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In this report

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Heart Rate Monitors: Ratings of Sources
Total of 23 Sources

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

1. ConsumerReports.org
Not dated
Heart rate monitors
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis 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
June 7, 2010
Summer 2010 Editor's Choice Awards
by Editors of Women's Adventure Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWomen's Adventure Magazine has a comprehensive review of heart rate monitors. The magazine uses dozens of testers to evaluate all 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
November 2010
Pulse Racers
by Editors of Triathlon Plus
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTriathlon Plus, a British magazine, reviews four budget heart rate monitors in this 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
October 2009
The Big Test: Heart Rate Monitors
by Editors of Triathlon Plus
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis article from Triathlon Plus is 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 (now replaced by the Suunto t6d) receives the Peak Performer award. The Suunto t1c is declared the overall winner.
5. RunnersWorld.com
January 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 monitors are personally tested, but not rated. The Suunto t1c earns a recommendation, as does the Polar RS300 (now the RS300X).
6. Men's Journal
Feb. 15, 2011
Personal Trainers
by Editors of Men's Journal
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMen's Journal magazine enlists the help of Michael Lovato, a professional triathlete, to test six of the latest heart rate monitors and sports watches. Tester comments -- including pros and cons -- are included, and each 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, which reviewer Brian Metzler says is easy to use.
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. Tampa Bay Times
March 12, 2011
Heart Rate Monitor Provides Scientific Feedback for Any Fitness Goal
by Terry Tomalin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe Tampa Bay 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 covers four heart rate monitors and sports watches. The Polar FT1 is suggested for those who want a basic monitor, while the Timex Ironman 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 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. Amazon.com
As of February 2012
Heart Rate Monitors
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSome heart rate monitors get hundreds of individual reviews on Amazon.com. Polar units earn the highest ratings, and it's easy to see which heart rate monitors don't impress reviewers.
13. BikeRadar.com
As of February 2012
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, but the selection of heart rate monitors in general here is thin.
14. 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.
15. About.com
Nov. 21, 2011
Top 7 Heart Rate Monitors Under 100 Dollars
by Wendy Bumgardner
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWendy Bumgardner, the walking guide at About.com, lists her seven favorite budget-priced heart rate monitors. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.) Each gets a brief description that explains its strengths and weaknesses relative to other units. Bumgardner has fully tested three of the monitors, with links to full reviews. The Timex Ironman Road Trainer is her personal favorite, but she gives the Sportline Duo 1060 an identical 4.5-star rating.
16. About.com
Jan. 1, 2011
Top 7 Heart Rate Monitors Over 100 Dollars
by Wendy Bumgardner
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHere, About.com ‘s Wendy Bumgardner gives her top picks among more expensive heart rate monitors. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.) Two of the seven get full reviews. The Timex Ironman Race Trainer is similar to her favorite budget model, the Timex Ironman Road Trainer, but the Race Trainer adds a web program that lets you track your data and get training programs. Bumgardner gives it a perfect five stars.
17. FeedtheHabit.com
As of February 2012
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 all of 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.
18. CookingLight.com
Not dated
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 monitors were evaluated -- the Sportline Duo 1060 earns a recommendation. Myatt Murphy calls it the "fastest, most accurate contact heart-rate measuring device on the market."
19. Outside Magazine
As of February 2012
Search Results: Heart Monitors
by Editors of Outside magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn various articles, Outside magazine recommends heart rate monitors from Timex, Suunto, Polar and Garmin -- sometimes recommending the same monitor in more than one article. Testing isn't mentioned, but editors break down the monitors' features and benefits.
20. GadgetReview.com
As of February 2012
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 monitors have been reviewed recently, GadgetReview.com does have a lengthy overview of the Suunto t3d.
21. Women's Health magazine
Not Dated
Heart Rate Monitors
by Editors of Women's Health magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWomen's Health magazine recommends three heart rate monitors in this short slideshow article. The analysis is brief, and each unit receives only a one-sentence overview. Monitors from Timex and Suunto are included.
22. 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. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.) Each 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.
23. Buzzillions.com
As of February 2012
Heart Rate Monitor Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBuzzillions.com compiles owner feedback 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 comments, but dedicated heart rate monitors don't receive the same attention. Most attract only a handful of individual ratings, but the Polar FT60 earns a high 4.5-star rating with about a dozen reviews posted.
     
 

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