10 Best Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap For Concept 2 Pm 5 2025 in the United States

The Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap is a standout option for those looking to track their heart rate accurately during various activities like rowing, cycling, running, and swimming. One of its biggest strengths is its compatibility; it works seamlessly with a range of devices including smartwatches and fitness apps like Strava and Nike, making it versatile for different training environments. Users appreciate its top-notch accuracy, which has earned it praise among professional athletes, ensuring you get reliable heart rate readings.

Comfort-wise, the Polar Pro Chest Strap features improved electrodes and silicone dots, which help it stay snug and comfortable during workouts. This design minimizes interference and helps it remain in place even during intense movements.

Battery life is solid, powered by a lithium battery, allowing for extensive use without frequent changes. Plus, it’s waterproof, adding to its durability in various conditions. The size range may be somewhat limiting, as it’s designed for M-XXL sizes, which may not accommodate everyone. Additionally, while the internal memory allows for the storage of one training session, those who want to keep detailed logs of multiple sessions may need to sync it regularly with their devices.

The Garmin HRM 600 is a heart rate monitor chest strap designed for accurate real-time tracking of your heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), making it a solid choice for runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts using Garmin devices. It connects easily via Bluetooth to Garmin smartwatches, cycling computers, and supported fitness apps, ensuring wide compatibility within the Garmin ecosystem. The strap comes in two sizes (XS–S and M–XL) and is machine-washable, which adds to its comfort and convenience during regular use.

One standout feature is its ability to record workout data independently when you can’t wear a watch, like during team sports, and then sync all relevant stats—heart rate, calories, speed, and distance—to the Garmin Connect app. It also tracks daily activity metrics such as steps and calories burned, giving you a fuller picture of your fitness. For runners, it offers advanced running dynamics like stride length and ground contact time balance, which can help improve form if paired with a compatible smartwatch.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to two months on a single charge, and it’s rechargeable via USB, which is convenient and eco-friendly. The device is water-resistant and even captures heart rate data during swims, syncing results after your workout. However, this strap does not have GPS built-in, so it relies on a connected device for location data. It is also relatively small and light, which is great for comfort but might feel fragile to some users. The Garmin HRM 600 is a reliable, comfortable chest strap best suited for Garmin device users who want detailed heart rate and running data, solid battery life, and the flexibility to track workouts without a watch. If you use other brands or need GPS on the strap itself, this might not be the ideal choice.

The Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor is a solid choice for those wanting a reliable chest strap monitor, including users of the Concept 2 PM5 rowing machine. It scores well on compatibility, working seamlessly with all heart rate monitor compatible devices, including smartphones and popular fitness apps, which makes it versatile beyond just rowing. Its accuracy is backed by Polar's long-standing research reputation, offering precise heart rate tracking trusted by many users and researchers alike.

Comfort-wise, the chest strap is made from soft polyester and comes in multiple sizes (M-XXL here) to ensure a snug but comfortable fit during workouts. Battery life is impressive, with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 400 hours, meaning less hassle with frequent replacements. The unit is also waterproof, which is essential for sweaty sessions or outdoor use. Data transfer is smooth via both ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing easy syncing with a wide range of devices.

Some users might find the fit less ideal if they fall outside the specified size range. The monitor itself lacks a screen to display data directly on the device, relying instead on connected devices for real-time feedback. Data storage is dependent on the connected app or device, as the sensor does not store session data internally. Considering its price point and feature set, the Polar H9 provides excellent value for everyday fitness users and athletes looking for accurate and easy-to-use heart rate monitoring during rowing or cross-training.