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Heart Rate Monitors: Ratings of Sources
Total of 24 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
Feb. 2011
Heart-Rate Monitors
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org is the best source for heart-rate monitor reviews. In its latest report, the testing organization evaluates 13 heart-rate monitors for accuracy and ease of use. Each monitor receives an overall score, and the best models earn Recommended or Best Buy awards.
2. Women's Adventure magazine
May 31, 2010
Summer 2010 Editor's Choice Awards
by Editors of Women's Adventure Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWomen's Adventure Magazine has an excellent review of heart-rate monitors. The magazine uses dozens of testers to evaluate all different types of adventure gear, including heart-rate monitors. Five heart-rate monitors and sports watches earn an Editors' Choice award, and each one is rated and links to a longer review. The Tech4o Women's Heartbeat earns the highest rating overall.
3. Triathlon Plus
Nov. 2010
Pulse Racers
by Editors of Triathlon Plus
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTriathlon Plus, a British magazine, reviews four budget heart-rate monitors in a recent group test. Each heart-rate monitor is rated on a 5-point scale, and pros and cons are clearly noted for each one. The Suunto M1 and Polar FT1 earn the highest ratings of 4 out of 5, while two other heart-rate monitors earn average ratings.
4. Triathlon Plus
Oct. 2009
The Big Test: Heart Rate Monitors
by Editors of Triathlon Plus
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis article from Triathlon Plus is slightly older than the review mentioned above, but it includes details on eight heart-rate monitors, including those not in the budget category. Analysis is balanced and critical, and each review culminates in an overall rating, in addition to sub-ratings for performance and value. The Sigma Onyx Balance earns the Top Value award, while the Suunto t6c receives the Peak Performer award. The Suunto t1c is declared the overall winner.
5. RunnersWorld.com
Jan. 2010
Time Machines
by Matthew Honan
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentRunner's World magazine reviews a mix of high-tech sports watches (covered in our sports watch report) and heart-rate monitors. The heart-rate monitors are personally tested, although they are not rated. The Suunto t1c earns a recommendation.
6. Men's Journal
Feb. 15, 2011
Personal Trainers
by Editors of Men's Journal
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMen's Journal enlists the help of Michael Lovato, a professional triathlete, to test six of the latest heart-rate monitors and sports watches. Tester comments -- both pro and con -- are included, and each heart-rate monitor is rated on a 10-point scale. Many of the models tested include additional features like GPS modules. None of the dedicated heart-rate monitors receives particularly good reviews.
7. RunningTimes.com
March 2010
Keeping Up With the Time
by Brian Metzler
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMost of the watches reviewed by Running Times offer more than heart-rate monitoring -- they include altimeters, barometers, GPS modules or other features. One dedicated heart-rate monitor earns a mention here, the Polar FT7. Reviewer Brian Metzler says the Polar heart-rate monitor is easy to use. The Garmin FR60 also gets high marks.
8. Trail Runner
June 2010
2010 Gear Guide
by Michael Benge and Elinor Fish
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSeveral heart-rate monitors and sports watches are included in Trail Runner magazine's 2010 Gear Guide. The heart-rate monitors receive a brief overview, but there is little discussion of pros and cons. Models from Soleus, New Balance and Oregon Scientific earn recommendations.
9. St. Petersburg Times
March 12, 2011
Heart Rate Monitor Provides Scientific Feedback for Any Fitness Goal
by Terry Tomalin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe St. Petersburg Times has a detailed article on the benefits of using a heart-rate monitor while exercising. Terry Tomalin also includes a brief buyer's guide that recommends four heart-rate monitors and sports watches. The Polar FT1 is recommended for those who want a basic monitor, while the Timex Race Trainer earns a recommendation for advanced users.
10. The New York Times
March 23, 2010
Gear Test, Heart Monitors
by Jennifer Bleyer
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJennifer Bleyer reviews several heart-rate monitors for The New York Times. She enlists the help of Pete McCall, a personal trainer from California, to test five heart-rate monitors for running, cycling and other workouts. Timex, Suunto and Polar heart-rate monitors all receive high marks. The Mio Stride Petite, a strapless monitor, is said to be a good choice for new and casual exercisers.
11. ThatsFit.com
Dec. 10, 2010
Sports Watch Lineup
by Kristen Seymour
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThatsFit.com has solid and balanced reviews of four sports watches, including three heart-rate monitors. Kristen Seymour discusses the pros and cons of each watch, and it's obvious that the heart-rate monitors have been personally evaluated.
12. American Council on Exercise (ACE)
As of May 2011
Heart Rate Monitor
by Editors of American Council on Exercise
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe American Council on Exercise reviews fitness equipment on occasion, including heart-rate monitors. Few models have been reviewed recently, and the one heart-rate monitor that earns a positive review has been discontinued. The analysis is balanced, and editors note pros and cons for each heart-rate monitor.
13. Amazon.com
As of May 2011
Heart Rate Monitors
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSome heart-rate monitors get hundreds of individual reviews on Amazon.com. While the top-rated monitors get similar average ratings (around 4 stars), it's easy to see which heart-rate monitors don't impress reviewers. Timex, Omron and Polar heart-rate monitors earn particularly high ratings here.
14. BikeRadar.com
As of May 2011
Heart Rate Monitors
by Editors of BikeRadar.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe U.K.'s BikeRadar.com reviews several heart-rate monitors, some of which are not available in the United States. Each monitor is tested and scored, and the reviews can be quite detailed. Not surprisingly, the reviews are geared towards cyclists. Suunto heart-rate monitors earn high marks.
15. The New York Times
Aug. 18, 2009
Marathon Tech Review: Watches
by Danielle Belopotosky
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDanielle Belopotosky at The New York Times enlists the help of some fellow marathon runners to test several heart-rate monitors. This review on NYTimes.com's Gadgetwise blog is more balanced than most, and Belopotosky lists the pros and cons of each monitor.
16. Outside Magazine
March 2011
The Essentials
by Will Palmer
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn this brief slideshow article, Outside magazine discusses various types of new gear, including the Suunto M5 heart-rate monitor. The monitor is not rated -- and it's not clear whether the monitor has been personally tested -- but Will Palmer breaks down the watch's features and benefits.
17. Outside Magazine
Sept. 2010
25 Gear Essentials
by Justin Nyberg and Sam Moulton
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentOutside magazine compiles a "Life List" of must-have gear for 2010. One heart-rate monitor is included, the Timex Ironman Race Trainer, which editors say is one of the 25 products "every guy should own." The review itself is brief and largely superficial, but editors say the monitor is a simple way to keep track of your heart rate.
18. GadgetReview.com
As of May 2011
Reviews
by Editors of GadgetReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGadgetReview.com doesn't evaluate many heart-rate monitors, but it is worth checking for its balanced analysis and ratings-based conclusions. Although few heart-rate monitors have been reviewed recently, GadgetReview.com does have a lengthy overview of the new Suunto t3d.
19. Women's Health magazine
Not Dated
Heart Rate Monitors
by Editors of Women's Health
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWomen's Health magazine recommends four heart-rate monitors in this short slideshow article. The analysis is brief, and each heart-rate monitor receives only a one-sentence overview. Monitors from Timex and Suunto are recommended.
20. CookingLight.com
Feb. 2011
The Best Fitness Gear and Gadgets
by Myatt Murphy
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCooking Light magazine tests a wide variety of fitness gear, including heart-rate monitors. Although testing details are not disclosed -- and we don't know how many heart-rate monitors were tested -- the Sportline Duo 1060 earns a recommendation. Myatt Murphy calls it the "fastest, most accurate contact heart-rate measuring device on the market."
21. About.com
Oct. 13, 2010
Best Overall Heart Rate Monitors
by Paige Waehner
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPaige Waehner, the exercise guide at About.com, lists her picks for the best heart-rate monitors. Each heart-rate monitor receives a brief overview, but the watches aren't rated and have not been personally tested. In addition, a number of her picks have been discontinued. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
22. About.com
June 16, 2009
Timex Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor
by Wendy Bumgardner
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWendy Bumgardner, the walking guide at About.com, gives the Timex Ironman Race Trainer a perfect 5-star rating. She says the heart-rate monitor has a ton of features, although the process for downloading workout data to a computer is not explained sufficiently. In a separate article, the Timex Ironman Road Trainer also gets high marks. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
23. FeedtheHabit.com
As of May 2011
Gear Reviews
by Jason Mitchell
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJason Mitchell at FeedtheHabit.com is a prolific gear reviewer. His reviews are based on extensive personal testing -- often over the course of several months -- and he gives a good amount of detail on the all the products he reviews. Analysis is balanced, and the pros and cons of each product are listed. We'd rate this source higher if he tested more heart-rate monitors and provided a rating system.
24. Buzzillions.com
As of May 2011
Heart Rate Monitor Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBuzzillions.com compiles owner-written reviews from various online retailers, and it has a good selection of heart-rate monitor reviews. Some GPS-enabled sports watches (covered in a separate report) receive hundreds of individual reviews, but dedicated heart-rate monitors don't receive the same attention. Most attract only a handful of individual ratings.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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