Best Heart Rate Monitors in 2018

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.

Wahoo-Fitness-Tickr-X Best Heart Rate Monitors in 2018

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.

Polar-OH1 Best Heart Rate Monitors in 2018

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.

Fitbit-Charge-2 Best Heart Rate Monitors in 2018

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.

Jabra-Elite-Sport Best Heart Rate Monitors in 2018

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 calls

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.