Rating of the best heart rate monitors according to buyers. Heart rate monitors - types, description, rating of the best models

Modern life is hard to imagine without all kinds of gadgets, including for health. So, a hand-held heart rate monitor is very popular - a bracelet for measuring heart rate while running or doing fitness. The device monitors the heartbeat and notifies you of the need to change the pace with an audible signal. The device is also used by people with impaired heart function.

What is a heart rate monitor

Sports watches (or heart rate monitors) are medical devices that allow you to track your heart rate during exercise. The product is worn on the arm and thanks to it, while playing sports, you can not be distracted by counting heart rate, jogging, doing fitness. Heart rate monitors control the presence of the pulse in a comfortable range of values ​​for a person.

Why do you need

The heart rate bracelet helps athletes improve their workouts. First, the frequency of contractions is measured in a calm state, the lower and upper thresholds are determined. During training, a person monitors these indicators: increases the load if the pulse is below the minimum level or reduces the pace of the session when the maximum value is exceeded.

How does it work

The principle of operation of the bracelet resembles an ECG (electrocardiogram). Pulse counting is carried out by a wireless sensor located on the finger, earlobe, on the chest or in the product itself. It transmits the number of heartbeats to a receiving device located in the sports watch. The latter processes the data and displays the result in electronic form on the screen of the heart rate monitor.

Heart Rate Rating

You can buy a hand-held heart rate monitor in the online store of Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. Some products are expensive, but if you get on promotions, discounts, sales, you can buy a bracelet relatively cheaply. By selling goods via the Internet, companies provide the opportunity to order delivery of purchases by mail, offering a low price for this service. Check out the ranking of the best products:

The best heart rate monitors on hand

In budget models of heart rate monitors, in addition to the heart monitoring function, there is also a clock, an alarm clock and a timer. More advanced products keep track of calories burned and energy consumption. Plus expensive sports gadgets - connection to a computer to analyze the physical condition of a person and make individual programs.

For running

In Polar models, in addition to counting the heart rate, tracking of pace, distance, number of steps and calories burned during running is programmed. In addition, this type of heart rate monitor notifies you of messages from social networks. Check out the following options:

• model name: Polar M200 Red;
• price: 10200 rubles;
• characteristics: production - Finland, color - red, operating mode - up to 6 hours;
• pluses: equipped with a GPS sensor;
• cons: not found.

The Wahoo Wrist Run Heart Rate Monitor is one of the wrist heart rate monitors that can recognize the exercise being performed and count the number of repetitions. Connects to the phone via bluetooth, supports several applications:

• name: Wahoo TICKR X Heart Workout;
• price: 5190 rubles;
• characteristics: color - black, material - plastic, has a built-in memory;
• pluses: waterproof;
• cons: not found.

For fitness

A fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor from Mio is in demand among professional athletes. This gadget on hand is characterized by high measurement accuracy, has built-in memory and stores data for 25 hours of training:

• name: Mio Alpha 2 Pink;
• price: 7990 r;
• characteristics: production - Canada, color - pink, water resistance 3 atm.;
• pluses: open until 23:00;
• cons: not found.

Sanitas releases a multifunctional heart rate monitor that looks like a regular watch but is worn on the left hand. Sanitas heart rate monitors work without a chest belt, so they are indispensable for sports such as Nordic walking and hiking:

• name: Sanitas SPM10;
• price: 3150 rubles;
• characteristics: production - Germany, color - gray metallic;
• pluses: finger sensor, water resistance 50 m;
• cons: not found.

For cycling

Garmin manufactures one of the most accurate devices on hand, which not only measures the pulse, but also controls the speed of movement and distance. Using a wireless communication channel, the gadget transmits data to the computer:

• name: Garmin forerunner 70 HRM;
• price: 14678 rubles;
• characteristics: the body of the device is made of plastic, counts the consumption of calories, counts the pulse;
• pluses: shockproof, waterproof;
• cons: not found.

Sigma heart rate monitors for the hand are one of the most popular models among users. They count not only the pulse, but also the number of laps completed on the bike:

• name: Sigma PC 15.11;
• price: 5410 rubles;
• characteristics: timer, sound alert, backlight, waterproof;
• pluses: 5 language modes;
• cons: not found.

For strength training

Polar sports wristband with heart rate monitor has a stylish design and all the features of the fitness series. The product is equipped with an optical sensor and the function of setting the upper and lower heart rate zones:

• name: Polar FT80;
• price: 23990 rubles;
• characteristics: production - Finland, weight - 64 g, water resistance 30 m;
• pluses: drawing up a plan for individual cardio and strength training;
• cons: expensive.

The Atlas heart rate watch can recognize the position of the human body in space, distinguish between the exercise being performed, count the pulse and the number of repetitions. The device is worn only on the left hand, has a strap for fixing the mobile screen module:

• name: Atlas Wristband;
• price: 8990 rubles;
• characteristics: color - black and yellow, bracelet material - silicone, touch screen, work in active mode - up to 5 hours;
• pluses: waterproof;
• minuses:

Wrist pedometer with heart rate monitor

The Silva pedometer counts the maximum heart rate, the number of steps taken and the speed:

• name: pedometer Silva;
• price: 1800 rubles;
• characteristics: production - Sweden, color - white-blue, material - plastic, has a clock;
• pluses: fastening on a belt;
• cons: not found.

The Beurer heart rate monitor calculates the distance traveled and the speed with which it was done, based on the size of your step. Products are attached to the arm like a regular watch:

• name: Beurer PM18;
• price: 4400 rubles;
• characteristics: production - Germany, finger sensor, counts the consumption of calories and fat per gram;
• cons: not found.

Wrist-based medical heart rate monitor

The Heart Beat Meter (medical) is attached to the wrist with Velcro, measures the pulse with an accuracy of +/-3%:

• name: Heart Beat Meter;
• price: 715 rubles;
• characteristics: digital liquid crystal blood pressure monitor and pulse meter, material - plastic;
• pros: cheap;
• cons: not found.

Medical heart rate monitor-tonometer MPT Automatic 90 has an automatic system and individual settings for each user:

• name: MPT Automatic 90;
• price: 1500 rubles;
• characteristics: color - white, material - plastic, three-line liquid crystal display, memory for 90 measurements;
• pluses: compact dimensions;
• cons: not found.

Wristwatch with heart rate monitor

The Beurer PM15 wrist watch with heart rate measurement has a wide range of functions and is produced without a chest strap:

• name: Beurer PM15;
• price: 3290 rubles;
• features: finger sensor, alarm notification, automatic and manual settings;
• pluses: water resistance 50 m;
• cons: not found.

The Skmei 1111 watch is a great choice for sports lovers. The gadget counts the pulse, has a built-in pedometer:

• name: Skmei 1111;
• price: 2390 rubles;
• characteristics: color - black, material - plastic, weight - 53 g;
• pluses: water resistance 5 atm.;
• cons: not found.

How to choose a heart rate monitor

If you do not know how to choose a heart rate monitor for training, be guided by the following indicators:

1. Manufacturer. Give preference to well-known companies that guarantee the quality and accuracy of readings.
2. Battery. It will be better if you can replace it yourself.
3. Functionality. Choose wrist heart rate monitors with additional features.
4. Synchronization. It is very convenient to use devices with the ability to connect to a smartphone, computer.
5. If you are swimming, the gadget must be waterproof.

Video

Running allows you to control body weight, as well as maintain physical fitness in excellent condition. In order for the training process to take place with the maximum benefit and not harm your health, you can use a running heart rate monitor to monitor your heart rate. With its help, a person can select the load, based on the individual characteristics of the organism.

A heart rate monitor is necessary so that an athlete can optimize his training process, make it more correct in terms of health and the level of physical activity. This device helps to keep the pace in a certain pulse zone, when the exercises sufficiently affect the development of strength and endurance, but at the same time the body is not overstrained, that is, no harm is done.

There are several types of heart rate monitors:

breastplate

The chest heart rate monitor is the preferred model for those who want to measure their heart rate with extreme accuracy. If you fasten the belt correctly, then after a couple of workouts, the device will not be felt and somehow distract from the training process. In this case, the heart rate will be measured uninterruptedly, so you can more accurately control the load in the range of pulse zones.

Electronic touch

A handy arm-mounted heart rate monitor that attaches to your wrist while reading your heart rate and other important metrics during your workout. The main functions do not differ from the previous version of the models, however, it must be understood that the accuracy of heart rate measurements will be slightly lower than when the device is attached to the chest. But, despite this, many people prefer this particular type of heart rate monitor, since all indicators are visible in real time, which allows you to independently control the entire training process.

Features of choosing a heart rate monitor

The choice of a heart rate monitor for running is individual, but there are several recommendations that will allow you to buy the most suitable model:

The presence of a stopwatch

If the heart rate monitor is attached to the wrist, then with a stopwatch, you can control the training time. This is especially convenient if they are held, where it is important to observe periods of acceleration and rest. The best option is if both the stopwatch and the heart rate are displayed on the screen at the same time - thus, there is a comprehensive control of the main indicators.

Zone setup

The so-called pulse zones allow you to control the degree of load. In this case, the most preferred option would be a device that informs with a sound signal or vibration that the training intensity should be reduced in order to normalize the pulse, or, conversely, increase it to maintain a given pace. In some models, this range is adjusted automatically, in others, you will have to drive in all the indicators yourself.

Distance measurement

You can control the training not only with the help of time, but also the distance traveled. Thus, from time to time, you can improve performance by running a greater distance every day than before. It is convenient if such calculations are carried out automatically using a heart rate monitor for running. An additional bonus here may be the GPS function, which will allow you to track routes and somehow correct them.

calorie counting

Many people start running not only to improve their health, but also to tone it up. To track how energy-intensive the workout was, you can use the heart rate monitor, where, among other things, the calories burned are counted.

Backlight

This feature is often overlooked by beginner runners, but it can make tracking performance much more comfortable. If the backlight is provided in the heart rate monitor, then the numbers on the screen become equally clearly visible both during a sunny day and in the dark in the late evening.

Overview of heart rate monitor models

The modern market of gadgets for optimizing heart rate control is replete with a variety of models for any choice, so you can decide which heart rate monitor to buy for running individually, based on your own preferences. Consider some of the most popular models:

Alpha 2

A heart rate monitor that is attached to the wrist. It has a convenient display equipped with an additional backlight, so you can practice at any time of the day: all indicators are clearly visible both in bright sunlight and in the dark. Syncs wirelessly via Bluetooth. The strap is made of silicone material, quite durable, the whole design is waterproof. Additional features include calorie counting.

Good to use for training in the target zone. At the very beginning of work, the device offers to set the maximum allowable indicator for the heart rate, so that in the future you can properly control the training process. However, if these data are unknown, then the heart rate monitor will independently determine them over time and calculate comfort zones for exercising. Fastening on the wrist, the strap is long, but does not interfere at all, in general, with prolonged wear, the device is not even felt on the hand. The appearance is quite attractive, so many wear this gadget even in everyday time.

NikeFuelBand

A very stylish running heart rate monitor from the world's leading sporting goods manufacturer. It is a bracelet that is attached to the hand, has four different shades for every taste: green, black, red and pink. The bracelet is flexible, does not rub, comfortable for everyday wear. It works with a special application on a smartphone, where several useful indicators are noted at once: arm swings, jumps, number of steps and many others. A plus is tracking the progress track, where you can observe improvements in physical performance.

The device is a bracelet attached to the wrist. The exterior design is quite stylish: the strap is black on the outside and blue on the inside. The case is silicone, while the hand feels comfortable, does not rub anything. A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of an additional infrared thermometer. It can also be used to monitor sleep phases and control its quality. The device counts the steps taken and the calories burned, measures the heart rate.

Polar H7

Suitable for any workout, including running. It has a convenient application for smartphones, where you can track all indicators, its installation is a prerequisite. All data is transmitted via Bluetooth. The device is attached to the chest, so the control of the heartbeat is more accurate.

Torneo H-102

A running heart rate monitor that combines both a heart rate monitor and a wristwatch. The most convenient gadget for those who like to go jogging. Thanks to the chest strap, the heart rate is measured more accurately, while all indicators can be seen on the watch screen in real time. By setting the boundaries of the heart rate range, you can control the load, when you leave the comfort zone, the device will beep. In addition, the gadget also counts calories burned.

The price range of heart rate monitors is quite wide: different models can cost from 1 to 35 thousand rubles. The choice depends on the manufacturer, the main characteristics, fastening, as well as the material from which the device is made. You can buy heart rate monitors in selected specialized sporting goods stores, as well as in regular departments with household appliances.

Conclusion

For those who want to improve their physical performance and properly optimize the training process, it is recommended to purchase a running heart rate monitor. With it, you can not only control your heart rate, which is very good for overall health, but also track the energy expended, adjust the distance traveled and routes, and even improve the quality.

A set of chest strap, headphone jack receiver and Runtastic software. The heart rate sensor is synchronized with the transmitter using its own protocol. Heart rate data is combined with additional data (speed, pace, altitude, distance, training duration are tracked) and displayed in the form of informative graphs on a smartphone.

Unlike many other fitness accessories, this device can be used not only when running: thanks to the Runtastic apps, this heart rate sensor can be used as a recorder even on bike races. And compatibility pleases: the device can be connected to almost any smartphone. It is compatible with Android 2.1 and above, Windows 7.5 and above, iPhone 4s and above.

Cielo WT010

The gadget from the Chinese company is an ordinary (but not bad) sports watch with a complete synchronized heart rate monitor on the belt. The watch, in addition to indicating the time, can show the duration of the workout (like a timer, in fact), control calorie consumption and heart rate. And if you remove the heart monitor - just a nice watch will remain. And the cost of this two-in-one solution is very pleasant.

Alcatel One Touch Watch

A full-fledged smart watch from a well-known brand. The device can be placed on a silicone or metal bracelet, which will allow you to wear it with any clothing. There is moisture protection according to the IP67 standard. In addition to heart rate, OneTouch Watch tracks the number of steps taken, calories burned, sleep time. And, of course, it can display notifications from a smartphone (work is supported both with Android version 4.1 and higher, and with iOS).

Samsung Gear S2

And this is a real wrist computer. A dual-core Exynos 3250 processor, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB of internal memory, a 1.2-inch super-bright AMOLED display - all this splendor is enclosed in a stainless steel case and runs on Tizen OS. True, there is a fly in the ointment here: Samsung Gear S2 interact only with smartphones on Android 4.x. But it's worth it: you can view the map, listen to music directly from the watch itself (requires only a proprietary Bluetooth headset), track the progress of your workout, and much more.

Bike computer wireless Meratti

For severe cyclists who are not impressed by newfangled trends, there is also an interesting gadget. For example, a wireless bike computer with a built-in heart rate sensor. Able to measure heart rate, current and average speed, distance and travel time, counts calories. Nothing superfluous - and the price is much lower than that of competitors in the form of belts or bracelets.

iHealth PO 3 pulse oximeter

This gadget is designed for real athletes who care about the result, not fashion. The iHealth PO 3 Wireless Shoulder Pulse Oximeter works with iPhone, iPod and iPad to record your pulse and oxygen saturation levels. The measurement results can be viewed on the gadget's own screen and on the display of your iOS device.

Jawbone UP3

One of the most advanced sports gadgets. Absolutely everything is cool in it: a bracelet made of hypoallergenic thermopolyurethane with a medical certificate, a stainless steel buckle with a titanium nitride coating, a stylish design and functionality - a thermometer, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor. The device can notify about events, track sleep. In addition, it is his smartphone application that is considered the most advanced: the bracelet, like a personal trainer, gives tips to improve well-being.

Runtastic RUNBT1

This gadget from Runtastic uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone - much more convenient, but a little more expensive. But in general, the device can do everything the same as the first proposed model of this manufacturer: register heart rate, speed, pace, altitude, distance and duration of a run.

Fenix ​​3 Sapphire

The king of sports gadgets. Fenix ​​3 smart watch combines two full-fledged devices. As a smart watch, the gadget can notify the user of incoming calls, SMS, emails, calendar events, as well as messages from social networks and other mobile applications.

By the way, this uses a special screen created using Chroma technology - this made it possible to achieve full readability even in bright sunlight. As a sports accessory, the device will replace almost all additional ones. For example, navigation features include a 3-axis compass, GPS/GLONASS module, altimeter and barometer, TracBack and Sight'n Go.

The functions of a fitness bracelet are performed thanks to a full set of sensors, including a complete elastic band-heart rate monitor. It is worth mentioning that the watch is not only designed for running - a special set of functions allows you to also use the device during swimming and ski training. In addition, you can use the gadget as a remote control for an action camera and control the clock without taking off your gloves.

Heart rate monitors are a rare example of fitness gadgets that people buy not for fashion and convenience, but for real use. You won't find a bragging teenager on the streets of big cities telling a friend, "Look how awesome I got myself a heart rate monitor," or a glamorous chick taking a selfie with a brand new Garmin or Polar. But thousands of athletes regularly buy them for a simple reason: they make runners, cyclists, weightlifters and swimmers more efficient in their workouts.

In our past texts, we often mentioned heart rate monitors as a separate feature of GPS watches or fitness trackers. But finally we got to the specific material dedicated to heart-rate monitors. From this text you will learn:

- how heart rate monitors help beginners and experienced athletes;
- what types and types of heart rate monitors can be found on the market today;
- which models most accurately measure the pulse;
- Do heart rate monitors have additional functions and how much do you have to pay for them.

And we will also show you the most budget and expensive HRMs, the most popular models and specialized heart rate monitors for cyclists and extreme sportsmen. We hope our material will make your heart beat a little faster!

Why do athletes need heart rate monitors?

Personally, I see even more benefit in the function of monitoring heart activity than in tracking movements or analyzing the level of muscle mass. The heart rate monitor does not motivate or encourage (what the average person needs), but it teaches you how to dose the load during sports. There are many extensive treatises on the Internet about how heart rate (HR) affects the quality of training. We will try to explain all this in a few lines.
During sports, we do not feel 100% what our heart is experiencing at that moment. Is it exhausted after an hour of running, or is everything in order, and you can still torture yourself? Is it already possible to move from a warm-up to a hardcore workout or is it too early? In all these matters, people often have to rely on their feelings. And they regularly let people down. As a result - heart problems, too short or prolonged sports. And what does a heart rate monitor give us?

The heart rate monitor shows that line of heart contractions that it is better not to go beyond. At the moment when the pulse jumps too high, you need to slowly “round off” the exercise. Or reduce the load to a reasonable one. All the same, now it will only be to the detriment of the body. Here is the gadget and signals this to the owner: the heart is tired, it's time to sit down and drink some water ... This is very cool, because the myth that training should end in a state of complete exhaustion has long been debunked.

The heart rate monitor shows the "warm-up zone". You can not start serious physical activity without a warm-up - everyone knows this. But when does it end? And how to properly prepare for a fitness session? The heart rate monitor will monitor how your body is warming up, and will tell you when it will be possible to get down to business.

The heart rate monitor determines the zone of maximum training efficiency. Running your tenth lap in a city park and thinking you're awesome? Look at the pulse. Perhaps it has not changed much under the influence of your activity, which means that the body needs an additional load. If you catch this "optimal zone", then try to stay in it: do not exceed the heart rate and do not underestimate.

Heart rate monitors will open the way to sports for people of different health levels. It's a shame, but many "cores" believe that they have no place in sports ... This is a mistake: exercise therapy and light fitness have not harmed anyone yet. Only for such people it is better not to leave the zone of moderate loads! That's the whole secret. And heart rate monitors can become for such people the best weapon against complexes and delusions.

And gadgets with a built-in heart rate monitor more accurately calculate calories burned and develop a forecast for individual training. This is such a nice bonus!

Types, price and design

Designers have come up with many different ways to measure heart rate, as well as form factors for heart rate monitors. Let's go over the main classifications of modern heart-rate monitors.

First choose pulse sensor which you like the most. Heart rate monitors of the 21st century read heart rate in two ways: optical measurement and using bioimpedance technology. In the first case, human skin is artificially translucent close to the capillaries, and an optical sensor captures the speed and characteristics of light reflection. Blood circulation directly affects what signal the meter receives.

But bioimpedance is a more complex technology. A special device sends electrical signals to the human body: these weakest electrical discharges help it learn a lot about a person. The level of sweating, the composition of muscle mass, and at the same time - and heart rate.

Which sensor is more accurate is a difficult question, we will talk about it below. Now let's talk about where and how the heart rate monitors are attached.

The most fashionable form dictated by time and trends - bracelet. It would seem logical to measure the pulse close to the vein, and most fitness trackers have long taught us that the bracelet is convenient. Its main competitor is chest strap. Runners usually vote for chest heart rate monitors: belts sit supposedly tighter, and still measure heart rate more accurately. True, pampered townsfolk and comfort fans complain about the low usability of such belts. Like, they rub, and they start to crawl from sweat, and in general ... not everyone has the opportunity to walk all day with such a thing under their shirt ... In short, this is more of a professional device than a folk one.

At one time were popular and extravagant attachments on the finger (heart rate monitors-rings) and earlobe. They appeared before the introduction of bioimpedance sensors, when developers were trying to achieve maximum accuracy from optical heart rate monitors. On the earlobe and index finger, the capillaries lie as close to the surface as possible - this is convenient for reading heart rate. Accordingly, such gadgets measure the pulse a little more accurately. But the strange appearance did not allow them to gain a foothold on the shelves of special stores for a long time :).

In addition, HRM sensors can be found in fitness equipment for gyms (usually these are bioimpedance sensors on the handles), "smart scales" and bicycle computers.

Well, one more important difference by which modern heart rate monitors can be divided. This is actually the one the period in which they are able to monitor the data. The most old-fashioned HRMs capture heart rate only at a specific moment when you press them to the skin and press a special button. Most modern monitors "listen to the heart" all the time, but give out general data, such as "lowest heart rate, highest and average heart rate for the selected period." Well, fancy models can give a complete report for the entire monitoring period in the form of infographics.

What's the price? The heart rate monitor has never been considered an expensive device. The most budget options can be bought for 600-800 rubles. High-quality mass heart rate monitors can be bought at prices ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles. Professional cycling or running devices can cost more than 20,000 rubles.

Which ones are the most accurate?

It is generally accepted that optical chest heart rate monitors have ideal accuracy. Still, the heart is near, and their contact with the body is harder. In second place, popular rumor has placed uncomfortable HRM on the earlobe / finger. Following are classic bracelets with bioimpedance and optical reading.

You can find many tests on the Web, where either one model or another wins the battle for accuracy. Moreover, most of the jambs occur precisely when the HRM measures heart rate at maximum physical exertion. In a state of rest and warm-up, almost no one mows. However, life is not so simple. And even the obvious question: "which is cooler: bioimpedance or "optics"?" not resolved yet. Moreover, many users even blasphemously question the benefits of chest sensors. If you delve into the reviews of experts and users, you can collect real dirt on any type of heart rate monitor.

Do you want negativity optical heart rate monitors? Get it! Even on the wrist, they are not immune to stupid jambs. At least due to the fact that optics perceive different skin colors differently. For dark-skinned people, they can underestimate the indicators; for too pale people, they can overestimate. In the guest books you can find a lot of complaints about this factor from people of different ethnic groups.

Wrist heart rate monitors with bioimpedance seem to have advantages, such as easier access to continuous heart rate measurement ... But here a lot depends on the quality of the sensor and the software for it: the electronics in cheap Asian models very often mess up. And it’s also better not to use them for people with a sick heart and pregnant women (although they should also play sports and measure their pulse !!!). In general, the more complex it is, the more difficult it is to manage.

At chest optical heart rate monitors there is a minus that arises when working with hairy men. Even if they shave their chests regularly, small hairs can affect the quality of the pulse reading. And they are not good friends with sweat. The back and chest of runners sweat more than the wrists and earlobe. This results in loose contact and may even cause the sensor to slip. And for the chest bioimpedance to work properly, it must have good electrical contact with the body. The skin dried up or did not have time to sweat - there may be incorrect data.

It turns out that in search of the ideal hear-rate monitor, one should bet not on a certain type of sensor, but on the quality of a particular model. If the developers provide for all the pitfalls, then the result of the gadget can be relied upon.

How to choose a heart rate monitor: models with GPS and tracking function

What benefits should an HRM have other than a reliable and accurate sensor? Good battery? Smart software? Additional features?

Well, the battery lasts a long time on most heart rate monitors. If the GPS sensor is not turned on there, then the HRM lives almost in wristwatch mode. But well-thought-out software and bonuses such as an accelerometer or navigation will not interfere with such gadgets.

Let's start with software features. An ideal HRM should:

* Maintain training history: a convenient activity log on your computer or smartphone will help you track your progress! The more detailed the fitness diary, the better;

* Have memory for training zones. Over time, you will learn in which zone calories are burned better, in which muscles grow, and in which you need to prepare for the end of the workout. Ideally, the gadget should remember them (from 3 to 5 zones) and provide the owner with comfortable prompts;

* Warn host. About danger (too high heart rate), about ineffective training (too low heart rate), about changing the training zone.

* Convenient to connect with computer, smart phone and fitness app. Pay attention to the ANT+ protocol. It is much more efficient than ANT and means that your device can "make friends" with other fitness gadgets.

It is important to know something else: an uncoded or coded heart rate sensor is in front of you. The first transmits an open signal, so it is more prone to interference, but sports heart rate monitors with it are also cheaper. The second transmits an encrypted signal, protected from lags.

Many athletes use heart rate trackers without any additional features. But in our time, a mass buyer is always looking for bonus features in any gadget. And in modern heart rate monitors there are many pleasant surprises that will also work to increase the effectiveness of training. Here they are - services that "certainly won't harm" your heart-rate monitor:

• Pedometer-accelerometer: with it you can calculate the number of calories burned and keep a personal activity diary, tracking your own progress or degradation;
• GPS sensor: a must have for running and cycling fans. It monitors your travel speed, track elevation and performs basic navigational functions;
• Extensive bioimpedance options: Recall that these miniature electric shocks allow you to roughly determine the ratio of muscle and fat mass in the body, as well as track changes in this ratio. A good feature for those who started running to fight excess weight.

Of course, the idea of ​​combining all these features into one device looks very tempting. Therefore, more and more not heart rate monitors in their pure form, but hybrid devices appear on the market. Both those and others will be included in our review of the most popular, budget, expensive and specialized heart rate monitors.

The most popular gadgets with a heart rate monitor

So, the two most popular gadget models with HRM on - Fitbit Charge HR and In the first case, we have before us - a mixture of "smart watches" and a fitness tracker. But Polar is a heart rate monitor in its purest form. Let's take a closer look at them.

Fitness bracelet with Fitbit Charge HR heart rate monitor. This is a fairly expensive fitness bracelet with a built-in heart rate monitor, priced at $149. He is friends with all existing mobile operating systems, can count steps and calories burned, monitor sleep phases and altitude levels. And "Fitbit" signals received SMS, incoming calls and emails. But how good is the heart rate monitor of the device?

The Fitbit sensor itself is made using its own PurePulse technology. It can only distinguish three zones of activity(not enough!). The results are displayed on a smartphone in the form of infographics, and also links them to indicators of "calorie burning" and physical activity. Here is what users write about his work:

“The pulse is delayed, especially when the hand is sweaty or wet. If you need to monitor your heart rate while strength training or running, then this bracelet is not for you!, - writes Andrew Andrew.

And the next speaker disagrees with him:

“Firstly, it allows you to evaluate the work of the heart in the daytime mode using the “Rest Pulse” parameter. I was allowed to see that regular exercise (running) really reduces the resting heart rate, which indicates the strengthening of the heart muscle. Secondly, it allows you to adjust your workout in an optimal way, using the online heart rate zone you need, and also gives very detailed statistics on the results of the workout (by the second: changes in heart rate, calories burned, heart rate zone).”

Many admit that the gadget loses its pulse from profuse sweat, but in this case, loosening the strap on the arm helps.

The accuracy of "Charge" cannot be called ideal: in a state of load, the gadget still gives deviations. However, most often these are not critical deviations of 3-5-7 strokes. And Derek Klemons generally assures that he compared the Fitbit readings with a chest sensor from another company, and they coincided almost everywhere. In general, for a mass audience - a ride.

And what will impress us with a bracelet with a heart rate monitor

Here, after all, the heart rate monitor is not a side service, but the main function! This gadget is almost three times cheaper: only 54 dollars. Polar also reads heart rate 24 hours a day and analyzes the approximate number of calories burned. But there is no pedometer and height detector, call alerts and fitness gadgets here. And you also need to consider that the device only works with a chest sensor. In theory, this should provide the buyer with increased reading accuracy. A popular rating of 4.5 stars confirms this rule best. According to buyers, the gadget perfectly counts the pulse and calories burned.

Eric J writes:

“The watch is incredibly easy to use. When you first open the window, you go through the setup wizard, enter your weight, gender... and you're good to go. They automatically determine the comfort zones for you, all functions are called up in a couple of button presses ... I am a core person, and it is especially important for me not to overload the heart. So, every time I get into the risk zone, he just beeps and I reduce the load. The perfect purchase for me!”

What is the negative comment about? Lack of connection with smartphones (all data must be searched on a small display), frequent replacement of a removable battery (every 6 months) and too loud warning signals ... Whether it will stress you out - decide for yourself :).

But the real plus of the gadget is that it connects and works with GymLink series machines. The FT4 is also water-resistant enough to take it to the pool or swim in a shallow river (although if heart rate tracking is not that important to you, we recommend using the swimming fitness trackers from our review for these purposes). The model is also popular with girls: it is sold in light green, pink, silver and black colors.

All in all, universal choice for beginners and experienced athletes.

The best budget heart rate monitors and the most expensive HRM

Does the price affect the quality of HRM? Let's compare one of the cheapest heart rate monitors and the most expensive one.

The best heart rate monitor for cyclists

Let's start with budget watch models with heart rate monitor HDE Fitness Sport for 7 dollars. SEVEN BUCKS!!! It's a full meal at a fast food restaurant... or a dozen metro rides in the capital. Or... a fitness tracker???

Nobody hides that HDE is stamped in China. Well, how could you hide it? But he knows something. Counts laps completed by a runner or cyclist. It shows the current time quite accurately ... It even monitors calories burned! In general, such a simple Chinese watch with HRM. Which still for some reason give a two-year warranty.

HDE owners literally yell in surprise in the comments:

“It really works. I bought it for fun, did not believe in a gadget for 7 bucks. But it turned out that he was very good. I compared the results with the indicators of medical equipment and they almost always matched!!!”, - writes Rick.

And others are quick to disappoint them. Adim assures:

“The watch looks good and works well. But the heart rate monitor is useless. I took 10 consecutive heart rate measurements while sitting, and got 10 different results, ranging from 45 beats per minute to 87 beats per minute. Some kind of Russian roulette.

Yes, roulette. But why not play it for 7 bucks? It's not as hard as deciding to buy watch with heart rate monitor Polar V800 GPS, whose official price of the device is $500. True, on sales you can find it for 350 "green".

The most expensive heart rate monitor in the world is positioned as a "multi-sport device". Ideally, the V800 should bring any athlete to euphoria: a football player and a diver, a fitness lover and a weightlifter, a runner and a jumper! The developers have generously shared with their offspring functionality that can meet such a goal. According to the guys from Polar, this model was tested by professional triathletes and track and field athletes. Not in vain here advanced GPS-mode is provided for connoisseurs of running cross country and extreme tourism.

This gadget online monitors the heart rate and distance traveled, the speed and pace of movement, the level of height and physical activity. With it, you can test the state of the body: how ready are you and your heart for a serious workout! The owner of the heart rate monitor will receive an answer to such a question in a few moments.

The Polar battery lasts 14 hours at full load and 50 hours in low power GPS mode. Almost a record figure for GPS-devices! The screen of the Polar V800 GPS is covered with reinforced Gorilla Glass, and the mechanics is protected from immersion even at 100 meters! The device can be synchronized with anything and anything, it even provides for the addition of special bicycle sensors, such as a cadence analyzer. This model already includes the "smart coach" familiar to fitness trackers, who analyzes your past results and suggests how to achieve new records in the future.

Owners of Polar V800 are predictably delighted with their purchase. Although, they find fault with trifles more seriously.

“For some reason, work with a mountain bike and a mountain driving style is not provided. Until now, there is no connection with Android ... Well, the sensors for exercise bikes are so-so, guys. writes Monteiro.

But all this is covered by the obvious concern of developers for the convenience and comfort of their customers. The model has a built-in cool backlight, vibration alerts, a large and high-contrast display. Optical sensors are very well located here and Bluetooth works almost perfectly. It perfectly reads the pulse under water ... In short, this is a quality gadget that is worth the money.

Ideal heart rate monitor for cyclists

Our story would be incomplete without information about cycling heart rate monitors. As a rule, they cost an order of magnitude more expensive than running or fitness devices. If you want to buy one for yourself - get ready to invest from 5 to 30 thousand rubles!

But each bicycle HRM is a small on-board computer. It can work with an exercise bike, and with a city bike, and with a cool mountain bike. The leaders among manufacturers are still the same: Garmin, Polar, Suunto. Perhaps the best way to tell us about the advantages and features of cycling heart rate monitors is the model Polar CS300.

Yes, it is quite expensive - you have to pay for the Polar 11900 rubles. But for a bike computer, this is a very budget model. Especially if you take into account the high ratings of the device: from 4 to 5 stars on different markets.

The feature of the CS-300 is that you can put it on the steering wheel and take it with you to the gym for fitness classes. It gives out heart rates in the form of a detailed cardiogram and accurately measures the speed of your iron friend. The gadget has an amazing memory and the ability to record up to 14 training stages. We did a warm-up, then more active exercises, pulled ourselves up on the bar, ran, sat on the bike ... all these fragments will be sorted and analyzed. To all the tests already known to us, here we have added an aerobic test for endurance during rest and a test for the body's ability to absorb oxygen. An important function: after all, the effectiveness of training and your internal state depend on the level of oxygen in the blood.

Auto start and auto stop functions allow you to program the cycling computer to automatically start and stop training recording when you start or stop pedaling... and at the end of the race you get a report: whether you pedaled well at different stages of the track (uphill, downhill, on the plain).

By the way, about bikes: the device remembers the configuration and characteristics of two bikes at once. Before starting a workout, you can select a bike with the right settings for a particular workout. And there is also a very cool battery, built-in workout reminders (get behind the wheel, lazy ass) and much more. No wonder cyclists regularly rank this device among the best bike heart rate monitors!

“I have almost every Garmin, three Suuntos, a complete Polar collection! but this thing will no doubt be cooler than all of them. All tests are performed quickly, everything is done very simply. A person of any age will master this thing, and most importantly, it is very reliable and accurate. writes anonymously on the Amazon portal.

The best heart rate monitor with pressure measurement function - Smart Bracelet Jet SPORT FT-7 Gray

Smart bracelet Jet SPORT FT-7 Gray has a modern design. Discreet touch screen and dark rubberized strap looks perfect on the hand, does not interfere with everyday activities.

In addition to the basic built-in functions - sleep tracking, a calorie counter, notifications of messages and calls, measuring the number of steps, the bracelet has several additional ones. These include a built-in heart rate monitor. You can check your heart rate and blood pressure at any time. This is very convenient for people with tachycardia or those who are very active in sports.

It can be connected to a smartphone of any manufacturer. regardless of the type of operating system (Android, ios). The owner of the bracelet will always be aware of the emails, incoming messages, and calls received on the phone.

Summing up

At one time it seemed to me that the trend to combine different functions in one device would kill good heart rate monitors. In the beginning, things really went towards this: fitness trackers with a heart rate sensor entered the market with multiple jambs ... They were wrong in their readings, they could not measure their pulse 24 hours a day ... But people still bought Fitbits and Jabons. Because they are more fashionable and pumped. But manufacturers of heart rate monitors slowly began to respond to this threat. Now they are adding less important pedometers and SMS and call alerts to their heart rate monitors. And their accuracy and reliability remained the same.

Therefore, athletes have someone to rely on. All the models that we have listed in this review are worthy gadgets that will earn their money. Even a penny Chinese for $ 7. And insanely expensive Polar. Their key to success is simple: simple technology + decent implementation = user love and accurate data.

Oh, I wish all developers worked on this principle!

The heart rate is very important to know when playing sports and some pathologies of the heart. For this, a heart rate monitor is used. This device has different characteristics, so you need to know what to look for when choosing a heart rate monitor.

A heart rate monitor is a special device with which you can track your heart rate. The device consists of two blocks: the first measures the pulse, and the second displays the results.

The principle of operation is as follows: when the heart contracts, electronic signals are transmitted directly from the sensor to the receiving device. The data is processed and shown on the display. The kit includes a bracelet and a sensor.

Such a device as a heart rate monitor has been widely used not only by professional athletes, but also by lovers of active sports. The device allows you to determine the allowable load, heart rate zones and going beyond.

Constant monitoring of heart rate is necessary for people with heart disease.

These people need to wear the device at all times to monitor abnormal heart rhythms.A heart rate monitor for athletes is used in order to properly distribute physical activity and not overload the body with exercises.

Types of heart rate monitor

All heart rate monitors are divided into several types depending on the method of attachment, the set of functions and the type of signal transmission.

Depending on the design and type of attachment, the following types of heart rate monitor are distinguished:

1. Chest heart rate monitor. The chest sensor has a higher level of accuracy, since the design is attached directly to the chest. It should be noted that during movement, it may slip or a person may experience discomfort due to the fabric belt.
2. Wrist heart rate monitor. For any sport, the ideal option is a watch-like design. A device with a built-in sensor is larger than a regular watch. An in-device sensor measures the heart rate at the wrist. However, such devices cannot boast of high accuracy.
3. Head-mounted heart rate monitor. Heart rate monitors with a sensor that is worn on the ear or finger are not very accurate.

The heart rate monitor can be wireless or wired. Wireless heart rate monitors are more modern models where the signal is transmitted over a special radio channel. This option is recommended to use with a constant change in body position. However, wireless models may interfere and fail.

A wired heart rate monitor is the most reliable, as the signal will not be interrupted and will be constantly transmitted. Such a device is not practical and inconvenient.

For more information on how to choose the right heart rate monitor, see the video:

Types of heart rate monitor

Depending on the type of signal transmission, a digital and analog device is distinguished. When using an analog device, the athlete must train from another at a distance of at least a meter. If this rule is not observed, then the device will intercept the signal of another device, and the data will be distorted.

Inaccurate readings will be observed if the heart rate monitor is near a computer or in a car. Radio interference is rare. This is the only drawback of analog heart rate monitors.

Digital devices do not have such a disadvantage and are often used during football, skiing, and long-distance running.

The signal is transmitted accurately and will not be distributed to other devices. Such models are more expensive.

When choosing a heart rate monitor, you should pay attention to some points:

• The heart rate monitor should be chosen from well-known manufacturers: Sigma, Polar, Suunto, Beurer. Preference should be given to a well-known company, even at a high price. Low cost heart rate monitors are unreliable and most often experience unstable performance.
• The device should be easy to use, the buttons should be comfortable and easy to press. The numbers on the display should be clearly visible so that while cycling or while running, you do not have to stop and look at the heart rate. It is desirable that the heart rate monitor is waterproof.
• Any heart rate monitor is equipped with additional functions from this and the price varies. Additional features include: lap counter, load zones, training mode selection, calorie counting, stopwatch, built-in wi-fi, Bluetooth, etc. If additional features are not so important, then you can get by with a cheaper model.
• You need to make sure that you can replace the batteries in the sensor yourself. It is undesirable to buy a device with a non-standard battery, which can only be replaced at service centers. The heart rate monitor can work like a regular watch if GPS is not used. If you turn on the GPS function, then the device will need to be charged more often, as the batteries will only last for 5-20 hours.
• If training will be carried out in the evening, it is recommended that the heart rate monitor be equipped with a color backlight. This will make it easy to see the results displayed on the display.
• Some devices are connected to a PC. This is a very handy feature that allows you to "transfer" information to your computer. Thus, you can independently create training logs and track the effectiveness of classes.
• A very important characteristic that you should pay attention to is memory. The memory capacity of the heart rate monitor directly depends on the price. Devices with built-in memory allow you to control your workout and check how many calories you burned in a certain time, the distance traveled, etc.
• The warranty period for the heart rate monitor is 1-2 years. It is not recommended to buy less than the warranty period.