Heart Rate Monitors UK
Compare HRM Features

HRM Quick Link search categories: click a category or read on for more details....

Before you go any further, click here - heart rate monitor list - to see all the current HRM we sell

Advanced Heart Monitor search	Basic Heart Monitor search	Heart Monitors for WOMEN
HRM's with BIKE speed	HRM's with RUNNING speed	HRM's with No Chest Strap

Heart Rate Monitor comparison tools, to help you find the perfect match HRM (Heart Rate Monitor)

We have made two heart rate monitor comparison tools. They are both simple to use and allow the user to enter as many, or as few, essential parameters as necessary.

The trick to using these search tools succesfully is to start the search be being as restrictive as possible, only selecting "must have" items. This will yield more matching results. Once you get the hang of the search tool, you can add more "nice to have" functions to narrow the possibilites.

Not too sure what it all means ?? If you are unsure of the question/function being asked, we have listed them all below with a detailed explanation of what is being asked. Please click here to see the "key to questions from basic search" or here to view "key to questions from advanced search tool"

Go straight to the search tools ---> To use the search tools, simply click the link of your choice. If you are new to heart rate monitors then we would suggest the "basic heart rate monitor search tool" (less than 10 questions), if you know what you want then please use the "advanced heart rate monitor search tool" (more than 25 functions/questions).

Basic Heart Rate Monitor Search Tool

Advanced Heart Rate Monitor Search Tool

tip: if you want to see everything that's available, just press the "SEARCH" button at the bottom of each form without selecting any parameters

If you are looking for great value, no fuss, easy to use heart rate monitors please review our own BHIP 9 and BHIP 12

MAKE : Is there just one specific make you are looking for? If so, select it from the list. We suggest that you generally leave this option unselected. Selecting it will restrict you to matches within this manufacturer only.

Does this HRM give TIME of DAY / DATE ?: If you select "yes" from the options, the search tool will only show heart rate monitors that include time of day functionality with day/date

Does it have a system to avoid CROSSTALK from other HRM users? : Heart Rate monitors are getting more and more popular. There are two types of transmission used by manufacturer's to send the HR data to the watch. One is ANALOGUE FM, the other is DIGITAL (generally 1 - 2.4Ghz). Analogue FM is prone to electrical interference and may suffer from crosstalk (receipt of signals from other HRM users within 1m of you) If you do suffer from interference / crosstalk the heart rate value displayed on your watch will be erratic and unreliable. Once you move away from the source of interference, the Heart Rate will settle.

There are two methods of avoiding crosstalk / interference. The first is to add a CODED signal to the ANALOGUE FM transmission. This can be found on only the Polar M and most of the S series. This method does not avoid electrical interference. DIGITAL transmission will avoid both crosstalk and electrical interference.

Selecting "yes" will restrict the search criteria to models that have some kind of "crosstalk avoidance"

Does it have HEART RATE ZONE ALARMS ? Most people using a heart rate monitor will be using it to try and achieve an optimum training intensity and to train and remain within that training zone while training. If you leave this set to "0" the search tool will show all HRM's with and without a heart rate limit alarm. If you choose "1", the search tool will show all HRM's with at least 1 x heart rate training zone. When you move above or below your chosen zone the HRM will "bleep" to warn you that you are over/under-training. There are not many HRM's with more than 1 x HR training zone, so do not be too restrictive with this function.

Does this model give "time spent in heart rate zone" ? If your heart rate monitor does have a training zone alarm, it is useful to know how long you have spent within your training zone. It may be that you are at the gym for 1 hours, moving between CV equipment and your goal is to spend 40 mins in your "fat burning" zone. An HRM with "time in zone" would be necessary to give this feedback. If you want this function, please set "yes"

Can it calculate CALORIES burnt per session based on age, sex and exercising heart rate activity? Heart Rate monitors can be programmed with personal details like age, sex, height, weight etc. These parameters can be used in parallel with your exercising heart rate to give an accurate and consistent energy expenditure (in calories). Calories are a very good indicator of how hard you are working and can be used as a goal to train towards (for example 300 calories per session). If you think calories would be useful then please select "yes" to add this to the search criteria.

Is it possible to time your HR recovery after a session? Selecting "yes" for this option will limit your HRM to fairly advanced models that have a recovery heart rate feature. This feature is normally a timer that measures how long it takes to get from a preset "high" heart rate to a lower "recovery" heart rate. As you get fitter, your heart rate will recover back to the lower rate more quickly.

Is it possible to recall your MAXIMUM heart rate at the end of a session? Selecting "yes" to this feature will include HRM that can recall the maximum heart rate achieved during the latest training session. Max HR can be used by fitness coaches to help in monitoring fitness levels. Generally, the fitter you are, the fitter your heart, the harder it can work. A young fit athlete may be able to achieve a Max heart rate around 200 bpm.

Does it have countdown timers to aid INTERVAL TRAINING? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have one or more countdown timers that can be used for interval training. Interval training is a method of training using more than one intensity, for example 10 mins easy, 10 mins hard, and repeat. There are several modes of interval training countdown timers, please see the specific product details to ensure it fits with your requirements.

Does it have SELF CHANGE batteries? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have self change batteries. This means that either the user, or a jeweller, can safely change the batteries without compromising the water proofing. Some manufacturers maintain that the units MUST be returned to them for battery change.

Does this unit use a wireless chest strap? Selecting "no" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that do not use a chest strap to send HR data to the watch. Currently the models available without chest straps do not allow continuous heart rate monitoring. They require the user to place two fingers on to sensors on the watch case to get an accurate HR reading. This measurement can take up to 10 seconds. We suggest that you leave this option unchecked to give a wider range of search results.

Does this unit use provide CYCLING speed and distance? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have bike speed sensors to give cyclists feedback while riding. This will generally be bike speed, trip distance and optionally cadence (pedals revs per minute)

Does it have an independent STOPWATCH ? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have a dedicated and independent stopwatch. Some HRM's have only an integral heart rate monitor/exercise timer. This means that the timer is activated at the same time that the HR monitor is started. With an independent stopwatch the user can time different activities without affecting the total heart rate training data. The two activities, heart rate functionality and stopwatch, run in parallel.

Does this watch provide AVERAGE HR per LAP / split? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that can provide heart rate data per lap/split of training. For example, a 10K runner may press the "lap" button each time they pass a kilometre marker. At the end of the session the user may recall the time taken per kilometre, plus their average heart rate per lap. This can be useful in showing if you have worked too hard in one or more particular stages of the race.

Is it possible to recall you MINIMUM heart rate at the end of a session? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have the ability to recall the minimum heart rate that was achieved during a session

Is it possible to recall your AVERAGE heart rate at the end of a session? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have the ability to recall the average heart rate achieved throughout the entire training session. Average HR is a good measure of effort throughout a session

Does it have the ability to DOWNLOAD to a PC ? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have the ability to download training data directly to a PC. Downloading to a PC is a convenient method of analysing and monitoring training intensity and frequency. PC downloadable HRM's tend to be higher spec, more technical models.

Does this unit provide RUNNING speed and distance? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have running speed sensors to give runners/walkers feedback while training. This will generally be running speed/pace and trip distance. Most of these devices use either a "speed foot pod" or "GPS". They are very accurate, normally around 97%, and very effective training aids.

Does this unit provide R-R interval information? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have the ability to measure the "R-R Interval" between heart beats. This means the monitor is actually recording each and every heart beat. Please only select this function if you have an interest in sports science or you have a technical approach to training. This feature is found on only a couple of HRM's

Does this unit provide EPOC values? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have the ability to provide an EPOC measurement. Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption is a measure of accumulated fatigue. The EPOC figure is an accurate indicator of over/under-training and is only found on the most technical of heart rate monitors.

Does this unit include a BAROMETER ? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have a built in barometer. This function is normally only found on "outdoor" watches for people who have an interest in weather patterns

Does this unit include an ALTIMETER ? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have an altimeter. This function is normally only found on "outdoor" watches for people with an interest in changes in terrain altitude and how that effects their training load.

Does this unit include a COMPASS ? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have a built in digital compass.

PRICE ? If you have a specific budget that you are trying to stay within, enter the upper and lower price range in to these fields.

Click here to visit Advanced Search Tool

MAKE : Is there just one specific make you are looking for? If so, select it from the list. We suggest that you generally leave this option unselected. Selecting it will restrict you to matches within this manufacturer only.

Does this HRM give TIME OF DAY / DATE : If you select "yes" from the options, the search tool will only show heart rate monitors that include time of day functionality with day/date

Does it have a system to avoid CROSSTALK from other HRM users? : Heart Rate monitors are getting more and more popular. There are two types of transmission used by manufacturer's to send the HR data to the watch. One is ANALOGUE FM, the other is DIGITAL (generally 1 - 2.4Ghz). Analogue FM is prone to electrical interference and may suffer from crosstalk (receipt of signals from other HRM users within 1m of you) If you do suffer from interference / crosstalk the heart rate value displayed on your watch will be erratic and unreliable. Once you move away from the source of interference, the Heart Rate will settle.

There are two methods of avoiding crosstalk / interference. The first is to add a CODED signal to the ANALOGUE FM transmission. This can be found on only the Polar M and most of the S series. This method does not avoid electrical interference. DIGITAL transmission will avoid both crosstalk and electrical interference.

Selecting "yes" will restrict the search criteria to models that have some kind of "crosstalk avoidance"

Does it have HEART RATE ZONE ALARMS ? Most people using a heart rate monitor will be using it to try and achieve an optimum training intensity and to train and remain within that training zone while training. If you leave this set to "0" the search tool will show all HRM's with and without a heart rate limit alarm. If you choose "1", the search tool will show all HRM's with at least 1 x heart rate training zone. When you move above or below your chosen zone the HRM will "bleep" to warn you that you are over/under-training. There are not many HRM's with more than 1 x HR training zone, so do not be too restrictive with this function.

Does this model give "time spent in heart rate zone" ? If your heart rate monitor does have a training zone alarm, it is useful to know how long you have spent within your training zone. It may be that you are at the gym for 1 hours, moving between CV equipment and your goal is to spend 40 mins in your "fat burning" zone. An HRM with "time in zone" would be necessary to give this feedback. If you want this function, please set "yes"

Can it calculate CALORIES burnt per session based on age, sex and exercising heart rate activity? Heart Rate monitors can be programmed with personal details like age, sex, height, weight etc. These parameters can be used in parallel with your exercising heart rate to give an accurate and consistent energy expenditure (in calories). Calories are a very good indicator of how hard you are working and can be used as a goal to train towards (for example 300 calories per session). If you think calories would be useful then please select "yes" to add this to the search criteria.

Is it possible to recall your MAXIMUM heart rate at the end of a session? Selecting "yes" to this feature will include HRM that can recall the maximum heart rate achieved during the latest training session. Max HR can be used by fitness coaches to help in monitoring fitness levels. Generally, the fitter you are, the fitter your heart, the harder it can work. A young fit athlete may be able to achieve a Max heart rate around 200 bpm.

Does it have an independent STOPWATCH ? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have a dedicated and independent stopwatch. Some HRM's have only an integral heart rate monitor/exercise timer. This means that the timer is activated at the same time that the HR monitor is started. With an independent stopwatch the user can time different activities without affecting the total heart rate training data. The two activities, heart rate functionality and stopwatch, run in parallel.

Is it possible to recall your AVERAGE heart rate at the end of a session? Selecting "yes" for this feature will only include heart rate monitors that have the ability to recall the average heart rate achieved throughout the entire training session. Average HR is a good measure of effort throughout a session

PRICE ? If you have a specific budget that you are trying to stay within, enter the upper and lower price range in to these fields.

Click here to visit Basic Search Tool