Best Heart Rate Monitors 2026: Chest Straps & Arm Bands

Our Picks at a Glance

OUR PICK

Polar H10

The gold standard for heart rate accuracy—the monitor research labs and sports scientists trust.

$92.36 Check Price on Amazon →

The Polar H10 has been our top pick for three years running, and the 2026 version maintains its position as the most accurate consumer heart rate monitor available. In our testing against a reference ECG, the H10 matched readings within 1-2 BPM across every scenario—steady-state cardio, high-intensity intervals, cold outdoor runs, and indoor training. No other monitor came as close as consistently.

What sets the H10 apart is reliability. Some chest straps give erratic readings when you first start exercising or during sudden intensity changes. The H10's enhanced electrode contact system eliminates these issues. Within seconds of putting it on (with a small amount of water or sweat on the electrodes), you get rock-solid data that stays accurate throughout your workout.

The built-in memory stores your workout if you're swimming (since Bluetooth and ANT+ don't transmit through water) or exercising without a phone or watch. This data syncs to the Polar Beat app afterward. For triathletes and swimmers, this feature is essential.

Comfort has improved over older Polar straps. The Pro Strap (included) is soft, flexible, and doesn't chafe during long workouts. The electrodes are positioned to maintain contact even during high-intensity movement. We regularly wore the H10 for 2-3 hour rides and runs without discomfort.

The replaceable coin cell battery lasts 400+ hours—well over a year for most athletes. When it dies, a $3 battery replacement takes 30 seconds. No charging cables to remember.

Bottom line: The Polar H10 is the most accurate heart rate monitor you can buy at any price. It works with every app and device, stores data for swimming, and the battery lasts over a year. Unless you specifically need running dynamics, this is the chest strap to get.

UPGRADE PICK

Garmin HRM-Pro Plus

The best choice for runners who want heart rate accuracy plus running dynamics metrics.

$249.99 Check Price on Amazon →

The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus matches the Polar H10's accuracy (within 1-2 BPM of our reference ECG) while adding running dynamics metrics that serious runners value. You get cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, and stride length—all useful for analyzing running form and efficiency.

The HRM-Pro Plus also estimates running power, giving you a metric that's less affected by hills and wind than pace. For structured training, running power can be more consistent than heart rate for managing effort. Note that running dynamics and power features require a compatible Garmin watch—they won't work with other brands.

Like the H10, the HRM-Pro Plus has internal memory that stores heart rate data during activities (including swimming) when you don't have a receiving device. It syncs automatically when you pair with your Garmin watch afterward. The replaceable battery lasts about 365 hours—roughly a year for most athletes.

The strap is slightly less comfortable than Polar's Pro Strap in our testing—a bit stiffer and more prone to riding up during intense efforts. Most testers adjusted to it within a few workouts, but if comfort is paramount and you don't need running dynamics, the H10 is better.

Bottom line: The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus is the best choice for runners using Garmin devices who want running dynamics and power metrics. The accuracy matches the Polar H10, and the additional features genuinely help with form analysis. If you don't use Garmin or don't care about running dynamics, save $40 and get the H10.

The most accurate optical heart rate monitor for athletes who can't tolerate chest straps.

If you genuinely can't wear a chest strap—some athletes find them uncomfortable, triggering, or impractical for their activity—the Polar Verity Sense is the best alternative. It's the most accurate optical heart rate monitor we've tested, typically within 3-5 BPM of our reference ECG during steady-state exercise.

The upper arm placement works better than wrist-based optical sensors because there's less movement artifact and more consistent blood flow. The Verity Sense secures with a comfortable, adjustable band that stays in place during running, cycling, and weight training. It's genuinely unobtrusive once positioned.

For swimming, the Verity Sense stores data in internal memory (since optical signals don't transmit through water) and syncs afterward. This makes it a true triathlon option for athletes who want to avoid chest straps entirely.

The limitation is accuracy during high-intensity intervals. When your heart rate spikes rapidly, optical sensors lag behind reality by a few seconds. For zone 2 training and steady efforts, this doesn't matter. For precise interval work, you'll get slightly delayed feedback.

Bottom line: The Polar Verity Sense is the best option for athletes who truly cannot wear chest straps. It's remarkably accurate for an optical sensor and works for swimming. If you can tolerate a chest strap, the H10 remains more accurate—but if not, the Verity Sense is an excellent compromise.

Designed specifically for sports bras—accurate heart rate monitoring without the traditional chest strap.

The Garmin HRM-Fit solves a real problem: many women find traditional chest straps uncomfortable or prone to slipping. The HRM-Fit clips to the front of any sports bra and uses the bra's compression to maintain electrode contact. Our female testers found it significantly more comfortable than traditional straps.

Accuracy during running was excellent—within 2-3 BPM of our reference ECG, matching the HRM-Pro Plus. The device captures the same running dynamics (cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation) as Garmin's chest straps, so runners get form data without the traditional strap.

The form factor does have limitations. During low-impact activities like yoga or weight training, the reduced movement means less consistent electrode contact. And while it works with many sports bra styles, very low-cut or racerback designs may not position the sensor correctly.

Bottom line: The Garmin HRM-Fit is the best heart rate monitor for women who find chest straps uncomfortable. It's accurate, includes running dynamics, and clips easily to sports bras. The price is high, but for athletes who've struggled with traditional straps, it's worth the investment.

BUDGET PICK

Wahoo TICKR

Excellent accuracy at a lower price—the best entry-level chest strap.

$89.99 Check Price on Amazon →

The Wahoo TICKR proves you don't need to spend $90+ for accurate heart rate data. In our testing, it matched our reference ECG within 2-3 BPM—not quite as perfect as the Polar H10, but close enough that most athletes won't notice the difference. For $49, that's remarkable value.

The TICKR works seamlessly with every app and device we tested—Garmin watches, Wahoo computers, Peloton bikes, Zwift, TrainerRoad, and smartphone apps. Dual ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity ensures compatibility regardless of your ecosystem.

What you give up versus the H10 is internal memory (no data storage for swimming) and slightly less comfortable strap material. The TICKR's electrodes also take a bit longer to get a solid signal at the start of workouts—wetting them helps significantly.

Bottom line: The Wahoo TICKR is the best budget heart rate monitor. It's nearly as accurate as straps costing twice as much and works with everything. If you don't need swimming memory or the absolute best strap comfort, save $40 and get the TICKR.

Why You Should Trust This Guide

I've been testing heart rate monitors for over seven years, using them in training, racing, and everyday fitness. My testing spans running, cycling, triathlon, and gym workouts—so I understand how different monitors perform across various activities.

For this guide, I tested 14 heart rate monitors over six months and 500+ workouts. I compared each monitor against a medical-grade 12-lead ECG and a reference Polar H10 to measure accuracy. I tested during easy runs, high-intensity intervals, weight training, cycling, and swimming.

I purchase most monitors at retail and am not sponsored by any manufacturer. The Amazon links in this guide are affiliate links that support my work, but they don't influence my recommendations.

How We Tested

Our testing methodology focused on accuracy across real-world conditions:

• Accuracy testing: We compared each monitor against a medical-grade 12-lead ECG during laboratory treadmill tests, measuring beat-by-beat accuracy at various intensities.
• Real-world testing: We wore monitors during actual training—easy runs, threshold intervals, sprint efforts, weight training, and cycling—comparing readings against reference devices.
• Cold weather testing: We tested in temperatures from 20°F to 95°F to evaluate signal reliability when skin is cold and dry versus warm and sweaty.
• Connectivity testing: We verified ANT+ and Bluetooth connections with various devices including Garmin, Wahoo, Apple Watch, Peloton, Zwift, and gym equipment.
• Comfort evaluation: Multiple testers wore monitors for workouts of 30 minutes to 3+ hours, evaluating chafing, strap slippage, and overall comfort.
• Durability testing: We tracked battery life, strap wear, and any failures over months of regular use.

What to Look For in a Heart Rate Monitor

Accuracy

Chest straps measure electrical signals like an ECG—they're accurate within 1-3 BPM. Optical sensors (arm bands, wrist monitors) measure blood flow and are typically accurate within 3-10 BPM, with greater variation during intense exercise. For zone training and HRV, chest strap accuracy matters.

Connectivity

Look for dual ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. ANT+ connects to sports watches, bike computers, and gym equipment. Bluetooth connects to smartphones and some fitness equipment. Dual connectivity ensures you can pair with anything.

Internal Memory

Monitors with internal memory store heart rate data when you don't have a receiving device—essential for swimming since wireless signals don't transmit through water. The data syncs when you pair with your device afterward.

Running Dynamics

Some monitors (Garmin HRM-Pro Plus, HRM-Fit) include accelerometers that measure running metrics like cadence, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation. Useful for form analysis but only works with compatible devices (primarily Garmin).

Battery Type

Chest straps typically use replaceable coin cell batteries lasting 300-400+ hours. Optical monitors use rechargeable batteries lasting 20-30 hours between charges. Replaceable batteries mean no charging but require occasional replacement; rechargeable means regular charging but no battery purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions