With so many heart rate monitors on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. There are multiple factors to keep in mind, such as the sport you practice, size of monitor, and its compatibility with other devices.
Some monitors may not be compatible with your smartphone, for instance, so you have to be very careful.
Finally, your budget is also a major consideration, as prices tend to vary a lot. In this article, we’ll review five excellent models to help you find the best Bluetooth heart rate monitor for you.
Comparison Chart
Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap – ANT + Bluetooth Chest Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap – HRM Run Bike Tri Cycling – Chest Strap Heart Monitor for Strava Zwift Wahoo Garmin Polar Peloton
Best Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor Reviews
Garmin HRM-Dual
This adjustable heart rate monitor allows you to consistently receive accurate readings on your Garmin device and many other online training apps such as Zwift. The monitor is compatible with various apps and even with modern fitness equipment.
Unlike some older Garmin models, this one supports both Bluetooth and ANT+ — that’s why it’s called a dual monitor.
It can also be used with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. Therefore, it may be the best Bluetooth heart rate monitor for cyclists and others who use multiple devices during training.
It’s very adjustable, and the strap length can be anywhere from 25”-52”. The strap is very soft and comfortable. Moreover, it’s easy to maintain.
All you have to do is remove the heart rate module, and you can wash it whenever you feel like it’s time to do so.
Like many other Garmin devices, this monitor is very durable. The battery lasts 3.5 years (if you have one training sessions per day), which makes it a great investment.
You could find more convenient models, but it’s unlikely that the battery would last more than a year. To sum up, the Garmin HRM-Dual is excellent value for money.
The only downside of this modern heart rate monitor is that it isn’t compatible with some older gym equipment.
Therefore, if you haven’t changed your accessories in a while, it may be a good idea to check whether they’re compatible before making the final decision. You can do so on Garmin’s website.
Pros
- Supports two devices at the same time
- Both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
- Long battery life
- Durable
- Washable
Cons
Not compatible with older equipment
Polar H7 Bluetooth Heart Rate Sensor & Fitness Tracker
If you’re into biking, you probably know a lot of people who are using the Polar H7 Bluetooth Heart Rate Sensor & Fitness Tracker.
This model is very popular among bikers, as it’s easy-to-use and compatible with most biking equipment. It’s compatible with most Bluetooth devices.
Cyclists love this model because it’s lightweight and thinner than most other chest straps on the market. In fact, you’ll soon forget that you’re wearing it and be able to fully concentrate on the ride without feeling in any way encumbered.
Moreover, this is one of the most convenient options out there. It can be hard to find a quality Bluetooth heart rate monitor for the price of this model. That’s why some people with similar devices purchase it as an additional monitor, for outdoor activities.
However, there’s one thing worth mentioning. As much as it’s lightweight and thin, this model is also very fragile.
You have to be careful when putting it on or taking it off as the strap could break. Therefore, it may not be the best solution for people who remove it multiple times during training.
Pros
- Perfect for cyclists
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Fragile
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
The Wahoo TICKR is much more than a simple heart rate monitor – it has everything you need to get the most out of your training.
It tracks your heart rate and intensity of your activities, and lets you know what heart rate zone you’re in. Finally, it also tracks how many calories you’ve burned.
The monitor is integrated both with Bluetooth and ANT+ connection, and you can connect it to your phone, tablet, smartwatch, or even bike computer.
It’s compatible with more than 50 fitness apps, such as Nike Run Club, Zwift, Runkeeper, and many more.
If you want to get the most out of your training, we suggest you download the Wahoo Fitness app. You can use it to upload your results to training platforms such as Strava automatically.
It takes less than a few minutes, and it allows you to track your training history, so you know which areas need improvement.
Many professional athletes use this monitor, which might very well make it the best Bluetooth heart rate monitor around.
Award-winning cycling teams opt for this model as their official heart rate monitor. Moreover, Ironman World Champion Jan Frodeno states that it helped significantly improve his results.
If you’re a beginner who needs just a simple HR monitor, you may find this model a bit pricey. However, it’s the most accurate and most durable heart rate monitor on the market.
If you’re serious about fitness and sport, this may be the best investment you’ve ever made.
Pros
- Very accurate
- Determines heart rate zone
- Tracks calories
- Compatible with many devices and apps
- Suitable for professional use
Cons
- A bit pricey
Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap – ANT + Bluetooth
If you’re looking for a quality HR monitor, but you’re on a budget, this may be the best Bluetooth heart rate monitor for you as it compares favorably with the most expensive models on the market.
The best thing about this Powr Labs monitor is its broad compatibility. It seems this model is made to fit all types of bike equipment, fitness equipment, and it’s compatible with most smartphones and smartwatches. You can use both Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity, whatever works better for you.
It can be a decent alternative to expensive brands such as Garmin or Polar, as it’s perfectly compatible with their fitness devices as well.
We have bad news for those who have an Apple watch, however, as it’s one of the rare devices this heart monitor isn’t compatible with.
This may be one of the most practical models, as it’s ultralight and waterproof.
Plus, it’s suitable for people who sweat a lot or for those who exercise outdoors even when it’s raining. It could also be used for swimming and water sports, if not for diving.
What’s more, you can try this monitor risk-free! It has one of the best warranty policies we’ve seen.
There’s a no-questions asked warranty for 12 months, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like it. Moreover, you can get free unlimited battery replacements in the first year, which is an excellent offer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ultralight
- Waterproof
- Free battery replacement
- 12-month warranty
Cons
Not compatible with Apple watch
SUUNTO Smart Sensor – AW16
For many people, one of the most important things is to feel free during their training and to find a heart rate monitor that doesn’t limit their range of motion.
Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to find small and compact Bluetooth monitors. That’s why we’ve decided to include the smallest Bluetooth heart rate monitor on the market on our list.
The Suunto Smart Sensor can be used for many sports, whether you practice cycling, running, or even swimming.
It has a signal range of 9.8 ft. which makes it suitable for those sports where you can’t wear your watch all the time. Therefore, it may be an excellent solution for weight training or even martial arts.
This model has a very long battery life. If used correctly, batteries can last up to 500 hours. This means you can use it for more than a year without having to replace them.
It’s easy to maintain, as you can remove the sensor and wash the belt as often as you want.
However, this may not be the most durable monitor on the market, once the batteries stop working.
Some people experienced minor issues when they tried to replace the batteries, and their monitor wasn’t as accurate as before. The good thing is that you won’t have to replace batteries often so you may avoid this issue.
Pros
- Very small
- Impressive signal range
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
Cons
- Minor issues with a sensor over time
Final Verdict
It’s hard to choose a winner, but if we had to pick the best Bluetooth heart rate monitor, it would be the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor. This model has multiple features; it’s very accurate and compatible with all devices. It’s suitable both for amateurs and professional athletes, and you can use it to track your overall progress.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, the Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap could be a good alternative. Of course, everything depends on your needs, and you won’t go wrong with any of the models reviewed above.