Heart-rate monitors

What's behind our heart-rate monitor Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 13 models in heart-rate monitors to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on accuracy and ease of use.
Type
Indicates whether the model employs a chest strap, wrist, or finger device.
Accuracy
Accuracy was measured against a highly accurate electrocardiograph; the higher the accuracy score, the more often the monitor displayed the same heart rate as the reference did.
Ease of use
Ease of use includes features, clarity of instructions, and convenience as judged by panelists who used the devices.

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Recommended heart-rate monitors

Recommended heart-rate 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.

Recommended heart-rate monitors

Heart-rate monitor buying guide

To find the heart-rate monitor that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy heart-rate monitors in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

Vigorous exercise might yield greater health benefits than moderate workouts. A heart-rate monitor can help you track the intensity and make sure you don't go too far outside your target zone. If you're looking for information about heart-rate monitors, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ heart-rate monitor reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our heart-rate monitor buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and heart-rate monitor reviews to help you choose the best heart-rate monitor for your needs.

Ratings & recommended heart-rate monitors

Heart-rate monitors (13)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Heart-rate monitor buying guide

Vigorous exercise might yield greater health benefits than moderate workouts. A heart-rate monitor can help you track the intensity and make sure you don't go too far outside your target zone. We tested 13 models, from $35 to $110, and found that most had excellent accuracy. But depending on your style of exercise, a chest-strap model might offer advantages over a wrist monitor.

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