Top 5 Cheap Heart Rate Monitors: Buyer's Guide

Do you want to track your fitness without emptying your wallet? Many people believe top-tier heart rate monitors cost a fortune. This isn’t always true! Knowing your heart rate helps you train smarter, whether you run marathons or just walk the dog. But when you look for affordable options, the choices can feel overwhelming. You worry about accuracy, battery life, and if “cheap” really means “bad quality.”

Finding a budget-friendly monitor that actually works well can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You need reliability without the high price tag. This article 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 budget. Get ready to discover how to monitor your heart health effectively and affordably. Let’s dive into finding your perfect, inexpensive fitness partner!

Top Cheap 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

Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor Pulse Ox, Heart Rate and Fast Spo2 Reading Oxygen Meter with OLED Screen Included Lanyard and 2 X AAA Batteries

Easy to use: this finger pulse oximeter designed with one button control which makes measurement more convenient and easier, users just need to put one of his fingers into the fingertip photoelectric sensor for measurement, then the screen will directly show the result clearly, the oxygen level monitor automatically powers off after 10 seconds of inactivity, making the experience safer and more environmentally friendly
Accurate and reliable: our oxygen blood monitor can accurately determine your spo2 blood oxygen saturation levels in 10 seconds and oled display make this finger oxygen monitors very easy to read
Easy to carry: this oxygen level monitor are very light and small size, convenient in carrying, also it comes with a detachable lanyard which can measure your oxygen saturation anywhere
Two aaa batteries power supply design: 2 aaa batteries power supply also use the aaa batteries to supply power at any time anywhere
You will get: 1 x fingertip pulse oximeter, 2 x aaa batteries, 1 x lanyard, 1 x user manual

Bestseller No. 3

HS500 Heart Rate Monitor, Heart Rate Sensor Chest Strap, Protocol ANT+/Bluetooth, Compatible with iOS/Android APPs

🔴 LED Light Reminding: HS500 has a flashing LED light that confirms your heart rate and connection, allowing you to easily stay focused and improve efficiency during any activity or exercise. After the sensor is properly worn, it will automatically turn on, the front LED flashes (turns off after 10 times). * Note: The red light indicates that the monitor is ready to use.
🔵 New Design: Newly designed hardware and algorithms avoiding the noise interference caused by movement and sweating，help you accurately monitor your heart rate while exercising, maximizing your exercise results.GEOID HS500 provides low energy, stronger algorithms and longer communication distance.
🔴 Versatility: HS500 Heart rate wake-up time <1s; Weight with packaging: 56g; IP67 waterproof; a new generation of thinner and more energy-saving heart rate sensors can accurately track your movement, quickly and clearly reflect the body's state during exercise, and avoid excessive exercise on the body cause some damages. Such as cycling, fitness, football, running, etc., the best choice for fitness enthusiasts! But swimming is not recommended.
🔵 ANT + / Bluetooth compatible: GEOID HS500 heart rate sensor can connect to your smartphone, tablet, sports watch, bike computer, treadmill and other fitness equipment. ANT +: Wahoo, IGPSPORT, Bryton, Black Bird. Bluetooth: Zwift, Onelap, Strava, Kinomap, Wahoo Fitness, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Fulgaz, Nike Run Club, Openrider. Please connect to Bluetooth through the app you are using. Do not connect directly to the phone's Bluetooth
🔴 Battery Life: Lasts 800 hours, 1 hour a day, 4 times a week, 2.5 years working time. (CR2032 battery can be replaced, lower energy consumption technology)

Bestseller No. 4

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. 5

moofit HR8 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap, Low Energy Real-Time Heart Rate Data Bluetooth 5.0/ANT+, Longer Communication Range, IP67 Waterproof, Compatible with iOS/Android Apps, Gym Equipment, Black

Premium Heart Rate Monitor - Newly designed moofit HR8 heart rate monitor with a chest strap provides low energy, stronger algorithms, and longer communication distance. Accuracy up to ±1 bpm is
Bluetooth5.0 & ANT+ Dual Mode - HR8 has integrated with Bluetooth 5.0 & ANT+ technology and connects to various fitness equipment, fitness Apps, and sports watch, with a stable transmission. ANT+: Wahoo, IGPSPORT, Bryton, Black Bird. Bluetooth 5.0: CoospoRide, Onelap, Strava, Kinomap, Wahoo Fitness, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Fulgaz, Openrider, Elite HRV.
Versatility - Package Dimensions: 9.3 L x 4.2 H x 5.1 W (centimeters), package weight: 66g. IP67 Sweatproof Waterproof, lightweight heart rate monitor HR8 Suitable for all sports such as cycling, fitness, soccer, running, etc. best choice for fitness enthusiasts! But is not recommended for swimming.
Moofit Replacement Straps - HR8 comes with a breathable chest strap, improved electrodes, and an easy-to-use buckle, and the length is adjustable from 63.5 cm to 132 cm. Comfortable and interference-free, stays put when you're on the move.
Replaceable Battery - The heart rate monitor comes with a replaceable battery CR2032, low energy technology, replaceable Battery can be continued use for up to 500hrs.

Bestseller No. 6

POIUZET Fitness Tracker, Fitness Watch with Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate Monitor, Steps Calories Counter, Sleep Monitor, Pedometer IP68 Waterproof, Smart Watch for Android iPhones

【All-Day Accurate Fitness Tracker】The fitness watch has multiple sports mode to meet various exercise needs. It accurately records all-day activities, monitoring your daily steps, calories burned, distance walked, active minutes, and more.
【Upgraded Fitness Tracker】This smart watch uses a 1.4-inch TFT-LCD full touch screen, marking a major advancement in button touch fitness watches. As an advanced health tracker, it provides essential tools such as sleep monitoring, exercise records, menstrual health tracking, relaxation guidance, alarm clocks, timers, etc., allowing you to better manage your body.
【Heart Rate Monitor & Sleep Tracker】Easily track your real-time heart rate and monitor your sleep patterns (deep sleep, light sleep and awake time), helping you adjust your lifestyle to improve your health.
【Blood Oxygen Monitoring】Unleash the potential of a healthier you with our smartwatch's blood oxygen tracking. Stay informed about your vital signs in real-time, empowering you to make proactive health choices. Your health, at your fingertips.
【IP68 Waterproof Fitness Watch & Battery Life】With IP68 waterproof rating, this smartwatch allows you to enjoy water sports without worry. Combining large capacity and low power consumption, a single charge provides up to 7 days of regular use and an impressive standby time of 30 days, ensuring reliability and convenience.

Bestseller No. 7

Smart Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor, Activity Tracker with Pedometer, Sleep Monitor, Calories & Step Counter, Waterproof Smart Watch for Women Men Fitness Watch for Sports (Pink)

Heart Rate and Sleep Monitor: The smart fitness watch monitors your heart rate automatically all day. 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 tracker for women men in daily life
24/7 Health Monitoring: This smartwatch provides precise, real-time monitoring of heart rate, sleep, blood-oxygen and stress, empowering you with actionable insights to optimize your health and fitness.
100+ Sports Modes: Track your daily activity with over 100 sports modes, including running, cycling, yoga, and football. Connect to GPS through the "Da Fit" app to record your training routes and fitness progress
Answer/Make Call: Smart watch is equipped with HD speaker, after connecting to your smartphone via bluetooth, you can answer or make calls
IP68 Waterproof Activity Trackers : As a professional activity tracker, it is IP68 waterproof, which will not damage your fitness smart watch even if you wear it when it rains, takes showers or swims

Bestseller No. 8

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor/Step Counter/Calories, Activity Tracker Smart Watch Sleep Monitor IP68 Health Tracker Pedometer for Man Women

More Function: Before first use, please ensure FULLY CHARGED. One-tap measurement, Brightness set, Customizable WatchFace/Health/Activity Tracker/Female Health/Sedentary & Drink Reminder/Calorie/Step Counter/Call/Message Notification/Google fit supported
Activity Tracking: It will record all-day activities like steps, distance, calories, heart rate, bp, etc. 17 sports modes. To ensure the data accuracy, you need wear the watch close to your skin, the strap should be one finger away from the wrist
Health Data Monitor: Fitness tracker can track real-time heart rate/ blood pressure and other health data automatically & continiously, also tracks your sleep with comprehensive analysis in app, helping you adjust yourself for a healthier lifestyle
Reminder & Other To Know: Receive call, calendar, SMS and SNS (Facebook/Ins/Twitter/etc.) notifications, call Reject/Schedule Reminder function. Wearing Size: One size fits all, 4.7in x 7.9in(band length adjustable), 5-7days last, IP68 Waterproof
How To Charge: Remove the band from watch body, both 2 sides can be removed, but only one side with metal piece can be charged, if not vibrate when plug-in USB port, turn the watch to another face and plug again

The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Cheap Heart Rate Monitors

You want to track your heart rate without emptying your wallet. That’s smart! A good, cheap heart rate monitor helps you exercise better and stay healthier. This guide shows you what to look for so you get the best deal for your money.

Key Features to Look For

Even affordable monitors must have certain features. These features make the device useful for tracking your fitness.

Accuracy and Reliability

Consistent Readings: The monitor must give you the same heart rate reading when you check it twice quickly.
Zone Alerts: Look for models that beep or vibrate when you hit your target heart rate zone (like fat burn or cardio).

Display and Usability

Clear Screen: You need to see your heart rate easily, even when you are running or sweating. Large numbers help a lot.
Simple Buttons: Operating the monitor should be easy. You shouldn’t need a manual just to start timing your workout.

Battery Life

Long Lasting Power: Cheap monitors often use coin batteries. Check reviews to see how long the battery actually lasts. A monitor that dies mid-run is useless.

Important Materials and Durability

The materials used affect how long your monitor lasts and how comfortable it feels.

Strap Comfort

Chest Straps: Most accurate cheap monitors use a chest strap. Make sure the strap material is soft elastic. Rough plastic or stiff straps cause chafing during long workouts.
Adjustability: The strap must adjust easily to fit snugly around your chest, whether you are thin or have a bigger frame.

Sensor Quality

Water Resistance: If you sweat a lot or plan to use it for swimming (though swimming trackers are usually pricier), look for an IP rating (like IP67). This rating shows it resists water.
Durable Housing: The main sensor unit needs strong plastic casing to survive accidental drops.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all cheap monitors perform the same. A few key differences separate the good buys from the bad ones.

What Improves Quality (Look for these!)

Bluetooth or ANT+ Connectivity: This is a huge plus! It means the monitor can send your heart rate data to fitness apps on your phone or watch. This feature elevates a basic monitor significantly.
User Replaceable Battery: If you can change the battery yourself, you save money and time compared to sending the whole unit back for service.

What Reduces Quality (Be Wary of these!)

Optical Sensors on Wrist (for very cheap models): Wrist-based optical sensors on very low-cost devices are often inaccurate, especially during intense activity like weightlifting or fast cycling. Chest straps are usually more reliable in the budget range.
Proprietary Charging: If the device uses a special charging cable that only fits that one monitor, you risk losing the cable and rendering the device useless.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the monitor before you buy it.

For Casual Fitness Enthusiasts

If you walk or jog a few times a week, you need simplicity. A basic monitor that displays a large heart rate number and perhaps a timer is perfect. You do not need complicated app syncing.

For Serious Training

If you follow specific training plans (like HIIT or marathon prep), accuracy and data transfer matter most. You must select a model that connects via Bluetooth to your favorite fitness apps (like Strava or Peloton). This allows you to review your performance later.

Remember, a cheap monitor is a tool. It works best when you understand its limitations and match its features to your exercise goals.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cheap Heart Rate Monitors

Q: Are cheap heart rate monitors accurate?

A: Generally, chest strap monitors in the budget range are quite accurate for steady activities like running. Wrist-based sensors on the cheapest models might struggle when your heart rate changes very fast.

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

A: For the best accuracy on a budget, choose a chest strap. They sit right over your heart, giving reliable readings. Wrist monitors are more convenient but slightly less precise unless they are higher-end models.

Q: What does “ANT+” mean?

A: ANT+ is a wireless technology that lets your heart rate monitor talk to certain fitness gadgets, like older bike computers or some watches. Bluetooth is more common for smartphones.

Q: Can I connect a cheap monitor to my smartphone?

A: Yes, if the monitor specifically lists Bluetooth connectivity. If it doesn’t mention Bluetooth, it probably won’t sync with apps on your phone.

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

A: Always unclip the sensor pod from the strap first. You hand-wash the elastic strap with mild soap and water. Never put the main sensor pod in water.

Q: What is the best battery type for a budget monitor?

A: Most use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery. These are easy to find and replace yourself, which is a big advantage.

Q: Will a cheap monitor work with my Apple Watch or Garmin device?

A: It depends on the watch. Most modern watches look for Bluetooth or ANT+ signals. Check the specifications of your watch first to see what signal the cheap monitor sends.

Q: What is the minimum heart rate I should expect to see?

A: For a resting adult, the heart rate usually falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM). The monitor should easily read this low range.

Q: Are there subscription fees for cheap heart rate monitors?

A: Usually, no. If the monitor connects via Bluetooth to a free app, you avoid subscription fees. Be careful if an app locks features behind a monthly payment.

Q: How tight should the chest strap be?

A: The strap needs to be snug—tight enough that it does not slip down when you breathe deeply or move, but not so tight that it restricts your breathing or feels uncomfortable.