10 Best Heart Rate Watches 2025 in the United States

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a versatile fitness tracker designed to help you stay active and monitor your health. One of its strengths is the 24/7 heart rate monitoring, which provides constant updates on your heart health. Additionally, it features stress management tools, sleep tracking, and notifications for irregular heart rhythms, making it a comprehensive health companion. It also tracks various exercises automatically and reminds you to move, enhancing daily activity tracking.

The lightweight design and water resistance up to 50 meters mean you can wear it comfortably all day and even while swimming. The 10-day battery life is another notable strength, ensuring you don’t have to charge it frequently. The customizable color touchscreen and notifications for calls, texts, and apps keep you connected and informed throughout the day.

However, it relies on your smartphone for GPS tracking, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer standalone GPS functionality. The screen size is relatively small at 0.76 inches, which might limit the display of detailed information at a glance. Additionally, while it offers several smart features and a 6-month premium membership, these may require extra steps to fully utilize. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a solid choice for individuals who want a user-friendly, feature-rich fitness tracker that covers essential health metrics and activity tracking without being overly complex.

The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is a robust choice for those seeking a comprehensive fitness and health monitoring device. One of its standout features is its heart rate monitoring, which can be linked to compatible exercise machines for real-time tracking. This makes it an excellent tool for gym enthusiasts. Additionally, it offers built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running or cycling, and provides turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps, enhancing its utility for outdoor fitness activities.

The battery life is solid, lasting several days on a single charge, which means less frequent charging interruptions. Plus, it's water-resistant, making it suitable for various activities, including swimming. Smart features such as Google Wallet for contactless payments and YouTube Music controls offer added convenience, while the inclusion of a stress management score and personalized sleep tracking can help users gain deeper health insights.

The 1.04-inch display, although not the largest, is clear and functional, complemented by a user-friendly interface. Comfort-wise, the Charge 6 is light and comes with both small and large bands to fit different wrist sizes. However, some users might find the rectangular design less fashionable compared to other models. Additionally, while it offers a plethora of features, the reliance on Google apps might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer other ecosystems. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fitbit Charge 6 stands out for its extensive health tracking capabilities and smart features, making it a strong contender for anyone focused on improving their fitness and well-being.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] is a versatile smartwatch that excels in several key areas important for a heart-rate watch. Equipped with a heart rate monitor, it provides notifications for irregular heart rhythms and high or low heart rates, making it a valuable tool for health monitoring. The built-in GPS allows for accurate tracking of your runs and other outdoor activities without needing your phone nearby.

Battery life is decent, though not exceptional, typically lasting about a day with regular use, which is a common standard for smartwatches with high functionality. Water resistance up to 50 meters makes it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. The Retina display is bright and clear, enhancing visibility even in bright sunlight, and the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The Apple Watch SE also offers smart features like text messaging, phone calls, music streaming, voice control via Siri, and Apple Pay, ensuring you stay connected and entertained. Comfort and design are strong points as well, with a range of customizable bands and a lightweight build that makes it comfortable for all-day wear. While the battery life might require daily charging, the extensive suite of features and seamless integration with other Apple devices and services make it a compelling choice for those already in the Apple ecosystem or looking for a reliable, multifunctional health and fitness partner.