At-home blood pressure monitors are excellent tools that can genuinely turn your whole life around. They help you keep tabs on your blood pressure and track changes over the course of the day.
Another essential factor to consider is that at-home blood pressure monitors can give your doctor a comprehensive report of your readings, which can help them adjust your treatment.
Although a layman would say that a blood pressure monitor is a blood pressure monitor, if they were to go down this rabbit hole, they’d uncover a lot. With this in mind, here is a list that should help you find the best blood pressure monitors for your needs.
Comparison Chart
Omron Silver Blood Pressure Monitor, Upper Arm Cuff, Digital Bluetooth Blood Pressure Machine, Storesup To 80 Readings
Konquest KBP-2704A Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor – Accurate, Adjustable Cuff, Large Backlit Display – Irregular Heartbeat & Hypertension Detector – Tensiometro Digital
Blood Pressure Monitor Upper Arm Cuff Kit by Balance, Digital BP Meter with Large Display,AC Power Adaptor,Set Also Comes with Tubing and Device Bag (BP Monitor New)
Best Blood Pressure Monitors Reviews
Omron Blood Pressure Monitor – M2 Classic
This is a quality blood pressure monitor from Omron.
Product Highlights
The M2 Classic will show all the information that you’ll need. Sure, the screen is not the biggest on the block, but the interface is simple and the buttons are large enough for people of all ages.
This Omron is exceptionally well-built of high-quality materials. The tube is very flexible, but this doesn’t make it any less durable.
Although the external power supply option can genuinely mean a lot, it’s worth noting that the external power supply cable has to be purchased separately.
The cuff size of the product isn’t small, although it could be bigger – 22-32cm is simply not enough for some (although most will find it ideal).
The pulse measurement range goes between 40 and 180 BPM and the blood pressure measurement is 0 to 299 mmHg. This is more than decent, especially for at-home, portable blood pressure monitors.
It only has memory storage of 21 reading, which might not be enough for some.
The Good
The M2 Classic is easy to use and compact, which makes it very convenient for home use. This is a crucial factor in blood pressure monitors.
The buttons are large enough, so elderly users won’t have problems navigating the device. It is also inexpensive and works on both batteries and an external power supply cable.
Performance-wise, this Omron monitor does more than a solid job. It has decent blood pressure and pulse measurement ranges.
The Bad
The biggest downside here is that its memory storage is only good for 21 readings; then things get overwritten.
Some will, indeed, find this to be enough, especially people who don’t have to track their blood pressure for prolonged periods. Still, 21 measurements are going to be not enough for some, which is a shame, considering how great this product is.
Pros
- Very compact
- Straightforward
- Great price-quality ratio
- Can work with batteries and cable
- Performs great
Cons
Could use more memory
Konquest KBP-2704A Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
This is a large-screen digital blood pressure monitor by Konquest.
Product Highlights
With the Konquest’s LCD screen, there is nothing more to ask for. It’s big enough and it displays all the important information and then some. The included information features the systolic pressure, the diastolic pressure, the pulse rate, as well as time, date, user, and the battery indicator. The digits are also large for the more weak-sighted users.
Although some might not find this an important feature, others are going to find it very convenient. The blood pressure bar will display the normal home blood pressure levels, in addition to your current one. This gives you an easy way to compare and see how your blood pressure is doing at the moment.
Sure, some people have already learned these digits by heart, but it’s not going to annoy anyone and it will be useful for some.
The Konquest KBP-2704A Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor takes pride in the substantially fast reading – you’ll have to wait shorter than with many other monitors. When it comes to accuracy, this monitor is both FDA and CE approved, the two names that have a thing or two to say about accuracy.
You won’t find many at-home blood pressure monitors out there that boast this level of accuracy while still being very simple to use.
This monitor has an irregular heartbeat detector that will warn you about any pattern that may indicate more serious heart problems. You also get a 2-year guarantee, a wide-range adjustable cuff, an instruction manual, a storage bag, and a USB cable.
The Good
One of the best things about this blood pressure monitor is not that it remembers its user and stores all the reading information but that it has a 2-user mode. This means that you get storage for as many as 120 readings per user (240 in total).
It might not seem like much, but most blood pressure monitors are still designed for a single user. The two-user mode is definitely a winner here. Naturally, as you can see above, there are many other benefits besides.
The Bad
There have been many complaints about the recommended adapter not working, so you’re probably best off sticking to batteries through and through. Although this is a downside, the monitor works great overall and the above pales in comparison.
Pros
- 2-user mode
- Large display
- Irregular heartbeat detection
- Fast reading
- 2-year guarantee
Cons
Potential quality control issue with the adapter
OMEDDERIC Blood Pressure Monitor
This is an incredibly accurate Urion blood pressure monitor for home use.
Product Highlights
This blood pressure monitor does everything automatically, which means no fuss or complications.
At a press of a button, it inflates, measures, records, and automatically deflates. It has a two-user option and can hold 90 measurements per user. A higher memory would have been preferable, but it’s still decent.
It might not be able to read as detailed as some professional sphygmomanometers, but at the price point and considering it’s made for home use, it’s very accurate.
This Urion monitor is powered by four AA batteries and they do come included with the package, which is a nice thing to see – being able to use a blood pressure monitor right out of the box.
Officially, the battery life is listed at 300 measurements, but they will probably last longer.
The unit does work with rechargeable batteries in theory. In reality, however, rechargeable batteries may make the unit act wacky, including measuring abnormal blood pressures that are way higher than actual measurements.
Provided that you avoid rechargeable batteries, you get in the Urion a very accurate sphygmomanometer at a relatively low price. Yes, it’s well worth the money.
The Good
The best thing about this monitor is that it can make very precise measurements. It might not equal professional sphygmomanometers, but you need to consider the price point of a pro unit; these cost way more and are significantly less portable.
So, a blood pressure monitor that’s almost as accurate and available at a low price and great portability is a pleasant surprise.
The Bad
You don’t get an AC adapter. That’s okay, as most at-home blood pressure monitors don’t come with an AC adapter.
Still, this one makes it harder, as you’ll have to find the right AC adapter if you want to get accurate readings.
That means contacting the manufacturer, having them give you the exact specs of the AC adapter, and looking for it far and wide. If you want to use a blood pressure monitor with an adapter, this one is not your ideal model.
Pros
- Very accurate
- Batteries included
- Does almost everything automatically
- Two users (90 measurements per user)
- 300 measurements per battery swap
Cons
The AC cable is incredibly hard to find
Ozeri BP3T Blood Pressure Monitor
This is a smart blood pressure monitor from Ozeri.
Product Highlights
This blood pressure monitor brings tradition and smart technology together. To an extent, it’s very akin to the blood pressure monitors that you find in hospitals.
On the other hand, it’s a solid piece of smart technology. It actually packs a variety of features that you won’t find in other blood pressure monitors.
For instance, the BP3T can diagnose hypertension. Not only that, but it can do it on the spot. It would be an understatement to say that this is both useful and practical. Then, there’s the smartphone connectivity that’s increasingly necessary in this day and age.
In terms of comfort, let’s just say that you won’t find a blood pressure monitor that is more comfortable than this one. If you do, feel free to let us know.
No matter how high-tech, comfortable, and advanced a blood pressure monitor is, there’s still one main thing that counts the most – accuracy. You don’t need to worry about that here as the Ozeri BP3T is very precise in making measurements.
Durability is yet another thing that you don’t have to worry about with this monitor. Not only is the digital side of things pretty much failsafe, but the physical durability of the device is also more than admirable. It’s apparent from the monitor’s construction.
The Good
Well, the high-tech is definitely the biggest plus with the Ozeri BP3T. The device actually has a CPU that uses a special double-pulse detection algorithm for accurate wave detection.
You get fully automatic measurements that are always one button press away. The device will also detect arrhythmias automatically, as well as hypertension, which can truly save lives.
Plus, you get to store 120 readings per person (2 users).
The Bad
Unfortunately, this device isn’t capable of measuring pulse rate under 40. Although a pulse of under 40 is uncommon, it would be nice if it could go below the number, such as for instances of extreme hypotension that can be life-threatening.
Also, for such a high-tech device, custom deletion would’ve been helpful.
Unfortunately, you have to either delete all recorded readings or none, which can be a tad annoying. Still, with all the advanced options, you probably won’t complain too much about these downsides.
Pros
- High-tech
- Equipped with a potent CPU
- Detects arrhythmia and hypertension
- 120×2 readings
- Comfortable and durable
Cons
- Doesn’t measure heart rate below 40
- No custom recording deletion
Beegod Blood Pressure Monitor
This is a very versatile blood pressure monitor by Beegod.
Product Highlights
This Beegod Blood Pressure Monitor can fit almost every adult arm size out there (rated at 22 to 42cm).
This may not seem like much if you’re of average size, but no matter how good a blood pressure monitor is, it might not fit some people, which would necessitate a return. This isn’t an issue with the Tenker as the range is quite extensive.
Regardless of your upper arm size, the Beegod Blood Pressure Monitor will make accurate measurements and it will do it very quickly. It measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate, all within seconds.
The display is straightforward in that the most important numbers are large and the screen is about the right size. This makes it suitable for nearly all users.
Also, you don’t have to think too much when you use it. You set it up and press the Start button. As long as the 4 AA batteries are not empty, the device will measure your BP quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately, the instructions that come with it are a bit unclear.
The Good
This is one of the most portable and versatile blood pressure monitors around. It’s relatively small in size, and yet the screen is large enough for any user out there.
Of course, portability doesn’t mean much without durability, which is another area that the Tenker doesn’t disappoint.
The Bad
It would be nice if the manual was a bit more clear on how to use it
Pros
- Accurate
- Durable
- Large LCD screen
- Small and compact
- Portable
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Manual not clear
Buyer’s Guide
Even though the above BP monitors are all highly recommended, you should still know what you need to look for in a good blood pressure monitor. Here’s a helping hand that will gently push you into making the right decision.
Types of Blood Pressure Monitors
There are two types of blood pressure monitors in general: arm and wrist monitors. Arm or upper-arm monitors are the original and definitely the more popular – they are used in hospitals and every household that has a BP monitor probably has the wrist type.
The appeal of wrist monitors is the compactness and ease of use. Arm monitors are more accurate because they rest at the heart level. Wrist monitors are more convenient and less bulky.
Cuff Type
In addition to the above, there are two cuff types for BP monitors. Aneroid monitors feature a gauge that you read to figure out your blood pressure.
They are simpler and more accurate but require training to use properly. Digital monitors (all monitors above are digital) are far easier to use. They can work automatically and are easier to read.
Memory Storage
This pertains to how many readings a monitor can store. The more readings, the better, as it can paint a clearer picture for yourself and your doctor and help them find the right treatment for you. The best option would be monitors that offer enough storage for you personally.
Some of the above are designed for couples, i.e. two sets of stored readings.
Irregular Heartbeat Detector
A real lifesaver of a feature. Irregular heartbeats might not mean much – a heart can skip a beat and nothing can come of it. However, certain irregular heartbeat patterns can be a sign of a serious underlying issue. It can alert you to a need to go for an EKG test, for example, or another potential heart abnormality.
There are blood pressure monitors that can detect arrhythmias, hypertension, and other inconsistencies. They can be lifesavers for some.
Battery Life
This is not the most critical factor for BP monitors. Most BP monitors aren’t rechargeable, so spare batteries should go without saying.
On the other hand, some may be able to work with a power adapter or a USB charger. Most should come with such accessories, if supported, but some may require you to purchase separately. Your best bet here would be to have spare batteries at the ready.
FAQs
How to Properly Take Blood Pressure?
First of all, avoid drinking coffee, alcohol, or smoking cigarettes 30 minutes before measuring your BP. Before starting the test, sit for about 5 minutes calmly and quietly.
Then, put the pressure monitor on your upper arm (or wrist if it’s a wrist monitor) and fasten it. Ideally, your arm should be supported so that your elbow rests at your heart level. Your feet should be on the floor.
For automatic BP monitors, all you need to do is press the ‘start’ button and wait until the device tells you that the process is done. Do not talk or move too much while you’re at it. Breathe normally.
You don’t have to, but it would be ideal if you measure 3 times and take the average.
How to Read Blood Pressure?
There are two types of blood pressure (and two numbers on your BP monitor screen, consequently).
The upper number is called the systolic pressure (during a contraction of the heart), while the lower number is referred to as the diastolic pressure (between contractions of the heart).
Additionally, there are five categories of blood pressure readings.
The first one is normal, where your systolic pressure is less than 120 and your diastolic pressure is less than 80. Elevated blood pressure means that the upper number is between 120-129, even if the lower number is still less than 80.
High blood pressure (hypertension stage1) means that the systolic number is 130-139, while the diastolic may rest at 80-89. For hypertension stage 2, the upper number goes to 140 and higher, while the lower number is at 90 or higher.
The final stage, the one where you need to consult your doctor immediately, is called the hypertensive crisis. This is when the systolic pressure goes beyond 180 and/or the diastolic pressure goes higher than 120.
How to Take a Manual Blood Pressure?
Although manual monitors aren’t listed above, it wouldn’t hurt to know how to measure blood pressure using an aneroid monitor.
Start by placing the cuff on the upper arm (approximately one inch above the elbow bend). Place the stethoscope disk under the cuff (facedown, of course). Then, squeeze the pump in a rapid fashion until the gauge gets to 30 points beyond your typical systolic (higher number) pressure.
Stop squeezing and turn the knob counterclockwise to let the air out slowly. Let the pointer fall 2 millimeters. The reading when you first hear a heartbeat is the systolic pressure. The moment the beating sounds stop is your diastolic pressure.
Are Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Accurate?
Yes, they can be, although they’re very sensitive to the body position. Ideally, your arm should be at the heart level to get a fairly accurate wrist monitor measurement. Even if your arm is perfectly still and at the ideal position, you still might get less accurate BP measurements.
So, wrist BP monitors aren’t very accurate, although they are good for casual readings.
How Does a Blood Pressure Monitor Work?
Basically, the monitor squeezes your arm to the point where it makes it hard for the blood to pass through. This enables the monitor to get an accurate reading of your systolic pressure.
The moment before the pressure is completely released (when blood can flow through regularly) is the diastolic pressure. A BP monitor allows you to see if your blood flow and pressure are nominal.
Final Verdict
Every blood pressure monitor on the list is great in its own right. Even though we’re certain that each will find its own ideal user, the benefits of the smart technology built into the Ozeri BP3T Blood Pressure Monitor are unsurpassed.
It comes with a CPU, memorizes 120 readings for two users, each, and it can automatically detect arrhythmias and hypertension. It’s an all-around blood pressure monitor that’s hard to beat among BP monitors for the home.