The 10 Best Heart Rate Monitors for Fitness Tracking, Tested and Doctor-Approved

If you're new to heart rate training or looking for a straightforward monitor that won't overwhelm you with features, the Wahoo Trackr strikes the perfect balance between functionality and simplicity. This chest strap monitor delivers the accuracy that Dr. Conti says is crucial.

Conti explains that chest-band monitors are the most accurate because they use electrical detection to measure your heart rate directly, rather than your pulse rate. I tested the Trackr firsthand and found it impressively user-friendly right out of the box. It came fully charged and only took two minutes to set up.

The strap felt comfortable during testing across treadmill walks and outdoor jogging sessions, and didn't irritate my skin. It paired seamlessly with my fitness apps and Aviron bike via Bluetooth. The rechargeable battery lasted the entire two-week testing period, though the proprietary magnetic charging cable means you'll need to keep track of yet another cord. This monitor is compatible with over 200 fitness apps and popular platforms like Peloton, Nike Run Club, and Strava. I also love that it has an LED indicator for visual confirmation that it's working correctly.

While the app interface could use an update and lacks the advanced running dynamics of pricier models, I found the Trackr to deliver reliable heart rate data and workout metrics at an affordable price point.

“Electrocardiogram (ECG) chest strap monitors, which are closest to the heart, give the most accurate assessment of heart rate, which can be particularly helpful while exercising to assess target rates or guide weight loss activities,” says Mark Schoenfeld, MD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Many athletes consider the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus the gold standard of ECG chest straps for analyzing heart rate data during a workout.

While testing the HRM-Pro Plus, I immediately noticed that the strap was thicker and more comfortable than competing models. It turns on automatically when placed on my skin, and the screw-free battery compartment simplifies changing the battery. The monitor seamlessly synced my data when paired with the Garmin Connect app during treadmill and outdoor runs. It's water- and sweat-resistant, maintaining accuracy even during intense, sweat-heavy workouts. Additionally, the company says the battery will last up to a year without replacement.

When worn with a Garmin watch, the HRM-Pro Plus stands out from lower-end chest straps because it tracks running dynamics, including ground contact time, stride length, and vertical ratio. However, if you don't have a Garmin watch, you're limited to basic metrics like intensity minutes and calories. But if you're an athlete prepared to invest in a comprehensive training setup, the HRM-Pro Plus justifies its premium price with unmatched accuracy and features.

If you're looking for the convenience of a wrist-based device while training, the Polar Grit X2 Pro features some of the most advanced technology on the market. Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Hoag, a health system in Orange County, California, notes, “Wrist monitors usually drop accuracy with intense exercise due to motion, skin tone variations, and fit issues.” However, Polar addresses many of these limitations by using advanced optical sensors and algorithms. The Grit X2 Pro excels during hiking, biking, and mountaineering activities. Conti confirms wrist wearables can be accurate when running or cycling.

The watch delivers comprehensive training load analysis, recovery metrics, and detailed workout guidance that rivals dedicated sports science equipment. The rugged titanium construction can withstand extreme conditions, and the battery lasts up to 140 hours in Eco training mode. And if you prefer to venture beyond cellular coverage, the offline mapping and navigation features ensure you always know your way.

While the Grit X2 Pro has many impressive features, wrist-based monitoring has limitations. Dr. Itchhaporia warns that “muscle movement” and “high-intensity or dynamic exercises (for example, running or boxing) can cause wrist-based monitors to misread due to movement.” While the Grit X2 Pro minimizes some of these issues through improved sensor placement, some users may still experience occasional inaccuracies. But if you prioritize the convenience of an all-in-one device, this option offers the best balance of wrist-worn convenience and advanced features.

Jeffrey Lander, MD, co-director of sports cardiology at RWJBarnabas Health in West Orange, New Jersey, emphasizes that heart rate monitors and fitness wearables can be great for collecting baseline health data so you can pinpoint when something is off. “Think of them like a thermometer — you can tell by a high temperature that something's off, but you'd still need a doctor to figure out what's going on.” Unlike a bulkier smartwatch you might remove for sleeping or swimming, The Fitbit Charge 6 is built for 24/7 wear and is our pick for best device for all-day wear. The monitor excels at tracking baseline health data, like heart rate variability, stress levels, and sleep patterns around the clock, to give you valuable insights into your health trends.

It has a comfortable silicone band and a battery that lasts an entire week, according to Fitbit. It also integrates with Google services and has built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts without carrying your phone. Dr. Auerbach notes that some modern devices also “have the ability to record a rhythm strip that can be shared with your provider.” The Charge 6 can collect this data through its ECG app and share it with your doctor.

Like all wrist-based monitors, it has limitations. Itchhaporia warns that factors like poor fit or poor skin contact, muscle movement, and type of workout can affect accuracy, especially if the activity involves significant arm movement. It also has a smaller screen compared with smartwatches. But if you're looking for a comfortable, set-it-and-forget-it device that provides comprehensive health insights, the Charge 6 is worth considering.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 bundle delivers the best of both worlds by combining wrist-based convenience with the accuracy of a chest strap. This bundle is great for all types of workouts and intensities, and it’s our favorite device for running. You can use the Forerunner 945 watch solo for light exercise and daily wear, then add the chest strap for interval training, tempo runs, or races.

The Forerunner 945 turns your raw heart rate data into actionable insights to improve your performance. Advanced metrics like VO2 max (maximal oxygen uptake), training load balance, and recovery advisor use your heart rate patterns to provide personalized guidance that adapts to your fitness level and goals. The running dynamics captured by the chest strap, including ground contact time, steps per minute (cadence), and torso movement per step (vertical oscillation), offer insights that were once available only to elite athletes. The Forerunner 945 also has full-color mapping, incident detection, and up to two weeks of battery life.

That said, this option can feel a bit overwhelming for recreational runners. Dr. Lander warns that over-reliance on technology can lead to anxiety, and the Forerunner 945's extensive features require you to learn how to interpret and apply the data to your workouts. While the bundle addresses the accuracy issues Itchhaporia noted with wrist monitors, it also means having another gadget to manage and keep charged. However, this bundle could be a game changer for dedicated runners if you invest time in mastering its capabilities.

If you're a cyclist who treats your heart rate zone as seriously as your gear ratios, we recommend the Polar H10. The H10's dual ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity makes it a great option that plays well with any cycling setup, whether using a dedicated bike computer, smartphone app, or indoor trainer platform like Zwift or TrainerRoad.

“Chest straps employing electrocardiography detect electrical current associated with each heartbeat, translated into a heart rate,” says Dr. Schoenfeld. This heart rate sensor will give you the insights you need for interval training and race-day strategies, including heart rate and heart rate variability. The 400-hour battery life means you can focus on training consistency rather than charging schedules. It's also waterproof and can handle everything from sweaty indoor sessions to rain-soaked outdoor rides.

While wrist-based monitors have improved significantly, the H10's chest strap design maintains accuracy even during high-intensity rides. Of note, the internal memory of the H10 only stores one session at a time, so it's important to sync your data after each offline workout. And while the strap features nonslip silicone grippers, some users report experiencing shifting or discomfort during longer workouts.

Swimming presents unique challenges for heart rate monitoring, but the Garmin HRM 600 maintains accuracy even when completely submerged in water. This monitor stores your complete workout data internally, automatically syncing with your compatible Garmin device once you surface.

While some heart rate monitors can shift or lose contact during strokes, the HRM 600's non-slip design ensures consistent skin contact throughout your swim. It's water rating is 5 ATM, which means it withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. In addition to its swim-specific features, the monitor records activity for land-based workouts, including cardio, running, cycling, and more. You'll find data for your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, intensity minutes, and heart rate variability within the Garmin app.

There are some trade-offs when using the HRM 600 for swimming, though. Unlike land-based activities, where you can glance at your wrist for real-time feedback, swimming heart rate data becomes a post-workout analysis tool rather than a real-time training guide. This is true unless you invest in a compatible Garmin smartwatch that can be linked to your chest band for real-time metrics while swimming. And while Lander emphasizes that heart rate monitors are great for tracking fitness, they're not always accurate for tracking distance or speed. It's important to do your research on the metrics you wish to track before investing in a heart rate monitor.

The Coospo H808S Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor offers reliable features at a fraction of the cost of most competitors. Having tested this device firsthand, I believe it's an ideal entry point for athletes who want reliable data without premium prices.

I was pleasantly surprised by the list of Coospo-compatible apps. It pairs with popular platforms like Strava, Zwift, Peloton, and Wahoo, plus fitness equipment from brands like Bowflex and NordicTrack. During testing across indoor and outdoor workouts, including treadmill sessions and running intervals, the Coospo gave me consistent heart rate data without any strap discomfort. The battery offers an impressive 300 hours of life. LED lights and beeping indicators also let you know the device is on and working correctly.

Both the strap material and monitor unit feel less robust than the Garmin HRM Pro Plus, a higher-end competitor. However, the differences are only slightly noticeable, and the Coospo will save you $90.

While most heart rate monitors focus on fitness tracking, the KardiaMobile 6L EKG Monitor provides advanced health insights that extend beyond exercise data. “Some platforms have a pretty reliable atrial fibrillation detection algorithm,” Auerbach says. “Additionally, many platforms have the ability to record a rhythm strip that can be shared with your provider to help determine if an irregularity in heart rhythm is present.” The KardiaMobile does both things and can pick up on a range of heart arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and tachycardia (fast heart rate).

According to Schoenfeld, some devices “use a combination of optic and electric sensors and may be particularly useful in not only detecting heart rate but also heart rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation.” In just 30 seconds, the device captures a comprehensive cardiac snapshot that reveals heart rate, a detailed rhythm analysis, conduction patterns, and potential indicators of serious conditions. You can send the report to your doctor if there is a concern or save it for future comparisons.

However, Auerbach warns that heart rate monitors are not intended for medical diagnosis. “While heart rate monitors can be very good at suggesting there is a problem, ultimately the diagnoses should be made by a medical professional.” Another noteworthy caveat is that some features and arrhythmia detections require a premium subscription called KardiaCare Plus. Unlike fitness trackers that monitor continuously, this device records a single snapshot of your heart's electrical activity. It's ideal for those with known cardiac conditions or anyone who wants peace of mind from having an EKG or ECG at their fingertips.

If you want to track your health data without the distractions of a traditional wearable, we recommend the Oura Ring 4. It continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the day, using a special algorithm to determine how your heart responds to stimuli like anxiety, meals, and environmental changes. It also tracks changes in your sleep and stress that may signal important facts about your health.

At nighttime, the ring monitors the length and quality of your sleep. By measuring metrics like your heart rate patterns and body temperature fluctuations, the collected data can reveal whether you're recovering from yesterday's workout. The Oura ring automatically detects more than 40 activities for fitness enthusiasts, including running, cycling, and housework. It also tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned throughout the day. Additionally, the app scores your activity level and recovery time to help you balance your physical exertion and rest.

The titanium ring won't scratch like cheaper metals. The company claims the battery lasts up to eight days and charges in 80 minutes or less. The downfalls? Many advanced insights and features are only available if you have the Oura Membership, currently priced at $5.99 monthly or $69.99 annually. Since there's no display, you have to use the app on your phone to see your data.