Built-in optical heart rate now comes as standard on most running watches. But the accuracy can be hit and miss and if you’re really serious about heart rate zone training, or making all of the heart-rat-based metrics like VO2 Max, Training Benefit and recovery insights as accurate as possible, then a chest strap is an essential tool. If you want some help finding the best heart rate monitor, myself and The Run Testers have tested all of the latest ECG-based straps, along with the best arm strap heart rate monitors.
From Garmin and Wahoo to Polar, Scosche and MyZone, hit play on the video below to find the one that’s best for your running needs.
Best chest straps for runners
ECG-based chest straps tend to make the best heart rate monitors and we’ve tested all of the latest models from the budget-friendly Polar H9 and Wahoo TICKR to the pricier, more fully featured top-end trackers. Jump in here to hear what we made of each of them.
- @0:49 – Polar H10
- @2:10 – Polar H9
- @3:21 – Wahoo TICKR X
- @4:44 – Wahoo TICKR
- @5:57 – Garmin HRM-RUN
- @6:59 – Garmin HRM-Dual
- @7:46 – MyZone MZ-3
Best arm straps for runners
Now if heart rate chest straps aren’t your thing – and we know lots of people aren’t keen on the comfort factor – or you’re looking for something that offers a bit of versatility but can still cope a little better than your watch optical heart rate, then arm strap heart rate monitors are a good alternative option.
They can be worn on the forearm, the bicep and some can even be worn on the temple. Here’s our three top picks.
Now watch this: Best running headphones for 2020
