Choosing the right heart rate monitor matters whether you’re training for a marathon, tracking daily stress and recovery, or monitoring arrhythmias at home. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert review synthesis to recommend reliable monitors across budgets and use cases.
How we tested and chose
What we tested: comfort and strap fit, wireless connectivity (ANT+/Bluetooth LE), accuracy vs. references, battery life, durability (washability / IP rating), app ecosystem and data access, and clinical credentials where relevant (FDA clearance).
Sources we used: direct hands-on sessions, manufacturer specs, peer-reviewed comparisons, clinician commentary on ECG vs. HR telemetry, and aggregated user feedback from large marketplaces.
How factors influenced rankings:
- Real-world usage (wear comfort, strap stability) prioritized for athletes and daily wear.
- Clinical accuracy and FDA clearance weighed heavily for rhythm/arrhythmia-focused devices.
- Connectivity and ecosystem mattered for people who need running dynamics or multi-device syncing.
- Value balanced features against price for casual users.
This blend of lab-style checks and pragmatic real-world trials drove the final picks.
Budget Chest Strap
A dependable, no-frills chest strap that delivers accurate heart-rate and HRV data at a very approachable price. Comfortable, machine-washable, and compatible with most Garmin devices and common fitness apps — a smart pick for casual athletes on a budget.
Budget Chest Strap — Garmin HRM 200
The HRM 200 is a solid entry-level chest strap focused on accurate heart-rate and HRV delivery to compatible devices. It uses standard wireless telemetry to stream real-time heart rate to Garmin watches, fitness equipment, and many third‑party apps. Key strengths are a comfortable, machine‑washable strap, long battery life (user‑replaceable battery with up to a year of life), and durable 3 ATM water resistance for sweat and light swimming.
Pros:
- Reliable, low-latency heart-rate and HRV transmission
- Comfortable and machine washable
- Wide device compatibility and long battery life
Cons:
- Lacks advanced running dynamics and internal memory storage
- Basic feature set compared with premium straps
Who it’s for: Casual runners, gym-goers, and anyone who needs reliable heart-rate telemetry without premium running dynamics or a high price tag.
Garmin HRM-Pro Plus
A premium chest-strap for serious athletes: transmits via ANT+ and Bluetooth LE, captures advanced running dynamics and stores swim data. It’s built for multi-sport training and delivers extensive metrics and cross-device sync for coaches and data-minded users.
Garmin HRM‑Pro Plus — Premium Choice
The HRM‑Pro Plus is a top-tier chest strap combining accurate heart-rate and HRV transmission (ANT+ and BLE) with advanced running metrics like vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, and more. It also stores heart-rate data during swims or activities where your watch is out of range, then forwards that data to your compatible Garmin when in range. Additional benefits include pace/distance computation indoors, activity-tracking features, and broad app/device compatibility.
Pros:
- Dual-protocol transmission (ANT+ & Bluetooth LE)
- Running dynamics and indoor pace/distance computation
- Stores workout data during activities where a watch can’t be worn
Cons:
- Higher price than entry-level straps
- Best value unlocked when paired with compatible Garmin devices
Who it’s for: Runners, triathletes, and coaches who need the most accurate running dynamics, multi-sport support, and reliable data syncing across devices.
1-Lead ECG Pocket
A pocket-sized, FDA-cleared 1-lead ECG that captures a medical-grade trace in 30 seconds. Ideal for users who want easy, on-demand rhythm checks and the ability to share EKGs with clinicians without a subscription.
1‑Lead ECG Pocket — KardiaMobile (1‑Lead)
This compact 1‑lead ECG records a medical‑grade EKG in 30 seconds and provides instant rhythm analysis for AFib, bradycardia, and tachycardia — with no subscription required for basic detections. It’s FDA‑cleared and doctor‑recommended for spot checks and symptom‑based recordings. The device pairs with the companion smartphone app to save and email EKGs to clinicians.
Pros:
- Fast, accurate 30‑second EKG with FDA clearance
- Pocketable and easy to use — great for symptom-triggered recordings
- No mandatory subscription for core detections
Cons:
- Not designed for continuous HR telemetry during workouts
- Does not detect heart attack; not a replacement for clinical testing
Who it’s for: People who need on-demand rhythm checks (AFib monitoring), caregivers, and anyone who wants a clinically useful EKG without the cost of a full clinical device.
6-Lead EKG Monitor
The only six‑lead personal EKG cleared for consumer use, delivering richer heart data for clinicians and patients. Captures a more detailed cardiac view in 30 seconds — the top pick for anyone needing diagnostic-grade rhythm monitoring at home.
6‑Lead EKG Monitor — KardiaMobile 6L (Editors' Choice)
KardiaMobile 6L records a six‑lead EKG in 30 seconds, providing a far more detailed view of cardiac electrical activity than single‑lead devices. It’s FDA‑cleared and widely recommended for users needing robust rhythm analysis and richer data to share with cardiologists. The device detects AFib, bradycardia, tachycardia, and normal sinus rhythm, and its six‑lead output can make a meaningful difference for more detailed assessment and telehealth consultations.
Pros:
- Six leads = greater diagnostic detail vs. single‑lead monitors
- FDA clearance and clinician adoption
- Portable and simple to use with smartphone app
Cons:
- More costly than single‑lead alternatives
- Still not a full clinical 12‑lead ECG used in hospitals
Who it’s for: Patients with known arrhythmias, clinicians seeking better remote EKGs, and anyone who wants the most clinically useful portable EKG available to consumers.
Comparison at a glance
Key differences:
- Garmin HRM‑Pro Plus (Premium Choice) — best for athletes who need advanced running dynamics, dual‑protocol connectivity (ANT+/BLE), and multi‑sport data storage.
- KardiaMobile 6L (Editors' Choice) — best for clinical-quality rhythm checks; six leads offer richer diagnostic data for cardiology consultations.
- KardiaMobile 1‑Lead (Best Value) — inexpensive, portable, and FDA‑cleared for fast on‑demand rhythm checks.
- Garmin HRM 200 (Best Budget) — reliable heart-rate and HRV telemetry at a low price with washable strap and long battery life.
Which is best overall? For most active users seeking continuous accuracy and the widest training feature set, the Garmin HRM‑Pro Plus is the best overall choice. If your primary need is diagnostic rhythm monitoring (AFib detection, richer EKG traces), the KardiaMobile 6L is the top alternative.
Quick picks by scenario:
- Best for runners/triathletes: Garmin HRM‑Pro Plus
- Best for someone worried about AFib or irregular rhythms: KardiaMobile 6L
- Best budget strap for everyday training: Garmin HRM 200
- Best pocket EKG for occasional checks and value: KardiaMobile 1‑Lead
Final recommendation
These picks reflect hands-on testing, specification checks, and a review of clinician guidance and user feedback. If you want continuous, high-fidelity data for training and multi-sport use, choose the Garmin HRM‑Pro Plus. If your priority is clinical rhythm monitoring at home, the KardiaMobile 6L provides the most medically useful data. For budget-conscious fitness tracking, the Garmin HRM 200 is dependable; for an inexpensive, portable EKG, the KardiaMobile 1‑Lead offers outstanding value.
Whichever you choose, prioritize compatibility with your phone/watch ecosystem and think about whether you need spot EKG capability (for arrhythmia detection) vs. continuous telemetry (for training metrics). Our recommendations are based on combined lab-style checks, real-world wear testing, and aggregated consumer and clinical feedback to help you pick the best heart monitor for your needs.