10 Best Heart Rate Watches 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm is a stylish and lightweight smartwatch that excels in monitoring your heart rate and overall wellness. It offers advanced heart rate tracking with AI that improves accuracy by filtering out body movements, which can be very helpful during workouts. The watch also provides personalized Energy Scores and wellness tips, making it a good companion for those who want daily motivation and health insights. It tracks sleep well, even helping detect sleep apnea, which is a valuable feature for improving rest.

It does not have built-in GPS, so it relies on a connected phone for accurate location tracking during runs or bike rides, which might be a drawback if you prefer to leave your phone behind. The battery capacity is moderate at 300 mAh, so it may need daily charging depending on your usage. The 40mm touchscreen display is clear and easy to use.

Comfort-wise, the watch is lightweight and designed to be worn all day without discomfort. It supports Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with your phone and has a decent 32GB storage for apps and music. This watch is best suited for users focused on health and fitness tracking who want smart coaching and sleep monitoring, but it might not be ideal if GPS tracking without a phone is a priority. Its sleek design and helpful AI features make it a strong contender in the heart-rate watch category.

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.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) is a solid choice if you're looking for a heart-rate watch that balances fitness tracking with smart features. Its heart rate monitoring is detailed and enhanced by additional metrics like vascular load, which helps you understand stress factors beyond just exercise. The built-in GPS supports accurate tracking for runs or outdoor activities, complemented by a running coach that offers real-time feedback and training programs for different events.

Battery life is improved for day-long use, meaning you can track your activity, heart rate, and receive notifications without frequent charging. The watch features a bright, clear 1.3-inch round touchscreen that displays info cleanly and responds well to touch, making it easy to check updates at a glance. Design-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 is lightweight and slim with a comfortable fit, so it won’t feel bulky during workouts or sleep. Its water resistance is reliable for everyday use and light swimming. Smart features like a personal AI assistant and advanced sleep coaching add extra value for those wanting more than just fitness stats.

While the battery capacity is improved, frequent use of GPS and other smart features may still require daily charging. Additionally, though the watch is lightweight, some users may find the 40mm size a bit large if they prefer smaller watches. This makes the Galaxy Watch 8 an excellent heart-rate watch option for fitness enthusiasts seeking detailed insights along with smart convenience.