Why we like it: The Polar H10 is ideal for outdoor activities. You'll need to download the Polar Beat app to get the most out of it. The app is available for both iOS and Android and uses Bluetooth and ANT Plus connectivity to pair with different devices. The Polar H10 can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once, so you can connect it to both your smartwatch and a compatible piece of fitness equipment, like some treadmills or exercise bikes. The heart-rate monitor is easy to clip on and adjust and comes in a variety of sizes to fit most users.
Once you're in the app, it's easy to go into settings and connect to the heart-rate monitor as long as your phone's Bluetooth is on. In the app, you'll see you can select from 19 different activities to measure your heart rate, including some that don't use GPS, like strength training and treadmill running, tennis, badminton, indoor cycling or other indoor activities. This heart-rate monitor can also be used for swimming, as it's waterproof.
Denise Chakoian, owner and founder of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree and a certified master-level personal trainer, also recommends a Polar chest strap heart-rate monitor with GPS, explaining, "Polar has always been the best at monitoring heart-rate training using a strap at the chest line. It picks up the most accurate data from your heart and gives out the best output for your overall heart-rate training, caloric output and can help when someone is looking to really keep track of their daily intake and output."
Nic Wilson, one of the F45 Training Athletes, agrees, stating, "When it comes to chest strap heart-rate monitors, the Polar H10 is widely regarded as the gold standard for accuracy and reliability."
And yet another expert supports this choice. Tara De Leon, CSCS, NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year, says, "I love a Polar heart-rate monitor. Polar was one of the first companies to develop wireless heart-rate monitoring technology and they have stayed at the front of the pack. Their monitors (like the H10) are comparable to ECG-level accuracy. Plus their whole ecosystem of training, HRV and sleep tracking is really good and user-friendly."
Who is it best for: I tested this heart-rate monitor during my Future app strength training sessions and during a couple of walks. Since Future automatically connects to my Apple Watch too, I was able to compare my Apple readings against Polar's. I found that I didn't get much information recorded during strength training on the Polar app, with the exception of how long the workout was. But when I dove into the Apple Fitness app, I was able to see that the Polar H10 captured my average heart rate, and it matched with the data my Apple Watch collected. However, for my walks both indoors and outdoors, the Polar H10 was able to show me a detailed reading of the distance I walked, my average heart rate, calories burned, max heart rate, pace and fat burn percentage of calories. A line graph is also included that shows you a display of your heart rate and time during the activity.
If you plan on using it mainly outdoors for activities like running, jogging, hiking, skating, skiing or rowing, you can't go wrong with this heart-rate monitor. In fact, if you already own a Polar watch, you may get even more out of it when paired with this heart-rate monitor. "It features a comfortable, secure fit with silicone grippers, dual Bluetooth/ANT+ connectivity, onboard memory and waterproofing -- making it ideal for everything from HIIT to swimming," adds Wilson.
"The polar device would be for anyone looking to improve their fitness level or keep track of their workouts, heart-rate training improvement or an athlete who is closely monitoring their daily exertion level," says Chakoian. De Leon agrees, adding that this monitor would also be great for anyone who is curious to explore more data when exercising.
Who should not get it: This device is best for outdoor activities, so it may not be right for those who exercise indoors. It is also on the expensive side. Chakoian adds that she wouldn't recommend this device to "someone who could potentially abuse this device or is only looking to move their body without any tracking of calories or workouts."
De Leon agrees, stating, "People who are recovering from an eating disorder or anyone who will obsess over hitting their numbers probably should skip the heart rate monitor." She adds that if you’ve had heart issues, such as arrhythmias, you should check with your doctor first before purchasing.