Best heart rate monitors for running
Wrist sensors are fine for easy runs. For intervals, hill reps and heart-rate-zone training, a chest strap reacts faster and is more reliable.
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Quick picks
Best for Garmin users: HRM-200. Most compatible: Polar H10. Budget strap: Polar H9. Can't stand chest straps: Polar Verity Sense armband. Running-form data: Garmin HRM-600.
Do you need one?
If you train by heart-rate zones, for example keeping easy runs genuinely easy on a charity marathon plan, a chest strap gives you numbers you can trust. Optical wrist sensors can lag on fast efforts and get confused by cold weather and loose straps. Check compatibility: Bluetooth works with phones and most watches, ANT+ with older Garmins and gym kit.
Garmin HRM-200 chest strap
Garmin's current chest strap: more accurate heart rate than a wrist sensor for intervals and races, with HRV data and a long battery life.
£70.19
Polar H10 chest strap
The chest strap many sports scientists use as a reference. Works with almost any watch, phone app or gym kit over Bluetooth and ANT+.
£61.99
Polar H9 chest strap
The cheaper sibling of the H10, with the same core accuracy for most runners.
£40.99
Polar Verity Sense
An optical heart-rate sensor worn on the upper arm, more comfortable than a chest strap and steadier than the wrist.
£86.50
Garmin HRM-600 chest strap
Garmin's premium strap, adding running dynamics like ground contact time and stride data to a compatible Garmin watch.
£114.99Frequently asked questions
Is a chest strap more accurate than a watch?
Generally yes, especially for intervals and changes of pace. Wrist sensors are good enough for steady easy running.
Does the Polar H10 work with Garmin?
Yes. It broadcasts over both Bluetooth and ANT+, so it pairs with Garmin, COROS, Apple Watch and most apps.
What's the difference between the Polar H9 and H10?
The H10 adds onboard memory and a few extra features; for most runners pairing with a watch, the H9 does the job for less.
Chest strap or armband?
Chest straps react fastest. Armbands like the Verity Sense are more comfortable and still steadier than the wrist.
Keep reading
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, what each product is designed for, brand track record with UK runners and UK availability. Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Run For It.