Today, heart rate monitors are an essential health tool for everyone, especially for those who frequently hit the gym. For those who don’t know what the device is, “A heart rate monitor is a personal monitoring device that allows one to measure/display heart rate in real time or record the heart rate for later study. It is largely used to gather heart rate data while performing various types of physical exercise”. With the assistance of this device, we can monitor our health by sequentially keeping note of our pulsation, and likewise, know when to take rest or take a break from intense activities. Keeping up with this strategy may, in turn, allow us to avert any situation that may be deemed dangerous or that may bring harm to our bodies. Maintaining our heart rate during strenuous activities might also avert us from overworking and compromising on reinvigorating our health. 

A heart rate detector could be a beneficial device if we are determined to train and improve our overall health condition. According to the WHO, every grown-up is required to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day by doing intermediate workout routines. Even if the exercise is of minimal time, the monitor can help keep a track of our pulse rate and many other data, which will be of great help to keep our health in check. Owning one of these monitors could also help us to supervise our aerobics sessions, particularly when it comes to cardio workouts, weights, triathlons, and such. In a sense, it can empower us to get the best out of every workout session. 

Even if you are not particularly into fitness, a heart rate monitor is useful to manage your cardiovascular system and the general state of your health, which could in turn, prevent you from getting into unwanted health scares. With that said, let’s get into the article right away. We have listed down some of the top and best heart rate monitors that are available in the UAE, along with the factors that you need to consider before purchasing, the availability of different types, and on what basis we picked the list. 

The best Heart Rate Monitors that are Available in the UAE 

Garmin HRM Pro Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor 

Our first pick for the best heart rate monitor in the UAE is this Garmin HRM Pro Heart Rate Monitor, which comes with a chest strap. This device is packed with attractive features that will enable you to keep your heart rate in check. It delivers reliable precision in addition to special features like the potential to keep tabs on your running benchmark. Furthermore, it can also save your heart rate and workout statistics and sync with any apps on your phone or smartwatch. The device comes with a long-life battery that can last for up to a year and has the feature to document details like your pace length, floor touch time, lost calories, number of steps, and such. You can also transfer the records to your smart devices via ANT+ or Bluetooth. If you are worried about the device disturbing mid-workout sessions, you don’t need to because once it straps onto your chest, it stays intact. 

Features:

  • Brand: Garmin
  • Material: Plastic
  • Colour: Black
  • Compatible with: Smartphones & Smart devices
  • Type: Waterproof
  • Battery life: 12 months (Tri training 1 hour per day)
  • Water rating: 5 ATM
  • System Compatibility: ANT+, Bluetooth 

Polar H10 Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor

Polar H10 is one of the best releases by the brand and comes with the most true-to-life heart rate detector. It features a robust battery life that can last up to 400 hours and a waterproof build, which means it will be safe up to 30 meters beneath the water. The integrated memory in the device allows the users to document the data for every fitness session, and the details can be surveyed from the Polar Beat app. However, if you possess other health trackers or smart types of equipment, Polar H10 can still be compatible as it has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity- it can merge with up to two devices at once. What we also like about this heart rate monitor is that the battery is replaceable, and is compatible with swimming athletes. 

Features:

  • Case Material: Plastic
  • CPU speed: 64 MHz
  • Recording mode: Yes
  • Case Material: Plastic
  • System Compatibility: ANT+, Bluetooth 
  • Battery capacity: 165 mAh
  • Sensor: Accelerometer
  • Battery life: 400 hours
  • Compatible with: ‎iPhone & Android phones

Powr Labs Armband Heart Rate Monitor 

This armband monitor from Power Labs is mainly developed focusing on fitness fanatics. Rather than wrapping around the chest, this monitor goes around your arm or wrist and can be connected to any smart device with a single switch via ANT+ and Bluetooth. Although this heart rate detector comes with no widescreen like others, it can still sync the data with any health app or device. The best aspect about this device is that the battery is rechargeable and can last up to 60 hours long per charge. Additionally, it is also waterproof and sweatproof! What can get better than this? According to user reviews, the armband monitor delivers accurate results and scanning when it is connected to other health apps or devices. 

Features:

  • Material: Plastic
  • Colour: Green
  • Compatible with: Smartphones
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 & ANT+ 
  • Warranty: 12 months
  • Display Size: 0.96 Inches
  • Battery: 60 H, Rechargeable 

Polar Verity Sense Heart Rate Monitor

Another deserving heart rate monitor variant from the Polar brand is the Polar Verity Sense, which is an upgraded version of the Polar OH1 collection. This armband boasts a durable strap and features an optical sensor to track the heart rate of the user, with a revamped cradle for better protection. The device offers a battery life of up to 30 hours, 600 hours of training time, a 150-meter Bluetooth range, and 16 MB of internal memory. Verity Sense can be sport on both the upper and lower arm, or you can simply clip it on the strap of the swimming goggles. Use the advantage of the durable features of this monitor to study and record your heart rate intensity in actual time and post-workout. The apparatus also features Bluetooth & ANT+ connectivity with a detachable detector.

Features:

  • CPU speed: 80 MHz
  • Memory: 16 MB
  • Case Material: Plastic
  • Recording mode: Yes
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 & ANT+ 
  • Water resistance: WR50
  • Updateable firmware: Yes
  • Battery capacity: 45 mAh
  • Battery type: Li-Pol

Wahoo Tickr X Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor

Wahoo Tickr X is another perfect fitness device worth investing your money in, which delivers added tracking and tempo data of your physical activity. Whether your workout routine includes cardio, weights, yoga, or pilates, this apparatus serves as a huge advantage in keeping your health in check. Moreover, the gadget is compatible with more than fifty health-tracking apps and smart devices like smartwatches and smart TVs. It comes with a massive 500+ training hours, after which, the battery cell needs to be charged, and seamless Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. Adding this device to your fitness routine will elevate your experience for sure and help you maintain your health record more effectively and accurately. 

Features:

  • Battery: Coin Cell (CR2032)
  • Battery Life: Over 500 active hours
  • Sweatproof: Yes (Handwashable Strap)
  • Water Rating: IPX7 (Waterproof up to 5 ft.)
  • Strap Length: Adjustable from 23″ to 48″
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 & ANT+ 
  • Colour: White
  • Top Material Type: Metal
  • Special Feature: Portable
  • Bluetooth Connections: Up to 3 simultaneous devices

CooSpo H6 Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor

This chest strap monitor is another excellent alternative if you are looking for a budget-friendly heart rate monitor in the UAE. This detector from CooSpo features Bluetooth as well as ANT+ connectivity, which seamlessly allows you to connect and sync with your other wireless devices or apps like fitness equipment, smartwatch, cycling, and running apps. However, you need to make sure it is compatible with your device or app. Some of the apps that are suitable with CooSpo H6 are Strava, Map My Ride, Zwift, Wahoo Fitness, UA Run, Endomondo, Garmin devices, and many more. The strap quality is great, does not irritate your skin, and will stay intact around your chest throughout your activity. Moreover, the battery power is remarkable with its 300+ hours and it is also waterproof and dustproof. 

Features:

  • Display size: 2.6” LCD
  • Weight: 80g
  • Automatic Backlight: Yes
  • Battery life: 36 hours with GPS
  • Charging Time: 2 hours
  • Positioning System: GPS, GLONASS, BDS
  • Parameter displayed: 70+
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 & ANT+ 

Garmin HRM-Tri Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor

The Garmin HRM-Tri was specifically designed for those who are into triathlon, where the device can document the heart rate data of the user underwater and sync the details post-swimming. The device is very small and compact, which makes it very convenient to wear even during the toughest workout session. Not only that but the strap is made with soft fabric with rounded rims, which will prevent you from getting skin rashes. The Garmin HRM-Tri comes with six running dynamics metrics, like ground contact time, cadence, vertical ratio, stride length, ground contact time balance, and vertical oscillation. This heart rate monitor can be synced with many health apps and devices as well. 

Features:

  • Weight: 2.1 oz (59 g)
  • Size adjustment: Bi-fold
  • Battery: CR2032
  • Battery life:10 months (Tri training 1 hour per day)
  • Water rating: 5 ATM
  • ANT+® heart rate: yes
  • Supports heart rate variability and advanced heart rate features: yes
  • 2.4 GHz ANT wireless communication protocol: yes
  • Running dynamics: yes
  • Stores and forwards heart rate: yes
  • Swim interval heart rate statistics: yes

Fitbit Luxe Heart Rate Monitor

This smartwatch from Fitbit boasts a sleek frame with minimal design and would be a great addition to your fitness lifestyle whilst delivering a trendy look. The size is small and weights very light which allows the wearer to sport it throughout the day without any inconvenience. So, if you are someone who does not like bulky gadgets or is not a fan of chest strap monitors, this one is for you. Not only is it compact, but it is also waterproof, which makes it the ideal choice for swimmers. The watch features three main metrics- Breathing rate, Calories burned, and steps count. On top of that, the smartwatch also has the feature to estimate your sleep routine, stress levels, menstrual health tracking, and DND, and lets you know when to consider having a recuperation day. 

Features:

  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Compatible Devices: Smartphones
  • Screen Size: 0.76 Inches
  • Item Weight: 0.06 Pounds
  • Battery Life: 5 days
  • Water resistance: Yes
  • 24/7 heart rate & AZM: Yes
  • Stress management tools: Yes

Suunto Smart Heart Rate Monitor

If you are looking for a comfortable yet precise heart rate monitor, the Suunto belt could be the one for you. Not only does this band allows you to train in comfort but the calculations and results are accurate. The band of the monitor is made with superior quality and features R-R memory, which allows the device to record data even when it is beyond the reach of your smartwatch or smartphone. This feature comes in very handy especially when you have a team sports event. This smart belt can be sported whether you are biking, climbing, ski mountaineering, swimming, skating, training at the gym, martial arts, etc. It is compatible with any fitness app on Android or iOS devices. 

Features:

  • Compatibility: Bluetooth & BLE devices​
  • Battery Power: 500 hours
  • Battery Change: Yes
  • Battery: CR2025
  • Replaceable Chest Band: Yes
  • Water resistance: 30 m 
  • Module Material: Fiber-reinforced composite material
  • Band Material: Polyamide/elastane with polyurethane contact surfaces
  • Internal Memory: Can store up to 3-5 h of data at 120 bpm

On What Basis We Picked The Heart Rate Monitors

High-Performance

One of the attributes we looked for while researching heart rate monitors was the ability of high-performance or high intensity. Out of all the types of heart rate monitors out there in the market, we discovered that the chest straps are the best kinds with the most accurate results. 

Comfortability

The next is about the comfortability of the device. Not every monitor comes with convenience and if you don’t get this aspect right, the user may find discomfort during the workout session, which is something nobody wants to go through. A good heart rate monitor should be comfortable and breathable to wear throughout physical activities. 

Specifications

We also looked into the specifications or features of the devices from each brand, which is a core element to focus on if you consider getting a heart rate monitor. Such as connectivity, water rating, battery life, sweatproof, waterproof, CPU speed, memory, etc. 

Consider These Facets Before Finalizing Your Heart Rate Monitor

  • Think about which kind of activities you usually do or will be focusing on to meet your goal. That is, whether it is a lightweight or heavyweight physical activity. Based on that, you may look for your ideal heart rate monitor with its special features. Most of these heart rate monitors are perfected to be used for cardio training like running and cycling, however, if you need it for underwater, you may look for one that is waterproof or specifically designed for swimming.
  • The next factor you need to consider is your budget. There are many heart rate monitors you can get in the UAE market under different budget levels. Usually, the standard devices may start from AED 200+.
  • Another important element to look for while shopping for your health monitor is the battery power or capacity. It could depend on how often you can commit your time to charge it or replace the battery. The average heart rate detector comes with 300+ hours of battery life, but some can even last you for over a year depending on how frequently it is used.
  • Lastly, consider if you are going to sync the monitor with your smartphone, smartwatch, apps, or workout equipment. This will impact the connectivity features of the monitor- whether it has Bluetooth or ANT+. However, most monitors nowadays come with both connectivities, which makes them super convenient and compatible with all types of devices and apps.

Types Of Heart Rate Monitors 

Chest-Straps Monitors

Chest Strap monitors normally operate on electrical sensors for tracking the heart rate. This type comes with a longer strap, which should go around your bust to detect the movement of the user via the electrical sensor. This type of monitor can be used for any activity and most of them can be used underwater as well. Some of the devices may function better or give the users a better result if used with a conductive liquid or if the strap is wet.  

Armband Monitors

This type of detector is sported on either your wrist or forearm. Because the two primary arteries- central and ulnar- are located on an individual’s wrist or forearm, this monitor is best functioning when worn on the arm. The central artery is connected to one’s thumbs and the ulnar nerve goes through the ring and pinky fingers. The armband monitors feature LED sensors, which are used to detect the blood artery beneath the skin. 

Smart Rings

This type is the newest kind of sensor that is developed to monitor your heart rate. it comes like a normal finger ring, which can be worn on fingers. While it is mainly designed to assist with health, it can also act as your fashion accessory, which is pretty cool. Smart rings operate on visual detection to record the heart rate of the wearer along with other critical alerts.

Pulse Oximeters

You have probably seen this device in hospitals and clinics as they are commonly used there. This type of monitor is attached to a finger and uses an optical sensor to detect your health. This type is usually used for tracking your pulse speed and levels of your blood oxygen. Pulse Oximeters are compact and small and function with a battery. 

Smartphones

The last type is the smartphone, which we all own at least one set in this generation. Nowadays, most phone companies design the newest smartphones with functionality to detect your heart rate and record your health condition. Some phones come with an optical sensor, where you place your finger in front of the camera lens, and it detects your heart rate using the flashlight of the camera. Meanwhile, some smartphone features the ability to track your pulse by simply placing your thumb on the fingerprint sensor on the phone screen