Wrist Heart Rate Monitor

Don't want to wear a strap? Find out more about strapless heart rate monitors.

There are two basic types of heart rate monitors. The most common has a watch and a strap that fits around the chest. But there is also a wrist heart rate monitor.

With traditional heart monitor watches, there is a strap that goes around the chest that receives impulses from the heart and then transmits that information to the watch on your wrist. The watch then processes this data and displays the information to you. When attached properly the data is usually pretty accurate.

But not everyone likes this type of monitor. The strap can be tight and uncomfortable. And if it doesn’t fit properly, the readings will be inaccurate. Women especially may find it more difficult to get a good fit.

Wrist heart rate monitors are one piece monitors. The biggest benefit to this type of monitor is that it measures your heart rate without a strap. Wrist monitors work by having a sensor or two on the actual watch. Putting your finger on a sensor lets the sensor read your heart beat and then display the reading on the watch.

The downside to this type of monitor is that it can be difficult to get a reading without discontinuing your workout. But if you are engaged in an activity like brisk walking it is easy to keep going while checking your heart rate. Or, if you’re weight lifting, just check it during your rest periods.

Just because wrist monitors are simpler doesn’t mean they don’t have any advanced features. One nice feature on some models is caloric expenditure. By inputting basic information, the monitor can estimate how many calories will be used during your workout.

Highly Rated Wrist Heart Rate Monitors

Here are a few models that are highly rated and more information about each.

The Sportline 750 Men’s Analog Strapless Heart Monitor Watch is a multi purpose watch. It’s designed to be worn when you’re exercising but it looks good enough to be worn to work. That’s actually an important feature for this heart monitor watch. By measuring your heart rate when not under the stress of exercising, you get a better idea of your overall fitness level.

The MioPINK Motiva Women’s Heart Rate Monitor Watch gives accurate heart rate readings without having to use a chest strap. It’s compact size makes it perfect for women who don’t like the bulky look and feel of traditional heart monitor watches.

There is a lot to like about this combination heart monitor/sports watch. Things like a heart rate recovery timer to truly see how fit you are. The MioPINK also allows you to track your calorie expenditure easily and measure the intensity of your exercising, so you can get more from your workouts. The MioPINK has all the features of a good sports watch that you may be used to.

The Polar FS1 Heart Monitor Watch will accurately measure your heart rate without a chest strap, so you can workout at just the right intensity. After all, that’s the main purpose for a heart rate monitor. But this watch has other important features like an alarm to let you know if your workout is taking you above or below your targeted heart rate. You also get information about total time spent exercising as well as average heart rate while working out.

Like any good sports watch, the FS1 has a stopwatch and even has extra large digits for easy reading while exercising.

As you can see, with such a wide selection, if you don't like straps, you can still find a wrist heart rate monitor to do the job for you.