9 Best Budget Heart Rate Monitors (October 2026)
The best affordable heart rate monitors for exercise include the COOSPO H6 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap for long battery life, the COOSPO Armband Heart Rate Monitor for a rechargeable armband, and the COROS Heart Rate Monitor for automatic wear detection.
On this page (5 sections)
The COOSPO H6 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap is the best budget heart rate monitor for exercise if you want Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, app support and a replaceable battery. If you prefer an armband, the COOSPO optical model is rechargeable; if you want all-day wrist tracking, consider a fitness tracker watch.
A low-cost monitor can still fit a specific routine well. Match the sensor style and connection to your workout, phone, watch or gym equipment.
For a simpler setup, see our guide to the best easy heart rate monitor. If you're deciding between workout data and heart rhythm readings, our guide to budget ECG monitors explains the difference.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for long battery lifeCOOSPO H6 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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Check itScosche Rhythm Heart Rate Monitor Armband
Best for workout and HRV data - 5
Check itGEOID HS500 Heart Rate Monitor
Best for a long-lasting replaceable battery - 6
Check itWAHOO TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor
Best for a rechargeable chest strap - 7
Check itMorePro Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate
Best for daily wrist tracking - 8
Check itBakoor Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate
Best for an AMOLED display - 9
Check itHeartix HRM Heart Rate Monitor for Streaming
Best for streaming and gaming
How we chose budget heart rate monitors
These budget heart rate monitors cover different workout and daily tracking needs. We compared sensor style, connection options, battery details and stated compatibility, then scored each pick for buyers prioritizing cost and essential tracking.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A chest strap with ANT+ may fit cycling gear, while an armband or wrist tracker may suit buyers who value comfort or daily records.
| Product | Best for | Type | Connections | Battery | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOSPO H6 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap | long battery life | Chest strap | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Up to 300 hours; replaceable CR2032 | 9.7 |
| COOSPO Armband Heart Rate Monitor | a rechargeable armband | Optical armband | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Rechargeable; up to 25+ hours per charge | 9.6 |
| COROS Heart Rate Monitor | automatic wear detection | Armband | Bluetooth only | 38 hours of operation per charge | 9.5 |
| Scosche Rhythm Heart Rate Monitor Armband | workout and HRV data | Optical armband | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Up to 24 hours | 9.4 |
| GEOID HS500 Heart Rate Monitor | a long-lasting replaceable battery | Chest strap | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Up to 800 hours; replaceable CR2032 | 9.3 |
| WAHOO TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor | a rechargeable chest strap | Chest strap | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Over 100 hours of active life | 9.0 |
| MorePro Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate | daily wrist tracking | Fitness tracker watch | Up to 7 days of normal use | 8.8 | |
| Bakoor Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate | an AMOLED display | Fitness tracker watch | Up to 7 days | 8.3 | |
| Heartix HRM Heart Rate Monitor for Streaming | streaming and gaming | Chest strap | Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+ | Up to 300 hours; replaceable CR2032 | 8.0 |
The best budget heart rate monitors by use
These picks cover chest straps, optical armbands and wrist trackers, so you can choose by fit and tracking needs. Each option has a different balance of battery type, device support and intended use.
COOSPO H6 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap: Best for long battery life
- Bluetooth and ANT+
- Up to 300 hours of battery life
- Replaceable CR2032 battery
- Compatible with many fitness apps and gym equipment
The H6 pairs chest strap sensing with Bluetooth and ANT+ support, plus a replaceable battery rated for up to 300 hours. It fits buyers who want workout data on compatible apps, sports watches or gym equipment.
Pros
- Bluetooth and ANT+ support
- Works with many fitness apps and gym equipment
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- Electrode areas need moisture before use
- Not for swimming
The COOSPO H6 fits buyers who want a workout sensor with Bluetooth and ANT+ connections. If you log training in Garmin Connect, see how to record a Garmin workout.
It works with many fitness apps, GPS bike computers, sports watches and gym equipment.
Moisten the plastic electrode areas before wearing the strap. Connect through your fitness app instead of the phone's Bluetooth menu.
If a Peloton monitor is not connecting, see Peloton heart rate monitor troubleshooting.
The replaceable CR2032 battery is rated for up to 300 hours of use. For battery help with a Peloton monitor, see Peloton monitor battery help.
That can suit you if you'd rather replace a battery than charge the sensor between workouts.
If you use a Polar setup, our Polar H10 heart rate monitor review offers another chest strap comparison. Choose the H6 when its compatibility and battery approach fit your setup.
COOSPO Armband Heart Rate Monitor: Best for a rechargeable armband
- Optical armband sensor
- Bluetooth and ANT+
- Up to 25+ hours per charge
- Two fabric straps included
This optical armband avoids a chest strap and connects by Bluetooth or ANT+. It supports compatible training apps, watches and bike computers, with two fabric straps included.
Pros
- No chest strap
- Bluetooth and ANT+ support
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Not for swimming
- Battery life is shorter than the chest strap options
The COOSPO armband is an option if you don't want a chest strap. Its optical sensor measures heart rate during exercise, and Bluetooth plus ANT+ support lets it connect with compatible apps, sports watches and bike computers.
It comes with two fabric straps and a rechargeable battery rated for 25+ hours per charge. The armband can track real-time heart rate, training zones and calories through compatible apps.
This model is intended for exercise and isn't recommended for swimming. The two straps may be useful if you want one available while the other is being washed or dried.
For more options focused on comfort and setup, compare our best easy-to-use heart rate monitors. This COOSPO armband fits if you want optical sensing with Bluetooth and ANT+.
COROS Heart Rate Monitor: Best for automatic wear detection
- Soft fabric armband
- Bluetooth only
- Pairs with up to 3 devices
- 38 hours of operation per charge
The COROS armband automatically powers on and off based on wear detection. It connects to up to three devices at once over Bluetooth, but it does not support ANT+ or daily heart rate tracking.
Pros
- Automatic wear detection
- Pairs with up to 3 devices
- Soft fabric band
Cons
- Bluetooth only
- Not intended for daily tracking
COROS suits buyers who prefer an armband and want the monitor to turn on automatically when worn. Its wear detection also helps it reconnect to paired devices when you start a workout.
It connects by Bluetooth only and can pair with up to three devices at once. The fabric band is designed to sit flat around the arm, and the sensor can be removed for cleaning.
The battery is rated for 38 hours of operation or 80 days on standby per charge. COROS says this model is for sports and activities, not daily heart rate tracking, so choose a wrist tracker if all-day records are your priority.
If you already use Suunto gear, check our guide to Suunto heart rate monitor troubleshooting before buying a second sensor. Confirm that Bluetooth-only support works with your devices.
Scosche Rhythm Heart Rate Monitor Armband: Best for workout and HRV data
- Optical armband sensor
- Bluetooth and ANT+
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- HRV mode captures RR intervals
The Rhythm+ 2.0 offers an armband fit with Bluetooth and ANT+ connections. Its HRV mode captures RR interval data for compatible apps, giving it a wider role than workout heart rate alone.
Pros
- Bluetooth and ANT+ support
- HRV mode captures RR intervals
- Fits forearm, bicep or tricep
Cons
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Confirm app compatibility for your intended use
Scosche's Rhythm+ 2.0 is an optical armband for buyers who want workout heart rate and access to RR interval data. Its HRV mode sends that data to compatible apps such as HRV4Training, Morpheus Training and Welltory.
The adjustable band can be worn on the forearm, bicep or tricep. It supports Bluetooth and ANT+, with up to 24 hours of continuous battery life.
If heart rate variability is part of your routine, our guide on how to monitor heart rate variability daily explains what to track and how to use the data. Check that your preferred app supports the Rhythm+ 2.0 before choosing it for HRV.
GEOID HS500 Heart Rate Monitor: Best for a long-lasting replaceable battery
- Chest strap
- Bluetooth and ANT+
- Up to 800 hours of battery life
- Replaceable CR2032 battery
The HS500 is a chest strap with Bluetooth and ANT+ support and a replaceable CR2032 battery rated for up to 800 hours. Its LED flashes to confirm heart rate and connection when you start.
Pros
- Long stated battery life
- Bluetooth and ANT+ support
- LED connection reminder
Cons
- Swimming is not recommended
- Connect through a compatible app rather than the phone's Bluetooth menu
The GEOID HS500 pairs a chest strap with Bluetooth and ANT+ and a replaceable CR2032 battery rated for up to 800 hours. Its LED flashes to confirm heart rate and connection when you start.
The LED turns off after 10 flashes. The HS500 is compatible with phones, tablets, sports watches, bike computers, treadmills and fitness equipment.
Connect through the app you plan to use instead of the phone's Bluetooth menu. Swimming is not recommended, so this monitor is better suited to cycling, running or gym sessions.
WAHOO TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor: Best for a rechargeable chest strap
- Bluetooth and ANT+
- Over 100 hours of active battery life
- Up to 3 Bluetooth connections
- LED status indicators
TRACKR combines a soft, secure chest strap with Bluetooth and ANT+ connections. Its rechargeable battery is rated for over 100 hours of active use, and LEDs indicate heart rate detection, battery status and connection.
Pros
- Rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth and ANT+ support
- LED status indicators
Cons
- Chest strap fit may not suit everyone
- Battery needs recharging
Wahoo TRACKR is a rechargeable chest strap with a soft, secure fit and Bluetooth and ANT+ connections. Its battery is rated for over 100 hours of active life, and it can connect to three Bluetooth devices at once.
LED indicators show heart rate detection, battery status and whether the monitor remains connected. These status cues can be useful during a workout.
If the strap stops pairing or reading as expected, our Suunto heart rate monitor troubleshooting guide includes general connection checks. For a Wahoo setup, confirm the pairing steps for your devices and app.
MorePro Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate: Best for daily wrist tracking
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- 120+ sport modes
- Sleep and activity tracking
- Up to 7 days of normal use
The MorePro tracker combines daily heart rate tracking with activity, sleep and more than 120 sport modes. Its health measurements are for wellness tracking, not medical use.
Pros
- Daily wrist tracking
- Many sport modes
- Call and message notifications
Cons
- Not a dedicated workout chest sensor
- Health measurements are not for medical use
MorePro is a wrist-worn option for buyers who want heart rate data beyond scheduled workouts. It offers 24/7 heart rate tracking alongside sleep and activity records, more than 120 sport modes and phone notifications.
The watch is rated for up to 7 days of normal use and works with Android 7.0 or later and iOS 13.0 or later. Its health measurements are for wellness tracking, not medical use.
Pick this style if daily trends matter more than a dedicated chest sensor. For heart rhythm questions or symptoms, a fitness tracker is not a substitute for care from a medical professional.
Bakoor Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate: Best for an AMOLED display
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- 1.10-inch AMOLED display
- 25 sport modes
- Up to 7 days of battery life
The Bakoor watch provides continuous heart rate and activity tracking on a 1.10-inch AMOLED screen. It suits buyers who want a wrist-worn tracker and notifications alongside workout records.
Pros
- AMOLED display
- 24/7 heart rate tracking
- 25 sport modes
Cons
- No warranty
- Health readings are for reference and do not replace medical advice
Bakoor pairs 24/7 heart rate tracking with a 1.10-inch AMOLED screen and 25 sport modes. It also records steps, calories, distance, exercise time and sleep data in its app.
If you also use an Apple Watch, see how to read its sleep chart.
The watch is rated for up to 7 days of battery life or 15 days on standby. It can show calls, texts and social notifications, plus hydration and sedentary reminders.
Its readings are for reference and don't replace medical advice. Choose Bakoor if an AMOLED display and daily tracking matter more than a chest strap's exercise-focused connections.
Heartix HRM Heart Rate Monitor for Streaming: Best for streaming and gaming
- Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+
- Chest strap
- Works with Pulsoid
- Replaceable CR2032 battery rated for up to 300 hours
Heartix is built for sharing heart rate data during streams and gaming sessions. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+ and includes an adjustable chest strap.
Pros
- Streaming-focused use
- Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+ support
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- Fewer stated app details than workout-focused options
- Best suited to streaming and gaming use
Heartix is designed for streaming and gaming. The adjustable chest strap sends heart rate data over Bluetooth 5.0 or ANT+ and works with Pulsoid and popular fitness apps.
Its replaceable CR2032 battery is rated for up to 300 hours. The streaming feature lets you share heart rate data with an audience in real time.
For exercise training, the COOSPO or GEOID chest straps have more stated compatibility with workout devices and apps. Choose Heartix when live heart rate display is the main reason you need a monitor.
Which sensor style fits your budget?
Choose a chest strap if you want a dedicated exercise sensor with Bluetooth or ANT+ support. Choose an armband if you prefer an optical sensor worn on your arm, or a fitness tracker if daily heart rate and activity records matter most.
A strap's connection options are useful when your equipment supports them. Check your watch, bike computer, phone and preferred app before buying, especially if you rely on ANT+.
If you use Garmin Connect, see how to change equipment settings.
Chest straps and rechargeable armbands have different battery routines. The H6 and HS500 use replaceable CR2032 batteries, while the COOSPO armband, COROS and Wahoo TRACKR need charging.
What should you check before buying a budget monitor?
Check the connection type, fit and intended tracking window before choosing a heart rate monitor. These details affect whether the monitor suits your routine.
- Match Bluetooth or ANT+ to your devices. COROS is Bluetooth only, while several other picks support both.
- Choose a sensor style you'll wear. Chest straps, optical armbands and wrist trackers feel and function differently.
- Check the battery routine. Replaceable batteries can reduce charging, while rechargeable models avoid buying coin cells.
- Verify app support. Compatibility depends on the exact app and device combination.
- Keep health readings in perspective. Fitness tracker readings support wellness trends and don't diagnose a condition.
If you already own Polar gear, our guide to replacing a Polar H10 heart rate monitor battery can help you compare upkeep for a replaceable-battery strap and rechargeable options.
Which budget heart rate monitor should you choose?
Choose the COOSPO H6 if you want a replaceable battery, Bluetooth and ANT+ in a workout chest strap. Pick the COOSPO armband for an optical fit, MorePro for all-day wrist tracking, or Heartix for gaming and streaming.
If you're comparing chest straps beyond this roundup, read our Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt review for another strap-focused perspective. Match the monitor to your devices and the heart rate data you plan to use.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Best for long battery life
COOSPO H6 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best budget heart rate monitor for exercise?
The COOSPO H6 is a strong budget choice for exercise if you want a chest strap, Bluetooth and ANT+ support, and a replaceable battery. It works with many fitness apps, sports watches and gym equipment.
Moisten the electrode areas before wearing it.
Are chest strap or armband heart rate monitors better?
A chest strap may suit you if you want a strap-based workout sensor and broad device support. An armband can be an option if you prefer not to wear a strap around your chest.
Check connection type and app compatibility before choosing either style.
Can a budget heart rate monitor track heart rate all day?
Some wrist fitness trackers in this guide offer 24/7 heart rate tracking, including the MorePro and Bakoor. The COROS armband is designed for sports and activities, not daily tracking.
Choose by whether you need workout readings, all-day trends or both.
Do heart rate monitors work with every fitness app?
No. App support varies by monitor and connection type.
Bluetooth and ANT+ support can widen device options, but it does not guarantee compatibility with every app.
Check that your specific phone, watch, bike computer or training app supports the monitor before buying.
