Updated: 18 Nov 2009

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Introduction

We checked the accuracy and ease of use of 11 heart-rate monitors worn on the wrist.

Heart-rate monitors can be useful when you’re starting a training regime, helping you to familiarise yourself with your body and what it’s doing. You can set target heart-rate zones to slow down or train harder. And top athletes can use body performance data to train effectively.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following heart-rate monitors:

 

Note

The Timex Ironman Road Trainer T5K214 is a mid-size model – the T5K212 is an equivalent full-size version. Other models are adjustable.

Checklist

If you're thinking about buying a heart-rate monitor, here's what to consider.

How they work

The models we tested come in two parts: electrodes in a chest strap pick up your heartbeat and send a signal by radio pulse to a wrist receiver which also acts as a watch and stopwatch. The receiver displays your heart rate – heartbeats per minute – while you exercise.

All of the models we tested can be used as a watch or a stopwatch and had programmable heart rate zones and zone alarms. Some can record laps and display the calories you burn (and other data) for post-exercise analysis.

If you’re exercising to maintain general fitness rather than to compete, you’re unlikely to use many of the features offered by the more expensive monitors. And even though a monitor can be an excellent way to judge the intensity of your workout, it’s still important to pay attention to how your body feels. You shouldn’t rely on a heart rate monitor to judge the state of your health.
 

Features to consider

• Maximum heart rate allows you to set boundaries in training. Most monitors can calculate your maximum heart rate from information about your body (such as age, sex, weight, height). For a rough estimate try this formula: 220 minus your age (for a 40-year-old that would be 220 - 40 = 180 beats per minute).
  
  To get the best from your exercise, aim to work within boundaries based on your maximum heart rate. A good target zone is between 85 percent and 60 percent of your maximum. Around 85 percent is high intensity; 60 to 75 percent is a moderate workout.
• Programmable heart-rate zone means you can enter information to calculate your target training zone.
• Zone alarm lets you know when your heart rate is outside your target zone (you’re exercising too intensely or taking it too easy).
• Heart touch lets you display data by bringing the wrist receiver close to the transmitter on the chest belt. It’s useful when gloves make pressing the buttons difficult.
• Recovery mode shows how quickly you recover from a workout (the faster you recover the fitter you are).
• Average heart rate and calories burnt gives you info for post-training analysis – and bragging rights.
• A setting to record laps is essential for sports training.
• Countdown mode can be used for time trials or personal competition-simulations.
• A backlight makes it easier to read the display in low light.
   

Go for comfort

Fancy features aren’t everything. When you’re buying a monitor, focus on the basics:

• a comfortable chest belt that can be easily adjusted to your size
• an easy-to-read screen, with good contrast and large numbers and text.