Intense sports require careful attention to your physical well-being. And first of all – to the work of the cardiovascular system. A convenient and compact accessory – a heart rate monitor – can handle this task. It is widely represented in the assortment of stores. Therefore, when choosing, focus on the rating of the best heart rate monitors for 2022.
Expert's choice:
| Model | Price |
| 1.ELARI OX301 | up to 1000 rub. |
| 2. ChoiceMMed MD300C21C | up to 2000 rub. |
| 3. Smart Bracelet F1 | up to 2700 rub. |
| 4. Beurer PM25 | up to 2500 rub. |
| 5. Sanitas SPM22 | up to 5000 rub. |
Mini rating
Types of heart rate monitors, benefits and advantages
Types of heart rate monitors
A standard heart rate monitor is a device that monitors heartbeats and saves or transmits data to another device. Almost every model is equipped with a monitor that displays your heart rate in real time.
Purchase heart rate monitors:
- people with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- amateur athletes who need to understand the level of maximum permissible loads;
- professional athletes monitor their heart function during competitions and preparation for them.
The device sensor can have 2 placement options:
- external;
- integration into the body.
Devices from the first group read heartbeat indicators and transmit them to other devices. The signal can be:
- analog – information is redirected to a gadget or exercise machine, but the sensor is able to catch data from other people’s heart rate monitors and get lost in areas of increased electromagnetic activity;
- digital - the sensor is not capable of transmitting data to other devices, but independently processes it and stores it in memory.
Based on the type of attachment to the body, devices are divided into 3 groups:
- Carpals . They must fit tightly to the skin, since the pulse is measured by transilluminating the skin and marking the level of vasoconstriction. The model is simple and convenient, but is known to distort the result due to increased sweating at the measurement site during physical activity.
- Chest . Recognized as the most reliable and accurate in the segment. They are attached at chest level with a special tape and can be hidden under clothing. The heart rate monitor transmits the received data to a smart watch or smartphone. The chest device is relevant for almost all types of loads.
- Headphones . The most compact and convenient option of all. The heart rate monitor looks like a small clip and is attached to the earlobe. During sports it is imperceptible, but after wearing it for 5-6 hours it can put pressure on the ear and cause discomfort.
Important! The heart rate monitor provides a large amount of data that everyone can use to improve their performance.
Characteristics of the pulse oximeter:
- Material: ABS plastic;
- Body color: blue-white;
- Size: 5.7cm * 3.2cm * 3.3cm;
- Display type: OLED;
- Display resolution: 128 * 64;
- Optical sensor: red light (wavelength 660 nm, 6.65 mW), infrared (wavelength 880 nm, 6.75 mW);
- SpO2 measuring range: 0%~100%;
- Pulse measurement range: 30~250bpm;
- Measurement time: 8 seconds;
- Automatic shutdown (after 5 seconds of inactivity);
- Power: 2 AAA batteries (not included);
- The batteries will last for 20 hours of continuous operation;
- Power consumption: up to 30 mA;
- Voltage: DC3.0V;
- Weight: 50 g.
The best heart rate monitor manufacturers
Which heart rate monitor is better to choose? Experts have a unanimous opinion on this matter - the one that suits the buyer and is produced by a well-known brand. The latter is extremely important, since only a trusted manufacturer acts as a guarantor of the quality and functionality of the device.
The best are considered:
- SUUNTO . The Finnish company has been present on the market for a long time. It produces various types of measuring equipment, including instruments for divers.
- Sanitas. A German brand distinguished by the quality and variety of products. The devices produced by the company are functional and durable at a very affordable cost.
- Beurer. The German company has been around for over a century. It uses innovative technologies and regularly expands its product range.
- Polar . The brand from Finland is a confident leader in the market. Its products are known for their wide range and affordable prices, designed for different categories of consumers.
How to choose a good heart rate monitor
A good heart rate monitor
How to choose the most suitable heart rate monitor and what to look for? Experts recommend focusing on the purpose of the device:
- multifunctional models that are above the average level are suitable for professionals;
- For fans, standard devices with a basic set of options are enough.
In addition to the above, do not forget about a set of basic criteria. Taking them into account, you will select the most suitable model.
Heart Rate Zones
The term “pulse zone” refers to the heart rate required to achieve a certain result. Knowing the exact indicators of your pulse, it is easy to determine the load and stick to it.
The load levels correspond to the following heart rhythms:
- warm-up, physical exercise for recovery - up to 60% of heart rate;
- beginner athletes, people with various diseases – up to 70%;
- load for developing endurance and fat burning – up to 80%;
- building muscle mass – up to 90%;
- the maximum limit is up to 100%.
Benefits of a heart rate monitor
Advantages and disadvantages
constant monitoring of heart contractions
ability to stay within the required load
clear understanding of the number of calories burned
progress tracking
overload protection
Basic functions of the heart rate monitor
The functionality of the heart rate monitor is divided into 2 groups:
- basic;
- additional.
Basic characteristics include:
- heart rate analysis;
- selection of load level;
- indication of exit from the selected training zone;
- the ability to set average and maximum heart rate values;
- timer;
- stopwatch;
- calculating calories burned;
- setting date and time.
The list of additional options is quite wide:
- pedometer;
- navigation;
- history of all training;
- setting records (weekly, monthly, etc.);
- synchronization with different types of devices and more.
Important! Even a few additional functions will raise the cost of the heart rate monitor several times. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to assess your current needs.
Do I need a video heart rate monitor?
How accurately does the device work?
The accuracy of the device depends on its quality, but, as a rule, these devices give correct readings. The error is no more than 2-3%. The figures closest to real values are given by devices with a remote coupling.
This is, for example, the PM-60 Mindray, which senses saturation from 0 to 100%, suitable for measuring indicators in infants and adults. But the cost of the device is from 32 thousand rubles, so it is not practical to buy it for home. Such pulse oximeters will be useful in hospital intensive care units. Of the above devices, NELLCOR Oximax has a remote coupling.
You should not try to buy the most expensive pulse oximeter possible to monitor your health. After all, information about the volume of oxygen in the blood and heart rate alone is not enough for assessment. Pulse oximetry data should be considered in conjunction with others: temperature, general health, etc.
The following may prevent the device from taking correct readings:
- Incorrect use of it. For example, when a finger is not fully inserted into a niche, or they actively move during measurement.
- Nail polish. The presence of gel polish is especially undesirable, since a thick layer affects the sensitivity of the device.
Comparison table of the best heart rate monitors
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, be guided by the comparison table of heart rate monitors.
| Model | Wearing type | Peculiarities | Price (in rubles) | Overall user rating |
| ELARI OX301 | On the finger | Minimum error | 1000 | + |
| ChoiceMMed MD300C21C | On the finger | Color screen, auto power off | 2000 | + |
| Smart Bracelet F1 | On the wrist | Capacious battery | 2700 | + |
| Beurer PM25 | On the wrist | Good speaker | 2500 | + |
| Sanitas SPM22 | On the wrist | Stainless steel housing | 3000 | + |
| iSport W117 | On the wrist | Large numbers | 3500 | + |
| DFC W117 | On the wrist | Works in several modes | 4000 | – |
| SIGMA PC 15.11 | On the wrist | Large amount of internal memory | 3000 | 50 to 50 |
| Wahoo TICKR FIT | On the forearm | Multifunctionality | 5500 | 50 and 50 |
| Polar OH1 | On the forearm | Water resistance | 6000 | + |
| Wahoo TICKR | On the chest | High accuracy | 4500 | + |
| SUUNTO Smart Sensor | On the chest | Compactness | 8500 | – |
table of the best heart rate monitors
Device for measuring pulse on a finger: price
The price of a device for measuring pulse on a finger is:
- 1000-2000 rubles, if you order a pulse oximeter from China without a certificate;
- 2500-4000 rub. when purchasing a more accurate and reliable device that has documents for use at home;
- 9000-12000 rub. for certified medical devices used in regular clinics;
- 15000-65000 rub. for high-precision devices used in hospitals and intensive care units.
In Moscow, a pulse oximeter can be bought for 1600-6000 rubles, which depends on the quality of the device and the manufacturer. Delivery is considered separately. In St. Petersburg, prices for different types of pulse oximeters are similar to those in the capital.
Watch the video about when and who needs a pulse oximeter:
Arm heart rate monitor or chest sensor: which is better for running?
When looking for a heart rate monitor to measure heart rhythms while running, potential buyers are often faced with a difficult choice - a chest or wrist version.
Each has its pros and cons that you need to be aware of before purchasing. They are detailed in the table.
| Options | Heart rate monitor | |
| Chest | Wrist-mounted | |
| Accuracy | Maximum accuracy of readings and quick response to changes in heart rate | Readings are often distorted and come with a slight delay |
| Convenience | The tape on the chest causes discomfort in 95% of wearers: friction, squeezing, unpleasant odor from soaking in sweat | The device on the wrist is imperceptible and does not cause any discomfort |
| Additional options | Even an inexpensive model has the functions of recording data, transmitting information at a distance and setting different modes | Basic feature set |
| Power element | The model can be used for several months without recharging | The small battery capacity forces owners to charge the device every 10 hours |
comparison table
Important! People who are professional runners should choose chest models. But for amateurs it is better to focus on the wrist, despite some errors in the results.
OXYTEST-1
When choosing which company is better to buy a pulse oximeter, you should pay attention not to domestic products. The catalogs of this brand include the Oxytest 1 model - it is expensive, but accurate, reliable and multifunctional.
The device, which costs about 25,000 rubles, is equipped with a screen with large print, a cuff and a clothespin for use by adult patients and children. And even an alarm that turns on when the contact of the sensor with the finger is interrupted, when the patient is in an alarming state or when the charge level drops below normal.
The list of advantages of the model includes high accuracy (error no higher than 2%), which is ensured not only by electronics, but also by the lighter weight of the sensor, and measurements within 15 seconds. Other features include a long charging cable and a convenient location of the power connector, protecting the battery from complete discharge and overcharging. The pulse oximeter comes with a leatherette cover. The only drawback, besides the high price, is the relatively large size of the main part of the device.
- Accessories
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What is the difference between a heart rate monitor and a smart bracelet?
A heart rate monitor is a highly specialized device whose purpose is to measure heart rhythms. Whereas smart watches for sports have a wider range of applications. Even models with an integrated heart rate monitor provide greater error than a conventional heart rate monitor.
Therefore, to accurately determine your heartbeat, choose a heart rate monitor. And if you need a gadget with a long list of capabilities, buy a smart bracelet.
A heart rate monitor is one of the most popular devices in the sports industry. With the right choice, it will be a reliable assistant on the path to improving your results and developing endurance.
Smarterra O2
Among the top devices recommended for purchase is the Smarterra O2 model, which can be purchased for about 2,000 rubles. Easy to use and compact, the device weighs only 29 g and displays data on the screen 20 seconds after the start of measurement. Measurement accuracy is 2%, at the level of professional equipment. The display is large and bright, suitable even for elderly patients with low vision and for use in low light conditions.
Among the advantages of the gadget are high speed, reasonable price and small size. However, as user reviews show, the actual level of accuracy is inferior to professional equipment, and the build quality is not very high.
