted that the device turned out to be quite heavy – its weight was 46 g. The strap here is made of hygienic plastic – however, it will not be difficult to replace it with another one. In a word, it is impossible to scold this device strongly – it is quite possible to put up with all the shortcomings.

Advantages

• Very low cost;
• The screen is backlit;
• Built-in speaker;
• Good water resistance implemented;
• Long battery life;
• There is a calendar, clock, stopwatch and timer.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will like using an external sensor;
• Synchronization with a smartphone is not possible;
• There is no altimeter or other useful sensors.

SIGMA PC 10.11

Rating: 4.5

Another wrist heart rate monitor with an external sensor in our ranking. This is one of the cheapest devices of this kind – in Russia they ask for no more than 3000 rubles. At the same time, three color options went on sale, the most interesting is the heart rate monitor with a blue case. Information is displayed here on a familiar monochrome display. In fact, it is square, but with the help of a special sticker, the manufacturer has achieved a certain rounding effect. Surprisingly, a relatively small screen accommodates a large number of all kinds of numbers. At the very top of it there was a place for the current pulse. The clock, timer or stopwatch are displayed below, depending on the function selected. Also here you can see a line indicating what percentage of your maximum heart rate you have reached. Each type of information has its own font, so everything is very easy to read right on the run.

If you enter your gender, weight and age in advance, then the firmware of this heart rate monitor will try to calculate the current energy consumption. That is, you can find out how many calories you managed to burn during the last workout. Unfortunately, there are no additional sensors here. And the heart rate sensor itself, as mentioned above, is taken out. It cannot be called the most convenient – the belt is too strange. However, the chest strap can take a little getting used to. It is a pity that it is not designed for maximum measurement accuracy – in this regard, the sensor is inferior to much more expensive heart rate monitors.

A CR2032 battery, which has been mentioned more than once in this rating, is used as a power source. Its capabilities will be enough for more than a dozen workouts. The presence of water protection here is also pleasing – you can dive with a heart rate monitor even to a depth of 30 meters. However, we still do not advise you to take such risks – when producing such inexpensive gadgets, deviations from the intended norms may be allowed. Also, some buyers may be unhappy with the fact that it is completely impossible to transfer information from this heart rate monitor to a smartphone. If you are used to analyzing your workouts, then you definitely need a different gadget.

Advantages

• Tries to calculate the energy expended;
• There is a display backlight;
• Long battery life;
• Water protection implemented;
• Various color options available;
• Very low cost;
• There is a speaker.

disadvantages

• The external sensor doesn't seem comfortable;
• There are no additional sensors;
• The pulse measurement accuracy is low;
• Synchronization with a smartphone is not possible.

SIGMA PC 3.11

Rating: 4.5

Closing our rating is another wrist device distributed under the SIGMA brand. This model has a segment display, which is the cheapest to manufacture. This makes the device look like some kind of electronic clock of the early 2000s, which, of course, will not suit everyone. It also imposes certain restrictions on the functionality – it is impossible to display absolutely any information on such a screen, because there are only two lines that support a relatively small number of characters. The upper line consists of the largest digits – the current heart rate is displayed here. Well, the bottom line is occupied by either a clock or a stopwatch, depending on your desire.

The body of the device can be painted in one of five offered colors. The strap here is rubber, in terms of convenience it does not cause any particular complaints, especially if you wear the gadget only during training. Heart rate data is transmitted to the heart rate monitor from the appropriate external sensor supplied. As you might guess, the measurement accuracy can be called average, nothing more. The power consumption is extremely low here, so the CR2032 battery will last for a very long time.

Alas, there is nothing more interesting to say about a cheap heart rate monitor. The manufacturer claims that his creation has received a waterproof case. However, he does not specify whether it is possible with his device to dive to any significant depth. It seems to us that the maximum heart rate monitor will only withstand rain – we recommend taking it off even before taking a shower, not to mention the pool. Well, to sum up, this heart rate monitor is perfect for the role of the first device of its kind. We guarantee that you will soon want more functionality!

Advantages

• Very low price;
• A large number of body colors;
• There is a clock and a stopwatch;
• Long battery life;
• Implemented some moisture protection.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will find an external heart rate sensor convenient;
• Low measurement accuracy;
• Segment display is used;
• The minimum number of functions.

Conclusion

Now you should not be confused by the counters of specialized stores, which can contain dozens or even hundreds of different heart rate monitors. Pay attention only to those models that are considered in this rating. Almost all of them have a sufficiently high accuracy, which is second only to the indicators of stationary medical devices. Also, the devices discussed in our article are unlikely to fail – not only during the warranty period, but also after the end of it.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.