Top 5 Heart Rate Trackers You Need in 2025

Because your heart deserves more than just a regular beat!

In 2025, tracking your heart rate is no longer just about counting beats—it’s a full-on adventure! Imagine this: you’re halfway through your morning jog, and your smartwatch not only tells you your heart rate but also suggests a better breathing technique or plays your favorite pump-up playlist. Welcome to the future of fitness technology, where keeping your heart in sync with your goals has never been more exciting!

Best Picks for 2025

1
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Best for Runners
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
The ultimate smartwatch for runners
9.2
Amazon.com
2
Polar Vantage V3 Sport Watch
Best for Diverse Workouts
Polar Vantage V3 Sport Watch
The most feature-rich training watch
9
Amazon.com
3
Apple Watch Series 8 GPS
Best Ecosystem Integration
Apple Watch Series 8 GPS
Your all-in-one health companion
8.8
Amazon.com
4
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Tracker
Best for Comprehensive Health Tracking
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Tracker
Best health insights in a compact design
8.5
Amazon.com
5
Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Best Budget Option
Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Incredible value for fitness tracking
8.2
Amazon.com

Best for Runners
1

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

The ultimate smartwatch for runners
9.2/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music stands out for its incredible tracking capabilities, extensive music storage, and adaptive training features. Runners seeking detailed metrics and performance insights will find this smartwatch invaluable for their training.

Amazon price updated: May 13, 2025 8:38 am
Advantages
Excellent GPS tracking and accuracy
Music storage for phone-free running
Long battery life, up to 7 days in smartwatch mode
Drawbacks
May be expensive for casual users
Music streaming setup can be tricky
Limited functionality without a smartphone

Tailored for Runners

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a running smartwatch designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Offering advanced metrics like VO2 max evaluation and training status, it assists you in understanding and improving your performance. The built-in music storage capability allows runners to leave their phones behind and listen to their favorite playlists directly from the watch.

Smart Features for Better Training

This smartwatch offers unique training plans tailored to your individual fitness goals. It even provides advanced dynamics with insights into your running form, making it easier to adjust your training as needed. Safety features such as incident detection and assistance further enhance the experience by ensuring you can reach out for help in case of emergencies.

Long Battery Life

With a battery that can last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and around 6 hours with GPS and music active, the Forerunner 245 is built to endure long-duration activities without frequent recharges. Users rave about its dependable GPS performance, making it a favorite among long-distance runners who need reliability on their training runs.


Best for Diverse Workouts
2

Polar Vantage V3 Sport Watch

The most feature-rich training watch
9/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Polar Vantage V3 delivers top-tier training insights with its comprehensive toolset and extended battery life. It's perfect for serious athletes focusing on performance and recovery.

Amazon price updated: May 13, 2025 8:39 am
Advantages
Extensive tracking capabilities for multiple sports
Bright AMOLED display for easy viewing
Dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking
Drawbacks
Higher price range
Learning curve for new users
Inconsistent charging times for some users

Advanced Training Features

The Polar Vantage V3 sets itself apart with its expansive features catering to athletes across various disciplines. With advanced GPS capabilities, it not only tracks your location but also enhances your training sessions by measuring metrics that directly affect performance, like heart rate and recovery time.

Clear and Customizable Display

You'll appreciate the sharp AMOLED touchscreen, which provides both clarity and a customizable dashboard tailored to your training data. The watch includes offline maps and comprehensive performance feedback, ensuring you have all the crucial information you need at a glance while you conquer your workouts.

Long Battery Life

With an impressive battery life lasting up to 140 hours in training mode and up to 8 days in regular use, this watch is designed for endurance, just like you. Whether training for a major event or hitting the gym several times a week, the Polar Vantage V3 keeps you informed without needing frequent recharges.


Best Ecosystem Integration
3

Apple Watch Series 8 GPS

Your all-in-one health companion
8.8/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Apple Watch Series 8 excels with its health features and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, making it a must-have for iPhone users. Despite some concerns over battery life, its capabilities far outweigh its limitations.

Amazon price updated: May 13, 2025 8:38 am
Advantages
Advanced health features including ECG and fall detection
Always-on display for easy access
Seamless integration with Apple devices and services
Drawbacks
Battery life could be better
Limited functionalities for non-Apple users
Higher price point compared to competitors

All-in-One Health Tracking Solution

The Apple Watch Series 8 combines style with functionality, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to optimize their health and wellness while staying connected. With a variety of sensors, it provides comprehensive health monitoring, including temperature sensing, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring, giving you deep insights into your overall wellbeing.

Features Tailored to Your Lifestyle

This watch not only tracks your physical activity but also enhances safety with features like fall detection and emergency SOS. Its customizable watch faces and bands allow you to express your style while the seamless integration with the iPhone enhances your overall experience through notifications, calls, and apps directly on your wrist.

Bright Display

The always-on display allows you to check your stats quickly, even when your wrist is down, bringing convenience and visibility together in a single device. While the battery life is a common concern among users, the charging speed is impressive, allowing quick top-ups to keep you going through your busy days.


Best for Comprehensive Health Tracking
4

Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Tracker

Best health insights in a compact design
8.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Fitbit Charge 5 seamlessly integrates fitness tracking with health monitoring, providing comprehensive insights for a healthier life. Its built-in GPS and stress management features stand out, making it a top pick for fitness enthusiasts.

Amazon price updated: May 13, 2025 8:38 am
Advantages
Comprehensive health tracking features
Built-in GPS and stress management tools
Long battery life of up to a week
Drawbacks
Some users report app connectivity issues
Mediocre customer service experiences
High price compared to older models

Comprehensive Fitness Tracking

The Fitbit Charge 5 serves as an advanced fitness and health tracker designed for individuals looking to comprehensively monitor their health metrics. With features like 24/7 heart rate tracking, built-in GPS, and stress management tools, it truly stands out in a crowded market. The companion mobile app offers insights into your activity levels, sleep quality, and more, making it easier for you to enhance your wellbeing.

Sleek Design and Usability

This tracker is not only functional but also stylish, with a sleek design that fits comfortably on your wrist. The vibrant display makes it easy to interact with, and the touch interface streamlines accessing your stats at a glance. Users appreciate how lightweight and non-intrusive it feels during workouts, whether you’re jogging or practicing yoga.

Health Monitoring Features

One of the most appealing aspects of the Fitbit Charge 5 is its health monitoring capabilities. From advanced heart rate variability assessments to on-wrist ECG evaluations, it offers insights typically reserved for more expensive medical devices. Additionally, its ability to assess daily readiness based on sleep, activity, and heart rate variability helps you optimize workouts effectively.


Best Budget Option
5

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Incredible value for fitness tracking
8.2/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 impresses with its extensive features and affordability, making it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Amazon price updated: May 13, 2025 8:39 am
Advantages
Unmatched battery life up to 21 days
Over 150 workout modes
High brightness AMOLED display
Drawbacks
Limited smart features compared to higher-end models
May lack advanced alerting functions
App experience can be less intuitive

Affordable Fitness Tracking

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 shines as an entry-level fitness tracker that doesn't skimp on features. With a bright AMOLED display, it provides all essential metrics directly on your wrist, making it perfect for those who want to track their health without breaking the bank.

Extensive Features for Fitness Enthusiasts

Packed with over 150 sports modes, this band ensures you can monitor your workouts whether you're cycling, swimming, or running. Its high-precision sensors for heart rate and blood oxygen level monitoring help you keep track of your health effectively, making it an excellent tool for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Long-Lasting Battery Life

One of the most significant advantages is the battery life lasting up to 21 days, which far exceeds that of many competitors in the same price bracket. Additionally, its sleek design is available in multiple colors, allowing you to express your style while staying active.


Final Thoughts

If you want a feature-rich experience, the Polar Vantage V3 Sport Watch is your go-to. With its impressive tracking capabilities and amazing battery life, it’s perfect for serious athletes. On the flip side, if you need a versatile smartwatch that doubles as your health companion, grab the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It’s exceptional for runners and offers enough music storage to keep you motivated on every run!


Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Heart Rate Tracker

Choosing a heart rate tracker can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. To simplify your decision, begin by identifying your specific needs. Are you a runner, a swimmer, or just looking to monitor your daily activity? Each activity might require different features.

1. Key Features to Consider:

Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy: Look for devices that use advanced sensors for more accurate readings.
Battery Life: Determine how often you're willing to charge your device. Some can last days on a single charge, while others may need daily recharging.
Additional Health Metrics: Features like stress monitoring, sleep tracking, and SpO2 levels can provide a more comprehensive view of your well-being.

2. Compatibility: Make sure the tracker you choose works with your smartphone's operating system. Some devices offer better integration with iPhone versus Android, which can impact functionality and user experience.

3. Comfort and Design: You’ll want a tracker that feels comfortable during wear, whether you're working out or just lounging. Consider size and design as these can affect how you feel about wearing it throughout the day.

4. Price vs. Value: Set a budget but remember that higher-priced models often come with better technology and features. Look for sales or consider newer models as prices drop on older versions.

5. Read Reviews: Don’t just rely on the product description. Check expert reviews and user experiences to understand how the tracker performs in real-world conditions.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to select a heart rate tracker that aligns with your fitness journey and lifestyle!


FAQs

Can heart rate trackers help with weight loss?

Absolutely! By keeping track of your heart rate, you can ensure you’re exercising at the right intensity for fat burning.

Do I need a specific phone to use these trackers?

Not necessarily, but some features might work better with specific ecosystems. For instance, Apple Watch Series 8 is best paired with an iPhone.

How accurate are heart rate trackers?

Most trackers are quite accurate, especially during exercise. However, for critical medical use, consult a healthcare professional.

What should I consider before buying a heart rate tracker?

Look for features you need, such as GPS, battery life, and whether you prefer a simple tracker or a smartwatch functionality.

Can I wear my tracker while swimming?

Many modern heart rate trackers are water-resistant, but always check the specifications before taking it for a swim!