Best Heart Rate Monitors in the UK

The people behind the Polar H10 pride themselves on manufacturing and producing accurate, precise, and hassle-free monitors. With this device, these attributes are not only brought but polished to the max. First (and one would argue foremost), the soft textile strap features high-quality electrodes, making sure that the heart rate is measured with accuracy and without interference. Second, the easy-to-use buckle and silicone dots prevent the strap from skidding and sliding when you are on the move.

The model's compatible with most sports and smartwatches, from Android and Apple products to Garmin and Suunto and more. To that end, the device lets you choose between Bluetooth, ANT+, and 5 kHz transmission, offering multiple connection options and also allowing you to maintain two connections at the same time. Despite its high-end electrodes though, the model does not burn through batteries as fast as most models, giving you ~400 hours on one CR2025 battery.

Where the product to some extent drops the ball is the app with its bloated and clunky interface that takes time to get used to. Apart from the app's questionable UI, the Polar H10 is an excellent product. Plus, owing to its fully waterproof construction, the device can be worn while swimming, rowing, running, cycling, and training indoors.

The Wahoo TICKR FIT is an armband, not the massive chest strap that most monitors within this lineup are coming with. As you can imagine, the difference here is that, unlike these straps, the 'band is pretty easy to put on, easy to remove, and less restrictive. The downside is that the battery lasts around 25-30 hours tops, though it is rechargeable, so you will not be buying replacement batteries every two months. Because, shockingly enough, people have different arms, the device's shipped with two stretchable bands, measuring 10 and 15 inches (25 and 38 cm). These bands are made from hypoallergenic materials, so people with sensitive skin can use them too.

In addition to monitoring the heart rate, the device can also track the workout duration and the calories burned, sending the data to the connected smartphone/tablet via the chosen training app. On that note, the model's compatible with at least 50 training apps and, selecting between Bluetooth and ANT+ connection options, the device can be paired with most smartphones, tablets, bike computers, and smartwatches.

To put it differently, the Wahoo TICKR FIT lands somewhere between fitness trackers and standard heart rate monitors, borrowing the best from both worlds.

The Polar H9 is a trustworthy HRM in its price range. It offers quite a wide compatibility, great companion apps, and a set of basic functions that an athlete might need to track their heart rate during physical activity.

This model uses electric pulses (ECG) to measure heart rate and transmits it to your phone, smartwatch, or any other fitness equipment that supports 5kHz, Bluetooth, or ANT+ transmission. It also tells your fitness level and ways to improve it when you use Polar's companion apps. It has heart rate training options and the VO2max test.

The HRM is well-designed. It doesn't cause much discomfort for the wearer (or at least no more than a chest strap would cause). Though it might take some time and trial to find the right tightness level for your comfort.

The H9 is made with soft stretchy fabric. The material feels nice to the skin. Some users claim that it absorbs smells easy but the machine-washable design fixes this flaw. The inner side (the one that touches your skin on the chest) has a flat panel with sensors that feels like soft flexible plastic. The monitor fastens on the back with a coated stainless steel hook and a loop on the other end. Thanks to such a design solution, there are no buckles that will rub the skin.

Finally, the Polar H9 works on a coin cell battery that is very easy to replace. The HRM consumes very little energy, so a single battery can last for about 400 hours.

The CooSpo Fitness Tracker keeps things pretty simple. To begin with, the device comes hiding two wireless modules: Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+. Between these two, the model's compatible with most fitness apps, smart gadgets, and various gym equipment pieces.

Not unlike most heart rate monitors, this one's shipped with an adjustable chest strap. You can attach and remove the device from the strap. You can also adjust the strap between 25.6 and 37.4 inches (65 and 95 cm) circumference-wise, fitting most torsos.

The strap is stretchy, soft, and forgiving towards the skin, so you do not have to worry about it rubbing and chaffing against the torso. What you do have to worry about is that the Bluetooth module's range here is pretty limited, meaning that you will not be able to keep the unit connected to some gadget lying 15 feet (4.5 metres) away from you.

On the bright side, with its IP67 class protection, the device does not dread dust and moisture. Also, because the unit's tracking nothing but the heart rate, one CR2032 battery will last around 365 hours before finally giving out.

To sum up, the CooSpo Fitness Tracker is not the most sophisticated device on this list but those who only want to monitor their heart rate and nothing else will find this product a much more sensible choice.

On land and in water, the Polar OH1 makes heartbeat monitoring simple and comfortable. This is an optical HRM with a 6-LED sensor that is as accurate as an electric chest monitor. It sends your heart rate on any Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible device including your phone, smartwatch, cycling computers, treadmills, and any other compatible sports equipment piece. As with other Polar HRMs, you can link the OH1 to one of its companion apps. This model has built-in memory which stores up to 200 hours of data. So, if you want to focus on your workout instead of distracting on your phone, this monitor can help you with that.

The armband of the OH1 is adjustable, machine washable, and soft to the touch. You can wear it on your forearm or biceps. It fits snugly and comfortably. This is a great option especially when you do kettlebell-based exercises. It is replaceable and comes in several stylish colours, so you can get the one you like most and renew it in the future.

The manufacturer has thought about the swimmers' convenience too. They've equipped the monitor with a swimming goggle strap clip that you can use to attach the sensor to your goggles and swim with more comfort.

As for the battery, the Polar OH1 has a rechargeable lithium battery that runs up to 12 hours on a single charge. It charges with a USB adapter that comes in the box. Indeed, if you want to get accurate heart rate measurements but hate the discomfort that chest HRMs cause, then this monitor is the best pick.