These Are the Best Heart Rate Monitors to Track Your Metrics While Exercising, According to Cardiologists
These Are the Best Heart Rate Monitors to Track Your Metrics While Exercising, According to Cardiologists
We updated this article in March 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Nowadays, you can track just about anything through your phones. From walking apps and pedometers tracking your steps to tracking the calories you burn, even keeping tabs on your medications. But there’s more data that you can be looking at to be sure you’re reaching your peak physical performance. The best heart rate monitors will help you stay on top of monitoring your heart rate and other conditions without interfering with your workout.
If you’re wondering why it’s necessary to track your heart rate, health experts claim it’s beneficial to understand how well your body is functioning overall.
Meet the experts: Nishant Shah M.D., co-chair of the American College of Cardiology Digital Health and Devices Work Group and associate professor of medicine at Brown University Alpert Medical School and Nicole Harkin, M.D., board-certified cardiologist based in San Francisco and founder of Whole Heart Cardiology.
“The heart rate is a measurement of how many times the heart squeezes to pump blood out to the body every minute. And blood is important because it carries oxygen and nutrients needed to support all of the body’s organs,” explains Nishant Shah M.D., co-chair of the American College of Cardiology Digital Health and Devices Work Group and associate professor of medicine at Brown University Alpert Medical School.
“The heart rate is an important part of understanding how well the heart is supporting those other organs,” he says. Tracking your heart rate can also help you learn how your heart performs at its highest and lowest, allowing you to see when something may be wrong. “Hearts that are healthier tend to recover more quickly,” says Nicole Harkin, M.D., board-certified cardiologist based in San Francisco and founder of Whole Heart Cardiology.
The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to heart rate monitors. From fitness trackers to smartwatches to rings, read on to learn how to find the best pick for your health and budget.
Our top picks
Ready to shop? Find our expert-recommended picks for all your fitness needs below.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The best heart rate monitors (HRM) help you track your heart rate and manage workouts. Our experts share top-rated picks from brands like Apple and Fitbit.
