The 12 Best Optical Heart Rate Monitors (2022 reviews)

optical heart rate monitors
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Are you planning to buy optical heart rate monitors, and are you confused about the options ? Your search ends here.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Garmin Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Easy Use:
Buy: Wahoo Fitness Chest Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Google Fit:
Buy: Polar Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Workout Time:
Buy: Wahoo Fitness Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Spinning Bike:
Buy: Coospo Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Arm Band:
Buy: Scosche Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Smart Watch:
Buy: Powr Labs Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best With Excellent Accuracy:
Buy: Polar Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Product Size:
Buy: Livlov Armband Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best For Upper Forearm:
Buy: Fitcent Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best With Following Brands Of Heart Rate Monitor Armband:
Buy: Livlov Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best With Studio Bike:
Buy: Fitcent Optical Heart Rate Monitor
READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Garmin Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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Garmin is known for creating practical and feature-packed monitors for people on the go, and its line of Garmin Optical Heart Rate Monitors definitely falls in line with that reputation. The garmin optical heart rate monitor stays connected, It is for activity tracking and has a convenient design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, the monitor is worth the money, It is fat and has a simple design.

The monitor is yellow, works flawlessly, It is great for cell phones and has a comfortable design. Above all, the garmin optical heart rate monitor is durable, works as advertised and it does the job.

Most customers opine that the monitor measures cadence and hours so it eliminates the need for a foot pod. Moreover, they also found that the monitor is designed to withstand the chemicals in pools. Moreover, they also found that the monitor will display it in real time once paired with your edge computer. Overall, most buyers agree that the monitor suits them best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will provide real time data to the watches when properly synced to them.
  • This is made of very high quality materials and is easy to clean.
  • These features which may require an app.
  • This comes with an extension strap like the tri model does.

Best For Easy Use: Wahoo Fitness Chest Monitor

Wahoo Fitness Chest Monitor
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The Wahoo Fitness Chest Monitor's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The wahoo fitness chest monitor is newer, It is pretty good and has a great design. Record workout data with the wahoo fitness app and automatically upload data to your favorite training platform like strava. And, the monitor is good for light weight, is nice to have, It is easy to read and has a convenient design.

The monitor pairs quickly, it is very consistent and has a rechargeable design. Finally, the wahoo fitness chest monitor is dependable, it is unobtrusive and has a comfortable design.

Most customers agree that the monitor can be used on longer hot Phoenix summer/ desert hikes where chest straps usually locked up and pain to get reset, plus chest straps slipped or caught in a sports bra. Furthermore, a few also found that the monitor is great with Apple watch 3. In addition, they strongly agree that the wahoo tickr fit is designed as a fitness device, not a medical device, and should not be used for medical purposes. So, customers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This comes with a charging pad similar to an apple watch.
  • This is really meant to go with the bike.
  • This will give you your heart rate.
  • This is a really cool fitness tracker.

Best For Google Fit: Polar Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Polar Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Polar Optical Heart Rate Monitor for daily usage. The polar optical heart rate monitor is extremely accurate, works with bluetooth, It is highly recommended and has an excellent design. Bluetooth and ant+ guarantee a large variety of devices that you can connect polar verity sense with. And, this comes with only one button, using polar verity sense couldn't be easier.

The monitor is very happy, it is larger and has a nice design. Lastly, the polar optical heart rate monitor allows for longer battery life, It is intuitive and has a new design.

Most customers quickly discovered that the monitor is so comfortable and even unnoticeable. In addition, a few say that the monitor is easy to use and hopefully it will last awhile. And, a few also found that this monitor is way more comfortable than wearing a chest strap.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This works with a pm5, both bluetooth and ant.
  • This is the best option for monitoring heartrate while swimming.
  • This works with peloton app and also is a much better solution.
  • This is easy to adjust and the optical head is inserted into a curved holder.

Best For Workout Time: Wahoo Fitness Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Wahoo Fitness Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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The Wahoo Fitness Optical Heart Rate Monitor's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The wahoo fitness optical heart rate monitor worked great, is best for customer service and it allows for choice of champions. Tickr connects heart rate to your favorite training apps and devices. The tickr is connected to a device and captures heart rate data.

Lastly, the wahoo fitness optical heart rate monitor is difficult to pair and it is strong.

Most customers opine that the monitor is the 2020 stealth version. Also, a few also found that the monitor will be much more accurate at reading your heart rate than the forerunner. In addition, they say that the monitor measures heart rate, both indoor and outdoor. In short, most customers call the monitor functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is the lightest and slimmest heart rate chest strap available.
  • This is time to interact with wahoo support.
  • This is very helpful, comes with amazing customer service and it has built quality.
  • This can be connected to 3 devices simultaneously by bluetooth and 1 ant.

Best For Spinning Bike: Coospo Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Coospo Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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The Coospo Optical Heart Rate Monitor is capable of outshining several other monitors featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The coospo optical heart rate monitor is compatible with ios 7.0 or above and Android 4.3 or above. Supports both bluetooth 4.0 and ant. The optical sensor receives the heart rate data from the infrared reflection wave in the human body via photoelectric heart rate monitoring technology.

The monitor connects easily, it works perfectly and has a great design. Lastly, the coospo optical heart rate monitor is not recommended for swimming or bathing.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the monitor works well and is exactly as advertised. And, a few strongly agree that the monitor is great with wahoo and Polar apps. And, a few say that the monitor easily snaps on to the band and comes with a preinstalled battery. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • The hrm armband is more comfortable and easily attaches to your forearm.
  • This is to strap on before exercise as well.
  • This is used for handwashing, household chores, and in the rain.
  • This is the best choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Best For Arm Band: Scosche Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Scosche Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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The Scosche Optical Heart Rate Monitor should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. Further, the scosche optical heart rate monitor stays connected, It is newer and has a special design. Finding your personal heart rate zone and training with heart rate intervals allows you to maximize your workout. Further, it is durable, it is pretty good and has a nice design. Finally, the scosche opticalheart rate monitor is available in a total of 2 different colors: blue and black.

Almost all buyers opine that the monitor will absolutely pair with the garmin vivoactive 3. And, a few also found that the monitor works in many conditions, plus it is used for sleep analysis. Also, they strongly agree that the elastic strap is removable from the sensor unit, and attaches to metal pins embedded in the case molding. So, buyers were very happy to recommend it to friends and families.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can help you be more specific about what dcrainmaker has to say.
  • This comes with 3 workout files each.
  • This does not store any profiles of people using it.
  • This is a rgb led that mixes the colors.

Best For Smart Watch: Powr Labs Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Powr Labs Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate monitor. The power labs optical heart rate monitor is exactly that - it's a simple monitor that hits all the right notes. The power labs optical heart rate monitor is very happy, works flawlessly and it has for blood pressure. The Manufacturer says: Our based team is always here to make the best products and make them right. Moreover, the monitor is newer and it is great for the same thing.

Finally, the power labs optical heartrate monitor works with people cycling, rowing & your favorite fitness equipment.

Most customers agree that the monitor is great with the Polar Beat app. In addition, a few say that the monitor comes with two different sizes/colors of armbands. Also, they strongly agree that the review below from an actual reviewer said it works fine. To sum up, for almost all buyers, Powr Labs product was best suited.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is helpful, is great for customer service and it is great for accurate readings.
  • The powrlabs heart monitor armband is great, it 's much more comfortable.
  • This is good for pulse rate, is strong and it works well for indoor biking.
  • This works with ant+ so we should be able to pair well.

Best With Excellent Accuracy: Polar Heart Rate Monitor

Polar Heart Rate Monitor
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The Polar Heart Rate Monitor is capable of outshining several other monitors featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The polar heart rate monitor is highly recommend, can say with good heart and it is compact. Try polar oh1 with polar beat, polar’s free fitness and training app and get real-time heart rate on the screen of your phone during your workouts. The polar oh1 is an optical heart rate sensor worn on the arm.

The monitor is a great alternative to a chest strap heart rate sensor. Most importantly, the polar heart ratemonitor is easy to put on and take off anytime, anywhere.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the monitor does not track rr values, which are necessary to use Polar's ortho and fitness test. Also, they strongly agree that the monitor provides readings consisting of hearing rate and time. Further, they say that the watch manufactures get a better optical sensor it could avoid the need for the oh1 entirely. To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best monitors for daily purposes.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This can happen and to keep at room temperature, and problems can occur.
  • This works with all polar ble devices, polar beat and many other fitness apps.
  • If this does, then yes, it would be compatible.
  • This works very well, It has download the app and has a nice design.

Best For Product Size: Livlov Armband Heart Rate Monitor

Livlov Armband Heart Rate Monitor
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Best part: Livlov Armband Heart Rate Monitor costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The livlov armband heart rate monitor is perfect for cell phone, is reasonable, it is affordable and has a new design. The manufacturer says: Our heart rate monitor armband has been tested by professional marathon runners, mountain enthusiasts and mountain cyclists. Also, it has led indicator, it is used for other apps and has a comfortable design.

The monitor is perfect for spin class or used with multiple bikes. Lastly, the livlov armband heart rate monitor is easy to connect with smartphones, tablets, gps watches and bike computers.

Almost all customers agree that the monitor will vibrate when your heart rate reaches the following 3 heart rate zones. And, they strongly agree that the monitor works with proform treadmills and also is a great hr monitor for the peloton. Moreover, a few say that the battery lasts for an hour of use and it can actually be turned off with a manual switch. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has no settings that make it person-specific.
  • This is great for the peloton and reasonably priced.
  • This works with ant technology and works well with the ifit app.
  • The livlov heartrate monitor and it works with no issues.

Best For Upper Forearm: Fitcent Heart Rate Monitor

Fitcent Heart Rate Monitor
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The Fitcent Heart Rate Monitor is capable of outshining several other monitors featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The fitcent heart rate monitor is easy to put on/remove. Before use, please tear off the protective film behind the sensor. The real time heart rate data to the main device for analyzing training data.

The monitor works well with smartphones, tablets, gps watches and bike computers by wahoo, polar, garmin and more. Moreover, this is compatible with nordictrack treadmill, studio bike, smart elliptical and so on. Above all, the fitcent heart rate monitor is first paired with a smartphone or tablet, fordet"/ remove" hrm in the bluetooth settings, and paired again through the app.

Most buyers opine that the monitor is easy to use with wahoo or garmin. Further, a few strongly agree that the monitor is compatible with ifit nordictrack treadmill. Moreover, they say that this hr monitor is great for high workouts and other cardio exercises. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Helping you to manage your workout intensity scientifically.
  • This fits snugly, not tight, so it doesn’t restrict movement or breathing.
  • This is great with the apple watch.
  • This is compatible with Garmin edge 530.

Best With Following Brands Of Heart Rate Monitor Armband: Livlov Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Livlov Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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Compared with other monitors in this category, the Livlov Optical Heart Rate Monitor has a convenient design. The livlov opticalheart rate monitor is compatible with livlov v9, wahoo, power labs, xoss optical heart ratemonitor and width is equal to 22mm hrm. Please check the desired size before purchasing. The package contains two different lengths of heart rate monitor armbands for men and women.

The monitor is not compatible with scosche heart rate monitor and other hr sensors wider than 22mm. Finally, the livlov optical heart rate monitor allows for adjustable sizing, has wear comfort and it is durable.

Most customers quickly discovered that the monitor would work, but….it’s wider than the original strap, so it’s pretty hard to get it on the monitor. And, they strongly agree that the monitor is made with a lot of elastic, so it’s not as stretchy. In addition, they say that the monitor works with the following brands of heart rate monitor armband. So, customers were eager to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.

Why We Like This:
  • This is made of silicone and leica material.
  • This is flush with water and has a comfortable design.
  • The Ip67 is waterproof and sweatproof, so you can use it in any weather without worrying.
  • Wear an armband on the upper portion of the forearm.

Best With Studio Bike: Fitcent Optical Heart Rate Monitor

Fitcent Optical Heart Rate Monitor
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Next on the list, we've got yet another monitor that manages to win our hearts. It's the Fitcent Optical Heart Rate Monitor and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient monitors you can buy. The fitcent optical heart rate monitor is compatible with nordictrack treadmill, studio bike, smart elliptical and so on. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The built - in lithium battery charges 1.5 hours and can last up to 60 hours to meet the demand of various time users.

Above all, the fitcent optical heart rate monitor offers a convenient charging option with a magnetic charging port.

Why We Like This:
  • Manufacturer says: our service center will do our best to make you satisfied.
  • Helping you to manage your workout intensity scientifically.
  • This is washable and it is easily adjustable.
  • Manufacturer says: please don't connect our device with your phone's bluetooth directly.