Best Running Heart Rate Trackers & Monitors Tested

With a heart rate monitor, you can target specific beats per minute (bpm) in terms of calculated training, and add a bit of interest to your jog for the more casual runner. There are two basic formats that these devices come in. A chest strap and a watch or wristband. The wrist located monitors use optical sensors to detect the blood racing through your veins and calculate heart rate from there.

They’ve proven to be a new and exciting option in terms of monitors, but if you want true accuracy there still isn’t much of a substitute for the chest strap. Having an efficient working out session is the main objective of any work out session. Though others might consider an intense work out session, intense doesn’t necessarily equate to better results.

In order to hit your fitness goals then you will definitely need to have all the correct information with regards to your heart rate workout zone where your work out yields are efficient, safe and most important results that are beneficial. A heart rate monitor is a portable device typically worn either on the wrist, on the head, or across the chest.

Finger sensors on certain fitness and cardio machines, such as a treadmill or elliptical, can also measure your heart rate. These devices capture signals from your heart and display or record the rates. Heart rate monitors are able to achieve this being a very efficient sporting accessory to many people who want to keep track of their work out sessions. The above best HRM trackers all have excellent accuracy.

Fitness isn’t just about the amount you exercise, it’s also about the intensity of that exercise. A heart rate monitor (HRM) is your pacer, telling you when to speed up or slow down to achieve results. To select the best model for you, consider two factors:

The type of Monitor: Many monitors normally use sensors that are located on the athlete’s’ wrist or their chest. Monitors that have chest straps tend to be more accurate; wrist monitors only offer more convenience while working out.

The type of monitor features available: The more expensive models of fitness trackers are able to operate in a very efficient way with many additional features for athletes.

Apart from the above, you should look at what the HRM device has to offer in terms of features. Also, your sporting activities will determine the type of HRM device you but and what features will suit you in helping you achieve your fitness goals. There are several types of GRM devices that an athlete can consider buying.

To ensure that we were providing our readers with the best heart rate monitors to choose from, there were several key features we made sure to look out for in each heart rate monitor that we considered. Take a look at the features and factors we took into consideration when it came to the basic features each heart rate monitor has to offer.

Pulse Points—Types of Monitors

These trackers are worn very close to the pulse points found on the athlete’s body. It’s best to always give a though at where you want to wear your fitness tracker as this will determine their accuracy. Also, this will play an important role in determining the features you want your ideal HRM device to have and how the device will help you in achieving your fitness goals.

Some of the pulse points in the body are chest and wrists. Depending on the location of the pulse point there is a different type of HRM device for the pulse point. There are 3 types of pulse points heart rate monitors depending on where they are being worn (the pulse point).

Chest Strap type of HRM devices

HRM devices of this type are worn around the chest using a chest strap and must have a wristwatch device to help collect accurate data. Though some more recent models have been developed with Bluetooth connectivity hence the easy display of data on the athlete’s smartphone.

Pros: They are able to provide continuous and accurate heart-rate data readings. They enable free and comfortable movement and hence perfect for all sporting activities because they offer minimal interruption during training sessions. They are more stylish than the traditional wrist like HRM devices.

Cons: Must wet the strap worn around the chest initially to get reading from the device. For those who do not prefer carrying their phones might find this device challenging due to the Bluetooth connectivity aspect part of the tracker.

Wristwatch type of HRM device

They are the most preferred type of trackers. They resemble a normal fitness watch. They have a variety of designs and styles with regards to their functionality and have been on the market for long. To read data collected you only need to press a particular button or just touch the rim of the HRM device.

Pros: These models may need any chest strap (this is dependent on the type of fitness tracker you want to purchase and also the manufacturer). Newer models come with many features with even Bluetooth connectivity. Easy to check the data collected.

Cons: certain workouts may be challenging and be interrupted when reading the HRM device. Takes time to provide the reading of the data collected. If you experience challenges in reading the device, you will have to wet the back of the tracker to get reading.

Continuous-Reading HRM Wristwatch

They are also worn on the wrists. They are more advanced devices and can offer correct and updated reading without using a chest strap. The watch is worn around the wrist just above the bone on your wrist and must have a snug fit; this will guarantee very correct and accurate data. The fit should be similar to that of your normal wristwatch.

Pros: They can provide continuous accurate heart-rate data readings minus a chest strap. They fit all sporting activities and offer less interruption to workout sessions. You can easily read them compared to the fitness trackers that are touch watch type.

Cons: They are the most expensive type of HRM trackers compared to the chest strap models and touch watch type. You will find some lacking some of the basic features of fitness trackers.

There are several different things your heart rate monitor should be able to do, and it should be able to do these things effectively. Make sure you are getting a heart rate monitor that measures everything you need it to and--more importantly--what it can do so effectively throughout your runs and workouts (whatever they may be).

Heart of the Matter – Targeting your Correct Workout Zone

The HRM device has three main important zones that it targets during exercise. These zones vary and hence have different rates, athletes are advised to know and understand the different workout zones. As this plays an important role in determining how effective their workout sessions are. The 3 zones include:

The Warm-up Workout Zone.

This zone occurs when you begin your workout and the pulse rate starts to rise. Though it’s important to note that the pulse rate normally ranges between 50% to 60% of the maximum. Ideal for beginners who are just starting to work out as it reduces chances of self-injury during a workout. This simply refers to low-intensity sporting activities.

Though it normally means that the intensity of the activity will not help you achieve your fitness goals. At this zone, there is still a reduction in the level of cholesterol, exposure to some illness. This zone has many health advantages and as you increase your work out intensity, the frequency of workout and duration of the workout. It requires at least 150 minutes of weekly workout sessions.

The Fat-Burning Workout Zone

In this zone, the pulse rate of the heart is between 60% to 70% of the maximum level. Unlike the warm-up workout zone, you will need to exert yourself to a higher degree meaning you increase your work out intensity, the frequency of workout and duration of the workout. You continue enjoying all the health benefits associated with the warm-up workout zone and can burn more fat and calories.

The Cardio Workout Zone

In this level or workout zone, your pulse rate is ranging between 70% to 80% of the maximum pulse rate. This exercise intensity allows you to strengthen the cardiovascular system and be able to burn more fat and calories compared to the two previous zones. It’s important to note that this zone also means more muscle burning which is ideal for those athletes who want to achieve the maximum fat reduction.

The basic models of HRM devices offer almost all of the 3 target workout zones. Devices that can be considered to be more advanced have 3 to 6 target workout zones. With the possibility of having multiple target workout zones, you have the comfort of pre-programing your HRM device for an option of many different workouts like aerobic, endurance & anaerobic variations.

If the HRM device you want offers only one type of aerobic target workout zone, you will have to reprogram the device every time you feel like changing your workout/ exercise parameters.

The basic kind of HRM trackers can time your exercises/ workout and also give you constant and continues data that shows whether your pulse rate is high, average or low during your entire workout sessions. Most models of HRM devices can be easily partnered with foot pods, they are attached to the shoelaces hence be able to track your running speed, cadence, and distance.

Some models come with built-in GPS receiver abilities that can track a runner’s speed and the distance covered, they also offer functionality in navigation and elevation. The more advanced a device with an extensive array of features the pricier it may be to purchase.

Target zones:

The HRM device has three main important zones that it targets during exercise. These zones vary and hence have different rates, athletes are advised to know and understand the different workout zones. As this plays an important role in determining how effective their workout sessions are.

Recovery mode of the HRM:

Tracks the amount of time it will take the athletes’ heart to resume its resting and normal pulse rate. It is a perfect indicator of determining the level of your cardiovascular fitness also important if the training/ workouts sessions you take part in, involve sprints and/or interval workouts.

Time in with regards to the target workout zone:

Its main job is to track the amount of time spent on exercising and working out within your focuses target workout zone. Some workout zones and training goals will demand for more time compared to others. Efficient when focusing on time tracking of the various workout zones.

Calorie counter features:

Estimates the total amount of calories that are burned during a particular exercise. This is very useful especially if the workouts sessions you take part in, involve workout programs like weight-loss programs. Also functions effectively for athlete’s involved in training sessions that focus on gaining mass and more muscle.

Speed & distance focused monitor:

This is the ideal type of HRM trackers for runners. This is usually the most important feature of a fitness tracker that most runners focus on when shopping for an HRM tracker. It’s able to perform calculations of the speed of a runner, measure the total distance the runner has covered during a given workout session.

All this is done using an inbuilt GPS receiver that is normally used for outdoor sporting activates or by foot pods for sporting activities done indoors (also for outdoor geographical regions with limited reception of satellite connectivity). The foot pod utilizes the presence of an accelerometer, for it to determine a stride’s average length.

Digital interface of HRM Trackers:

The digital interface wirelessly connects the monitor of the HRM tracker to the users’ smart device or a computer/ laptop. With this feature, a user has the luxury of downloading their workout data and hence analysis, share or store for future reference. This can be done through a wireless connection, Bluetooth connectivity or a remote type of computer connection.

It’s very efficient, however, it is very challenging to those athletes who do not know enough technical stuff and would prefer simpler models of HRM trackers.

Tethering Capabilities of the HRM Tracker:

Very useful to athletes who want to enjoy their workout sessions and enjoy the presence of their phone nearby. The tracker connects to the smartphone wirelessly hence enabling wrist-top kind of control of the functions in your phone functions like social media, texts, notifications, music and other fitness applications. Best for athletes who feel they need their smart devices close when working out.

Coded transmitter in HRM trackers:

its function is to encrypt transmissions that come from a sensor on the chest-strap to the unit on the wrist and prevents any chances of crosstalk with other wireless HRM trackers.

Sport-specific HRM tracker features:

These include features like speed for runners and cyclists cadence feedback or counter for pool laps and/ or stroke recognition (swimming athletes).

Comfort is of the utmost importance when it comes to any wearable running gear--and the best heart rate monitors are no exception. We made sure to put comfort at the top of our list because we know how detrimental it can be to invest in something that is not comfortable to wear or that is a hassle to use. The last thing we want is for you to invest in a heart rate monitor you won't even use.

To evaluate the overall comfort level we first and foremost took a look at reviews from actual users. Sometimes the only way of knowing how comfortable a heart rate monitor truly can be is to look at how it feels when you use it. The best way to do this is to sift through review after review--which is why we encourage you to do the same to see how it will best fit your needs.

At the end of the day, only you can determine what the right comfort level is for you. Whether you get a watch heart rate monitor that you can wear on your wrist or a chest strap--whatever you choose, it should be something that fits your preferences and covers all of your needs. It shouldn't chafe or cause blisters and should fit securely as well--points if it's adjustable.