Heart Rate Monitors: Reviews

Updated February 2012

Heart rate monitors might be the most under-utilized piece of fitness equipment. Novice and competitive athletes alike can benefit from monitoring the speed in which their heart is beating during activity. The most basic units focus on counting and displaying your heart rate only, while more advanced monitors calculate calorie expenditure and provide personalized workout recommendations and fitness tests. The picks below reflect the best models that users and expert reviewers have deemed spot-on training partners.

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Best heart rate monitor

Timex Ironman Race Trainer

*Est. $150 Compare Prices

Reviewers say the Timex Ironman Race Trainer is a great value for those who want a heart rate monitor that covers all the basics. The included chest strap provides a continuous reading, and the monitor tracks calories… expandburned in addition to real-time and average heart rates. Other features include target workout zones, lap and split timers, and a 10-workout history. Reviewers say the Timex Ironman Race Trainer provides plenty of features without unnecessary bells and whistles, with accurate heart-rate readings and a comfortable chest strap. However, some reviewers say the setup process is overly complicated and the display can be hard to read when mounted on a bicycle. The Timex Ironman Race Trainer comes in full- and mid-size versions to accommodate men and women. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

The New York Times: Testers for The New York Times say they find the Timex Ironman Race Trainer a little difficult to set up.

BikeRadar.com: BikeRadar.com reviews the Timex Ironman Race Trainer from a cyclist's perspective.

Tampa Bay Times: The Tampa Bay Times recommends the Timex Ironman Race Trainer in this overview of heart-rate training.

Outside Magazine: Outside magazine names the Timex Ironman Race Trainer to its 2010 Life List, a collection of "gear we can't live without." Editors say this heart rate monitor is useful for keeping track of workout data, and the fact that it includes a stopwatch is another plus.

Women's Health magazine: Women's Health magazine also recommends the Timex Ironman Race Trainer.

Amazon.com: The full-size version of the Timex Ironman Race Trainer has a 4-star rating at Amazon.com from around 50 reviews.

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Heart rate monitor for serious athletes

Polar FT60

*Est. $180 Compare Prices

It's probably overkill for most exercisers, but the Polar FT60 does more than simply track heart rates. Reviewers say it's a virtual personal trainer that provides personalized information you can apply to your workouts.… expandThe included fitness program creates target heart-rate zones based on your current fitness level, and it tells you when you are training too hard or not hard enough. Reviewers say the Polar FT60 is difficult to set up initially, but the various training features and reliable monitoring make it a good buy. Users say it's easy to review your workout data, and a replaceable battery is another plus. However, while many other Polar monitors include a way to upload your workout data to a computer, you'll have to buy an optional FlowLink device (*Est. $55) to get that functionality with the Polar FT60. The backlit display can also be difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

The New York Times: The New York Times enlists the help of a personal trainer to test five heart rate monitors, including the Polar FT60.

The New York Times: Danielle Belopotosky tests the Polar FT60 for The New York Times' Gadgetwise blog, finding it comfortable, sturdy and reliable.

RunnersWorld.com: Runner's World magazine enlists the help of one runner to test the Polar FT60.

FeedtheHabit.com: Jason Mitchell tests the Polar FT60 (with the optional G1 GPS pod) for several months.

Bicycling.com: Liz Reap Carlson calls the Polar FT60 one of her "favorite training tools," thanks largely to the personalized training recommendations.

About.com: Paige Waehner, About.com's exercise guide, lists the Polar FT60 as one of the top six heart rate monitors.

Amazon.com: The Polar FT60 gets high marks in more than 50 reviews at Amazon.com.

T3.com: While T3.com calls the Polar FT60 one of the "101 Gadgets You Can't Live Without," this review offers little except a general overview of features.

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Budget heart rate monitor

Polar FT1

*Est. $60 Compare Prices

The Polar FT1 lacks some of the features found on the Polar F60, but reviewers say it is a reliable heart rate monitor for the price. It displays average and maximum heart rates in addition to manual target zones, and the… expandchest strap is coded to prevent interference from other exercisers. Reviewers find the Polar FT1 simple and easy to use, and not as bulky as some units. Even though it doesn't track calories burned, users say the Polar FT1 provides accurate heart-rate readings without breaking the bank. A downfall: the monitor must be sent to an authorized service center for a replacement battery on your dime. Some reviewers get annoyed with the one-button design, which they have to repeatedly push to navigate the menu. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Triathlon Plus: The Polar FT1 earns an overall rating of 4 out of 5 from Triathlon Plus magazine, which tests four budget heart rate monitors.

ThatsFit.com: ThatsFit.com also gives the Polar FT1 a positive review.

Tampa Bay Times: The Tampa Bay Times recommends the Polar FT1 as a "basic, easy-to-use heart rate monitor." Because it doesn't have a lot of extra features, editors say they think it is a good choice for beginners or casual exercisers.

Amazon.com: With more than 20 owner reviews posted at Amazon.com, the Polar FT1 averages 4 out of 5 stars.

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