8 best heart rate monitors

If you like to play sports, then you definitely need a heart rate monitor. Do not interfere with this device and those who need to lose weight - a heart rate monitor will help you choose the intensity of training. The problem is that not all such devices are accurate and durable. If you do not want to make a mistake with the choice, then read this article. Our online magazine will try to help sort out what types of heart rate monitors are now available. We also mention the best heart rate monitors among those sold in Russian stores.

How to choose a heart rate monitor?

Any heart rate monitor is used to monitor the work of the heart. In this regard, the device can be considered narrowly focused - no one argues with the fact that some people do not need it at all. But if you monitor your physical form, regularly exposing the body to one or another load, the heart rate monitor can even save lives. The fact is that such a device will help in determining your maximum heart rate (MHSS). In the future, it allows you to control the pace of training. If the pulse reaches 90-95%, then you will receive a warning about this. And this is right, because under certain conditions such a load can lead to a heart attack, too much dehydration or some other problems.

It should be noted that the heart rate monitor allows you to determine the number of calories burned as accurately as possible. Therefore, without such a device it is impossible to play sports for people who want to lose weight. Also, this device allows you to plan training as intelligently as possible. That is, you can order yourself not only to run a certain amount of time, but also try to achieve a high heart rate (for one or two minutes or, if your form allows it, even for a longer period of time).

In short, the heart rate monitor may well be useful. But how to choose it? And is it not better to buy smart watches that also have a built-in heart rate sensor? The second question is quite difficult to answer. If we talk about cheap smart watches, then in their direction look just not worth it. The fact is that they have the simplest sensor, made by LED technology, which still cannot work in constant mode. In a word, it’s not worth counting on any kind of high pulse measurement accuracy when buying such a smart watch. This also applies to most fitness bracelets. If you need accurate measurements, it is better to choose a full heart rate monitor. And this does not mean that a specialized device will only monitor heartbeats. No, modern gadgets of this kind can be endowed with the following functions:

1. Heart rate monitoring;
2. Warning of too low or too high pulse;
3. MChSS calculation;
4. Counting calories burned;
5. Show time and date;
6. Stopwatch and timer.

This is only minimal functionality. Many heart rate monitors have additional features. For example, they may have a training history, synchronization with other devices, an alarm clock, and even GPS navigation.Choose a heart rate monitor you need including focusing on its function. For example, GPS tracking makes the gadget more expensive, but you don’t need it if you are running in the same place or you don’t do this kind of training at all. But if you want to find out what speed you have accelerated while jogging, then you cannot do without a heart rate monitor with a GPS chip. Although this is a twofold statement, you can use a smartphone to save the jogging route and other related information.

The most popular now are two types of heart rate monitors: chest and carpal. The most accurate measurement is carried out, of course, by the breast device, because it is located very close to the heart. Between themselves, these devices are different bundle:

1. Breast heart rate monitor without clock receiver transmit heart rate information to a smartphone. They do it through Bluetooth. All information is immediately stored in a special application. After the end of the workout, the user can open the program by taking up the analysis. Typically, these devices are great friends with both Android and iOS. But when buying a gadget from your hands, make sure that its support has not ended - whether the branded application has disappeared from Google Play.
2. Breast heart rate monitor with receiver clock Do not require the presence of a nearby smartphone. This is very convenient, because during a run I want to get rid of any excess weight. It is also impossible not to notice that the watch allows you to get acquainted with the pulse and some other information right during the workout - all you need is to raise your hand. Many watches have a limited amount of memory, so from time to time they still require the transfer of information to a smartphone. And this is good, because past training is easiest to analyze it on the big screen of a smartphone or tablet.

By the way, information on the clock can be transmitted in different ways. Some heart rate monitors support analog type of data transfer - this is not the best choice if you train next to the owner of the same device (interference may occur). Also, an analog heart rate monitor can synchronize information with cardiovascular equipment. Well, the digital type of data transfer is more accurate and expensive. It is not susceptible to interference, but you can forget about synchronization with a cardiovascular device.

As for wrist heart rate monitors, they are most similar to a watch or even a cycle computer. However, there are also the most simplified models that display the minimum amount of information - they can easily be confused with a fitness tracker (in fact, this is it). Carpal heart rate monitors differ from each other in the principle of heart rate monitoring:

1. Pulse measurement at the contact of a finger and a special sensor on the front side of the device - this method of measurement is becoming increasingly rare. Everyone understands the main drawback of this gadget - pulse measurement can not be performed continuously. Therefore, such a device is more suitable for tourism, and not for full-fledged training.
2. Measured with an LED sensor, translucent blood vessels - this is the way to determine the pulse is implemented in almost all modern wrist devices, devoid of an external sensor. It should be noted that such a heart rate monitor should sit firmly on your hand, the strap should be tightened as tightly as possible. Also, the work of the sensor can be disturbed by severe perspiration and sudden rain (although the pulse meters themselves are often not afraid of water by themselves).

Perhaps now you know what exactly you need to pay attention to when choosing such an unusual device. Finally, we will explain what exactly the prices for the heart rate monitor depend on:

1. The quality of the case - depends on the durability of the device;
2. The presence of water protection implemented by a particular standard;
3. Pulsometer type - chest pockets are bought less frequently, so they are cheaper (with the exception of models with watches);
4. Production company - the louder the name, the higher the price tag;
5. Completion - all sorts of covers and interchangeable straps make the product more expensive;
6. Type of data transmission - analog and digital;
7. Strap - it can be quite expensive to manufacture;
8. The presence of additional functions - for example, GPS-tracking adds to the price of the device a few tens of dollars.

Rating of the best heart rate monitors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best heart rate monitors	1	Beurer PM90	10 990 ₽
	2	SIGMA iD.RUN HR	10 431 ₽
	3	SUUNTO Smart Sensor	1 990 ₽
	4	Beurer PM62	7 990 ₽
	5	Polar H10 M-XXL	6 290 ₽
	6	Beurer PM26	3 590 ₽
	7	SIGMA PC 10.11	2 915 ₽
	8	SIGMA PC 3.11	1 999 ₽

Beurer PM90

Rating: 4.9

The best creation of the German company Beurer GmbH. It is a watch with a monochrome display, complemented by an external sensor - it is he who is engaged in measuring heart rate. Importantly, the display here is round, which makes the device more stylish. It should be noted rather bulky size of the clock. But there is nothing to be done about it, for the sake of economy, the manufacturer had to use old components that do not differ in minimum sizes. However, you should not worry much about this, because you will only use the heart rate monitor during training. Of course, there is a calendar, clock and even an alarm clock. But 90% of the functional sharpened not for normal life, but to improve workouts. For example, the device rather successfully measures the amount of calories burned. Moreover, the device can calculate the amount of burned fat! Also, the gadget tries to show the average and maximum pulse rate, for which it was created, should be in the first place. There is also a lap counter, which is useful for fans to run at the stadium.

It will help such a heart rate monitor and climb on any mountain. The fact is that there are a barometer and a heart rate monitor. They will warn you in time that too hard conditions await you. Based on them, the determination of the maximum volume of inhaled oxygen is implemented here. And also a thermometer was included in the gadget, even if its measurements on the wrist can not be called particularly accurate.

The case of the device is waterproof. So much so that the Beurer PM90 can be lowered to a depth of 50 m. The device weighs no more than 50 g, and it is provided with a CR2032 battery. Synchronization with a computer is carried out either through cable or via Wi-Fi (in the second case, power consumption is actively increasing). Finally, it is impossible not to note the presence of illumination here - it allows you to familiarize yourself with the testimony, even in the dark.

SIGMA iD.RUN HR

Rating: 4.8

Under the brand SIGMA produced a very large number of devices intended for use by athletes. For example, cycling computers that are usually sold for less money than the products of more eminent competitors are in great demand. In this regard, it should not be surprising that three gadgets from this manufacturer hit our rating at once. The best of them is iD.RUN HR. This is a wrist heart rate monitor with a built-in heart rate measurement sensor. It uses the display of the usual form close to the square, which is also monochrome. In normal use mode, it displays the current date, time, and pulse. But, of course, the device is able to show other information, no less useful.

The case of the device was created from plastic. It can be painted black, red or blue. Somewhere under the case is the battery, which is impossible to remove. It is charged using a micro-USB connector. The fact that the heart rate monitor is working for no more than six hours is distressing - after that the charge dries out.However, there is a reason for this - there is a GPS chip with the highest power consumption when compared with other components. This module is used to measure distance and speed. Also, with its help, each overcome circle is fixed automatically. If your workout does not involve jogging outdoors, you can turn off the GPS, thereby extending the battery life.

This heart rate monitor does not have a built-in alarm clock - the clock is supplemented only by a stopwatch. This alone suggests that the creators do not assume the use of their device on an ongoing basis. The presence of a speaker here is a little surprising - a special signal copes with the warning that your readings are approaching your maximum heart rate. And the gadget is able to boast moisture protection. However, the manufacturer does not specify what exactly the standard for this heart rate monitor is protected. Is it possible to take a bath in it and bend down to the pool? Or is the device not only afraid of rain?

Despite the relatively high cost, the device offers not many types of measurements. In fact, it is intended only for measuring the pulse and exploring the number of calories burned. Neither of which burned fat can not think. There are no specific sensors here, such as an altimeter and a barometer. I am glad that the manufacturer at least introduced the display backlight, as a result of which you can run even in the dark. He also allows you to transfer data from the heart rate monitor to a smartphone running Android. This is done wirelessly, which is good news.

SUUNTO Smart Sensor

Rating: 4.8

Our rating could not do without a chest pulse meter. One of the best representatives of this class of devices is the SUUNTO Smart Sensor. He has a comfortable belt, which during training practically does not interfere. At the same time its length is regulated without any problems, almost instantly. The weight of the device does not exceed 40 g, which is good. It was possible to achieve this parameter by eliminating the LCD display. And why is it needed if the device will almost always be under the outerwear? Also an important role in reducing weight played a power source, which is used here as a tiny battery CR2025.

The device is not afraid of the sudden rain, as it does not hurt him and sweat. Moreover, water protection here is implemented in such a way that the sensor can dive to a depth of 30 m. However, under water the density of the sensor against the body may be insufficient for accurate measurements, so this heart rate monitor will not suit divers.

The main disadvantage of the chest pulse meter is that it measures only the heart rate. But it costs only 5-6 thousand rubles. Also, not everyone is satisfied that it is almost impossible to see the measurement result in real time. Only after a workout you can display the measurement result on a smartphone via Bluetooth. In a special application designed for devices based on iOS and Android, you can enter information about your height, weight and age. After that, it will try to calculate the number of calories burned, focusing on the number of workouts and the shown pulse. Do not count on more with such a device, because there is no altimeter, no barometer, no GPS chip in it.

In short, SUUNTO Smart Sensor is a good choice for those who have some devices that help in training, but so far there is no possibility to measure the pulse. And it is unlikely that the purchase of such a gadget will seriously affect your family budget.

Beurer PM62

Rating: 4.7

Another heart rate monitor from the German manufacturer. This device is sold for 9 thousand rubles. We can say that it is as close as possible to the mid-budget segment. In this regard, the gadget received a number of simplifications, if we compare it with the model considered at the very beginning of this rating. In particular, it uses a simple monochrome display, whose shape is close to square. Buttons with the help of which different actions are carried out seem less convenient here. The thickness remained the same - it is 14 mm. And how much more? Otherwise, the use of a 45-gram carpal heart rate monitor would be completely uncomfortable.

As is the case with many other gadgets from a German company, an external pulse sensor is used here. Alas, but inside this model there is neither a barometer nor an altimeter. This means that the device will definitely not suit all climbers. But lovers of swimming will definitely appreciate it for its true worth, because there is water protection that allows you to dive to a depth of up to 30 m.

An interesting feature of the device are two color indicators on the front panel. They try to get your attention if the pulse during training has dropped to too low a value, or has jumped too much. Another way to give a warning heart rate monitor can not, because the dynamics are not there, even the simplest. This design allowed the manufacturer to realize the power from the CR2032 battery. You need to change it not too often, especially if you do not train every day.

It remains to add that in addition to the pulse, the device measures the amount of calories burned, followed by the amount of burned fat. However, it is not necessary to rely heavily on the numbers provided. Too little reading is used to calculate the result.

Polar H10 M-XXL

Rating: 4.6

The Polar brand has been on the wearable device market for many years. At least one of them could not but fall into our rating. Our choice fell on a chest heart rate monitor Polar H10 M-XXL. On its front panel there is nothing except the manufacturer's logo. Nevertheless, pulse rate data are measured without any problems - you can get acquainted with them through a smartphone, to which they are transmitted via Bluetooth technology. However, not only. Pulse information can also be transmitted to Polar smart watches or wrist heart rate monitors from this company, which lack an integrated sensor. Also information from this gadget can receive some scales.

A distinctive feature of the Polar H10 M-XXL heart rate monitor is GymLink data transfer support. With its use, it is possible to accurately measure heart rate during swimming. Contributes to this and a tight belt that does not move in the water during sudden movements. In short, water protection here is not implemented for show. With such a heart rate monitor is really convenient to dive under the water. The maximum body is able to withstand pressure at a depth of 30 meters.

It should be noted that this is one of the easiest devices in our rating - its weight does not exceed 21 g. Of course, we need to add the weight of the belt to this - it turned out to be quite large, but at the expense of this and very durable. Under the case of the device is some amount of internal memory.The manufacturer claims that it will be enough for 30 hours of recording workouts. Power to the gadget provides a battery. And I must say that, compared with its predecessors, the work time has increased significantly. But they were bigger!

In short, it is one of the best cardiac sensors on the market for such devices. Of course, there is no altimeter and any other "buns". But such sensors exist in modern flagship smartphones - additional measurements can be made with their help. The cost of the Polar H10 reaches 27 thousand rubles, so the buyer of such a device is unlikely to use some kind of cheap phone.

Beurer PM26

Rating: 4.5

One of the cheapest creations of the German company Beurer. In Russian stores you can buy it for only 4000 rubles. It’s not worth waiting for any additional sensors in such an inexpensive device. Moreover, there is even no LED sensor for measuring heart rate - traditionally, the Beurer product comes with an external cardio sensor. However, this product could not but fall into our rating.

Many buyers have appreciated the design of the device. The device is similar to an electronic clock, offering to quickly get acquainted with the measurement result - all numbers are clearly distinguishable in any conditions. In the dark, backlight saves, which is complemented by a monochrome display mounted here. The screen displays information not only about the pulse, but also about the current energy consumption, as well as the amount of fat burned. To do this, you must first conduct your age, weight and height, at the same time specifying the gender.

Despite its low cost, the Beurer PM26 is able to please the waterproof case. With this device, you can dive to a depth of 50 m. The device is powered by a CR2032 battery, which is enough for a fairly large number of workouts (the manufacturer claims that installing a new battery will be needed only after 24 months). The functions of the heart rate monitor include a clock, a stopwatch, a timer, and even an alarm clock. Wake user gadget will be through the built-in speaker.

Alas, it is not necessary to count on anything more. It must be admitted that the device turned out to be quite heavy - its weight was 46 g. The strap here is made of hygienic plastic - however, replacing it with another will not be difficult. In a word, it is impossible to strongly criticize this device - it is quite possible to put up with all the shortcomings.

SIGMA PC 10.11

Rating: 4.5

Another wrist heart rate monitor with an external sensor in our ranking. This is one of the cheapest devices of this kind - in Russia they are asked not more than 3,000 rubles for it. At the same time, three color options are on sale, the most interesting is the blue heart rate monitor. The information here is displayed on a familiar monochrome display. In fact, it is square, but with the help of a special sticker, the manufacturer has achieved the effect of some rounding. Surprisingly, a large number of various digits is placed on a relatively small screen. In the uppermost part of it there was a place for the current pulse. The following shows the clock, timer or stopwatch, depending on the selected function. Also here you can see a line indicating what percentage of the maximum heart rate you have reached.For each type of information has its own font, so everything is very easy to read right on the run.

If you enter your gender, weight and age in advance, the firmware of this heart rate monitor will try to calculate the current power consumption. That is, you can find out how many calories managed to burn during the last workout. Unfortunately, there are no additional sensors here. And the cardiac sensor itself, as already mentioned above, is brought out. It can not be called the most convenient - painfully strange belt is used. Nevertheless, you can quickly get used to the chest sensor. It is a pity that it is not designed for maximum measurement accuracy - in this regard, the sensor is inferior to much more expensive heart rate monitors.

As a power source, a CR2032 battery is used here, more than once mentioned in this rating. Her capacity is not enough for one dozen workouts. The presence of water protection here is also good - you can even dive with a heart rate monitor to a depth of 30 meters. However, we still do not advise you to take such a risk - in the production of such inexpensive gadgets, deviations from the conceived norms can be tolerated. Also, some buyers may be dissatisfied with the fact that transmitting information from this heart rate monitor to a smartphone is absolutely impossible. If you are used to analyzing your workouts, then you definitely need another gadget.

SIGMA PC 3.11

Rating: 4.5

Closes our rating another carpal device, extending the brand SIGMA. This model has a segment display, which is the cheapest in production. This makes the device look like some kind of electronic clock from the beginning of the 2000s, which suits, of course, not all. It also imposes certain restrictions on the functionality - it is impossible to display absolutely any information on such a screen, because there are only two lines that support a relatively small number of characters. The top line consists of the largest digits - the current pulse is displayed here. Well, the bottom line takes either a clock or a stopwatch, depending on your desire.

The case of the device can be painted in one of the five proposed colors. The strap here is rubber, in terms of convenience, it does not cause any special complaints, especially if you wear a gadget only during workouts. Heartbeat data is transmitted to the heart rate monitor from the corresponding external sensor supplied in the kit. It is easy to guess that the accuracy of measurements can be called average, nothing more. Energy consumption here is extremely low, so the CR2032 batteries will last for a very long time.

Alas, nothing more interesting can be said about a cheap heart rate monitor. The manufacturer claims that his creation has received a waterproof case. However, he does not specify whether it is possible with his device to sink to any significant depth. It seems to us that the maximum heart rate monitor can withstand only rain - we recommend taking it off even before visiting the shower, not to mention the pool. Well, if you sum up, then this heart rate monitor is great for the role of the first device of this kind. We guarantee that soon you will want a wider functionality!

Conclusion

Now you should not be embarrassed by the counters of specialty stores, on which tens and even hundreds of various heart rate monitors can lie. Pay attention only to those models that are considered in this rating. Almost all of them have a sufficiently high accuracy, which is second only to the indices of stationary medical devices. Also, the devices considered in our article are unlikely to fail - not only during the warranty period, but also after it has ended.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.