Can't seem to decide which is the best heart rate monitor for spinning or cycling? This post should hopefully be the ultimate answer to your search. Our team tested and reviewed some of the best heart rate monitors that can help you track your cycling progress.
Heart rate monitors, or HRM as they are also called, have been around for ages. But understandably, improvements are constantly added to these heart rate monitors year after year. Although this gives us consumers an unprecedented advantage, the purchase decision gets tougher.
With more brands and companies introducing new heart rate monitors every so often, it is a challenge to know if you're getting your money's worth.
We set out to test several heart rate monitors, and they were seven that stood out from the rest. So in this article, we'll share the top heart rate monitors for cycling that we know you'll like!
Best Heart Rate Monitor For Spinning & Cycling:
- Garmin HRM-Dual – Most Affordable Choice HRM for Spinning
- Polar M430 GPS Running Watch – Best in Compatibility
- Garmin 010-01689-00 Forerunner 35 – Most Popular Choice
- Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband – Best Designed
- Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor – Best Battery Life
- POLAR VANTAGE M –Advanced Running & Multisport Watch – Premium Choice.
- Polar OH1+ Optical Heart Rate Sensor – Best Minimal Design
Garmin HRM-Dual Review – Most Affordable Choice
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This Garmin heart rate monitor is of great quality and comes at an unbeatable price. Also, this HRM seems to have a cult following with the high number of positive reviews it has gained. We put it to the test ourselves, and the results were quite impressive for its low price.
It features a heart rate module along with a soft strap so you can wear it on the go. The transmission of the heart rate takes place via Bluetooth and ANT+ technology. So you'll have lots of connectivity options to use with various apps and devices.
We noticed complaints on the Garmin HRM's accuracy being off in some units, especially in the reviews, but we didn't encounter that issue with our test model.
The battery in this HRM is outstanding as it lasts up to 3.5 years and is replaceable too. Furthermore, this Garmin heart rate monitor is compatible with most training apps, including Zwift, Peloton, and a few other popular ones.
Polar M430 GPS Running Watch Review – Best Multi-tasking Monitor
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If you thought that heart rate monitors simply relay the pulse data, think again. The M430 from Polar not only monitors your heart rate while cycling. It has features to track your daily activity like total steps, calories burnt, and sleep patterns.
Unlike the standard chest strap heart rate monitor, the Polar M430 is designed like a traditional watch and offers more comfort than a chest monitor. The M430 monitors your heart rate and displays it via the six LED optical sensors continuously.
Also, the built-in GPS is an excellent feature for outdoor activities such as cycling and running. You will have instant access to your pace, speed, the distance covered, and even the ability to track your routes.
You will find the integrated Polar running-program very useful for planning and syncing your daily workouts. Moreover, this HRM connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth for easy access. Best of all, this HRM is waterproof, so you won't need to worry about rain or sweat damage.
Garmin Forerunner 35 Review – Most Popular Choice
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This Garmin HRM is a massive hit among its users worldwide, and for a good reason. This heart rate monitor is a fine balance of great quality, performance, and price.
It straps to your wrist, where it estimates your heart rate all hours of the day and night. The Garmin Elevate technology reads and displays the data pretty accurately, so you won't need to ever worry about it being off. In addition, it also monitors your pace and calories burnt while you cycle. Furthermore, It has built-in GPS features that you'll find invaluable as a cyclist.
Besides, when you connect this HRM to your smartphone, you'll have access to alerts on the phone as well as your accounts on social media. Another fantastic feature of this HRM is that it uploads your data to an online Garmin community so you can share your progress or join challenges. You can control these features, and the watch won't automatically share your information.
All of these features combine with a high-quality band and large display that makes it a total winner.
Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband – Most Stylish Design
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This HRM armband has the most stylish design and comes in different colors too. On top of an aesthetically pleasing design, the extra armband you get as a bonus is a nice perk that may make you consider this armband HRM for spinning or cycling.
The armband utilizes high-quality materials that are also waterproof, which makes it ideal for sweaty rides. We loved how versatile the Scosche Rhythm+ is in its ability to track the calories burnt, in addition to monitoring your heart rate. The battery life in this one is quite decent, as it runs for up to 8 hours on a single charge.
When it comes to compatibility, this heart rate monitor is a champ. It is compatible with almost all major training apps and works on iOS and Android devices, as it is equipped with Bluetooth and ANT+ technology.
The only exception is the Orange Theory, but the rest of the apps run seamlessly with this HRM. With this in mind, we're sure you'll love having this heart rate monitor.
Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor – Best Battery Life
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If you want a heart rate monitor with a powerhouse battery, look no further than the Wahoo TICKR. It runs up to 500 hours on a single charge, which makes it unrivaled in the industry.
This heart rate monitor features a slim design, and straightforwardly displays your workout data. In addition, the straps use a soft material, so it doesn't chafe your chest or moves about while cycling.
Aside from monitoring your heart rate, this HRM also gives you information about the calories burnt. A feature worth pointing out here is that the Wahoo TICKR shares remarkable similarities with the TICKR X, another HRM from the brand.
This heart rate monitor is also a winner in terms of compatibility. It works with more than 50+ training apps and pairs with smartphones, bike computers, and even GPS watch through Bluetooth and ANT+ technology. If you're wondering how to read the data on this one, the LED indicators show up crisp and clear on display.
POLAR VANTAGE M Multisport Watch – Premium Choice
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The Vantage M from Polar is by no means cheap. But if you don't mind spending a little extra on this one, you will see that it is more than a fantastic heart rate monitor. Let's dig deeper.
This HRM looks like a regular wristwatch with impeccable design and quality. You will love that this cycling heart rate monitor is waterproof and sweat-proof, making it ideal for intense cycling sessions. Besides, you get plenty of choices with the colorways.
This spin bike compatible Heart rate monitor displays the heart rate, pace, distance, and duration in large fonts.
Moreover, the Polar HRM is loaded with optical sensors, bio-impedance electrodes, GPS, and GLONASS, making it a well-rounded fitness tracker for cycling. So along with your heart rates, it tracks your route and speed as you cycle or engage in other physical activity.
And if you love accountability with your cycling progress, you can join the Polar community and share your cycling experience as well.
Polar OH1+ Optical Heart Rate Sensor – Best Minimal Design
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If the minimal aesthetics are what draws you, Polar OH1+ is straight up your alley. It comes with a no-nonsense design and muted aesthetics. There are three-color options with this HRM, which keep your options open too.
Apart from its slim and cool design, this HRM is among the most versatile. It seamlessly pairs with smartphones and tablets as well as multiple training apps on the market. You will also appreciate its connectivity with devices that have ANT+ technology or Bluetooth. The battery in this one runs up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is not bad.
A great feature of this heart rate monitor is that it is fully waterproof so that a little sweat won't do any damage. And even if you decided to swim with it, you won't have to worry about it not working afterward.
Best of all, you can store up to 200 hours of training in this HRM's built-in memory, which will allow you to go back and see your cycling performance.
Wrapping up
Traditional heart rate monitors do the basic by reading your heart rate on the go. However, most modern HRMs, especially those compatible with cycling, can do more than monitor your heart rate.
These small gadgets come with innovative technology that tracks the pace, speed, distance, and calories burnt while cycling. The best heart rate monitor for cycling will also give you access to phone notifications and seamlessly share data.
This comprehensive list of the best heart rate monitors for cycling has something for everyone, irrespective of your needs. So whenever you're ready, go ahead and get the monitor that speaks to your heart.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White