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A quick look at the best heart rate monitors for your Peloton
- Best overall: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
- Best value: CooSpo H808S Heart Rate Monitor
- Best for beginners: Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Heart Rate Monitor Armband
- Best smartwatch: Garmin Vivoactive 4
- Best wristband: Peloton Heart Rate Band
- Best armband: Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband
- Best chest strap: Garmin HRM Dual
- Most versatile: Apple Watch Series 7
Peloton bikes have become a popular piece of exercise equipment among fitness enthusiasts.
In addition to offering many interactive training options, Peloton makes it easy to track several metrics of your performance, including your heart rate.
However, a heart rate monitor is not included with your Peloton bike and must be purchased separately. Peloton makes one available for purchase, but many other heart monitors also work well with the Peloton bike.
Types of heart rate monitors
Several types of heart rate monitors are available. They differ based on how they are worn and used.
Chest straps, which are fitted snug around your chest, are widely considered the most accurate type of heart rate monitor (1).
However, there are many other types of heart rate monitors to choose from, including wristbands, armbands, and smartwatches.
In addition to measuring your pulse electronically to track your heart rate, some of these devices may monitor other metrics during your workout, such as your cadence or the number of calories you’ve burned.
How we choose the best heart rate monitors
The products featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
- Compatibility: The product is compatible with ANT+, a wireless technology similar to Bluetooth that is designed to connect with Peloton equipment.
- Functionality: The device measures heart rate and other metrics of performance.
- Customer reviews: The product has mostly positive customer reviews.
- Price: The heart rate monitor provides a good value for the price.
- Vetting: The heart rate monitors on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, list prices range from $36.99–$399, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Healthline’s picks of the best heart rate monitors for your Peloton
Here are our picks of 8 of the best heart rate monitors for your Peloton.
Best overall
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
- Price: $$
- Battery life: 400 hours
This high quality heart rate chest strap scores the top spot as the best overall heart rate monitor for its accuracy and comfortable fit.
With more than 15,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, this heart rate monitor is a popular choice and known for providing reliable data (2).
It features built-in memory and has extra-long battery life, boasting 400 hours of operation time (based on 1 hour of use per day). The CR2025 battery is replaceable.
It’s also compatible with ANT+, the wireless technology used by Peloton.
Additionally, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and works with Polar Beat, a free fitness tracking app.
Pros
- comfortable
- extra-long battery life
- includes built-in memory
- highly accurate
Cons
- <span style="font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;">some reports of issues with long-term functionality and performance in water
Best value
CooSpo H808S Heart Rate Monitor
- Price: $
- Battery life: up to 300 hours
As one of the most affordable heart rate monitors on the market, this product from CooSpo is a great option for people looking to monitor their heart rate without breaking the bank.
It’s compatible with both ANT+ and Bluetooth for easy pairing with your Peloton. Plus, it works with many smart devices and other types of workout equipment.
What’s more, it’s fully adjustable, which can help ensure a smooth and comfortable ride from start to finish, and is equipped with an LED light that indicates the connection status of the chest strap.
The H808S uses a replaceable CR2032 battery.
Pros
- budget-friendly
- equipped with LED indicator light
- fully adjustable
Cons
- some users mention connectivity issues
Best for beginners
Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Heart Rate Monitor Armband
- Price: $$
- Battery life: up to 24 hours of continuous use
If you’re just getting started with your Peloton and looking for a simple heart rate monitor that’s easy to use and designed for beginners, check out this model from Scosche.
It has a convenient 24-hour rechargeable battery and works well with any Bluetooth Smart- or ANT+-enabled device, including the Peloton bike and treadmill.
Plus, you can wear it on either your upper or lower arm, so you can find a position that’s comfortable for you.
It’s also available in a variety of colors, and you can easily switch out the armband to change up its look.
Pros
- can be worn in multiple locations
- available in variety of colors
- beginner-friendly
- rechargeable battery
Cons
- some reports of problems with consistency and reliability
- shorter battery life
Best smartwatch
Garmin Vivoactive 4s
- Price: $$$
- Battery life: up to 7 days (up to 15 hours in GPS mode)
Featuring built-in GPS navigation, daily fitness tracking, and seamless smartphone connectivity, this high tech smartwatch offers much more than a basic heart rate monitor.
In addition to monitoring your daily activity, it comes preloaded with 20 GPS and indoor sports apps and can estimate your stress level and VO₂ max, which is the maximum amount of oxygen your body uses during exercise.
Its battery lasts up to 15 hours in GPS mode and 7 days in smartwatch mode.
Plus, it’s ANT+-compatible, and you can connect it to your Peloton by setting it to broadcast mode.
Pros
- equipped with a variety of features
- includes more than 20 preloaded apps
- connects with smartphone
Cons
- relatively expensive
- short battery life in GPS mode
Best wristband
Peloton Heart Rate Band
- Price: $$
- Battery life: not specified
The Peloton Heart Rate Band is specifically designed to help optimize your intensity levels while using your Peloton.
The band is available in two sizes, features a stretchy knit material to maximize comfort, and is equipped with five multicolored LED lights, which display your heart rate zone while you exercise.
The band’s battery is rechargeable, and the battery life will vary depending on how much you use it. Peloton explains that the band’s battery should only need charging every few weeks.
You can also use the band with other third-party apps that support Bluetooth-compatible heart rate monitors.
Pros
- comfortable
- rechargeable battery
- equipped with heart rate zone display
- supports third-party apps
Cons
- bulkier strap than other wristbands
- battery life isn’t specified
Best armband
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband
- Price: $$
- Battery life: up to 30 hours
With its streamlined design and comfortable, fully adjustable band, this heart rate monitor from Wahoo is a great option to use with your Peloton.
It comes with both small- and large-sized armbands, so you can find a fit that’s comfortable for you.
Plus, it works with more than 50 smartphone fitness apps and tracks multiple workout metrics, including your heart rate and the number of calories you’ve burned.
It’s also equipped with both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 hours.
Pros
- comes with two different band sizes
- rechargeable battery
- highly accurate
Cons
- reports of problems with reliability and connectivity
- shorter battery life
Best chest strap
Garmin HRM Dual
- Price: $$
- Battery life: up to 3.5 years
This convenient and comfortable chest strap is compatible with both Bluetooth and ANT+, offering a simple way to transmit real-time data to your favorite fitness device and making it one of the best chest straps to use with your Peloton.
It’s also washable and features a replaceable CR2032 battery that can last up to 3.5 years before being replaced (based on an average use of 1 hour each day).
In terms of price, it’s a good mid-range option, so it’s a great choice for Peloton pros and newbies alike.
Pros
- battery lasts up to 3.5 years
- washable
- fully adjustable
Cons
- only measures heart rate
- some reports of issues with syncing and connectivity
Most versatile
Apple Watch Series 7
- Price: $$$
- Battery life: up to 18 hours
Offering a wide array of features, smartphone compatibility, and multiple color options, the Apple Watch Series 7 is one of the most versatile smartwatches available.
Plus, it can function as a heart rate monitor for your Peloton by using the Peloton App, which you can download on the watch.
In addition to heart rate monitoring, the Apple Watch tracks a variety of health and fitness metrics and can record workout data. It can even take an electrocardiogram (ECG) scan, offers guided meditations, and gives you insights into your sleep.
While the battery only lasts up to 18 hours, Apple claims that the Series 7 charges 33% faster than the previous model and says that the watch only needs 45 minutes to reach an 80% charge.
Pros
- comes in a variety of colors
- records many health and fitness metrics in addition to heart rate
- built-in GPS
Cons
- more expensive than other options
- shorter battery life
Comparing heart rate monitors
ProductPriceTypeProsConsiderationsPolar H10 Heart Rate Monitor$$chest strap• comfortable• extra-long battery life• includes built-in memory• highly accuratesome reports of issues with long-term functionality and performance in waterCooSpo H808S Heart Rate Monitor$chest strap• budget-friendly• equipped with LED indicator light• fully adjustablereports of connectivity issuesScosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Heart Rate Monitor Armband$$armband• rechargeable battery• available in variety of colors• beginner-friendlyreports of issues with consistency and reliabilityGarmin Vivoactive 4s$$$smartwatch• equipped with a variety of features• includes 20+ preloaded apps• connects with smartphone• relatively expensive• short battery life in GPS modePeloton Heart Rate Band$$wristband• comfortable•rechargeable battery• equipped with heart rate zone display• supports third-party apps• Peloton doesn’t specify battery life• bulkier strap than other wristbandsWahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband$$armband• comfortable• rechargeable with long battery life• highly accuratereported problems with reliability and connectivityGarmin HRM Dual$$chest strap• battery lasts up to 3.5 years• washable• fully adjustable• measures only heart rate• some report issues with syncing and connectivityApple Watch Series 7$$$smartwatch• wide variety of features• also includes ECG and SpO2 • connects with iPhone• more expensive than other options• short battery lifeHow to choose
There are a few important factors to consider when selecting a heart rate monitor to use with your Peloton.
First, you should be sure to choose a model that’s compatible with Bluetooth or ANT+ to ensure that it can connect to your Peloton.
There are also several types of heart rate monitors available.
Although chest straps are often considered the most accurate, other types, like armbands and smartwatches, may be more convenient (1).
Some types may also offer features like activity tracking or GPS navigation.
However, these features often come at an additional cost, so be sure to consider your budget carefully when deciding which product is right for you.
Finally, consider the product’s battery life. While some models need regular recharging, others can last several years before the battery needs to be replaced.
Frequently asked questions about Peloton heart rate monitors
Will any heart rate monitor work with Peloton?
Any heart rate monitor that’s compatible with ANT+ can be used with Peloton. You can find a full list of ANT+-compatible devices using this directory.
How do I connect my Peloton to a heart rate monitor?
To connect your Peloton to a heart rate monitor, open the settings menu on the touch screen, locate your heart rate monitor on the list of available devices, and click “connect.”
If your heart rate monitor doesn’t appear on the list of available devices, try clicking the refresh button in the top right corner.
Can you use the Peloton heart rate monitor with other apps?
Yes, you can use the Peloton heart rate monitor with other fitness apps because it has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity.
Can I use my Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor for Peloton?
You can use your Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor for all types of classes on the Peloton app, including cycling classes, by configuring it in the settings of the Peloton app.
Once it’s set up, you should receive a push notification on your Apple Watch any time you start a class, which enables you to easily connect your heart rate monitor to the Peloton.
The bottom line
Many heart rate monitors on the market — including chest straps, armbands, smartwatches, and hats — are compatible with Peloton bikes and treadmills.
Plus, these diverse options come with a variety of features.
Be sure to consider factors like the price, connectivity, battery life, and available features when selecting the right heart rate monitor to use with your Peloton.
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