How to Compare Heart Rate Monitors

Heart rate monitors allow users to measure their heart rates and other performance indicators as they train. Heart rate monitors measure true fitness and are not inexpensive, so compare before buying. There are a few essential pieces of information to remember when comparing heart rate monitors.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Information on each heart rate monitor you are considering

1. Compare the features. Most heart rate monitors track current, average, maximum and minimum heart rate. Extra features could include current and maximum speed, distance, trip time and calories burned. Look for the monitor that offers the most (and the most useful) features for the least money.

2. Decide how you want to mount the monitor. Heart rate monitors can be wrist-mounted, handlebar mounted, or attached to an armband. Figure out the most applicable mount and use the information from Step 1 to narrow your choices.

3. Compare the heart rate monitor manufacturers' reputations. You are not necessarily interested in the cheapest heart rate monitor if it is going to fall apart in a month. Purchase the monitor that, along with the criteria from Steps 1 and 2, offers the best quality and guarantee and has the best customer support.

Tips & Warnings

• Try on the chest strap and other parts of the heart rate monitor to get an idea of how comfortable they will be. Take the heart rate monitors on a test ride, run or swim if possible.

References

• Informative article on comparing heart rate monitors

Resources

• Compare and purchase heart rate monitors here

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