In recent years, there has been an enormous influx of all kinds of fitness trackers, smartwatches and heart rate monitors. Those who use them range from professional athletes to your average person just curious about how well they slept or how many calories they burn on an average day.
Each model and type are going to have different styles, functions, materials and capabilities. The objective of this guide is to ensure you know the best device for you and your health and wellness goals. A fitness tracker that is perfect for one person may be less effective for another.
Rest assured that no matter what your goals are, the wrist-based heart rate monitors here are some of the best available on the market today. Let’s get started and jump right in.
Best Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor At a Glance
  Best Fitness Tracker Overall Fitbit Charge 3If you value quality over everything else and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Fitbit Charge 3 is unbeatable. Durable, responsive and comes with great versatility to track your workouts, sleep cycles, heart rate, and more in or out of water. |
  Next Best Fitness Tracker Garmin vívosmartComing from one of the most reputable brands in the industry, the Garmin vivosmart is the best bang for your buck. The activity tracker is incredibly accurate, fashionable, and comfortable. It also allows you to measure your workouts against research-backed exercise goals to help drive your progress. |
Best Fitness Tracker Overall
Fitbit Charge 3
If you value quality over everything else and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Fitbit Charge 3 is unbeatable. Durable, responsive and comes with great versatility to track your workouts, sleep cycles, heart rate, and more in or out of water.
Next Best Fitness Tracker
Garmin vívosmart
Coming from one of the most reputable brands in the industry, the Garmin vivosmart is the best bang for your buck. The activity tracker is incredibly accurate, fashionable, and comfortable. It also allows you to measure your workouts against research-backed exercise goals to help drive your progress.
Best Heart Rate Monitor Smartwatch At a Glance
  Best Heart Rate Monitor Smartwatch Overall Fitbit Versa LiteOne of the best budget fitness smartwatches out there, the Fitbit Versa Lite provides quality while remaining easy on the wallet. A long battery life, GPS, personalized exercise modes, HR monitoring, auto activity tracking, sleep monitoring and more all come included – making it another great value selection. |
  Next Best Heart Rate Monitor Smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 245If you’re okay with spending a bit more, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is easily one of the best running watches you can buy. A bright, colorful display and touch screen make it user friendly, and is comfortable to wear. With extensive fitness tracking features you’ll be able to quickly and conveniently reach your goals. |
Best Heart Rate Monitor Smartwatch Overall
Fitbit Versa Lite
One of the best budget options out there, the Fitbit Versa Lite provides quality while remaining easy on the wallet. A long battery life, GPS, personalized exercise modes, HR monitoring, auto activity tracking, sleep monitoring and more all come included – making it another great value selection.
Next Best Heart Rate Monitor Smartwatch
Garmin Forerunner 245
If you’re okay with spending a bit more, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is easily one of the best running watches you can buy. A bright, colorful display and touch screen make it user friendly, and is comfortable to wear. With extensive fitness tracking features you’ll be able to quickly and conveniently reach your goals.
Best Heart Rate Monitor Watch At a Glance
  Best Heart Rate Monitor Watch Overall Polar M430 GPS Running WatchThe Polar M430 GPS Running Watch is one of the toughest models on the market. You can expect it to last and look like new even after consistent use. Measuring VO2 max and offering an array of features, it’s one of the most efficient and user-friendly monitors. |
  Next Best Heart Rate Monitor Watch Suunto 9 GPS Sports WatchWith more than 80 sport modes, the waterproof, multisport GPS watch from Suunto is perfect if you’re looking for versatility. With a touchscreen and 3 button color display, it’s also one of the most attractive. A 120-hour battery life and charge reminders ensure you always have it handy. |
Best Heart Rate Monitor Watch Overall
Polar M430 GPS Running Watch
The Polar M430 GPS Running Watch is one of the toughest models on the market. You can expect it to last and look like new even after consistent use. Measuring VO2 max and offering an array of features, it’s one of the most efficient and user-friendly monitors.
Next Best Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch
With more than 80 sport modes, the waterproof, multisport GPS watch from Suunto is perfect if you’re looking for versatility. With a touchscreen and 3 button color display, it’s also one of the most attractive. A 120-hour battery life and charge reminders ensure you always have it handy.
The Best Fitness Trackers
 |
Fitbit Charge 3 |
|
|
 |
Garmin vívosmart |
|
|
  |
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 |
|
|
  |
Fitbit Inspire HR |
|
| Fitbit Charge 3 | |
 |
|
| Garmin vívosmart | |
 |
|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 4 | |
 |
|
| Fitbit Inspire HR | |
 |
|
1. Fitbit Charge 3
Whether you choose a leather or silicone band, the Charge 3 looks and feels great. Navigation is seamless and intuitive thanks to the touchscreen. There’s no doubt that quality is at the forefront of its engineering.
The Charge 3 will track your heart rate and calories burned throughout the day, providing you feedback on daily activity. On top of that, it comes with more than 15 exercise modes, so you’ll be able to accurately measure your exercise progress with real data.
To perform your best, you need to sleep well. With the Charge 3, it will automatically record how long your body has spent in Light, Deep, and REM sleep stages. Plus, with the ability to connect to your most used apps, you’ll even get call, text, and smartphone app notifications all right on your wrist!
The Good
- High-quality build
- In-depth insights and personalized feedback
- Over 15 exercise modes
- Sleep monitoring
The Not So Good
- More expensive than most on our guide
2. Garmin vívosmart
One of the best value fitness trackers on the market today, the Garmin vivosmart comes with everything you need. Coming in 4 different colors, this watch looks high-quality with a minimalistic design.
The activity tracker displays steps, calories burned, distance traveled, heart rate, floors climbed, intensity minutes, and the current time. In addition, you’ll be able to compare your daily exercise to aerobic activity suggestions from various reputable health organizations such as the American Heart Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Keep things simple and put your phone away! As the vivosmart displays notifications from your smartphone, you’ll still be in the loop without having to carry it around.
The Good
- Sleek, minimal design
- Displays smart notifications
- Compares activity to health organization standards
- Activity monitoring
The Not So Good
- Not as sophisticated as many others
3. Xiaomi Mi Band 4
Are you looking to track your activity but are on a tight budget? Then check out the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. It’s not overly complex, but it’s sleek, comes with a beautiful AMOLED color screen, and tracks essential fitness stats.
The good-sized display reads clearly so you can easily view call, text, and app notifications without having to strain your eyes.
Waterproof up to 50 meters, the device recognizes 5 different swim styles and records 12 data sets like swim pace and stroke count. On land, you’ll be able to track your pace and step count, whether you’re walking or doing competitive running. The monitor also tracks light and deep sleep, along with your resting heart rate. For this price, you simply won’t find better.
The Good
- Colored AMOLED display
- Tracks sleep, running, and swimming
- Water resistant up to 50 meters
- Displays smart notifications
The Not So Good
- Not very complex for serious athletes
4. Fitbit Inspire HR
The Inspire HR is a more affordable alternative to the previously mentioned Charge 3. The sleek, all-black model is comfortable and lightweight.
The daily activity tracker measures steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, and calories burned. It also makes it easy to track specific workouts like walking, swimming, and cycling with its SmartTrack feature.
Heart rate is always measured, though is taken at 1-second intervals while exercising and 5-second intervals otherwise. It also offers feedback on sleeping patterns. The battery lasts up to 5 days (depending on usage) and charges from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours.
The only “complaint” that was made a few times from consumers was that for Android, location info is required, which some people don’t like to give out.
The Good
- High-quality build
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- Relatively affordable
- Long battery life
The Not So Good
- Requires location info for Android
Best Heart Rate Monitor Smartwatches
 |
Fitbit Versa Lite |
|
|
 |
Garmin Forerunner 245 |
|
|
  |
LetsFit Smartwatch |
|
|
  |
Garmin Instinct |
|
|
  |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 |
|
| Fitbit Versa Lite | |
|
|
| Garmin Forerunner 245 | |
|
|
| LetsFit Smartwatch | |
|
|
| Garmin Instinct | |
|
|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 | |
|
|
1. Fitbit Versa Lite
While the Versa 2 has already been released, the Fitbit Versa Lite still has a lot to offer. Plus, it is available at a fraction of the price. You’re not going to get access to music or Fitbit Pay, but for focusing on fitness you can’t go wrong here.
This watch is simple in design, and durable and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. You can choose from 5 different color schemes: Charcoal/Silver, Lilac/Silver, Marina Blue, Mulberry, and White/Silver. A clear, full color display is complete with a touchscreen, so you can navigate quickly through the menus.
Waterproof up to 50 meters, it’s perfect for use in the rain. However, as it doesn’t feature swim tracking, we wouldn’t specifically get this device for that purpose alone. However, it does record other workouts and connects to smartphone GPS for precise pace and distance monitoring. Call, text, calendar and other smartphone app notifications are now conveniently at your wrist too.
The Good
- Full-color display
- 15 different workout modes
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Displays smart notifications
- Slim, basic design
The Not So Good
- Not very sophisticated for serious athletes
2. Garmin Forerunner 245
If you’re a serious runner, it’s hard to find a higher performer than the Garmin Forerunner 245. The fully featured watch lets you quickly view the weather, your calendar, notifications, workout history, heart rate, steps, and much more.
Advanced training analytics provide personalized training and recovery recommendations and insights, along with tracking your VO2 max. With the Garmin Connect online community, you can even create your own unique workouts or download already-made versions.
Measuring important running metrics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time and more, this watch is listed at a great price for its versatility and functionality.
Finally, you can store music on your Forerunner 245, downloading directly from your computer, Spotify, or Deezer so you don’t even have to bring your phone with you!
The Good
- Directly stores music on watch
- Tracks incredibly detailed running metrics
- Safety and tracking features
- Displays smart notifications
- Long battery life
The Not So Good
- A bit more expensive than most on our guide
3. LetsFit Smartwatch
Next up is the incredibly affordable LetsFit Smartwatch. Keeping prices low, it’s easy on the eyes and user-friendly, too. If you’re not looking for very detailed stats but rather a general “fitness” watch that will also notify you of calls and messages this is a great choice.
The LetsFit resembles Fitbits quite a bit, with the same silicone strap that’s easy to wear and lightweight. At first glance, you can also see that the screen is nice and big. It’s very responsive and doesn’t lag at all.
The watch comes with 3 activity modes: walking, running, and biking. However, you can also choose to add on extra modes, like “yoga” or even badminton! Just keep in mind that you can only set 3 modes at a time.
The IP68 waterproof device also offers various other features such as controlling your music or tracking your stress. For such a low price, it’s definitely worth the money.
The Good
- Large, responsive display screen
- Tracks various sports/exercise activities
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Displays smart notifications
The Not So Good
- Limited in functionality
4. Garmin Instinct
If you’ve been avoiding getting a smartwatch because you’re scared it will end up like all of your other scratched and dented devices then think again! The Garmin Instinct is a rugged watch that will look just like new through camping, hiking, dirt biking, snowboarding and so much more.
It comes in 8 different shades such as Flame Red, Lakeside Blue, Sunburst Yellow, and more. The Instinct is made to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal shock and water resistance. It also comes with a 3-axis compass and multiple global navigation satellite systems, making it the perfect watch for the outdoor adventurer.
Capable of monitoring your heart rate, activity and stress levels, it’s great for dedicated sports and workouts too. There are various preloaded activity modules to choose from, ensuring it tracks your specific activity effectively each time.
Where it really stands out from the pack is in its explorer features, like the Tracback, which helps you navigate along the same route you took to return to your starting point. Lasting up to 2 whole weeks, you don’t have to worry about it running out of battery in the wilderness, either. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s more than worth it.
The Good
- Made to US military standards for thermal shock and water resistance (up to 100m)
- Built in 3 axis compass, barometric altimeter, GPS
- Comes with preloaded activity profiles
- Displays smart notifications
- Monitors HR, activity, and stress
The Not So Good
- A bit bulky for some
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
Do you own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone? Do you want a smartwatch? Then the Active2 should be at the top of your list.
One of the highlights of the Active2 is the touch-sensitive capacitive ring around the screen, allowing for fast and simple navigation through the menus, especially when you’re in the middle of exercising. The Active2 includes Spotify and YouTube for access to music. Additionally, Bixby voice functionality lets you easily choose between playlists and songs, or even read your texts!
As it tracks your heart rate 24/7, it’s able to alert you if it detects a high or low heart rate. Going hand-in-hand is the sleep tracker which will help monitor your stress and even integrate with the ultra-popular Calm app. Of course, it wouldn’t be much of an activity tracker without tracking steps and calories too!
The Good
- Includes Spotify and YouTube
- Bixby voice functionality
- Integrates seamlessly with many 3rd party apps
- Monitors sleep, stress level, steps, calories
The Not So Good
- Works only with select iOS devices
The Best Heart Rate Monitor Watches (Non-Smartwatch)
 |
Polar M430 GPS Running Watch |
|
|
 |
Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch |
|
|
  |
Garmin Forerunner 35 |
|
|
  |
Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor |
|
| Polar M430 GPS Running Watch | |
|
|
| Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch | |
|
|
| Garmin Forerunner 35 | |
|
|
| Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor | |
|
|
1. Polar M430 GPS Running Watch
Aside from Garmin, Polar is also one of the most popular and well-respected manufacturers on the market today. The M430 GPS Running watch is one of their best sellers.
The M430 comes in cool different colors like Black, Green, Grey, Orange and White. The waterproof, durable device can be paired with a chest strap for increased accuracy, combining the best of both worlds. As the name indicates, it does feature a built-in GPS, which lets you upload your training route to Polar’s app and website. This also means you don’t have to worry about taking your phone with you and risk dropping it while you’re running.
Integrated GPS will track your speed, distance, pace and route while exercising. 24/7 activity tracking will monitor steps, calories burned and sleep during daily life. With features like the Polar Fitness Test, Running Index, Training Load and Recovery Status, you’ll always be well-aware of your health status.
The Good
- Attractive appearance
- Durable construction
- Included GPS capabilities
- Comfortable and reliable
- Includes fitness tests, training load, etc.
The Not So Good
- Should be used with chest strap for greater accuracy
2. Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch
Everything you could ever want in an HRM watch, you’ll find in the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch. The incredibly customizable device comes with a 3 button color display with a very responsive touchscreen and good looks.
With over 80 built-in sport modes, you’ll find the setting for any exercise activity whether that be running, swimming or working out. If you’re an adventurer, you’ll also find use for the Suunto 9, as it comes with precise GPS tracking. Its basic features include instant heart rate, calories burned, step tracker, and sleep monitoring.
The tracking offers real-time navigation so you never get lost. It also includes some weather data, such as sunrise/sunset times. The Suunto app is very thorough, allowing you to plan your routes ahead of time. You can even see activity-specific heatmaps of the most popular routes all around the globe!
The Good
- Attractive and durable construction
- 3 button color display with touchscreen
- Included GPS capabilities
- Over 80 built-in sport modes
- Up to 120 hours of battery life at a time
The Not So Good
- More expensive
3. Garmin Forerunner 35
As far as HRM watches go, the Garmin Forerunner 35 will suit most user’s needs while still remaining relatively budget friendly. It comes in 4 different colors, with a durable and comfortable build.
The thin, lightweight watch is ideal for daily running and even serious training. If you like to run with walks in-between while you’re catching your breath, you’ll love the Run/Walk mode which will let you know when you should start running again or slow down.
The running metrics have been proven to be quite accurate, tracking distance, calories, pace, and more. As heart rate is monitored constantly, you don’t even need to use a chest strap if you don’t want to! Running in any kind of weather conditions is now possible as well, as it comes with a water rating of 5 ATM.
The Good
- Tracks running/walking metrics
- Durable construction
- Included GPS capabilities
- Comfortable and reliable
- Vibration alerts
- Receives smart notifications
The Not So Good
- Not made for a wide variety of sports
4. Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor
While it does require (and include) a chest strap, the Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor is perfect for you if you’re just searching for something simple and effective. Many of us don’t need or want the extra features that more expensive watches offer.
This model measures just heart rate – not steps taken. However, it is extremely accurate thanks to the addition of the chest strap. In addition, it uses the Smart Calorie feature to take your personal info and accurately display how many calories you’ve burned.
The strap itself is very comfortable and easy to wear for long periods of time, due to it being so soft and stretchy. It also has been proven to stay on well, so you won’t have to worry about being interrupted during your run.
The Good
- Relatively budget friendly
- Easy to use
- Very accurate
- Comfortable and reliable
The Not So Good
- Only for heart rate monitoring
- Must be used with a chest strap
Should You Get a Wrist-Worn Heart Rate Monitor?
This is very much dependent on what type of exercise you want it for, and what functions are most important to you. For example wrist-based heart rate monitors are arguably not the best option for cyclists because reading the output requires looking away from the road which can be dangerous. Cyclists are better off getting a chest strap heart rate monitor that connects to a cycling computer.
If you’re a runner, on the other hand, you’ll likely want a good heart rate monitor smartwatch with GPS so you can track distance and pace without having to carry a smartphone while you run.
If you’re just after something to monitor the amount of activity you’re doing throughout the day – steps in particular – then a basic fitness tracker will be more than adequate. If you want greater depth and breadth of data, then a dedicated watch hooked up to a chest strap, or a smartwatch will be ideal.
Finally, if you’re looking to track your performance in the pool or open water, then you’ll want a good waterproof HR monitor designed for the rigors of long-term submersion.
Choosing the Right Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor
It can be difficult to choose just one wristwatch heart rate monitor when there are so many great options to choose from. It’s important to identify what you’re going to use it for. If you’re a runner, then you will need running metrics and accurate heart rate monitoring.
If you’re more of an adventurer and spend a lot of time hiking or cycling outdoors, then look for a model more durable and ideally one that comes with a way to track your routes and create your routes before you even head out.
Stress and sleep tracking are also very important. These are aided by heart rate monitoring, so again, it’s important to select a model which does so accurately.
Finally, you’ll want to consider “extras” that may not affect your actual performance much but are just nice to have. Receiving smart notifications is incredibly helpful as you won’t have to carry your phone around but will still receive texts and call notifications. If you listen to music then you’ll appreciate those models that include Spotify and YouTube, or even let you store music directly on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitors
Check out our experience-based answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about heart rate monitor watches and fitness trackers
Are wrist heart monitors accurate?
It depends on the model and technology used. Wrist-based heart rate monitors all use optical sensors to gauge HR via a technology called photoplethysmography. This tech has progressed considerably over the years and is generally accurate. That said, models that use a chest strap and measure heart rate via electrocardiogram (ECG) will always be more accurate.
What is the best heart rate watch?
In our opinion, it’s either the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music or the Fitbit Charge 3.
What smartwatch has the best heart rate monitor?
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music.
Is Garmin more accurate than Fitbit?
Currently, Garmin has shown themselves to have more accurate HR technology than Fitbit. That said, Fitbit has a few models that are comparable.
Well, there you have it: The best wrist-based heart rate monitors.
If you’re serious about your health and wellness, selecting the best heart rate monitor or fitness tracker is crucial. This is why we’ve spent so much time to create this guide featuring the best heart rate monitors on the market today. We’ve considered real-world feedback and reviews done by reputable sites to ensure that no matter what your budget is, that there’s at least one device to suit your lifestyle.
All that’s left is for you to pick one and get started on your fitness journey or take your adventures to the next level! Thanks for tuning in and happy exercising!
