A practical guide to the heart rate monitors Cyclingnews tested most recently, explaining sensor types, what matters for cyclists, and the models that stood out in lab and real-world testing.
Optical sensors (wrist or arm) offer convenience but can reduce accuracy compared with electrical chest straps.
Look for ANT+ and Bluetooth compatibility, on-board storage, battery type (rechargeable vs coin cell), and HRV support when choosing a monitor.
Cyclingnews updates include Garmin HRM 200 and HRM 600 added to the roundup on Sep 28, 2026.
# What this guide covers This Cyclingnews roundup collects the heart rate monitors the editorial team has tested over years and identifies the ones that performed best for cycling and general workouts. It explains the two main sensor types, highlights why chest straps still matter, and summarizes the practical features that influence a buying decision.
# Sensor types and what they mean for cyclists Chest straps (electrical sensors): Detect the heart's electrical signal. They are the common choice for cyclists because they provide consistent, low-latency heart-rate data and generally deliver the best accuracy. Most chest straps transmit wirelessly via ANT+ and Bluetooth to bike computers, watches, or phones. Some chest straps also store data on the device itself.
Optical sensors (wrist/arm): Use light to detect blood flow under the skin. They are more convenient on and off the bike but tend to be less accurate than chest straps in many cycling scenarios, especially during high-intensity efforts or when wrist movement or sweat interferes with readings.
# What to prioritize when choosing a monitor
Polar H10 — Best chest strap overall Cyclingnews rates the Polar H10 as the best chest-strap monitor for cyclists. The H10 combines a secure, comfortable fit (two strap sizes and silicone grippers) with consistently accurate readings. It uses a third electrode for signal quality, supports HRV measurements, and offers both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. The H10 runs on a CR2025 coin cell with an estimated long runtime and is fully waterproof, suitable for use while swimming.
Why the H10 stands out: The review notes top-tier fit and reliable accuracy across testing, plus simple one-handed adjustment. Other chest straps in the roundup perform similarly well, but the H10's comfort and fit mechanics are the decisive advantages.
The editorial team has tested dozens of heart-rate products, including chest straps, smartwatches, and arm sensors. The guide highlights models that provided consistently accurate results, strong battery life, useful extra features, and good value. The page was updated on Sep 28, 2026 to add two new Garmin models: HRM 200 and HRM 600.
# How to use this guide
Affordable bike computers that help you track data, plan routes, track performance metrics and more
As runners, cyclists, HIIT athletes and strength trainers compare chest-based monitoring in 2026, this review examines Herz P1's brand-stated ±1 BPM accuracy, Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+ connectivity, 48-hour storage, current price and 90-day return terms.
Garmin CIRQA's heart rate on the biceps is as accurate as a chest strap, but it doesn't reliably save the workouts it records. I've gone back to a Polar Verity Sense as my reference sensor until Garmin fixes it. Read the full post at Garmin CIRQA Workouts Disappearing: Why I Stopped Using It . Subscribe to the5krunner
Take your pick: I have favorites at $170, $249, $399, and $750.
The iGPSPORT BiNavi unit costs less than any model from the big three bike computer brands
Grab a 50p Oakley Face Mask or a Cervelo R5 with £5,001 off. The choice is yours, but these deals, however bonkers, will sell out eventually...
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