Wrist vs Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitors

Wrist vs. Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitors: Which One is Better?

Both wrist-based and chest strap heart rate monitors have their pros and cons. Here’s how they compare:

✔ Pros:

More Accurate → Uses ECG (electrocardiogram) technology for precise readings.
Better for High-Intensity Workouts → Less affected by movement, lag, or cadence.
Consistent Readings → Less susceptible to fluctuations compared to wrist sensors.

❌ Cons:

Less Comfortable → Can feel tight or cause chafing.
Needs Moisture to Work Well → Dry skin can cause weak signals at the start.
Requires a Chest Strap → Some find it inconvenient to put on before workouts.

✔ Pros:

More Convenient → Always on your wrist, no extra gear needed.
Comfortable → No straps or sensors pressing against your chest.
Good for Casual Use → Works well for daily HR tracking and steady-state workouts.

❌ Cons:

Less Accurate → Uses optical sensors (PPG), which are affected by movement and skin tone.
Struggles with High-Intensity Workouts → Can lag behind during intervals or sudden HR spikes.
Affected by Fit & Position → Needs to be snug but not too tight, and positioned correctly.

For best accuracy during high-intensity training (intervals, cycling, strength, HIIT) → chest strap
For casual training and daily tracking → wrist-based HR
For triathletes and endurance athletes → chest strap (especially in water)
For sleep and 24/7 HR monitoring → wrist-based HR