Staying on top of your heart rate is one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve your training. Whether you’re chasing a PB, building endurance, or dialling in your recovery, a heart rate monitor gives you the data you need to train smarter — not harder.

But with so many options out there, choosing the right HRM can feel confusing. Chest strap or armband? Optical or electrical? Wrist-based or dedicated sensor? And which devices work best for runners, cyclists, gym-goers or beginners?

This guide breaks down the best heart rate monitors of 2026, how each one works, and which is the right fit for your training style. All recommendations are based on accuracy, comfort, connectivity, and athlete testing — and every model mentioned is available in the Heart Rate Monitor Collection at Norths Athlete.

Why Heart Rate Monitors Matter

Heart rate tracking is more than just numbers — it unlocks a full picture of your training state. HRMs help you:

• Train in the correct heart rate zones

• Improve aerobic fitness through Zone 2 training

• Reduce overtraining by monitoring recovery

• Understand stress and fatigue

• Track progress objectively

• Maintain pacing on long runs and rides

• Improve efficiency and technique

If you’re serious about performance, consistency or building fitness, a heart rate monitor is one of the most important tools you can own.

Types of Heart Rate Monitors

1. Chest Straps

Chest straps use electrical signals to track heart rate.
They’re the gold standard for accuracy — especially during high-intensity workouts.

Best for:
✔ Runners
✔ Cyclists
✔ Interval/HIIT training
✔ Strength training
✔ Anyone who needs elite accuracy

2. Armband Sensors

Armbands use optical sensors (like wrist watches) but sit on the upper or lower arm.
They’re more comfortable than chest straps and still very accurate.

Best for:
✔ Gym sessions
✔ Indoor training
✔ Light to moderate cardio
✔ People who find chest straps uncomfortable

3. Wrist-Based Optical Sensors (Watches)

Convenient, but less accurate during movement, gripping or sweating.

Best for:
✔ Everyday use
✔ Low-intensity workouts
✔ All-day tracking

If performance accuracy matters, pair your GPS watch with a dedicated HRM sensor.

⭐ The Best Heart Rate Monitors of 2026

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1. Polar H10 — Best Overall Heart Rate Monitor

Accuracy: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
Ideal for: Runners, cyclists, triathletes, HIIT, strength

The Polar H10 remains the undisputed leader in heart rate accuracy.
This chest strap is relied on by elite athletes, coaches and labs for a reason: it’s the most precise consumer HRM on the market.

Why it’s the best:

• Dual Bluetooth lets you connect to a watch + an app

• Extremely stable readings during movement

• Waterproof (great for swimming)

• Long battery life

• Works with ALL major fitness apps

If you want accuracy as close to an ECG as possible, this is your pick.

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2. Polar Verity Sense — Best for Gym & Everyday Use

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
Ideal for: Strength training, indoor workouts, studio classes

The Polar Verity Sense is an armband-style monitor beloved for comfort and simplicity.
It’s ideal for people who hate chest straps but want better accuracy than a wrist-based watch.

Why athletes love it:

• Super comfortable — you forget it’s there

• Great accuracy for an optical sensor

• Easy to switch between gym, swim, run and bike

• High reliability in indoor circuits and HIIT

• Works with Peloton, Zwift, Garmin, COROS, Polar

If you’re mainly training indoors or want a more relaxed tracking experience, this is the perfect choice.

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3. COROS HR Monitor — Best for Multi-Sport Athletes

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Ideal for: Runners, cyclists, COROS watch users

The COROS HRM is the newest player — and it’s excellent.

It uses an optical sensor optimised for movement and pairs instantly with COROS watches. Athletes love the auto pairing and steady readings, especially during intervals.

Why it stands out:

• Auto-discovery for COROS watches

• Excellent stability during sprinting

• Sweat-proof and movement-proof

• Very long battery life

A great choice if you want simplicity + performance.

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Which HRM Should You Buy?

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Final Verdict

Heart rate monitors aren’t just for elite athletes — they’re for anyone who wants to train with intention. Whether you're building endurance, improving pace, training in specific zones or tracking recovery, a dedicated HRM elevates your performance instantly.

Browse the full range inside our Heart Rate Monitor Collection and find the perfect monitor to support your next milestone.