HRM or Heart Rate Monitor reviews can help you choose the right device in checking your pulse. You can use this device as your personal trainer as it can help you achieve a healthy body. There are many brands and models on the market but the products listed here are considered to be the best units as evaluated by actual customers and fitness experts. If you want the best brand or model, you might want to investigate these units.
Here are the top 10 HRM units sold on the market that offer the best features and functionalities.
1. Polar
One of its best features is its automatic target zone that can help you track your desired intensity. If you are out of your target zone, this unit gives an audible alarm. Its pulse limits are automatically determined according to your age. Although the target limits are set to 65% and 85%, you can still change it. Its Polar OwnCAl feature counts and shows the calories you have burned in one training session. It also displays the accumulated kilocalories during different training sessions. In this way, you can easily achieve your short-term and long-term fitness goals. With its Memory Files feature, this unit stores all data from your training sessions. And it is also available in eight different languages.
Since this unit is water resistant, it is also great for swimmers as it can be used to track lap swimming. This is worth your money especially when you are performing casual exercises that do not need GPS.
So, if you are looking for the best way to check your HR, this is the unit you would like to purchase. With its substantial features and its warranty, this brand earns the gold award in this category.
2. Omron
This brand has received consistent good ratings. Most of the owners of this unit are extremely pleased with it. It comes with all the basics you need in checking your pulse, such as out-of-range alarm and chest strap. The accuracy is also good. Another great thing about this product is that users can easily change the batteries themselves. It is comfortable to wear and has built in backlight function, daily reminder alarm and time of day sight.
Unlike other HRM units, Omron does not have coded transmission between the display and the chest strap, which leads to picking up interference from other gym equipment. As a result, you will receive inconsistent readings.
Despite its lack of coded transmission, this unit is still equipped with many useful features and helpful accessories making it a choice for the silver award in this category.
3. Timex
This unit of HRM is stylish and it is functional. It is ideal for both men and women. It has chest strap that provides times zones and target zones. This unit can record activity time, average and peak pulse readings. It is also water resistant. You can take it up to 30 feet. Its battery has a two-year life. It is easy to use and has built-in night-light, which is useful for your evening walks.
This brand of HRM is affordable, which is perfect for anyone who is tight on budget. You can use it as a watch or as a HRM. Although it comes with a chest strap, the length is rather short. You may need to purchase longer strap separately so it will fit on your chest, especially if you have larger chest.
All in all, Timex offers you smooth and substantial readings through its set programs. With its features and fine warranty, this unit earns the bronze award for this category.
4. Garmin
This brand of HRM is very popular among athletes. It has been designed for fitness activities, such as biking and running. In a package, you will receive the watch, USB stick, manual and pulse reading strap with adjustable band. The unit is easy to figure out, so you do not need to download the full manual from its official website. It can track not just your pulse but also the amount of calories burned, as well as lap time and intervals. You can also choose what data you can see on the display. With its USB stick, you can transfer data from the unit to your personal computer allowing you to further evaluate the reading on a larger screen.
The only problem with Garmin is that its buttons are a bit hard to push. This can cause difficulty when you want to reset the timer while you are in the middle of a workout. However, this problem can be mitigated when you get the hang of it.
Many people love Garmin and so you will too. Its features are conveniently placed so you can easily focus on your workout routine to help you achieve your fitness goals. With that in mind, it has earned the 4th spot.
5. Suunto
With Suunto, you can enjoy checking your pulse, the weather condition and altitude, as well as pace, all at your fingertips. It has comfortable chest strap. It also provides recovery time, real-time pulse reading and limits. It comes with a full-featured GPS, and accelerometer-integrated GPS. Its 3D compass has correct bearing that can track your ascent and descent while you are out on your outdoor adventures. It also has a 2-way USB cable that allows you to transfer data to your personal computer or upload it to Movescount.com, if you want to have an online record of your pulse readings.
Although you can keep an online record through Movescount.com, the said website does not have substantial analytics to keep you engaged.
But should you buy it despite its drawback? Yes, it is a highly recommended product that can help you achieve your fitness goals. It offers a better indicator of your performance than those average HRM units on the market. That said, it earns the top 5th spot.