Top 5 chest straps for accurate heart rate measurements
We independently test the products and technologies that we recommend.
First, let's find out if you need a chest strap?
You can track your heart rate (HR) while running, cycling or other types of physical activity using both heart rate sensors on your chest and fitness trackers or smartwatches.
Chest heart rate monitors work on the principle of an electrocardiograph, that is, they record the electrical activity of the heart. By fixing each impulse, they determine the heart rate with the utmost accuracy. The wearable devices use an optical heart rate monitor. It monitors the fullness of the vessels of the wrist with blood, which differs at the time of contraction and relaxation of the heart (respectively, it is larger and smaller). And thus determines the pulse.
Venous blood flow is a good indicator of heart rate, but still cannot be 100% relied upon. Therefore, in certain use cases, wearable devices allow serious errors and give erroneous data. Although for round-the-clock monitoring of the pulse or control of light workouts, fitness trackers and smartwatches should be “enough with your head”.
But the chest pacemaker is preferable for:
- high-intensity exercise, including interval running or various types of strength training. Here, the optics can register data with a delay and / or even read the heart rate incorrectly;
- sports in the cold (skiing, winter running, etc.). In the cold, the blood vessels narrow, which is why the readings on the fitness watch are often lower than the real pulse. And if you put a bracelet on top of your clothes, then the optics will not register anything at all;
- swimming. Most wearable gadgets do not measure heart rate in water at all, and those units that support this function greatly distort the data if water is between the optics and the skin;
- the presence of tattoos on the wrist or profuse sweating. Optical heart rate monitors "do not like" sweat and tattoos.
In all these cases, the chest strap will provide more accurate results and stable performance without failure. You should consider this device if you:
- doing interval running or high-intensity strength training;
- are fond of skiing or running in the winter on the street;
- swim;
- a professional athlete or plan to seriously engage in sports;
- need accurate heart rate measurements for medical reasons.
And now let's move on to our TOP-5. To compare the models included in the review, we offer a convenient visual table . In the relevant section of our general catalog, more cardiac sensors are offered for self-selection.
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| Цифра | 2 439 ₴ | To Store |
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| Stylus.ua | 2 463 ₴ | To Store |
In the Garmin model range, the HRM Dual chest strap is considered to be the basic solution, since it is intended only for monitoring heart rate. At the same time, the model has a significant advantage over other branded heart rate monitors, since it is the only manufacturer's cardio sensor that supports not only the ANT + data transfer protocol, but also Bluetooth.
As a result, HRM Dual features enhanced compatibility with mobile and wearable devices. These are not only almost all Garmin smartwatches and fitness trackers, but also professional cardio equipment with ANT +, smartphones with Bluetooth and installed sports applications and platforms like Garmin Connect, Endomondo, Runkeeper, Runtastic, Zwift.
The only thing to take into account is that it is possible to connect to only one Bluetooth device and several ANT + at the same time.
Garmin HRM Dual is equipped with a soft strap, which is conveniently adjusted for chest circumference in the range from 63.5 to 132 cm. By the way, the same strap is used in the Garmin Soft Strap Premium HRM .
Power is provided by a CR2032 battery. Its charge should last at least 3.5 years with daily use of the heart rate monitor for 1 hour. And then the battery just changes.
The pacemaker has a basic water resistance (1 ATM) so it can be washed, but it is not suitable for swimming. The disadvantages of the Garmin HRM Dual include the lack of built-in memory, which is why you can’t go jogging without a watch or a smartphone to save heart rate data. Otherwise, the model looks like a great choice for fans of the brand, and for most fans of cyclic sports.
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| Megadom.net | 2 999 ₴ | To Store |
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| Garmin-official.com.ua | 3 989 ₴ | To Store |
Already by the name of the HRM Swim, it is clear that it is intended for swimming. So, the heart rate monitor itself is characterized by a high level of water protection (WR50M), and with it comes a non-removable silicone strap. It is not slippery and fits snugly to the body, therefore, unlike analogues, it should not move even during jumps into the water.
The manufacturer also assures that the Garmin HRM Swim is protected from chemicals that are used to purify water in aqua arenas. As a result, the model is perfect for use both in open water and in pools. It will also come in handy for triathlon, but purely for running it is better to consider analogues, like Garmin HRM Run . Its strap will not sweat a lot and rub the skin when jogging, unlike silicone.
The wireless technology used in heart rate monitors today is not capable of transmitting data underwater. To solve the problem, the sensor was equipped with built-in memory. During a swim, all heart rate information and summary statistics for intervals are stored on it, and after the activity is completed, it is transferred to compatible devices.
The Garmin HRM Swim memory is quite large - up to 20 hours, which allows you to do without synchronization for several weeks and not worry about the safety of information about long workouts, for example, marathon swims.
The heart rate monitor is powered by a battery, the capacity of which should be enough for 1.5 years when swimming up to 3 hours a week. The model together with the strap weighs a little more than analogues (72 grams), but in the water, of course, the difference is not felt.
The sensor uses the ANT + protocol, which means that it cannot be connected directly to most mobile devices. Yes, and compatibility is not available with all Garmin wearable gadgets. Although the most running lines, including Fenix watches and most Forerunner models with a heart rate monitor, “make friends”.
The best choice Garmin HRM Swim will be for swimmers who have a compatible branded watch.
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The heart rate monitor from Polar, well-known to athletes, is positioned as the most accurate solution for measuring heart rate in the company's line. Plus, the buyer has the right to count on further improvements to the device, because Polar H10 supports software updates.
The model received a textile belt with silicone prints. This tandem allows you to combine comfort and secure fixation at the same time. It is powered by a CR2025 battery, which is enough for 400 hours of training (about a year).
Polar H10 supports Bluetooth and ANT+ technology. The first makes it possible to connect the sensor to 2 smartphones at once, or let's say, a mobile device and a bike computer with Bluetooth. The second will provide compatibility with professional equipment, including simulators with ANT +. Also, the sensor works with any branded watch with Bluetooth, for example, with Vantage M.
Heart rate information can be uploaded to Polar Beat or Polar Flow, most popular online sports communities like Strava or TrainingPeaks.
A heart rate monitor is suitable for running, skiing, cycling, strength training, etc. Thanks to water resistance up to 30 meters, the model can also be used for swimming. But, many users note that when pushing off the side, and even more so jumping into the water, the strap almost slips to the lower back.
By the way, for use in water, as well as independence from compatible devices, the sensor is equipped with a built-in memory for one workout. And among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the small length of the strap (up to 93 cm for the version of the largest size M-XXL), which can be a problem for users of a large build.
Polar H10 is an all-in-one heart rate monitor for a variety of use cases, recommended for beginners and advanced sports enthusiasts alike.
The Garmin heart rate monitor looks similar to the Garmin HRM Swim Price from 2 999 up to 3 989 ₴, only the sensor itself received a red edging and a non-removable black strap instead of blue. The latter is characterized by a wide range of adjustments for chest coverage from 60 to 142 cm, it is quite comfortable for the body and should not slip to the lower back.
Chip Garmin HRM Run is not only in the heart rate monitor, but also in the presence of an accelerometer. This sensor detects the number of steps, like pedometers, but more importantly for running fans, it allows you to register additional indicators of running activity. Among them, it is worth highlighting the cadence (frequency of steps per minute), stride length, time and balance of contact of the legs with the ground, vertical oscillation of the body, as well as additional coefficients based on them.
The data obtained will help the runner with the analysis of his technique and work on its improvement.
The replaceable battery (CR2032) gives the Garmin HRM Run about a year of battery life in daily 1-hour runs. The case is not only waterproof, but also withstands diving under water (5 ATM). True, due to the lack of built-in memory, measuring the pulse while swimming will not work. But you can dive into the water without removing the chest strap.
It should also be noted that the model transmits data exclusively via the ANT + protocol, which limits the list of gadgets for pairing. Many branded navigators, bike computers, action cameras, Fenix watches, top Forerunners and a number of less popular models, like Quatix 5, will be able to work with the sensor in pairs.
The Garmin HRM Run is arguably the best heart rate monitor for runners, providing insight into running technique in addition to heart rate readings.
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The Suunto brand model differs from analogs of other manufacturers in the round shape of the sensor (its diameter is 36.5 mm). Straps for it are offered not only in different colors, but also in three sizes, from the smallest S (girth from 56 to 82 cm) to the largest L (from 96 to 160 cm). As a result, people of different builds will be able to choose the best option for themselves.
Suunto Smart Sensor is powered by a battery that will provide up to 500 hours of battery life.
The heart rate monitor is designed to monitor the heart rate during sports. The main types of activity for the model are running outdoors or indoors, cycling, strength training. The cardio sensor will also come in handy for fans of winter sports (skiing, biathlon, etc.), since the lower operating temperature is -20 °C.
And since the Suunto Smart Sensor is water resistant WR30M, it can be used while swimming. In this case, a built-in memory is also provided, which will fit a workout lasting up to 3.5 hours with an average heart rate of 120 beats per minute.
The heart rate sensor supports Bluetooth 4.0 connection, which makes it possible to pair with various devices. These include both branded Suunto Seven watches and other wearable gadgets, as well as Android or iOS smartphones. On mobile devices, in addition to the branded Suunto app, you can use other popular services, including Strava, Polar Beat or S Health.
Among the shortcomings, some users note periodic malfunctions, in which the heart rate readings do not correspond to reality (very high). The problem is usually solved by removing the sensor from the strap and re-fixing.
Suunto Smart Sensor is a worthy choice for brand fans and/or multi-sport enthusiasts.
In the Garmin lineup, the HRM Tri version refers to solutions for triathletes, that is, those who run, bike and swim. The sensor, according to the manufacturer, is the lightest and most compact among all the company's heart rate monitors.
The heart rate sensor is considered a more advanced version of HRM Run : it has the same water resistance (5 ATM), but is equipped with built-in memory, which makes it suitable for measuring heart rate in water. The Garmin HRM Tri saves heart rate data during a swim and transfers it to a compatible device when it's over. By the way, frequent synchronization is not necessary at all, because the memory is enough for 20 hours of training.
The closed seams and rounded edges of the non-removable strap are designed to increase comfort during use in the water. But still, it is recommended to use the model on open water bodies, because there is no protection against chemicals used in pools. Plus, the strap itself is not fully rubberized, which means that sudden movements can cause the sensor to shift from the chest.
In addition to the heart rate monitor, Garmin HRM Tri is equipped with an accelerometer. It complements your heart rate information with useful running metrics such as cadence, stride length, total stride count, foot contact time and balance, vertical body oscillation, and more.
Like other specialized versions, the model transmits data only via the ANT + protocol, that is, a workable tandem is possible primarily with Garmin branded devices. The sensor is powered by a CR2032 battery, which will last up to 10 months even with a very intensive use: 3 hours of training daily (respectively, one hour for running, cycling and swimming).
The Garmin HRM Tri is the right choice for those who like to run, swim and do other activities, but do not intend to buy several heart rate monitors at once.
