Best heart rate monitors 2024 — optimise your training with useful fitness data

The Verity Sense uses LEDs to measure heart rate through the skin, which works just like an old-school chest HRM but this one is arguably more comfortable, because it fits around your forearm or bicep. 

This strap also works without a phone or bike computer too, recording the data on the device itself and spitting it out to you post-session via Polar's app. Our reviewer found the photoplethysmography (PPG) technique that the Verity Sense uses to measure heart rate appeared to be highly accurate in comparison tests with another HRM, although the readings were a little delayed. 

This HRM will record swimming and other activities too, so it's a great option for multisports and packs in more features than just a heart rate monitor. Go for this if you're not a fan of chest straps and are prepared to invest a little in an accurate, comfortable and versatile HRM.  

The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus might be three or four times the price of most heart rate monitors, but as the name suggests, it does quite a lot more than your average chest strap. 

Connecting via ANT+ or Bluetooth to all your devices and apps like Zwift or komoot, the HRM-Pro Plus also works as an activity tracker so you can log your daily calories and heart rate on Garmin Connect if you're following a specific plan; no need for a watch or separate activity tracker. If you run as well as cycle, the HRM-Pro Plus also has Garmin's Running Dynamics built in, saving on the cost of a Garmin Pod for running data which costs £59.99 on its own.

It's also comfortable to wear and will work with lots of other devices, even for very long and sweaty workouts, so is a sound investment for those who are serious about their training, especially multisporters. 

If you've already bought a Garmin bike computer such as the Garmin Edge 830 or Edge 1040 that comes bundled with a HRM then this is the one that will be included... so you're all set! If you're a Garmin computer or watch owner and feel like you missed out by not adding the HRM, then this is a perfectly reliable monitor that should last you years, and is compatible with pretty much all Garmin devices introduced in the last few years. 

The improved design compared to the previous generation includes a comfortable chest strap that is adjustable and washable. You get up to 3.5 years of battery life with a coin cell battery, and as standard it will connect via Bluetooth and ANT+. 

If you're after a HRM that gives you the options to wear it on the chest, arm or wrist, Myzone's MZ-Switch is a premium option that just deals with heart rate. 

In the box you get the monitor itself, a wrist strap, an arm strap, a chest strap, a USB charger cable and a storage pouch. The monitor snaps into the holder on each strap and sits there securely. Our reviewer reported that the straps are all good quality and fit comfortably, and the monitor is accurate in all positions. You also get an app to run alongside it, and setup is just like any other Bluetooth or ANT+ device. 

You can get full budget smart watches for the same price as the MZ-Switch, and you could also buy separate chest and wrist HRMs for less; but if you want all your options in one package and have other devices for recording GPS and all your other training metrics, the MZ-Switch will do a reliable job of telling you your heart rate wherever you decide to wear it. 

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus might not have quite as much 'do it all' functionality as something like an Apple Watch, but for something smart that can be worn for cycling or general daily use it excels.

As the price suggests this is quite a bit more than just a heart rate monitor, but heart rate tracking is via an optical sensor like pretty much all smart watches. Our reviewer was impressed with the crisp, clear and highly customisable display, and said it was a marked improvement on previous Garmin smart watch offerings. Those who are new to smart watches and HRMs won't be left scratching their heads either, as it's easy to use and intuitive.