Top 5 Budget Heart Rate Monitors: Buyer's Guide

Do you want to get serious about your fitness without emptying your wallet? Many people think tracking your heart rate means buying expensive gadgets. That is not always true! Knowing your heart rate helps you train smarter. It shows you when to push harder and when to rest.

The big problem is choosing a budget heart rate monitor. So many cheap options exist, but which ones actually work well? You worry about accuracy. You wonder about comfort. Will it break after just a few uses? These concerns stop many people from tracking their health improvements.

This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you the best affordable heart rate monitors available right now. You will learn what features matter most, even on a tight budget. By the end, you will find a reliable tracker that fits your needs and your bank account.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect budget heart rate monitor for your workouts!

Top Budget Heart Rate Monitor Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

LIVIKEY Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor, Activity Tracker with Pedometer, Sleep Monitor, Calories & Step Counter, IP68 Waterproof Smart Watches for Women Men Fitness Watch for Sports

Heart Rate and Sleep Monitoring: The Fitness Tracker monitors your heart rate automatically all day, and you can select manual mode through the App. The fitness Watch also monitors your sleep at night, providing a detailed analysis of your sleep quality (deep sleep, light sleep, awake time). It is a health advisor for women men in daily life.
Multi Sport Modes with Activity Tracking: The fitness tracker features 9 sport modes like running, walking and more. Additionally, the activity tracker records daily steps, calories burned, walking distance and active time throughout the day. You can also set a daily steps goals through the App to track your progress.
Smart Notification Reminder: You can get SMS messages, and SNS notifications directly on your wrist including Facebook, Twitter, Gmail ect. You won't miss any important calls and message and stay updated. Please note: the smart watch can not make calls or text.
Long Battery Life and IP68 Waterproof: This smart watch only requires 2 hours of charging and can be used for 5-7 days continuously. IP68 waterproof rating can withstand daily sweat, washing hands and rainy day, allowing you to fully enjoy your workouts.
More Functions & Compatibility: Fitness watch comes with multiple smart functions such as stopwatch, alarm clock, breathing guide and sedentary alert, enhancing convenience to your daily routine. The tracker is compatible with iPhone Android Phones which run on iOS 8.0 or Android OS 4.0 & Bluetooth 4.0 or above. Please note that it is not compatible with tablets or computers.

SaleBestseller No. 2

Zeacool Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Sleep Monitor, Activity Trackers 5 ATM Waterproof,Step Calorie Counter Pedometer Health Smart Watch for Women Men Bordeaux

24/7 Heart Rate Monitor :This blood pressure watch supports real-time dynamic heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure ,Sleep Tracking,temperature monitoring so you can know more about your physical condition
1.10 inch AMOLED HD Touch screen: The Stopwatch pairs flawlessly with the Skin-friendly fitness straps, while its 1.10 inch AMOLED HD Touch Color Screen design and multitude of invigorating watch faces blow you away any moment
25 Sport Modes Activity Tracker: you can select any number of sports modes in the app as your exclusive sports mode to record your sports data.can record all daily health data such as steps, distance, and calorie consumption in the App "Keep Health"
5 ATM Waterproof activity & fitness trackers :step counter for walking Designed according to waterproof and dustproof standard, you can wear it when washing hands, taking bath, swimming, diving or getting caught in the rain will not damage your watches
Multiple Convenient Functions :This smart band has multiple functions such as remote photography, mobile search, drinking water reminder, sedentary reminder, menstrual reminder cycle, real-time weather display, etc

Bestseller No. 3

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Dark Black)

【24/7 Heart Rate Monitor 】This blood pressure watch supports real-time dynamic heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure ,Sleep Tracking,temperature monitoring so you can know more about your physical condition.
【Sleep Tracking 】The Smart watches monitors your sleep and analyzes your sleep quality through Deep Sleep, Light Sleep, Awake stage, gives you a nightly sleep score in the app, leading a healthy lifestyle.
【25 Sport Modes Activity Tracker】you can select any number of sports modes in the app as your exclusive sports mode to record your sports data.can record all daily health data such as steps, distance, and calorie consumption in the App "Keep Health"
【1.10 inch AMOLED HD Touchscreen】 The durable stainless steel frame of C60 pairs flawlessly with the Skin-friendly fitness straps, while its 1.10 inch AMOLED HD Touch Color Screen design and multitude of invigorating watch faces blow you away any moment
【Smart Functions】An easy-to-use activity fitness tracker with various intelligent features. Including Call & Message Reminder,Remote Photograph, Drink Water Reminder, Sedentary Reminder, Female Health,Family Health, Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, Find Device, etc

Bestseller No. 4

Magene H64 Heart Rate Monitor, Heart Rate Sensor Chest Strap, Protocol ANT+/Bluetooth, Compatible with iOS/Android APPs (New H64)

The hardware and algorithm of the Magene H64 chest strap heart rate monitor have been optimized to improve the reliability and accuracy of heart rate detection during exercise
Battery life lasts for 1000 hours: 1 hour per day, 4 times per week,2.5 years working time. (The battery life data are based on laboratory test. The actual situation may be slightly different due to the use environment and other factors.)
[Compatible Ant+ & Bluetooth] 2 data copies for 1 workout, recording via ANT+ device and Bluetooth App at the same time, with stable transmission. ANT+: Magene, Wahoo, IGPSPORT, Bryton, Black Bird Bluetooth: Zwift, Onelap, Strava, Kinomap, Wahoo Fitness, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Fulgaz, Nike Run Clus, Openrider, Elite HRV, Selfloops HRV，etc..
[IP67 Dustproof and waterproof] Meets your waterproof and dustproof needs during daily use. 1 year warranty (man-made damage is not covered by this warranty)
Magene H64 Heart Rate Monitor can also be connected with bike computers, sport watches, and fitness equipments, like Peloton bike, Onelap bike, Nordic treadmill, Pro-Form treadmill/ iFIT treadmill/Echelon and many others.

Bestseller No. 5

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Wine Red)

【24/7 Heart Rate Monitor 】This blood pressure watch supports real-time dynamic heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure ,Sleep Tracking,temperature monitoring so you can know more about your physical condition.
【Sleep Tracking 】The Smart watches monitors your sleep and analyzes your sleep quality through Deep Sleep, Light Sleep, Awake stage, gives you a nightly sleep score in the app, leading a healthy lifestyle.
【25 Sport Modes Activity Tracker】you can select any number of sports modes in the app as your exclusive sports mode to record your sports data.can record all daily health data such as steps, distance, and calorie consumption in the App "Keep Health"
【1.10 inch AMOLED HD Touchscreen】 The durable stainless steel frame of C60 pairs flawlessly with the Skin-friendly fitness straps, while its 1.10 inch AMOLED HD Touch Color Screen design and multitude of invigorating watch faces blow you away any moment
【Smart Functions】An easy-to-use activity fitness tracker with various intelligent features. Including Call & Message Reminder,Remote Photograph, Drink Water Reminder, Sedentary Reminder, Female Health,Family Health, Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, Find Device, etc

Bestseller No. 6

Smart Watch (Answer/Make Call), 2026 HD 1.91" Smartwatch for Men Women, 112+ Sports Modes Fitness Activity Tracker, Calories/Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Step Counter for Android iOS

【1.91” HD Display, Ultra-Thin & 200+ Watch Faces】The UAUE-T60 smart watch features a 1.91-inch TFT color screen and 3D curved tempered glass. The body is as thin as 11mm and as light as 35g, bringing a thin and delicate experience. Manually adjust the brightness so that you can clearly view the displayed time and exercise data even in direct sunlight. You can also choose from more than 200 online watch faces in the "GloryFit" APP or upload photos as smart watch backgrounds.
【Bluetooth 5.4 Calling & Instant Notifications】The UAUE-T60 smartwatch has a built-in microphone and HD speaker, allowing you to make/receive/reject calls, synchronize contacts, and save call history. The watch also supports message notifications (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc). When you enable the "GloryFit" App to receive messages, notifications will be displayed on the smartwatch.
【Comprehensive Health Monitoring】The fitness tracker is equipped with a high-precision LC10A photoelectric sensor, which can monitor heart rate and sleep (deep sleep, light sleep, wake-up time), allowing you to better understand your physical health. In addition, fitness watches also provide a menstrual cycle recording function specifically designed for women to help them live a healthy life.
【112+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof】This UAUE fitness watch supports over 112 exercise modes (running, cycling, hiking, skipping rope, dancing, yoga, skiing, etc.) to meet your outdoor and indoor needs. UAUE activity trackers can record steps, distance, calories, and more in real-time, helping you train scientifically and achieve optimal results. Thanks to the IP68 waterproof sports watch, it can be worn even on rainy days and when washing hands, making it perfect for your daily waterproof requirements.
【30 Days Standby Time & 20+ Practical Tools】】The exercise watch is compatible with iOS 9.0 and Android 4.0 and higher versions of smartphones. Thanks to the fast magnetic charging system, it only takes 2 hours to fully charge, ensuring 5-7 days of daily use and 30 days of ultra long standby time, so you don't have to charge frequently. The smart watch android also offers over 20 functions, such as a timer, stopwatch, alarm clock, sedentary reminder, weather forecast, brightness adjustment, calculator, and more.

Bestseller No. 7

Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Monitor Sleep Tracker 120 Sports Modes Activity Trackers Step Calorie Counter IP68 Waterproof for Andriod iPhone Women Men

【Superb Visual Experience & Effortless Operation】Diving into the latest 1.58'' ultra high resolution display technology, every interaction on the fitness watch is a visual delight with vibrant colors and crisp clarity. Its always on display clock makes the time conveniently visible. Experience convenience like never before with the intuitive full touch controls and the side button, switch between apps, and customize settings with seamless precision.
【Comprehensive 24/7 Health Monitoring】The fitness watches for women and men packs 24/7 heart rate, 24/7 blood pressure and blood oxygen monitors. You could check those real-time health metrics anytime, anywhere on your wrist and view the data record in the App. The heart rate monitor watch also tracks different sleep stages for light and deep sleep,and the time when you wake up, helps you to get a better understanding of your sleep quality.
【120+ exercise modes & All-Day Activity Tracking】There are more than 120 exercise modes available in the activity trackers and smartwatches, covering almost all daily sports activities you can imagine, gives you new ways to train and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance. The all-day activity tracking feature monitors your steps, distance, and calories burned all the day, so you can see how much progress you've made towards your fitness goals.
【Messages & Incoming Calls Notification】With this smart watch fitness trackers for iPhone and android phones, you can receive notifications for incoming calls and read messages directly from your wrist without taking out your phone. Never miss a beat, stay in touch with loved ones, and stay informed of important updates wherever you are.
【Essential Assistant for Daily Life】The fitness watches for women and men provide you with more features including drinking water and sedentary reminder, women's menstrual period reminder, breath training, real-time weather display, remote camera shooting, music control,timer, stopwatch, finding phone, alarm clock, making it a considerate life assistant. With the GPS connectivity, you could get a map of your workout route in the app for outdoor activity by connecting to your phone GPS.

SaleBestseller No. 8

KYTO Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap - ANT+ & Dual Bluetooth 4.0 HR Sensor | IP67 Water-Resistant, Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, Garmin | Precise HR Tracker for Running & Cycling

ACCURATE HEART RATE MONITOR: Utilizing advanced monitoring, this chest strap detects heart rate changes instantly with more precision than optical wrist monitors. Ideal for HIIT, cycling, and marathons where every beat counts
BLUETOOTH & ANT+ CONNECTIVITY: Connects via Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ to third-party apps. Compatible with Strava, Peloton, Zwift, Garmin, and Polar Beat. Supports simultaneous connection to bike computers and apps
ADJUSTABLE FITNESS TRACKER STRAP: Crafted from soft elastic fabric, this fitness tracker strap is adjustable from 65 to 95cm. The lightweight, chafe-free material ensures you "forget you have it on" during long training sessions
REAL 200H BATTERY SENSOR: This heart rate sensor features a replaceable CR2032 battery with 200 hours of active life. Pro-Tip: Moisten electrode areas with water or gel before wearing for an instant connection
IP67 WATERPROOF HR MONITOR: Rated IP67 water-resistant to withstand intense, sweat-heavy workouts. Built from wear-resistant materials designed to provide reliable performance as a durable HR monitor for all-weather training

The Budget Heart Rate Monitor Buying Guide: Track Your Fitness Smartly

A heart rate monitor is a great tool. It helps you see how hard your heart is working during exercise. Budget options are fantastic for beginners or those watching their spending. This guide will help you pick the best one without breaking the bank.

1. Key Features to Look For

When buying a budget heart rate monitor, look for these important features:

Accuracy and Reliability

Consistent Readings: The monitor must give you steady numbers. Quick jumps or drops when you are exercising normally are bad signs.
Zone Tracking: Good budget models show you which heart rate zone you are in (like fat burn or cardio). This helps you train smarter.

Display and Visibility

Clear Screen: You need to read the numbers easily while running or moving. Backlights are a big plus for early morning or evening workouts.
Simple Interface: The buttons should make sense. You should be able to start and stop tracking without reading a huge manual.

Battery Life

Long Lasting: A monitor that dies mid-workout is useless. Look for models that promise at least 6–12 months of battery life if it uses a coin cell battery.

2. Important Materials and Design

The materials affect comfort and how long the device lasts.

Strap Comfort

Chest Straps: Most accurate budget monitors use a chest strap. Look for soft, elastic fabric straps. Stiff plastic straps often cause chafing.
Wrist-Based Sensors: If you choose a watch style, the back casing touching your skin should be smooth plastic or silicone.

Durability

Water Resistance: Even if you do not swim, you sweat a lot. Ensure the monitor has at least an IPX4 rating (splash-proof). This protects the electronics inside.
Sensor Quality: The actual sensor pads (on a chest strap) should be cleanable and not easily corroded by sweat.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all budget monitors perform the same. Keep these quality factors in mind:

What Improves Quality?

Bluetooth/ANT+ Connectivity: This allows the monitor to connect wirelessly to fitness apps on your phone or dedicated bike computers. This feature boosts usability greatly.
Replaceable Batteries: If you can easily change the battery yourself, the monitor lasts longer and saves money later.

What Reduces Quality?

Optical Sensor Interference: Wrist-based budget monitors sometimes struggle when you move your wrist a lot (like during weightlifting). Chest straps generally offer better quality readings during intense activity.
Proprietary Chargers: If the device uses a weird charging cable that breaks easily, it lowers the overall quality experience.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how and where you will use the monitor.

Ease of Setup

For most people, setup should be simple. You usually just put on the strap, moisten the sensors, and turn the device on. If setting up requires complex pairing menus, the user experience suffers.

Best Use Cases for Budget Monitors

Casual Runners/Walkers: Budget chest straps work perfectly for tracking steady-state cardio activities.
Gym Users: If you need to see your heart rate quickly on a treadmill screen, many budget monitors transmit signals that gym equipment recognizes.
Beginners: These devices let you learn about heart rate training without a big investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Budget Heart Rate Monitors

Q: Are budget heart rate monitors as accurate as expensive ones?

A: For most people doing regular exercise, yes, they are very accurate. Chest strap monitors, even budget models, use ECG technology which is highly reliable. Wrist-based budget models might be slightly less accurate during very fast movements.

Q: Do I need a chest strap or can I use a watch?

A: Chest straps usually provide the most accurate, real-time data because they measure the electrical signal of your heart directly. Budget watches measure blood flow optically, which is convenient but sometimes less precise.

Q: What does “ANT+” connectivity mean?

A: ANT+ is a wireless technology standard. It lets your heart rate monitor talk to other fitness devices, like certain cycling computers or older fitness watches. Bluetooth is more common for connecting to smartphones.

Q: How do I clean my heart rate monitor strap?

A: You must wipe the strap down after every use. Sweat damages electronics and causes skin irritation. Never put the electronic module in the washing machine; just wipe the strap with a damp cloth.

Q: What does “heart rate zone” mean?

A: Heart rate zones are percentages of your maximum heart rate. They tell you what your body is doing—like burning fat or building endurance. Budget monitors often show you which zone you are currently in.

Q: Will a cheap monitor connect to my iPhone’s fitness apps?

A: Most modern budget monitors use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which lets them connect easily to popular apps like Strava or Apple Health on your phone.

Q: How long should the battery last in these devices?

A: Many chest straps use small coin batteries and last about a year of regular use. Watch-style monitors vary widely, but expect at least a few days between charges.

Q: Can I wear a chest strap monitor all day?

A: While you can, it is not usually recommended. They are designed for exercise. Wearing them constantly can cause skin irritation due to the tight fit and constant moisture.

Q: What is the biggest risk when buying the absolute cheapest model?

A: The biggest risk is poor connectivity. The signal might constantly drop out, or the device might not pair reliably with your phone or gym equipment.

Q: Do I need to wet the sensors before putting on the strap?

A: Yes, this is very important for chest straps. Water helps the sensors pick up the tiny electrical signals from your heart. Dry skin causes erratic readings.