7 fitness gadgets with heart rate monitor for beginners

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Of course, an athlete with significant experience will either prefer to exercise without electronic devices, or acquire something like Garmin. In order to decide whether you need a similar gadget, you should take a closer look at more affordable accessories. The same applies to amateur athletes, and, most importantly, those who really want to, but cannot in any way begin to engage in this or that sport.

Sports gadgets with a heart rate monitor fall into two categories: professional and amateur. Our editor-in-chief, Pyotr Didenko, will tell about the first ones a little later, since it is he who is actively involved in sports. I am a much lazier creature who sometimes craves information about the distance traveled, for example, to say: "I walked 35 kilometers today and will not go for bread." Today there are a lot of similar amateur devices with basic functions. However, among them it is worth choosing only devices equipped with a heart rate monitor.

An optical heart rate sensor (heart rate monitor) in budget accessories is a kind of flash that records the heart rate using light pulses, and it does this with a fairly high error (from 5 to 25%). But without it, most of the functions of fitness bracelets make no sense. As practice shows, only devices equipped with such a sensor are able to more or less accurately track sleep and distinguish its phases, and wake up on time. And running without taking into account the heart rate is not very useful. Therefore, it is the wrist bracelets-heart rate monitors that we will consider today.

Xiaomi Mi Band 1S

The cheapest, most popular, simplest and most reliable. Despite a lot of complaints, it is very difficult to find a more balanced device. Works great with Android, iOS and even Windows Phone (there is an amateur port of the application). Measurements are not always accurate, but the cost of the gadget allows you to close your eyes to this. In addition, there is a very nice opportunity to include the bracelet in the Xiaomi ecosystem, linking it with smart scales and sneakers. And additional functions available when used with the right smartphone (Android 5.0 and higher, MUI OS), such as smart wristband unlocking and customizable notifications, are a very big plus.

37 Degree L18

A very interesting Chinese novelty, which we will look at in more detail shortly. It is able to do everything the same as the Mi Band, in addition, the ability to measure pressure is declared (rather, it is calculated according to the readings of the heart rate sensor). In addition, L18 can only work in conjunction with smartphones running Android 4.3 and higher, iOS 7 and higher.

TW64 Pro

Exact copy of Fitbit Charge HR. Better known is the previous version without the Pro prefix, which at some point successfully competed with the Mi Band. The updated TW64 Pro is equipped with a heart rate monitor, the same as in the Xiaomi device, and, by and large, differs from it only in the presence of a tiny display that shows the clock. The display does not have the best effect on the battery life of the gadget - no more than 7 days (versus 15–20 days for Mi Band 1S). However, using the display on the bracelet, you can remotely control the smartphone camera.

Withings Pulse O2

Knows how to measure steps, and distance, and calories … In addition, among the functions there is a measurement of the pulse and the level of oxygen in the blood. However, for this it is necessary to remove the device from the bracelet, which is inconvenient. The gadget is equipped with a beautiful OLED display and can function as a regular watch. There are many interchangeable bracelets to choose from and several design options - as a stylish accessory, this gadget is ready to compete with the Mi Band. But a lot of criticism is caused by the workmanship and the weak battery of the device.

Fitbit Charge HR

Excellent functionality, high accuracy of the heart rate monitor during cardio training (but low accuracy during strength training). The disadvantages are the lack of moisture protection - the device is protected only from splashes. In the presence of one of the most important modes - continuous measurement of the pulse. This brings the device closer to professional sports gadgets. Works with all operating systems, is able to last three to four days in a row without recharging, there are no problems with synchronization. Knows how to distinguish many types of activity, controls sleep well. Somewhat expensive, but thanks to the excellent software, it will give a light to many cheaper counterparts.

Mio alpha 2

Perhaps one of the most successful amateur activity trackers with a heart rate monitor. Knows how to monitor the pulse constantly and very accurately in comparison with analogues. Has a sufficiently functional software to track the state of the body during training and in sleep. With the help of a large display, you can see the time (date is not displayed), the number of steps taken, calories burned, distance and the remaining distance according to the plan. In addition, the bracelet can withstand up to 2 atmospheres when immersed in water and is attached to a convenient bracelet made of hypoallergenic plastic.

Microsoft Band

Excellent "stuffed" gadget: in addition to the usual gyroscope, accelerometer and heart rate monitor, there is even a thermometer, compass and light sensor. Shows weather, time and all necessary information on its own color display. Knows how to unlock a desktop computer on Windows 10 (just like Mi Band unlocks a smartphone - the function can be used instead of a password). It works with all operating systems from Microsoft, there is also an application for Android and iOS (many reviews say that correct work is possible only with the latest version of the native operating system, but not all users have problems). Additional features include the ability to read SMS, Facebook and emails right on the screen of the gadget. The heart rate monitor lies a little.

Of course, none of these devices compare to professional activity trackers with multiple components. However, many of them will allow you to understand whether spending on a professional device will be justified, and are quite capable of motivating you to go in for sports.