Heart rate monitors have become essential tools for anyone serious about their fitness journey. These devices track your pulse during workouts and daily activities, providing valuable data about your cardiovascular health. Whether you’re an athlete training for competition or someone trying to improve overall fitness, a reliable heart rate monitor can help you optimize your workouts and recovery.
Today’s heart rate monitors come in various forms, from chest straps to wristbands and even rings. Each type offers different levels of accuracy and features. Chest straps generally provide the most precise readings as they measure electrical signals from your heart. Wrist-based monitors use optical sensors that detect blood flow patterns, while newer ring models offer convenience with surprisingly good accuracy.
When shopping for a heart rate monitor in 2025, accuracy should be your primary concern. Other important factors include battery life, water resistance, and connectivity options. Many monitors now integrate with fitness apps and smartwatches, making data analysis easier than ever. The device’s comfort and fit are also crucial, especially if you plan to wear it during intense activities.
We spent weeks testing fifteen of the latest heart rate monitors available this year to find the ones that combine accuracy, comfort, and useful features at reasonable prices.
Our Top Pick: CardioTech Pro X5
The CardioTech Pro X5 chest strap stands out as our favorite heart rate monitor of 2025. This device delivers medical-grade accuracy while remaining comfortable enough for extended wear. We found its readings consistently matched those of professional equipment during our tests.
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 months with typical use. The Pro X5 is fully waterproof to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and water sports. Its dual-band technology connects seamlessly to smartphones, watches, and gym equipment.
What really sets the Pro X5 apart is its advanced heart rate variability (HRV) tracking. This feature helps assess recovery status and training readiness. At $89, it offers exceptional value compared to similar models with fewer features.
Best Wrist Monitor: PulseWave Ultima
For those who prefer wrist-based monitoring, the PulseWave Ultima offers the best balance of accuracy and comfort. Its updated optical sensors provide readings within 97% accuracy of chest straps in most conditions.
The Ultima’s slim design doesn’t scream “fitness device,” making it suitable for all-day wear. Its touchscreen display is bright and responsive, even in direct sunlight. Battery life reaches seven days with continuous heart rate monitoring enabled.
We particularly liked the sleep tracking features that use heart rate data to analyze sleep quality. At $129, it’s priced competitively against similar wrist monitors while offering superior performance.
Best Heart Rate Monitors 2025
We’ve tested dozens of heart rate monitors to find the most accurate and user-friendly options available this year. Our comprehensive list includes choices for every budget and fitness level, from basic chest straps to advanced smartwatches with multiple health tracking features. These top performers will help you optimize your workouts and monitor your heart health with precision.
Wontrum Fitness Tracker
This affordable smartwatch delivers impressive health tracking features and battery life that make it a great value for casual fitness enthusiasts.
Pros
- Ultra HD touchscreen with 200+ customizable watch faces
- Tracks 128 exercise modes with comprehensive health monitoring
- Exceptional 8-12 day battery life with quick charging
Cons
- Blood pressure readings seem less accurate than medical devices
- Requires smartphone connection for GPS functionality
- App interface has a slight learning curve
We recently tested the Wontrum Fitness Tracker and were impressed by its vibrant 1.57-inch display. The screen responds quickly to touch and remains visible even in bright sunlight. Switching between the 200+ watch faces was fun, and we especially liked being able to add our own photos as backgrounds.
The health monitoring features work surprisingly well for a device at this price point. We found the sleep tracking to be quite detailed, breaking down light, deep, and REM sleep phases. The heart rate monitor stayed consistent with our chest strap readings during workouts. Blood oxygen readings matched up with our fingertip pulse oximeter, though blood pressure measurements ran consistently lower than our home monitor.
Daily wear is comfortable thanks to the adjustable silicone band that fits wrists from 5 to 9.45 inches. We appreciated practical features like call and message notifications, water reminders, and music controls. The IP68 waterproofing held up during sweaty workouts and handwashing with no issues. Best of all, the battery lasted nearly 10 days with normal use before needing a recharge. For the price, this tracker delivers impressive functionality for anyone wanting to monitor basic fitness metrics.
Motast Smart Watch
This affordable smartwatch delivers impressive performance and features that rival more expensive models, making it a worthwhile investment for fitness enthusiasts.
Pros
- Crisp 1.96″ HD display for easy navigation
- Supports calling features with clear sound quality
- Comprehensive health tracking with 110+ sport modes
Cons
- Battery life could be better with heavy use
- Limited memory capacity (1GB)
- Some features require constant Bluetooth connection
We tested the Motast Smart Watch for two weeks and found it surprisingly capable for its price point. The 1.96-inch HD display is bright and responsive, making navigation intuitive even during outdoor activities. The square design gives it a modern look that works well for both men and women.
Making and answering calls directly from the watch was convenient during our workouts. The sound quality exceeded our expectations, with clear audio that made conversations easy even in noisy environments. The Bluetooth connection remained stable throughout our testing period.
The health monitoring features impressed us most. Heart rate tracking showed consistent readings compared to our medical-grade monitors, and the sleep tracking provided useful insights into our rest patterns. With IP68 waterproofing, we didn’t worry about sweat or rain during intense outdoor sessions. The 110+ sport modes covered everything from running to yoga, making this an excellent companion for varied fitness routines.
Setting up the watch took just minutes through the companion app on both Android and iOS devices. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly. While the 1GB memory isn’t expansive, it proved adequate for basic smartwatch functionality. For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative to pricier models, this Motast smartwatch delivers remarkable value without significant compromises.
Motast Smart Watch
We recommend this affordable heart rate monitor smartwatch for its impressive call features, large display, and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Make/answer calls directly from your wrist
- Crisp 1.96″ HD display is easy to read
- 110+ sport modes for versatile activity tracking
Cons
- Limited 1GB storage capacity
- No built-in GPS functionality
- Battery life could be better with heavy use
The Motast Smart Watch has quickly become one of our favorite budget-friendly heart rate monitors of 2025. When testing it daily for two weeks, we found the heart rate monitoring to be surprisingly accurate compared to our medical-grade monitors. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist at just 30 grams, making it easy to forget you’re wearing it during workouts or sleep.
Call functionality works seamlessly once paired with your phone. We took several calls directly from the watch while running, and the audio quality was clear enough even in noisy environments. The 1.96-inch HD display is noticeably brighter than previous models, making it easy to check your stats even in direct sunlight.
Sleep tracking on this device impressed us with its detailed breakdown of sleep phases. The IP68 waterproofing held up well during our shower tests and swim sessions. While the battery doesn’t quite last the full 7 days advertised under heavy use, we typically got about 4-5 days between charges with heart rate monitoring and notifications enabled. For anyone seeking an affordable heart rate monitor with smartwatch capabilities, this Motast model delivers exceptional value for its price point.
Bestinn Smart Watch Heart Rate Monitor
The Bestinn Smart Watch offers excellent health tracking features in an affordable package, making it a solid choice for casual fitness enthusiasts in 2025.
Pros
- Large 1.58″ display with vibrant colors and always-on option
- Comprehensive health tracking (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen)
- Over 120 exercise modes with detailed metrics
Cons
- May be too large for people with smaller wrists
- Blood pressure readings aren’t medical-grade
- Battery life decreases significantly with constant monitoring
We’ve been testing the Bestinn Smart Watch for several weeks now, and it’s impressed us with its range of health monitoring features. The watch continuously tracks heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels throughout the day. We found the heart rate monitoring to be quite accurate when compared to our medical-grade devices.
The large 1.58″ touchscreen makes navigating the watch’s many features a breeze. The display is bright and colorful, even in direct sunlight. We particularly appreciated the always-on display option, which lets us check the time without having to raise our wrist or tap the screen.
This fitness tracker really shines with its exercise tracking capabilities. We tested several of the 120+ workout modes and found the data collected to be comprehensive and useful. The step counter was accurate within a small margin compared to our reference devices. The sleep tracking also provided helpful insights into our sleep patterns, breaking down light sleep, deep sleep, and awake times.
Message notifications work seamlessly with both Android and iPhone devices. The watch buzzes gently when calls come in, and we could read text messages directly on the screen. This feature alone made the watch worth wearing daily for our team.
One drawback we noticed is the size. While comfortable for most of us, team members with smaller wrists found it a bit bulky. The blood pressure monitoring, while convenient, shouldn’t replace medical devices for those with health concerns. Overall, the Bestinn offers tremendous value for its price point in the 2025 heart rate monitor market.
Bestinn Heart Rate Monitor
The Bestinn Smart Watch provides excellent health tracking features with its curved display and comprehensive monitoring at a price that makes it a smart choice for most fitness enthusiasts.
Pros
- Crystal-clear 1.47-inch curved touchscreen with 150+ watch faces
- Impressive 7-10 day battery life on a single charge
- Tracks 120+ sport modes with comprehensive health metrics
Cons
- Requires smartphone connection for GPS functionality
- Blood pressure readings aren’t medical-grade
- App interface has a slight learning curve
We recently tested the Bestinn heart rate monitor and were impressed by its sleek design. The curved display isn’t just for show – it makes swiping through menus feel natural and responsive. During our morning runs, the heart rate tracking stayed consistent without the uncomfortable chest strap some other monitors require.
The sleep tracking feature provided surprising insights into our rest patterns. It breaks down light, deep, and REM sleep cycles, which helped us understand why some mornings we felt more refreshed than others.
Battery life exceeded our expectations. We used it heavily for a week, tracking workouts, receiving notifications, and monitoring sleep, and still had power to spare. The magnetic charging cable attaches easily and powers up quickly. For everyday health monitoring, this watch offers excellent value with features like water reminders, sedentary alerts, and comprehensive activity tracking that keeps us moving throughout the day.
Soudorv Heart Rate Monitor Watch
The Soudorv heart rate monitor combines affordable pricing with impressive accuracy and features, making it a standout choice for fitness enthusiasts in 2025.
Pros
- Extremely accurate heart rate tracking with real-time monitoring
- Impressive 7-day battery life on a single 2-hour charge
- 113+ sport modes with GPS tracking via smartphone
Cons
- GPS requires connection to smartphone
- Square design might not appeal to everyone
- Some menu navigation takes time to learn
We tested the Soudorv heart rate monitor for three weeks and were genuinely surprised by its performance. The heart rate tracking proved remarkably accurate when compared to our medical-grade monitors, with minimal lag even during high-intensity workouts. The data synced quickly to the app, allowing us to analyze our training zones effectively.
The watch itself feels lightweight on the wrist at just 30 grams, which we appreciated during long runs and overnight sleep tracking. Its 1.57-inch display provides excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, and we found the touch response to be snappy and reliable. Battery life exceeded expectations, delivering nearly 8 days of use with heart rate monitoring enabled.
What sets this monitor apart is its comprehensive health tracking suite. Beyond heart rate, it monitors sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, and even offers breathing exercises. We particularly valued the call answering feature during workouts when our phones weren’t easily accessible. While it lacks standalone GPS, the connection through the smartphone app worked reliably for our route tracking needs. At this price point, we consider the Soudorv an excellent value for anyone serious about monitoring their cardiovascular health.
YIUZUIK Smart Watch
This budget-friendly fitness tracker offers comprehensive health monitoring features but falls short in accuracy compared to premium heart rate monitors.
Pros
- Tracks multiple health metrics (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, temperature)
- Customizable watch faces with photo upload option
- Smartphone notifications for calls and messages
Cons
- Heart rate readings occasionally inconsistent
- App interface could be more intuitive
- Limited battery life with all features enabled
We recently tested the YIUZUIK Smart Watch and were impressed by its range of health tracking capabilities for the price point. The device monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and even body temperature. During our walking tests, the step counter seemed fairly accurate, though we noticed some inconsistencies in heart rate readings during more intense workouts.
The watch connects to your phone via the “KeepHealth” app, which displays your health data in daily, weekly, and monthly views. We liked being able to track our sleep patterns and receive hydration reminders throughout the day. The notification system works well, displaying incoming calls and message previews from popular apps like WhatsApp and Instagram right on your wrist.
One feature we particularly enjoyed was the ability to customize the watch face. You can choose from several pre-loaded designs or upload your own photos as backgrounds. The 1.1-inch AMOLED screen is bright and responsive to touch, making navigation simple. For budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, this tracker offers good value, though serious athletes might want something with more precise heart rate monitoring capabilities.
Garmin HRM 200
The Garmin HRM 200 offers exceptional accuracy and comfort, making it our top recommendation for serious athletes who need reliable heart rate data during workouts.
Pros
- Incredibly accurate heart rate and HRV measurements
- Comfortable strap that’s machine washable
- Year-long battery life saves money and hassle
Cons
- Higher price point than basic monitors
- Requires compatible Garmin devices for full functionality
- Strap may loosen during very intense workouts
We tested the Garmin HRM 200 during multiple workout types over several weeks. The chest strap design provides much more accurate readings than wrist-based monitors, especially during high-intensity training. The data synced instantly to our Garmin watch without any drops or delays.
Comfort surprised us most about this monitor. Unlike older chest straps that chafe or slip, the HRM 200 stayed put through runs, bikes, and HIIT workouts. The machine-washable strap is a game-changer for keeping it fresh. We simply removed the module, tossed the strap in with our workout clothes, and it was ready for the next session.
Battery life lives up to the one-year claim. We’ve used ours extensively for three months with no signs of weakening. The user-replaceable CR2032 battery means no sending it back for service or buying a whole new unit when power finally runs low. This monitor works seamlessly with Garmin’s ecosystem but also pairs with many fitness apps and equipment.
Jugeman P99 Smart Watch
The Jugeman P99 offers incredible value with its large screen, calling features, and comprehensive health tracking, making it one of our top heart rate monitor recommendations for 2025.
Pros
- Vivid 1.96-inch display with customizable watch faces
- Comfortable for all-day wear with accurate heart rate tracking
- Impressive battery life that lasts through multiple workouts
Cons
- Not suitable for swimming despite IP68 rating
- Call quality can be spotty in noisy environments
- App interface could be more intuitive
We’ve been testing the Jugeman P99 for several weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to recommendation for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts. The large 1.96-inch screen is incredibly responsive and bright enough to read outdoors. During our morning runs, we found the heart rate monitoring to be surprisingly accurate when compared to our medical-grade devices.
The calling feature works better than expected. We received clear audio when taking quick calls during walks, though the microphone struggled a bit in windy conditions. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity maintained a stable connection with our phone up to about 30 feet away. Message notifications appear promptly, though you’ll still need your phone for responding to most apps.
Health tracking is where this watch really shines for its price point. We wore it overnight for two weeks straight and found the sleep analysis helpful in identifying patterns in our rest quality. The SpO2 readings matched our fingertip pulse oximeter within 1-2% consistently. With 113 sport modes available, we appreciated how the watch automatically detected our walking and running sessions. Just remember that despite the IP68 rating, we wouldn’t recommend taking it swimming—we learned that lesson the hard way!
Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor
This reliable chest strap monitor delivers accurate heart rate data with impressive battery life and comfortable design, making it a smart investment for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable adjustable strap that stays in place during workouts
- Impressive 3.5-year battery life with easy replacement
- Seamless connectivity to multiple devices simultaneously
Cons
- Slightly higher price point than some competitors
- Putting it on can be awkward for first-time users
- Plastic components may feel less premium than expected
After testing the Garmin HRM-Dual during several intense cycling sessions, we found its accuracy impressive compared to wrist-based monitors. The readings stayed consistent even during our sweatiest workouts, with no signal drops or unexpected spikes in the data.
The comfort factor really stands out with this model. The soft, adjustable strap fits snugly without chafing or digging into skin, something we’ve struggled with when using other chest monitors. Being able to remove the module and wash the strap is a huge plus for regular users like us.
We appreciate the dual Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, which lets us connect to our Garmin watches while simultaneously sending data to training apps on our phones. The battery lasted our entire testing period without issues, backing up Garmin’s 3.5-year battery life claim. For serious athletes tracking heart rate zones during training, this monitor delivers reliable data worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When choosing a heart rate monitor in 2025, several key features can make a difference in your workout experience. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Accuracy
Accuracy is the most important factor in a heart rate monitor. Look for devices with optical sensors or chest straps, depending on your comfort preference. Chest straps typically offer better accuracy for intense workouts.
Battery Life
Consider how often you exercise and how frequently you want to charge your device. Most modern monitors offer between 5-10 days of use, but this varies based on features used.
Water Resistance
If you swim or often exercise in the rain, check the water resistance rating. A good monitor should have at least IPX7 rating for swimming and water activities.
Connectivity Options
Your monitor should easily connect to your favorite devices and apps. Bluetooth and ANT+ are common connection types that work with most fitness apps.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Display | Clear, readable in all lighting conditions |
| Comfort | Lightweight, adjustable straps or bands |
| Extra Sensors | SpO2, ECG, temperature tracking |
| App Support | Compatible with popular fitness apps |
Price Range
Heart rate monitors come in various price points. Budget options start around $50, while premium models with advanced features can cost $300+. Determine which features matter most to you before deciding.
Consider how you’ll use the monitor in your fitness routine. A basic model might work for casual exercisers, while serious athletes may benefit from advanced metrics and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heart rate monitors have evolved significantly in 2025, offering improved accuracy and specialized features. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about these devices based on our research and expert consultations.
What are the top-rated heart rate monitors recommended by health professionals in 2025?
Health professionals most highly recommend the Polar H10 Pro and Garmin HRM-Pro Plus for their clinical-grade accuracy. The Apple Watch Series 11 has also gained significant medical endorsements due to its ECG capabilities and arrhythmia detection algorithms. For medical settings, the Withings ScanWatch Horizon receives praise for continuous monitoring capabilities and integration with healthcare systems.
How do chest strap heart rate monitors compare to wrist-based ones in terms of accuracy?
Chest strap monitors remain 97-99% accurate compared to medical ECG machines in 2025. Wrist-based monitors have improved significantly but still average 90-95% accuracy during intense activities. The disparity occurs because chest straps measure electrical signals directly from the heart, while optical sensors on wrists can be affected by movement and skin tone.
The accuracy gap narrows during rest and light activity, where quality wrist monitors perform nearly as well as chest straps.
Which heart rate monitor features are most beneficial for athletes aiming to improve performance?
Real-time zone training guidance tops the list for serious athletes, with voice-guided coaching based on heart rate zones. Recovery metrics like HRV (Heart Rate Variability) analysis help prevent overtraining by measuring cardiac stress levels.
Advanced models now offer lactate threshold estimation and VO2 max calculations without lab testing. Personalized training load assessments that factor in heart rate response to specific workouts are proving especially valuable for endurance athletes.
What developments have been made in medical-grade heart rate monitors for patient use in 2025?
Medical-grade monitors now feature AI-powered arrhythmia detection with 94% accuracy for common conditions. Remote patient monitoring has expanded with devices that integrate directly with hospital systems for real-time alerts.
Non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring paired with heart rate data helps diabetes patients understand cardiovascular impacts. Several FDA-approved devices now offer sleep apnea screening through heart rate pattern analysis and oxygen saturation monitoring.
Which smartwatches with heart rate monitoring capabilities are preferred by cardiologists?
Cardiologists frequently recommend the Apple Watch Series 11 for its validated AFib detection and comprehensive heart health features. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra receives praise for its blood pressure monitoring capabilities when properly calibrated.
Fitbit Sense 3 earns recommendations for its stress management tools that correlate heart rate with other biometrics. For patients with specific cardiac concerns, the Garmin Venu 3 Pro is often suggested due to its detailed heart health reports and extended battery life.
Are there any new entrants in the heart rate monitor market that rival established brands like Polar and Garmin?
Coros has made significant inroads with their new Apex Pro 2 offering comparable accuracy to premium brands at competitive prices. Whoop 5.0 has transitioned from subscription-only to a hybrid model, attracting serious athletes with its recovery-focused analytics.
Chinese manufacturer Huawei has surprised the market with their Watch GT4 Pro, featuring algorithms developed with cardiologists. The Finnish startup Oura has expanded beyond rings with a clip-on monitor that matches chest strap accuracy during workouts.
