10 Best Heart Monitors 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a well-rounded heart monitor packed inside a smartwatch. It uses a second-generation optical heart sensor that provides solid accuracy for heart rate tracking, along with notifications for unusual heart rhythms and high or low heart rates, which can be vital for health awareness. Its GPS and multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) keep you connected when paired with an iPhone, although it relies on that connection for many features.

Battery life lasts about 18 hours, enough for daily use but requiring nightly charging, though fast charging is a helpful plus. The always-on, bright OLED display makes it easy to check your stats anytime without lifting your wrist. Comfort-wise, the lightweight aluminum case and soft sport band suit daily wear, fitting various wrist sizes.

Beyond heart monitoring, it includes extras like temperature sensing, sleep tracking with sleep apnea alerts, fall and crash detection, and mindfulness apps. While its fitness tracking is versatile, it might be more than needed if you only want a basic heart monitor. For best experience, using an iPhone is usually necessary. This device is ideal for users seeking a multi-functional, stylish smartwatch with reliable heart monitoring integrated into a broader health and safety toolkit.

The Fitbit Charge 6 is a versatile fitness and heart monitor designed to track your heart rate continuously throughout the day and during exercise. It offers good accuracy with 24/7 heart rate monitoring and even syncs your heart rate in real time to compatible gym machines, which is a nice feature for those who use equipment like treadmills or ellipticals. This tracker is GPS-enabled, helping you map your runs or bike rides without needing a phone. In terms of connectivity, it uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to control music, get notifications, and even make contactless payments with Google Wallet, which adds convenience beyond just health tracking.

The device has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery typical for devices of this size. While it’s light at 4.7 ounces, the device thickness and rectangular shape might feel a bit bulky for some users, though it does come with two sizes of bands to help with comfort and fit. The screen size is moderate (1.04 inches), making it easy to read stats during workouts. Additional features include stress management scoring, personalized sleep tracking with a Sleep Score, and a Smart Wake alarm designed to wake you gently. The device supports over 40 exercise modes and has built-in GPS for outdoor activities without needing a phone.

Fitbit Charge 6 suits active individuals wanting detailed heart rate data, GPS tracking, and smart features like music control and payments, all in a compact fitness tracker. It balances functionality and comfort fairly well but may require regular charging and could feel slightly bulky compared to simpler models.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm LTE is a solid choice for people looking for a smartwatch that combines heart-monitoring with everyday fitness and wellness tracking. It offers improved heart rate tracking that uses AI to filter out movement, aiming for more accurate readings during workouts. This is a big plus if you want reliable insights into your heart health while exercising. The watch also monitors sleep patterns and can detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea, which adds valuable health information beyond just heart rate.

It connects via Bluetooth and cellular, allowing for freedom from your phone during activities, and includes built-in GPS for outdoor tracking. At 28.8 grams and with a lightweight design, it’s comfortable to wear all day and night, which is important since consistent usage improves data accuracy. Battery life specifics aren't detailed here, but Samsung smartwatches typically last about a day or two under normal use. The watch’s Energy Score and Wellness Tips features provide personalized guidance, helping users stay motivated and informed about their health trends.

On the downside, the watch runs on Samsung's Tizen OS, which may have fewer third-party apps compared to other platforms like Apple Watch. Also, battery life might not meet the needs of users wanting extended use without frequent charging. This smartwatch suits fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious users who want detailed heart monitoring alongside sleep and energy tracking, wrapped in a comfortable and stylish device with strong connectivity options.