Going for regular runs is a great way to keep healthy. But are your workouts taking you where you need to go? Unless you wear a heart rate monitor, you’ll never know.
The right heart rate monitor can help take the guesswork out of your exercise regime. It can also help decrease your chances of injury due to overtraining.
Whether you want to beat your personal best or optimize your run, there’s a heart rate monitor that’s perfect for you.
Take a look below at some of the best heart rate monitors for running on the market. You’ll find everything you need to make an informed choice.
Comparison Chart
Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband- Optical Heart Rate Armband Monitor with Dual Band Radio ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart – Bonus Pack includes Additional Free Armband
Best Heart Rate Monitor for Running Reviews
Garmin HRM-Run
The Garmin HRM-Run has all the information advanced runners need with a sleek design and real-time metrics.
Review
The Garmin HRM-Run has everything you need to track your heart rate while running, and nothing you don’t. It’s a stripped-down wearable for the serious runner.
The tracker provides six metrics essential to optimizing your runs. The first metric is the cadence or number of steps you take per minute. Unlike your average step tracker, it also measures your stride length from one footfall to the next.
The monitor also measures ground contact time to the millisecond and balance for ground contact. Both are great metrics to improve your running gait and reduce injuries.
This Garmin also gives metrics for vertical oscillation and ratio.
These heart rate monitors are specially designed with runners in mind, but there are some quality control issues.
One of the biggest is battery life. It just doesn’t seem to last beyond 18 months of constant use. If you plan on using it once or twice a week, this may be a good option. But daily use tends to run wear down the battery faster.
Another issue is with the band itself. It’s not a waterproof heart monitor, but it does have some degree of water-resistance to protect from sweat.
The issue, though, is that it tends to develop an unpleasant odor if not washed after every use — but there’s only so many times you can wash the unit.
Keep in mind that this monitor supports ANT+ wireless technology. But if you need to use BLE or Bluetooth technology, this band may not be the right one for you.
Pros
- In-depth metrics
- Comfortable band
Cons
- Short battery life
- The band develops an unpleasant smell after use
Polar M430 GPS Running Watch
The Polar M430 running watch is for runners that want to track vital stats for more impactful exercise regimes.
It’s crammed with features that help the user optimize their workout sessions both on and off the track with metrics for activity and sleep, all of which makes it one of the best heart rate monitors for running.
Review
If you’re looking for a product that fits well within the Polar ecosystem, this may be the one for you. This is a watch for runners that want something a little more from their heart monitor. And Polar doesn’t disappoint with its array of features.
The watch does have an optical heart rate monitor measures continuous heart rate via 6 LED optical sensors. Taking continuous readings allows you to see how your heart behaves both on a run and on the go.
The watch also features an integrated GPS so you can track different metrics like distance, pace, route, and even altitude. If you like to take your runs indoors, Polar has you covered with indoor running metrics. This runner’s watch can track your pace and distance both on the treadmill or on the track.
Wherever you choose to run, the built-in accelerometer can track it for you.
Polar’s M430 isn’t just a running watch, though.
It’s a running program that allows you to create different training regimes to prepare for a running event. There are four different targets to choose from like the 5K and 10K and marathons.
The watch also allows you to track and analyze your workouts via their special app – Polar Flow. The app offers comprehensive data to plan, sync, and track your long-term progress.
Pros
- Many colors available
- Accurate readings
- User-friendly
Cons
- Pricey
- Some syncing issues
- Bulky design
Garmin HRM-Dual
Garmin’s HRM-Dual is a simple chest strap heart monitor that works with both ANT+ and Bluetooth. It’s easily compatible with your favorite training app and fitness equipment.
Review
Sometimes you just want a device that measures heart rate. This is it.
The beauty of the Garmin HRM-Dual is its simplicity. Just strap the monitor to your chest to get real-time heart information. And you can use both ANT+ and BLE at the same time for continuous data with your other equipment.
The monitor features a comfortable and adjustable strap that moves with you when you’re deep in the zone. And it’s washable, too.
Battery life is an issue with some heart rate monitors for runners. But you don’t have to worry about running out of juice with this one — it lasts for around 3.5 years with regular use.
Most people who use the HRM-Dual either love or hate the strap. It’s comfortable and lightweight with 25” to 52” of adjustability. But depending on how rigorous your exercise, you may experience some jolting and have to spend time readjusting the monitor.
Pros
- Simple design
- Dual connectivity
Cons
Syncing issues
Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband
The Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate armband is a great choice for runners who want the flexibility of an arm monitor with the connectivity of dual bands, two features which make it a strong candidate for the best heart rate monitor for running.
Review
Are you looking for an unobtrusive armband to pair with your runner’s watch? If so, the Scosche Rhythm+ may be a good option. This is an optimal heart rate monitor with Valencell’s PerformTek for accurate continuous monitoring.
This device is a great choice if you want a monitor to make friends with other devices and equipment like smartphones, tablets, and fitness machines. It has dual ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to make multiple connections at the same time.
It also works with most health and fitness apps. If you’re a fan of Digifit, Maymyfitness, Strava, and Run Keeper, this monitor works well with it.
On the other hand, if you use Orange Theory Fitness Centers you’re out of luck because the Scosche Rhythm+ isn’t compatible.
Also, the Rhythm+ straps are rated IP67 waterproof with up to 1 meter of protection when submerged.
Each package comes with a large and a small neoprene strap for better fit, breathability, and comfort. They’re available in a variety of colors, and you can buy more replacement colors separately.
Pros
- Comfortable and durable
- Replaceable bands
- Water- and sweat-resistant
Cons
- Repeated adjustments to get accurate readings
- Not compatible with all fitness apps
Dash Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor
The Dash Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor is a great option for those who want to track their fitness without denting their bank account.
Review
The Dash is a chest strap style monitor without all the bells and whistles that other competitors include. In this instance, you get what you pay for, and why should you pay for features you don’t want or need?
Dash seems to think so, too, so they introduced this simple monitor that does exactly what you bought it for: to measure your heart rate. For those of you who like to track calories burned, this little device does that, too.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t plan or analyze your metrics with this device. You just need to pair it with a third-party app to do so. Fortunately, this Dash HRM works with many popular ones like Wahoo, Endomondo, and Strava.
Keep in mind, though, like many chest strap HRMs this one measures your heart rate via electrical impulses. That means that every time you use the Dash HRM you need to use electrode gel or other recommended liquid to get good contact with the electrodes.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- Friendly tech support
- Budget-friendly
Cons
May not be suitable for larger body types
Final Verdict
Runners need to push themselves hard to get the most out of their workouts. But without the best heart rate monitor for running to measure their runs, it’s all just guesswork.
So, if you’re a runner who needs the right heartrate monitor to optimize your workouts, the Polar M430 may be just what you need. It allows you to monitor your heart rate continuously when you’re on a run and goes through the day so that you can monitor your output and recovery.
This, in turn, can help reduce the chances of overtraining and eventual injury. The M430 also has an indoor metric tracking capability for those days when you’re rained or snowed in and hit the treadmill instead.
If the Polar M430 is just a little out of your price range, the Scosche Rhythm+ is a great alternative. Its dual-band connectivity is a no-brainer choice if you’re the type of person that likes to connect to multiple devices. And the sleek, durable armband style may be more comfortable for your running style than a wrist monitor.