Best Fitness Trackers With Heart Rate Monitor
As someone who is passionate about health and fitness, I know firsthand the importance of tracking heart rate when engaging in physical exercise. To accomplish this, one needs the best fitness tracker with heart rate monitor.
Heart rate monitoring is a crucial tool for anyone looking to improve their fitness level, whether they are a beginner or a seasoned athlete.
By monitoring your heart rate, you can ensure that you are working out at the right intensity level, which is essential for achieving your fitness goals.
Fitness trackers with heart rate monitors are designed to help you do just that. These devices use sensors to monitor your heart rate during exercise and provide you with real-time feedback on your workout.
They can help you track your progress, set goals, and adjust your workout routine to optimize your results.
But with so many fitness trackers on the market, how do you know which one is the best for you? In this review, I will provide you with an overview of the top fitness trackers with heart rate monitors and help you choose the best one to suit your needs.
I will also be looking at several factors when selecting the best fitness trackers with heart rate monitors, including accuracy of heart rate monitoring, battery life, price, and additional features such as GPS, sleep tracking, and water resistance.
So if you’re ready to take your fitness journey to the next level, join me as we explore the best fitness trackers.
Criteria For Choosing The Best Fitness Trackers With Heart Rate Monitors
When it comes to selecting the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor, there are several important criteria to consider to know which one best suits your needs
- Accuracy of heart rate monitoring – The accuracy of the heart rate monitor is a critical factor when it comes to choosing a fitness tracker. You want to make sure that the device is able to provide you with accurate heart rate readings during your workouts. Look for fitness trackers with advanced sensors that are able to provide reliable heart rate data, even during high-intensity exercise.
- Battery life – Another important consideration is battery life. You don’t want to have to constantly recharge your fitness tracker during the day or mid-workout. Look for devices with long battery life, ideally lasting for several days on a single charge.
- Price – Fitness trackers can range from very affordable to quite expensive. When choosing a fitness tracker, consider your budget and what features are most important to you. Don’t overspend on features you won’t use, but also don’t skimp on the features that are essential to you.
- Additional features – In addition to heart rate monitoring, many fitness trackers come with additional features such as GPS, sleep tracking, and water resistance. Consider which additional features are most important to you and make sure the fitness tracker you choose has those features.
- Design – Lastly, consider the design of the fitness tracker. Look for a device that is comfortable to wear and fits well on your wrist. The design should also be durable enough to withstand the rigors of your workouts.
Comparison Table for Top Fitness Trackers
| Fitness Tracker | Heart Rate Monitor Accuracy | Battery Life | Additional Features | Price |
| Garmin Forerunner 945 | High | Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode | Built-in GPS, advanced running dynamics, music storage | $$$$$ |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | High | Up to 7 days | Built-in GPS, sleep tracking, stress management tools | $$$ |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | High | Up to 18 hours | Built-in GPS, sleep tracking, ECG monitoring | $$$$$ |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | High | Up to 2 days | Built-in GPS, sleep tracking, ECG monitoring | $$$ |
| Polar Vantage M2 | High | Up to 5 days | Built-in GPS, sleep tracking, advanced running metrics | $$ |
Top 5 Best Fitness Trackers With Heart Rate Monitors
Based on my experience and research, here is a review of the top 5 best fitness trackers with heart rate monitors.
These fitness trackers were selected based on their accuracy, battery life, price, additional features, and design.
1. Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a high-end fitness tracker designed for serious athletes or very active people. It has advanced sensors that provide accurate heart rate data, even during high-intensity exercise.
I have been using the Garmin Forerunner for 1.5 years now and am a very satisfied user. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode.
In addition to heart rate monitoring, the Forerunner 945 also comes with built-in GPS, advanced running dynamics, and music storage.
It is water-resistant up to 50 meters and has a durable design that can withstand the rigors of intense workouts. However, the Forerunner 945 is quite expensive, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
I found Garmin Forerunner 945 to have a very good build quality and very reliable especially at heart rate monitoring. It is without doubt the best fitness tracker with heart rate monitor.
2. Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a popular fitness tracker that provides accurate heart rate monitoring and a range of additional features. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge.
In addition to heart rate monitoring, the Charge 5 also comes with built-in GPS, sleep tracking, and stress management tools.
Fitbit Charge 5 is water-resistant for up to 50 meters and thus you can take it for a swim. It has a sleek, comfortable design.
The Charge 5 is also more affordable than the Forerunner 945, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality fitness tracker at a reasonable price.
3. Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is one of the most popular smartwatches on the market, and for good reason. It provides accurate heart rate monitoring and a range of additional features, including built-in GPS, sleep tracking, and ECG monitoring.
The battery life is good, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. The Apple Watch Series 7 also has a sleek design that can be customized with a variety of bands and styles.
It has a WR50 water resistance rating and is waterproof for up to 50 meters.
However, the Apple Watch Series 7 is quite expensive, and it may not be the best option for those looking for a more affordable fitness tracker.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a popular smartwatch that provides accurate heart rate monitoring and a range of additional features. The battery life is good, lasting up to 2 days on a single charge.
In addition to heart rate monitoring, the Galaxy Watch 4 also comes with built-in GPS, sleep tracking, and ECG monitoring. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters and has a stylish design that can be customized with a range of watch faces and bands.
The Galaxy Watch 4 is also more affordable than the Apple Watch Series 7, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality smartwatch at a reasonable price.
5. Polar Vantage M2
The Polar Vantage M2 is a popular fitness tracker that provides accurate heart rate monitoring and a range of additional features. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 5 days on a single charge.
It offers heart rate monitoring and also comes with built-in GPS, sleep tracking, and advanced running metrics. It is water-resistant up to 30 meters (3 bar) and has a durable design that can withstand the rigors of intense workouts.
The Vantage M2 is also more affordable than some of the other options on this list, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality fitness tracker at a reasonable price.
Generally, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor for serious athletes who want advanced features and accuracy. However, it is quite expensive, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a great alternative for those looking for a high-quality fitness tracker at a reasonable price. The Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 are both great options for those looking for a high-quality smartwatch with heart rate monitoring.
The Polar Vantage M2 is also a great option for those looking for a high-quality fitness tracker with a range of additional features at a reasonable price.
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Detailed Review Of The Top Pick – Garmin Forerunner 945
As the top pick for the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor, I wanted to go into a detailed review of the Garmin Forerunner 945 after 1.5 years of use.
First and foremost, the heart rate monitor accuracy on the Forerunner 945 is top-notch. It uses Garmin’s Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology, which has been found to be highly accurate in various studies.
During my own testing, I found that the heart rate readings on the Forerunner 945 were consistently accurate and in line with my expectations and other devices/monitors.
One of the standout features of the Forerunner 945 is its battery life. It can last up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode, which is impressive for a device with so many features.
I appreciate that I don’t have to worry about charging it every day or even every few days, which is a big plus for me.
In terms of additional features, the Forerunner 945 has a lot to offer. Its built-in GPS is highly accurate and works well for tracking outdoor activities like running and cycling.
It also has advanced running dynamics, which provide in-depth data on your running form and performance. I found this feature particularly useful for improving my running technique and tracking my progress over time.
The Forerunner 945 also has music storage, which allows you to store and play music directly from the device. This is a great feature for those who like to listen to music during their workouts, as it eliminates the need to carry a separate device like a phone or mp3 player.
Another feature that I found particularly useful is the Forerunner 945’s ability to track a wide variety of activities. In addition to running and cycling, it can track swimming, hiking, skiing, and more. This makes it a great all-around fitness tracker for those who participate in a variety of activities.
The Forerunner 945 also has a range of smartwatch features, including smartphone notifications, contactless payments, and weather updates.
While these features may not be essential for a fitness tracker, they are a nice bonus that add to the overall usability of the device.
One potential downside of the Forerunner 945 is its price. It is one of the more expensive fitness trackers on the market, which may be a barrier for some buyers. However, I believe that the advanced features and accuracy of the device make it worth the investment for serious athletes or those who want to track their fitness in depth.
Overall, I highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 945 as the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor. Its heart rate monitor accuracy, impressive battery life, and wide range of features make it a top choice for serious athletes or anyone who wants to track their fitness in depth.
While it may be a bit pricey, I believe that the investment is worth it for the advanced features and accuracy that the Forerunner 945 provides.
Additional Considerations When Buying Fitness Trackers
When choosing the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind beyond the criteria we discussed earlier.
a. Design of the fitness tracker
One important consideration is the design of the fitness tracker. Some people may prefer a more minimalist design that is lightweight and unobtrusive, while others may prefer a larger device with a more prominent display.
It’s important to consider what design will be most comfortable and convenient for you to wear during your workouts.
b. Compatibility with your smartphone and other devices
Another consideration is compatibility with your smartphone and other devices. If you use a specific smartphone or fitness app, you’ll want to make sure that the fitness tracker you choose is compatible with those devices and software.
Additionally, if you plan to use the fitness tracker to listen to music or make contactless payments, you’ll want to make sure that those features are supported by your smartphone and other devices.
c. Durability
Durability is also an important consideration for fitness trackers, particularly for those who participate in more rugged activities like hiking or outdoor sports.
You’ll want to make sure that the fitness tracker you choose is designed to withstand the wear and tear of these activities and that it has a durable band that will hold up over time.
d. Water resistance
Water resistance is another important consideration, particularly for those who plan to use their fitness tracker for swimming or other water-based activities.
It’s important to make sure that the fitness tracker you choose is designed to be water-resistant and can withstand submersion in water without damage.
e. Customer support and warranty
Finally, it’s worth considering the customer support and warranty offered by the manufacturer. If you encounter any issues with your fitness tracker or need to replace it due to damage, it’s important to have a reliable warranty and customer support system in place to ensure that you can get the help you need quickly and easily.
By taking these additional considerations into account when choosing the best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor, you can ensure that you choose a device that is not only accurate and feature-packed, but also comfortable, durable, and compatible with your lifestyle and needs.
Closing Remarks
The best fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor is a valuable tool for anyone looking to track and improve their fitness.
By choosing a device that meets your criteria and additional considerations, you can ensure that you have the most accurate and useful data to help you reach your fitness goals.
As we’ve seen, there are many excellent fitness trackers with heart rate monitors on the market today, each with their own unique features and advantages. Whether you prioritize accuracy, battery life, or advanced features like GPS tracking and music playback, there is a fitness tracker out there that will meet your needs.
In my top five picks, we’ve highlighted some of the best fitness trackers with heart rate monitors on the market today, including the Garmin Forerunner 945, Fitbit Charge 5, Apple Watch Series 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, and the Polar Vantage M2.
Each of these devices offers something unique and valuable, so it’s worth taking the time to compare them and choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
Ultimately, the most important thing when choosing a fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor is to choose a device that you will actually use and find helpful in your fitness journey.
By considering your needs and preferences, and investing in a quality device, you can make the most of your fitness tracking and take your workouts to the next level.
