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Best Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor: Reliable Tools for Achieving Your Health Goals

itness and heart rate monitor
Written by Russell McCarty

Unless you’re one of the lucky few who finds eating right and exercising daily “just come naturally”, many of you will agree that staying on top of your health can be a serious challenge. Fortunately with new technology coming out every day, reaching our health goals gets easier and easier.

Fitness tracking technology like apps, websites, and of course, wristbands make tasks like tracking our steps and calories a little bit simpler – and they also help us find areas to improve. However, finding the right fitness tracker that will meet your needs presents its own set of challenges considering the number of options out there.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown on one of our favorite health tracking tools: the best fitness tracker with heart rate monitor. We have a guide about the best features to look for in a tracker as well as a number of must-see recommendations. If you’ve been on the fence about buying your first tracker for a while, now is the time! It’s never too early to start improving your health, so let’s get to it!

Our Top Picks

Product NameBattery Life (Operating Time)Extra FeaturesWaterproof RatingPrice
AK1980 Bluetooth Fitness Tracker3-5 daysAverageIP67Check price on Amazon
Imoo House Smart Wristband5 daysMinimalIP67Check price on Amazon
Coffea H7-HR Fitness Tracker4 daysExtensiveIP67Check price on Amazon
LETSCOM Waterproof Fitness Tracker7 daysAverageIP67Check price on Amazon
BlueWeigh Touch HR Fitness Tracker7 daysMinimalSplash ProofCheck price on Amazon
Runme Fitness Tracker6 daysAverageIP67Check price on Amazon
Sokos Smart Fitness Tracker4 daysMinimalSplash ProofCheck price on Amazon
FitBit Charge 2 Fitness Wristband5 daysExtensiveSplash ProofCheck price on Amazon

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before we jump into the products, it’s important to go over some of the things that you should think about before you buy. Not all trackers are made the same, so here are few tips for getting the most bang out of your buck:

Phone Compatibility

Imagine this scenario: You’ve been looking for the perfect health tracker for weeks. You’ve scoped out which wristbands the most athletic people at the park seem to wear, done your price comparisons, and you place your order. Finally, it arrives on your doorstep, you take it out of the box, put it on, and go to connect it with your phone. Just one problem – your phone doesn’t support the app!

Avoid disappointment by making sure that the tracker you buy is compatible with your phone’s operating system. While most reputable fitness companies make products that work with both Android and iOS, watch out for products that don’t specify compatibility or only work with one type of phone.

On a related note, watch out for trackers with a companion app that isn’t free. Any fitness app that requires a one-time fee or subscription price probably isn’t worth it. You’ve already paid for one product – you shouldn’t have to pay for another!

Extra Features

In this article, we’re focusing on fitness trackers that have one feature in common – a heart rate tracker. Heart rate monitoring is super important – it allows you to see how hard you’re actually working, set target workouts, practice things like high intensity interval training, and make sure that your heart is as healthy and strong as it should be.

However, fitness trackers usually offer a lot of other awesome features, too. Most trackers have a pedometer that measures your steps throughout the day, a calorie calculator that converts your exercise into calories-burned, and a sleep monitor that shows you how restful (or restless) your sleep is throughout the night. Other features include GPS tracking, guided breathing, weather forecasting, music controls, and push notifications from your phone.

When choosing your perfect tracker, decide if more features equals more function for you. Some of us love the extra stuff – while some of us find it distracting (nothing worse than getting constant call notifications from mom during kickboxing practice). Consider your features carefully before you buy.

Accuracy

The next thing to consider with fitness trackers is their accuracy. While not all features are affected by accuracy measures, some are highly sensitive.

Features like blood pressure, heart rate, steps, and GPS tracking vary a ton in their accuracy, and usually, higher price means higher quality in their measurements. If you’re using your tracker mostly for fun and casual interest, accuracy may not be that important. However, if you’re using your new fitness wristband to meet serious goals like cardiac health, diabetes control, or medically necessary weight loss, accuracy may be a little more important to help you stick to your plans.

Waterproof Rating

Waterproof ratings are universally confusing across all products. They’re always full of confusing terms, numbers, and letters that seem to mean nothing in the real world – but luckily, we have a few tips to help you out.

In the world of fitness trackers, most are rated as one of three things – non-water resistant, splash proof, or IP67 waterproof.

Non-water resistant is pretty self-explanatory, and unless you live in a cold desert where you never sweat, it’s probably not a good option for purchase. Splash proof generally means that a tracker is resistant to some water, but not submersion. For instance, rainy day? Go for that jog! Swimming the English Channel? Leave the tracker at home.

Terms get confusing with IP67. We won’t get into the specifics here, but basically it means that tech with this rating can handle being fully submerged up to about 1 foot for about 30 minutes with no problems. That means that swimming, surfing, and singing in the rain, are all probably fine – as long as you don’t keep it submerged too deep or for too long, and as long as you don’t expose it to any hard impacts, like jumping from a high dive.

Appearance

And of course, our last consideration has to be appearance. It may seem a little petty, but we think that looking stylish is actually pretty important. A lot of us set fitness goals, at least partially, because we want to look better – and, more importantly, feel better about how we look.

It’s well known that exercise and healthy diet help with our mental wellness as well as our physical health, but sticking to fitness goals can still be really discouraging at first. Accessorizing with items that make you feel extra-snazzy may just give you the little bit of confidence you need to keep going on those rough days. So, make sure that you buy a product that not only suits your needs, but your style as well.

Okay – the talking is out of the way, so here are the reviews!

Best Products on Today’s Market

Now that we’ve gone over some of the essential things to look for, let’s get into the products:

AK1980 Bluetooth Fitness TrackerAK1980 Bluetooth Fitness Tracker

Price: Approx. $80

Weight: 25 g

Specific features: Bluetooth compatible with iOS and Android; touch display; includes step tracker, calorie counter, GPS, sleep monitor, blood pressure monitor; IP67 waterproof

Best use: Running, hiking, swimming

Sometimes it can be hard to find a balance between value and quality. The AK1980 Bluetooth Fitness Tracker is the best of both worlds, and it does it in style.

The digital display fits neatly into the sleek wristband and shows all of the tracker’s many features – from heart rate and blood pressure to sleep tracking and SMS alerts from your linked phone. The OLED display looks great as well with crisp display that should tell you what you need to know at first glance.

This fitness tracker is perfect for those who want a high-quality product without over-spending. Its built-to-last design and IP67 waterproof rating mean that even in the mid-price range you’re guaranteed to have a product that sticks around! Definitely one of the best trackers that you can get in the market.

PROS:

  • Loaded with features
  • Waterproof
  • Good value

CONS:

  • Blood pressure not very accurate

Related: If you are looking for a workout companion that can get you in the zone with music, the Ephone Updated In-Ear Earbuds is a great buy with its stylish design and high end sound quality.

Check the price on Amazon

Imoo House Smart WristbandImoo House Smart Wristband

Price: Approx. $30

Weight: 50 g

Specific features: IP67 waterproof; touch display with phone control; includes step counter, calorie tracker, sleep tracker, and GPS

Best use: Running, hiking

For those seeking something a little more simple, the Imoo House Smart Wristband is for you. This waterproof fitness tracker features a heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, step counter, and GPS tracker that can all be linked to a phone via Bluetooth. The touchscreen display allows you to receive push notifications and call alerts from your phone, as well as control music.

However, it doesn’t have a whole lot else to it! This is a great option for minimalists who are looking for a no-nonsense approach but might not be the best buy for those who are looking for extensive features.

This wristband is a perfect option for those who want to spend a little less and avoid the avalanche of features that come with most pieces of modern technology. If sweet and simple are what you’re looking for, look no further than Imoo House.

PROS:

  • Affordable
  • Includes free app
  • Minimalist interface

CONS:

  • Loses charge quickly
  • Difficult to use

Related: For a more sporty look to your new fitness tracker, check out Imoo House Replacement Smart Bands. These bands come in red and white to update your style as you reach your health goals.

Check the price on Amazon

Coffea H7-HR Fitness TrackerCoffea H7-HR Fitness Tracker

Price: Approx. $100

Weight: 68 g

Specific features: Built-in charger; includes sleep monitor, step counter, calorie counter, GPS tracker, weather, alarm clock, training modes, breathing guide; IP67 waterproof; charges in one hour; includes replacement band

Best use: Running, swimming, biking

If you’re looking for a high-quality piece of equipment with a whole lot of awesome features, the Coffea H7-HR Fitness Tracker is it. This fitness tracker comes with all the expected features – a step counter, calorie tracker, heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, and GPS tracker. It also links its touchscreen display with your phone to screen phone calls, app alerts, and alarms.

But wait, there’s more! The Coffea also has some less common features – like a weather forecast, changeable watch faces, a breathing guide, and 14 (yes, 14) different training modes to help you get the best out of your workout.

This wristband may be a little more on the pricey side for some. However, it truly does represent the highest standard in fitness tracking. If you’re not sold on the features, the quick-charging battery and 7-day charge time, plus IP67 waterproof rating might change your mind. This is a tracker that’s well worth the price.

PROS:

  • Good battery life
  • Tons of features
  • Includes replacement band
  • Quick charging

CONS:

  • More expensive

Related: For a different look you can purchase Coffea Adjustable Wristband for H7-HR for colorful and fashionable matching your daily style. These replacement bands are specifically made for the H7-HR model and you can choose from three different colors: black, red and teal.

Check the price on Amazon

LETSCOM Waterproof Fitness TrackerLETSCOM Waterproof Fitness Tracker

Price: Approx. $55

Weight: 21 g

Specific features: Multiple color options; IP67 waterproof; multi-sport tracking modes; includes calorie tracker, sleep monitor, GPS tracker, and weather forecast

Best use: Running, everyday use

The LETSCOM Waterproof Fitness Tracker is a multi-phone compatible Bluetooth smart wristband that allows you to get on top of your health goals without breaking the bank. Its moderate price doesn’t mean a sacrifice in quality, and this tracker features not only a pedometer and heart rate monitor, but calorie tracker, sleep monitor, and weather forecast.

No matter how you work out, LETSCOM has you covered especially in terms of features. This tracker features 14 different sport modes to track movement in- and outdoors – and a guided breathing cooldown to get you back to your baseline. Five color varieties ensure that you’ll look stylish even if you sweat – which is no problem for the IP67 waterproof rating.

The LETSCOM fitness tracker combines style, affordability, and functionality – but it may not be as accurate as some of the higher-end models.

PROS:

  • Lightweight
  • More affordable
  • Waterproof

CONS:

  • Not so great battery life
  • Lower accuracy

Related: When the weather doesn’t let for a comfortable workout session, you can make one at home with the Wonvatu Resistance Bands Set. You can use them for weight Loss, stretching, fitness, pilates, yoga, physical therapy, legs butt glutes, crossfit, home equipment and so on.

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BlueWeigh Touch HR Fitness TrackerBlueWeigh Touch HR Fitness Tracker

Price: Approx. $70

Weight: 28 g

Specific features: Splash proof; includes calorie tracker, step counter, and sleep monitor; multiple color options; compatible with Android and iOS

Best use: Hiking, casual sports

The BlueWeigh Touch HR Fitness Tracker takes a minimalist approach to fitness trackers that many of the other products on the market avoid. Compatible with both Android and iOS, this tracker features a heart rate monitor, step counter, calorie tracker, and sleep monitor. In this front, this is about as basic as you can get.

The touchscreen display is easy to navigate and contains a built-in USB charger for easy charging. Despite the size of the screen, it’s really quite easy to use and is very responsive which simply can’t be said with trackers with smaller display.

On the customizability front, the BlueWeigh comes in five different colors – so no more boring black. This product is perfect for those with a need for a little more creative expression without too many bells and whistles. This is a great option for first-time buyer of fitness trackers.

PROS:

  • Multiple color options
  • Lightweight
  • Responsive touchscreen display

CONS:

  • Not fully waterproof
  • Minimal features

Related: If you happen to lose the charger that comes in the packaging along with the tracker, or you don’t want to look for it everywhere in the house, you may consider purchasing extra USB Charger for Blueweigh Activity Tracker.

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Runme Fitness TrackerRunme Fitness Tracker

Price: Approx. $40

Weight: 23 g

Specific features: IP67 waterproof; four color options; includes step tracker, calorie tracker, sleep monitor, GPS tracker, weather forecast

Best use: Everyday use, running

If you want an all-around solid tracker for an excellent value, the Runme Fitness Tracker is your go-to purchase. This tracker isn’t heavy on the features, and sticks to the standards with sleep monitoring, step tracking, calorie counting, and GPS tracking.

While it may not have a lot of fancy extras in the tech department, it makes up for it in style – the Runme comes in four colors, all with a sleek design that’s sure to impress.

This model is great for those who want a basic tracker on a budget. It’s perfect for everyday use with running, jogging, hiking, swimming, or gym workouts – but it’s not the most accurate device on the market. Serious trackers may opt for a higher price range, but for everyone else, the Runme is a great bang for your buck.

PROS:

  • Waterproof
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use

CONS:

  • Shorter battery life
  • Less accurate

Related: Runme also offers a slightly higher-priced Runme Fitness Tracker Smart Watch, which has additional features and longer battery life.

Check the price on Amazon

Sokos Smart Fitness TrackerSokos Smart Fitness Tracker

Price: Approx. $37

Weight: 90 g

Specific features: Splash proof; 7-10 day battery life; includes sleep monitor, step tracker, calorie tracker, push notifications

Best use: Running, casual sports

For buyers who are looking for their first tracker or simply looking to do away with all the extras, Sokos Smart Fitness Tracker is the product for you. This tracker has minimal features – just the basics like step counting, calorie counting, and sleep monitoring – making it a simple, easy-to-navigate option for those who are just stepping into the world of fitness tracking.

The Sokos tracker features a large, easy-to-read touchscreen that syncs with your phone. The display is splash proof only, so this isn’t the best option for outdoor sports in heavy rain or water sports. This tracker also has some weight into it but it’s not really a deal-breaker.

However, the affordability of this model makes it a perfect option for those who need a simple device for simple health goals. You can’t go wrong having this as your first activity tracker.

PROS:

  • Affordable
  • Easy-to-read screen
  • Good for beginners
  • Good for basic use

CONS:

  • A bit heavy
  • Not waterproof

Related: If you are in need of a more waterproof device, the Sokos IP68 Waterproof Fitness Tracker is a good buy for those who need a little more durability and flexibility with their device.

Check the price on Amazon

Fitbit Charge 2 Fitness WristbandFitbit Charge 2 Fitness Wristband

Price: Approx. $150

Weight: 31 g

Specific features: Six color options; continuous heart rate monitor; includes adjustable heart rate zones, calorie counter, GPS tracker, step tracker, breathing guide, sleep monitor; highly personalized

Best use: Indoor and outdoor sports, serious tracking

And here we are, with one of the most well-known brands of fitness trackers. The Fitbit Charge 2 Fitness Wristband is the grand-daddy of fitness trackers, featuring all the basics as well as a number of unique features that turn your workout into a personalized experience. This tracker uses PurePulse technology to track heart rate continuously, which Fitbit turns into a personalized Cardio Fitness Score to help you guide your exercise.

This tracker doesn’t stop once the workout is done. The Fitbit Charge offers personalized breathing guides, based on your cardio fitness, to help you cool down and calm down. Even the standard features, like step counting, go above and beyond – this wristband doesn’t just count steps, but floors climbed and more.

The only thing this product can’t do is go swimming – but other than that, it’s well worth the price and it will get the job done.

PROS:

  • Highly personalized
  • Many unique features
  • Highly durable

CONS:

  • Expensive
  • Not waterproof

Related: Fitbit offers a ton of other great options, like the Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch – a stylish tracker that looks more like a traditional watch.

Check the price on Amazon

Wrap Up

And there you have it, the best fitness trackers on the market that include heart rate monitors. We gave you the tools you need to shop responsibly, as well as our top eight recommendations for trackers for all different budgets. Hopefully, this gets you on the right track when shopping for your next activity + HR tracker.

Featured Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/hAZxL4qPYfc

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Russell McCarty

Russell considers backpacking one of his great passions in life. He actually managed to transform his passion into a living becoming a professional adventurer. Russell loves long-distance backpacking and he enriched his portfolio with famous trails like the Alaska-Yukon Expedition or the Appalachian Trail. With thousands of miles under his feet, Russell is the expert to consult when it comes to how to prepare for a successful outdoor adventure.