Technology has provided us with the opportunity to closely monitor our heart rates during workouts for the sake of efficiency and health. Before now, the level of knowledge and price for Heart Rate Monitors (HRMs) flaunts the device as a gadget for professional athletes, but the intervention of many manufactures – competition and awareness has made it a common gadget and a necessity for not just all athletes. This wider market is achieved by the adoption of varied technologies; quality and functionality, compelling users to look out for the best heart rate monitor relative to their requirements each time there’s need to buy one.
While looking for the best heart rate monitor, attributes like the measuring technology (optical or strap), connectivity, comfort, and accuracy are closely evaluated. And the best heart rate monitor 2018 on our list is completely a standout after a match with those attributes. Accuracy cannot be compromised because your efforts to track heart rates would be futile if you fail to buy an accurate heart rate monitor. Another feature that brings confidence in the accuracy of HRMs is the double duty heart rate monitors: dual measuring sensors – usually earphones.
A heart rate monitor should let you know when to slow down during workouts for maximum results. And information from HRMs should also let you know when to increase energy and when to stop completely after arriving at the target heart rate zone or maximum heart rate.
Our list covers the best headphone, wrist straps, arm straps and optical HMRs driving the market as vanguards in 2018. The list will be very useful as you search for the best heart rate monitor in 2018.
Wahoo Fitness Tickr X – $99.99
As the best heart rate monitor for runners, Tickr X is rated one of the most feature-packed HRM available in the market. Tickr X is a chest strap HRM with up to 16 hours storage memory without a connected device. Aside from providing heart rates, it measures other activities on distinctive metric tracks using its accelerometer. The activities are static cycling, running, spin class, cadence, and treadmill. The connectivity supports both iOS and Android operating system,
Tickr X has a clear data presentation; outstanding real-time graphs and feedback presentation. You can also use Tickr X to train within heart rate zone as it automatically calculates burn and burst heart rate levels.

Image: Wahoo Fitness Tickr X
Features highlight
- Activities monitored: speed, duration of workout, calories, heart rate, cadence, and smoothness
- OS support: Android and iOS
- Standalone functionality: Yes, with up to 16-hour storage memory
- Position worn: Chest Strap
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+
- Battery life: up to 12 months
Pros
- Provides accurate measurements
- Can be used without connected devices
- Accelerometer Included
Cons
- Sensor size sometimes makes the strap uncomfortable
- Rough roads makes the “double tap” too sensitive
Polar OH1 – $75.00
Polar OH1 is the best for individuals not comfortable with chest straps but want accurate from strap sensors it is worn at the arm (higher up). Polar OH1 provides a firmer grip closer to the heart; unlike the wrist-worn heart rate monitors which most people are not comfortable with the accuracy. The device doesn’t dangle during workouts, and it provides a consistent reading with maximum accuracy irrespective of your activity; yoga, lifting, or running. Polar OH1 connects with the company’s app (Polar Beat) where it displays all the functionalities. Polar OH1 can also track distances using the GPS feature on the connected Smartphone.

Image: Polar OH1
Features highlight
- OS support: iOS and Android
- Position worn: upper- or lower-arm strap
- Standalone Functionality: Yes, with up to 200-hour storage
- Battery life: 12-hour battery life
- Connectivity: Bluetooth only
Pros
- Convenient and comfortable
- Accurate reading
- Support connection with other applications
Cons
- ANT+ not available
- No GPS without Smartphone
Fitbit Charge 2 – $158.35
Fitbit Charge 2 is a great choice for general heart health monitoring, though the accuracy of its heart rate measurements are in doubt when the user is performing intense workouts. It lacks the tracking sometimes but outstanding during steady-state cardio including heart rates when the user is running. The performance lacks the speed to track quick changes or deviations in heart rates. Charge 2 is suitable for a general overview of the heart health, general well-being monitor and when an accurate heart rate monitor is needed at rest.

Image: Fitbit Charge 2
Features highlight
- Position worn: wrist
- Type of Sensor: Pulse optical
- OS support: Android and iOS app
- Battery life: up to 5 days
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Standalone functionality: Yes
Pros
- Interchangeable band
- Consistent tracking
- Large display
Cons
- No basic notifications
- No GPS without Smartphone
Jabra Elite Sport – $280.19
Elite Sport is a wireless in-ear heart rate monitor. The measurement is performed through two headphones that have no wired connection to one another. It’s one of the most flexible heart rate monitors which operate with two sensors. Elite Sport has the full features for fitness tracking and extra features such as recovery time, race time estimations, and VO2 Max calculations. It’s a very suitable heart rate monitor for runners.

Image: Jabra Elite Sport
Features highlight
- Position worn: ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- OS support: iOS and Android
- Battery life: 3 hours
- Integrated media playback control
- Microphones available for callsÂ
Pros
- Very accurate heart rate monitor
- Good sound quality
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Quite expensive
Bose SoundSport Pulse – $199.00
SoundSport Pulse from Bose is a budget-friendly headphone heart rate monitor. The only challenging factor with this device is the connecting cable between the two earbuds. At least it would be more convenient to individuals not comfortable with chest straps. Another benefiting feature of this device is its support for data integration with other apps – not offered by Jabra. It’s the perfect HRM for runners. SoundSports has very accurate heart rate measurements and quality playback sounds.

Image: Bose SoundSport Pulse
Features highlight
- Position worn: ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth only
- Battery life: 5 hours
- Standalone functionality: No
- Third-party app support: Yes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good sound quality
- Accurate HRM
Cons
- No dedicated application for fitness
- Poor battery life