Best heart rate monitors for sports 2024

The heart rate monitor is a device that no athlete can do without today. There are many different accessories with heart rate measurement capabilities, which differ in functionality. Simple devices are designed to measure your heart rate during exercise. Complex - can help you set up a training system and adjust your daily diet. Below are the universal options for heart rate monitors with price indication.

Why monitor your pulse

You can choose the optimal load mode during training only if the athlete knows his heart rate. Every person's heart beats at a different rate. The norm is considered to be 70 beats in 60 seconds. However, with excessive physical exertion, this figure can increase to 220 beats in 60 seconds, which can be dangerous for the heart and the whole body. At the same time, low heart rate indicators indicate that training will not bring any results.

The heart rate monitor can not only measure the heart rate, but also teach you how to properly dose physical activity.

Benefits of a heart rate monitor

Each model of the heart rate monitor is primarily designed to monitor the work of the heart and the frequency of its contractions. This is not to say that such a device is necessary for every person. This device will become indispensable for those who regularly expose their body to serious physical exertion. The heart rate monitor will help you determine your maximum heart rate, which will help you adjust the intensity of your activity, and in some cases, even save your life.

The device can not only calculate the heart rate, but also warn about the approach to the maximum value of this indicator with an audio signal, which will allow you to stop in time or reduce the intensity of the workout. This feature of the heart rate monitor will help prevent severe dehydration, heart attack, and other problems.

Another unique feature of the heart rate monitor is the calculation of calories burned during exercise. This is especially important for people who go to the gym to lose weight. In addition, the device will help you plan your workout routine as correctly as possible. Using a heart rate monitor, a person will be able to exercise at an intensity that will lead to an increase in heart rate for a short amount of time. This will increase the effect of training and help you achieve the desired results in the shortest possible time.

The heart rate monitor will become an indispensable little thing for those who monitor their body, strive to get rid of extra pounds or slightly adjust their figure. But how to choose this device? And isn't it easier to buy one of the smartwatch models that include a heart rate measurement function? The second question is not easy to answer.We can only say with complete confidence that cheap, smart watches cannot replace a heart rate monitor. In such models, the sensors that change the heart rate are not able to work constantly. They are too easy for regular use and correct heart rate counting.

You shouldn't expect an accurate heart rate count from most fitness bracelet models either. Only a high-quality heart rate monitor can determine the heart rate indicator as correctly as possible. However, the functionality of this device does not end there. Modern models of heart rate monitors have many functions, including:

1. Heart rate monitoring;
2. An audible signal indicating a low or high heart rate;
3. Accurate calculation of the maximum allowable heart rate;
4. Calories burned during exercise;
5. Setting the time and date;
6. Stopwatch;
7. Timer setting.

All of the above features are available in every simple heart rate monitor model. However, more complex devices may have additional functionality:

• save the history of each workout;
• synchronize with an alarm clock, navigator and many other devices.

When choosing a heart rate monitor, you should pay attention to the availability of those functions that may be needed during physical activity. So, for example, the presence of a GPS-chip can be useful only for those people who need to know at what speed it runs certain distances. It should be noted that heart rate monitors with GPS tracking function are an order of magnitude more expensive than conventional ones, which is also important when choosing the right device.

Chest and wrist heart rate monitors are very popular among supporters of an active lifestyle. Chest models are considered to be the most accurate, since such a device is attached in the region of the heart. These two types differ from each other by the presence of different functions:

1. The heart rate monitor, which is located on the chest, has the function of transmitting heart rate data to a smartphone. The transfer of information occurs through a bluetooth connection. In this case, the automatic saving of the received data takes place in a special application. The program, at the user's request, is able to analyze the information obtained in the process of performing physical activities. Most heart rate monitors can sync with Android or iOS smartphones, and the companion app can be downloaded from Google Play or a similar store for Apple Gadgets.
2. The wrist heart rate monitors are equipped with a watch receiver and do not require constant wearing of a smartphone. This feature attracts those people who often go jogging. Another unique feature of wrist heart rate monitors is access to information during exercise. To see your heart rate and other information, simply swing your hand back sharply. The only nuance of such a device is the limited amount of built-in memory, which suggests the need to periodically move data to the phone.

Varieties of heart rate monitors

There are several types of heart rate monitors:

1. Heart rate monitors for cyclists;
2. Devices used by skiers and athletes;
3. Heart rate monitors used during fitness.

Each of these varieties measures the athlete's heart rate during active physical activity, the duration of the workout and shows the current time.

The heart rate monitors used by cyclists are small devices that attach to the handlebars of the bike. On the screen of the device, you can see not only the measured data, but also changes in the angle of inclination, jumps in atmospheric pressure and even the cadence.

The heart rate monitors used by skiers and track and field athletes monitor training times. They are able to calculate the amount of time it took to complete each lap and determine the best performance. Like most other devices, they help to adjust the intensity of the load.

The heart rate monitors used during fitness activities have a lot of functions and calculate the calories burned. These devices will help you adjust the load on the body and analyze previous workouts.

The most convenient, according to many athletes, are wrist heart rate monitors. Modern manufacturers offer a variety of wired and wireless models. Data transmission from such heart rate monitors can be both analog and digital. The most accurate are chest straps with digital transmission of the information received.

Rating of the best heart rate monitors

For everyday activities - Fitbit Charge 2

Rich functionality and reasonable cost became the main criteria, thanks to which the model entered the rating of the best heart rate monitors. The device is presented on the market with different bracelets, and they differ not only in size, but also in color. When you buy a heart rate monitor, you can choose the strap length from S to XL. However, the largest bracelet can be purchased only in the manufacturer's online store, but such items are not in great demand. The straps are very easy to change, and the fastening quality does not suffer from this - the clips are fixed very securely.

On a note! Even before the release of this model, users often mentioned in reviews about the appearance of irritation from the bracelet. For this device, this problem is also possible. However, it can be solved. You just need to wash the belt in warm water and soap after purchase.

This model also has a drawback - the Fitbit Charge 2 heart rate monitor is not protected from water. Of course, nothing will happen to him from droplets of water and sweat, but you cannot swim in them. No more flaws were recorded.

The bracelet can be worn for a whole week and not worry about charging it - its autonomy is excellent. It is recommended to charge the heart rate monitor during the day, as this model has a sleep monitoring function. You can count the number of steps even if you put the bracelet in your pocket, but keep in mind that your heart rate will not be detected.

The heart rate monitor works perfectly with any OS. To start working in a special application, you need to fill in the necessary data - age, gender and weight. Only after that the program will work correctly. The heart rate monitor is equipped with various modes (running, cycling, walking).

The most important advantage of this model is high-quality sleep monitoring, as well as automatic switching to this mode. Many competitors cannot boast of this. Also, the advantages can be attributed to the fact that the bracelet understands on a flat surface, a person walked or climbed a mountain (stairs), as a result of which the accessory makes adjustments on its own.

Important! The new heart rate monitor is equipped with an exciting function - relaxation. It is intended rather for hot-tempered people who want to learn how to calm down in a short period of time. To do this, you must enter the time of calm breathing, during which the bracelet will analyze how much the pulse has dropped.

The model is lightweight and comfortable, thanks to which the heart rate monitor does not interfere even during sleep. The bright OLED display has a pleasant night backlight. The device works only when activated by the user, so it lasts for a long time. Today the device is one of the best and most inexpensive heart rate monitors for everyday use, as well as for beginner athletes. The average cost of the device is 6,990 rubles.

• rich selection of straps;
• long autonomy;
• high quality sleep monitoring;
• rich functionality;
• bright display;
• acceptable cost.

• not found.

For swimmers and fitness enthusiasts - Polar FT

The device has a chest strap and is waterproof. Consumers note that mounting the heart rate monitor both on the chest and on the wrist is very comfortable. The program includes the calculation of heart rate zones, due to which, during training, the bracelet informs the user that his heart rate has gone beyond the permissible norms.The accessory also calculates the calories burned and the training time: all information is displayed on a black and white display. But you won't be able to find out the number of steps with this device. However, this information is not important for all workouts.

On a note! Among the rich arsenal of functions is the ability to synchronize the heart rate monitor with the GymLink trainers.

Heart rate information is stored in the bracelet for the last 10 workouts, which allows you to compare the results and draw appropriate conclusions. The batteries last for almost two years. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the lack of synchronization with a computer or smartphone - all data is entered and received directly on the device itself.

Most of all, this device is suitable for users who are swimming or jogging on a simulator. There are not as many functions in the watch as we would like, but this is enough for monitoring sports activity. Users note that this model is the most accurate for swimmers in this price segment. The average cost of a heart rate monitor is 7,300 rubles.

• chest sensor;
• calculation of heart rate zones;
• moisture protection;
• data analysis for the last few workouts.

• small functionality;
• lack of synchronization with computer and phone.

Device for runners - Sanitas SPM 25

Most runners are happy with the very inexpensive heart rate monitor. The device is equipped with a chest strap, the data from which is transmitted to the wristband. For correct operation, the model must be configured for individual data. The device is able to calculate the energy expended and burned fat, average and maximum heart rate, as well as both pulse values. Due to the moisture insulation, the device can also be used by swimmers: the limit of immersion under water is 30 meters.

Thanks to the special settings for individual training, the device can even replace a trainer. Despite the fact that the cost of the accessory is low, it displays accurate readings. This was confirmed by comparison with ECG readings - the result was one to one. Many runners think this is the best gadget ever, and at a nice price too. For a budget device, this is a very decent option. The device is battery operated. The average cost of a bracelet is 3,100 rubles.

• exact values ​​of indicators;
• low price tag;
• moisture protection with a submersion limit of 30 meters;
• availability of individual training.

• narrow specialization of the bracelet. However, with such a price tag, this can hardly be called a disadvantage.

Personal trainer - Suunto M5

The model can be attributed not only to fitness bracelets, but also to smartwatches, thanks to its advanced functionality. The device is equipped with a chest strap, so the heart rate readings are displayed at the highest level. The model also calculates the calories burned and sudden changes. The accessory was released in two versions - for women and for men. Moreover, the models differ not only in color, but also in the appearance of the buttons. Users note the simplicity and convenience of the heart rate monitor - the use is purely on an intuitive level.

Important! The heart rate monitor is great for all sports. With him you can not only swim, but also scuba dive. The bracelet is not afraid even of temperature changes. They work great at both -10 and +60 degrees. Therefore, with such a watch, you can go to the mountains and in the heat.

The power source is a battery, but the watch can also be charged. It is possible to synchronize with both a PC and a smartphone. The manufacturer on its website invites everyone to customize individual workouts not only according to their data, but also according to the type of training.

Among all the other features, you can highlight the ability to upload data to MovesCount, where you can get training advice or just show off your results. The average cost of a gadget is 8100 rubles.

• rich functionality;
• different versions of the model for women and men;
• convenient intuitive interface;
• the ability to synchronize with PC and phone.

• high price.

Station wagon - Sigma Sport PC 26.14

The device is perfect for both experienced athletes and ordinary lovers of active life. The model is equipped with a comfortable strap that is breathable and made of safe material. The control is carried out using five ergonomic buttons, however, only one of them is mainly used for setting, and the others are useful only for changing the parameters, as well as for starting and ending the workout.

The device calculates the current, average and maximum heart rate with ECG accuracy. Also, using this model, you can count the calories burned. The watch can record 50 laps at once and indicate the best result. The model is not intended for swimming, but a certain level of moisture protection is present here, so if the device gets wet from rain, nothing will happen to it. The power source is a battery that lasts for at least one year of operation. According to user reviews, the device is perfect for both a beginner and an experienced runner, if accurate indicators and ease of use are important for them. The average cost of a device is 6,000 rubles.

• comfortable fit on the wrist;
• convenient intuitive control;
• exact values ​​of indicators;
• reasonable price for a professional device.

• low level of moisture protection.

Conclusion

There are a huge number of different models of heart rate monitors on the market today. Moreover, the device can be purchased for both 1,000 rubles and tens of thousands. The budget price segment consists of devices with a small number of functions. Usually it is just counting heart rate and steps. In the middle segment, gadgets with broader functionality are presented, which depends on the focus of the bracelet on a particular sport.

The most expensive heart rate monitors have a huge number of functions. You can use these bracelets in any kind of sports. It can be running, swimming, cycling and much more. The choice is always up to the user. This is influenced not only by the available budget, but also by the presence of the functions the user needs in the device. Market analysis in 2024 showed that it is possible to purchase a heart rate monitor with all the necessary functionality for an average of 3000-4000 rubles.