Best Heart Rate Monitors of 2025

"I purchased this heart rate monitor to achieve higher accuracy and responsiveness than my watch provides. I wanted to run a lactate threshold test for better heart rate zone settings. I pair it with my Garmin Forerunner 965, and it has worked seamlessly. The unboxing was straightforward, but it doesn’t pair automatically and requires a step to add it to my watch. However, once worn, my watch recognizes it and uses the strap’s data instead of its own sensors. The heart rate readings are accurate and responsive, though I’m not sure it’s a massive improvement over my optical sensor. The lactate threshold test went well, and I expect it will perform better than my watch for sprint intervals."

"I absolutely love this heart rate strap! It’s easy to put on, and the precision is amazing. I hardly notice I'm wearing it. After using it almost daily for a year and a half, I just changed the battery for the first time, and it was super easy to change. It takes a common coin battery, which is available at most stores. I highly recommend this heart rate strap!"

"I've been using this heart rate monitor for just over a year now, and I can’t believe I ever used my Garmin without it. It’s comfortable and very accurate. I wear it for all my deliberate exercises, including running, lifting weights, and kickboxing. It’s low profile, and I usually don’t even notice it’s on. One of my favorite features is being able to start an activity on my watch while it tracks heart rate, even if my watch is in my bag. For anyone serious about their Garmin, I’d say it’s a must-have!"

"I don't need a subscription, but without it, I can only check for normal sinus rhythm. My niece, a telemetry tech, noted my husband's heart might go into atrial flutter, which prompted me to purchase this device. It's been beneficial for monitoring my family's heart health."

"I highly recommend the 6-lead EKG. It's easy to use and provides clinically valid results at an affordable price. After 40 years in the medical device industry, I can confidently say this is a great product for anyone with cardiac concerns."

"The device works well for recording ECGs and is recommended by my cardiologist. It's easy to use and can be utilized anywhere. I'm very satisfied with my purchase."

"I find this device simple and affordable compared to other tech monitoring devices. The Polar app does an excellent job of tracking various activities like walking, cycling, and skiing. I also use the Sleep2 app from Nukkuaa for sleep tracking, although the subscription is a bit pricey."

"After a year of use, I've noticed the battery drains faster. Removing the battery after each session has helped. I'm still very satisfied with the unit, especially for my rowing workouts on the Concept 2 machine."

"This HR monitor has significantly enhanced my fitness journey. I regret not getting it sooner! I've seen improvements in my resting heart rate, blood pressure, and even my stress levels in just a week of using it."

"As an avid cyclist, I am always on the lookout for ways to enhance my performance. The Garmin 010-12883-00 HRM has been a game changer for me. It's incredibly user-friendly and provides accurate readings, even during my toughest rides. The strap fits snugly, so I never have to worry about it shifting. Plus, it syncs effortlessly with my bike computer. Reviewing my heart rate data post-ride has been invaluable in helping me set and achieve my cycling goals. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with this HRM; it's a reliable companion on my biking adventures."

"I got this heart rate monitor for more precise tracking, and it definitely outperforms my wrist tracker. I appreciate that it can sync with my iPhone's health tracker without needing any extra apps. So far, so good! I'm happy to recommend it for anyone seeking a more accurate way to monitor heart rate and calories burned during workouts."

"This is my first heart rate monitor, and I didn't realize I would need a Garmin watch or computer to use it directly with my phone. Thankfully, I discovered some apps that connect with it, like Polar and Fitiv. They both worked well with the HRM-Dual. While I had some trouble connecting to Strava, the monitor synced automatically with my Health app on my iPhone 14. The strap is sturdy and remains in place even during vigorous activity. I'm pleased with my purchase and don’t feel the need to buy another device to use the HRM-Dual."

"As a user, I found this device to be marvelous. When I experience a heart flutter, I can take a measurement in seconds. It records the time and date of each episode and has a diary function. My cardiologist was thrilled with it, as it provided insights I couldn’t describe adequately. I’m so grateful for this convenient and affordable device that helps me and my doctor visualize my heart's activity!"

"When my son began facing heart issues, it felt like an emotional roller coaster for us. After we got the KardiaMobile, it turned out to be a game changer. We can perform a quick checkup at home in just 30 seconds, bringing us peace of mind. The device is user-friendly and connects to most smartphones, which was a huge plus. It’s become a part of our daily routine, and the fact that it's FSA/HSA eligible makes it even better. I truly believe this device can offer reassurance to others with cardiac concerns, just like it did for us!"

"As someone with over 20 years of experience in interpreting telemetry and EKGs, I can say this device provides a good strip with just one lead. However, I noticed a weak transmission at times and had to place it directly on the phone for readings. Also, the interpretation can be limited, which might mislead untrained users into thinking their rhythms are normal. It’s a useful tool for capturing irregularities, but I recommend discussing results with a qualified physician for proper interpretation."

"I've been using this strap for over a year now for monitoring my heart rate during runs and bike rides. It has worked flawlessly throughout this time. I've only changed the battery once when it wouldn’t connect to my bike computer. Putting it on is simple—it turns on automatically and connects to my devices without hassle."

"This monitor has been a game-changer for me. It pairs easily with my iPhone and gym equipment, and it's incredibly accurate. I struggled to find a strap that fit comfortably as a lifter, but this one works well. Keeping an extra battery handy is a good idea, though."

"I was skeptical about this monitor due to past experiences, but it has been great. The Polar Beat app is easy to use and free. It automatically connects to all gym equipment, which is a huge plus. The accuracy has impressed me, and I'm glad I chose this strap."

"I recently purchased the EMAY EMG-6L monitor and have already taken about 50 readings. It does an excellent job of recognizing consistent heartbeat patterns and analyzing them for 30 seconds. The app was easy to install, and I appreciate how I can save charts as images or PDFs to share with my doctor. Despite being pricier than some other models, I believe it's worth it for the 2 lead and 6 lead readings without any extra fees."

"The EMAY 6L is truly amazing for its price. It offers 1 and 6 lead capability and a display screen without needing a subscription. I can easily sync it with my iPhone and save my readings as PDFs. The quality of the ECG recording is impressive, and I love the ability to organize and share my data. This device is packed with features at a very reasonable price."

"I've been using the EMAY 6L for over a month now, and it's been a game changer. It's lightweight yet easy to handle, and I appreciate that there's no subscription like the K brand monitors. The app is intuitive, allowing for multiple users and easy recording. I can take an ECG anytime without needing my smartphone nearby, which is a significant advantage over the competition. Plus, it's rechargeable and still has plenty of battery life after extensive use!"

"I found this unit for about $78, and it effectively shows cardiac arrhythmias without needing a subscription. It's incredibly straightforward to send results to my cardiologist. Although the screen is a bit small, it links effortlessly to my phone. It clearly indicated my wife's arrhythmias, and after learning to read an ECG online, I understood what to look for in just 5 minutes. This device is small, easy to carry, and potentially lifesaving!"

"After returning another ECG monitor due to dissatisfaction, I was thrilled to receive the EMAY monitor. It's more substantial, with an excellent size window for reading results and concise instructions. I’ve faced no issues with this product, and it gives me peace of mind while monitoring my AFIB. Thank you for creating such a great device!"

"This ECG monitor is simply fantastic! It was a breeze to start using, and the instructions provided are top-notch. I appreciate the bluetooth feature and the fact that no subscription is required. Overall, it works exceptionally well and boasts great quality. I would highly recommend it!"

"I bought the Scosche Rhythm R+2.0 after my older model stopped holding a charge. Its performance has been perfect during my rides, even during long sessions. The accuracy is impressive compared to my previous Scosche and another brand. I love that the armband feels more comfortable and secure, and it charges faster than the older version. Great value for the price!"

"Using the Scosche Rhythm R+2.0 has transformed my workouts, especially with my NordicTrack treadmill. The accuracy is unmatched, and the armband design minimizes movement, providing consistent readings. It’s waterproof and dustproof, making it reliable for any workout. The integration with my treadmill is seamless, allowing me to monitor my heart rate easily. A must-have for fitness enthusiasts!"

"I was excited to upgrade to the next generation of the Rhythm, but I encountered issues with heart rate drops. I contacted support, but unfortunately, I never received a response. I can’t log more than 5 minutes at a time, and this issue affects both models I bought. I’m disappointed with the lack of support and am hesitant to purchase Scosche products again."

“After getting frustrated with the most recent Scosche armband and its inconsistent readings, I found this Polar device and I’m overall pleased. The ANT+ connection has been solid, and the placement is far less finicky than the previous one. I did experience a Bluetooth drop after 5 minutes, but switching to ANT+ resolved the issue.”

“As a physical activity researcher, I was looking for something more responsive than wrist-worn HR monitors. The Verity Sense exceeded my expectations! It is really responsive and accurate, tracking my heart rate during 30-second intervals without delays, even during vigorous runs. I’m very satisfied with this product.”

“I’ve tried to make this product work for over a year but found it disappointing. It stopped working within 30 days, and Polar support was unhelpful, leading to a frustrating experience. The device struggled to connect to the app, and I felt like I wasted my money. I won’t be purchasing any more Polar products.”