Blood pressure monitors

What's behind our blood pressure monitor Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 21 models in blood pressure monitors to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    Overall score is based on blood pressure accuracy, convenience, and comfort.
  • Accuracy
    Accuracy is based on how the model's readings compared with those taken on a mercury sphygmomanometer used by two trained testers.
  • Convenience
    Convenience is based on pluses and minuses of the model's features (such as irregular heartbeat detection, a blood-pressure risk category indicator, and multiple user memories).
  • Comfort
    Comfort is based on opinion scores given by test subjects.

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Recommended blood pressure monitors

Recommended blood pressure monitors are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
  • Buying Guide
  • Price & Shop
You don't need a prescription to buy an at-home blood pressure monitor. But before spending the money, you should talk with your physician about whether you need one. If you're looking for information about blood pressure monitors, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ blood pressure monitor reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our blood pressure monitor buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and blood pressure monitor reviews to help you choose the best blood pressure monitor for your needs.

Blood pressure monitor buying guide

For people with borderline or high blood pressure, home testing with the best blood pressure monitor is more important than ever. Recent research shows that an average of several readings over time provides the most reliable measurement. Home testing is essential for taking multiple readings and can actually be more accurate than the results you get at a doctor's office.

Our experts say that good candidates for at-home monitoring include:

  • Seniors, whose blood pressure can vary.
  • People who experience "white-coat hypertension," a spike in blood pressure when they are tested in a doctor's office or hospital; and
  • People with diabetes, for whom tight blood pressure control is important.

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