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Types of Heart-Rate Monitors

• Chest strap monitors: worn across the chest (below a sports bra band) and against the skin; the most accurate because they measure your heart rate electronically
• Wrist-only monitors: worn on the wrist, usually a fitness watch; can be more comfortable and convenient due to placement and lower weight; can be less accurate due to optical reading and onfusion with your watch's cadence reading
• Armband monitors: worn on the upper arm or forearm; can be more comfortable and convenient due to placement and lower weight; can be less accurate due to optical reading

Which features matter to you?

• Battery life: When in GPS modes, wrist-only monitors tend to have less battery life than chest-strap and armband HRMs.
• Tethering: Because they do not have a display screen, chest-strap and armband HRMs will need to be paired with a compatible device.
• Swim compatibility: Not all water-resistant models are swim-compatible, as the water can interfere with optical readings, especially on wrist-only models.
• Stride data: By tracking ground contact time, some HRMs can show a runner how evenly split their stride is, among other stride-related data.
• Sport-specific features: These can include speed and cadence feedback for cyclists and runners or pool-lap counters and stroke recognition for swimmers.
• Wrist-only (GPS watch) features: these include target heart rate zones, step and calorie counters, and lap/split times. Read How to Choose a Fitness Tracker for more.

Heart Rate Monitor Use and Design

• Heart rate target zones provide critical data that help you measure your training. A lab test is most accurate; second best are self-administered tests and formulas suited to your age and fitness goals.
• Skin tone may affect the accuracy of optical heart rate monitors (wrist-only and armband). Those with dark skin tones may want to opt for chest-strap HRMs.
• Recommended users of heart rate monitors include endurance athletes like runners, cyclists, hikers and skiers; climbers; weight-loss participants; and injury-rehabilitation patients.