Review of watches with heart rate monitor and pedometer. The best sports watch for running

Trying to maintain your health.

You need to know how to exercise correctly so as not to overload the body. That's why smart people exist faithful helpers, sports watch with heart rate monitor and pedometer.

Watches for running and runners, their necessity and features

These types are noticeably different from ordinary watches. In addition to indicating the time, these devices are capable of performing other functions, functions are important for the runner. Their potential:

• capable of control.
• A tonometer that determines pressure.
• A pedometer that counts your steps during...

Additional functionality of the watch may include:

• Flashlight.
• Stopwatch for recording intermediate results of sports activities.
• Timer that counts down time intervals.
• Calorie control counter.
• Notebook.

And other important abilities of the mechanism, depending on the direction of the sport and the need for functionality.

Main functions of a running watch

Heart rate monitor important for a runner to determine physical condition. Knowing the exact number of beats per minute, you can choose the most effective training modes, because for each person, heart rate has individual indicators, which is why they are tracked while jogging. The average level is about 70 beats per minute. During intense training, the heart rate increases, but knowing your heartbeat, a person can regulate loads. Training will become effective when the athlete works in accordance with personal minimum and maximum indicators. It prevents the body from being overloaded, making it clear that the heart has a maximum of 220 beats/min.

Pedometer, an important part of a watch device for an athlete. It is especially important for those who must have a strictly defined load and not exceed the dosage. The device will allow you, i.e. find out exactly how many steps were taken in a certain period of time and the distance of the journey. There is information from scientific sources that walking 11,000 steps daily will help you be healthy and active, and 13,000 - 15,000 steps a day is for those who want to get rid of it.

The best running watches

• The most budget-friendly, but multifunctional option would be a watch Sector Expander. They are equipped with a stopwatch, barometer with altimeter, and calorie counter. They cost about 6,000 rubles.
• Another similar representative is Suunto M2 Lime. It has an analog information sensor, a heart rate monitor and a pedometer.

Representatives of all popular world brands can be found today in sports stores and centers. Those who prefer virtual shopping can take advantage of online stores that operate around the clock. Any manufacturer of sports accessories dreams of having their product chosen, so hundreds of specialists work tirelessly on the mechanisms and design of watches. Let's take a look at some well-known brands and their products.

• , this Finnish company has an undeniable leadership on the market today; it has been creating watches with a heart rate monitor for more than 30 years. An amateur or a person involved in any type of sports will find a watch model that will serve him well in football, alpine skiing, running, and other sports. They are shockproof waterproof, with excellent external data. The price varies from 9,000 to 30,000 rubles.
• Casio, a cutting-edge technology watch, one of the first companies to produce sports watches with heart rate monitor, pedometer and navigation. The watch models of this brand will satisfy the taste of any buyer, from advanced to advanced. There are children's and women's models of corresponding designs and prices. Here the price range is somewhat wider, from 1,000 to 36,000 rubles.
• Smart Baby Watch T 58. This watch is just created for children, they help keep track of your child's position and meet his needs. In addition to the location, it will not be difficult for you to see his heartbeat, movements in the past tense and other valuable information. It is enough for the child to press the touch screen, where GSM is built-in, or the “SOS” help button, and parents can easily find his location. The cost of such an irreplaceable thing for parents is 5,500 rubles.

Smart watch for running

• Garmin Forerunner 735 XT HRM-Run, this watch with a heart rate monitor is also available for other types of athletes. Their equipment is sophisticated and modern. This is a smart watch that is able to calculate dynamics, balance, vibrations, contact with the ground, in a word, all indicators important for a professional. All sensors, including the heart rate monitor, operate in constant live tracking mode and are capable of instantly transfer information to smartphone. These models monitor, check, compare and provide accurate information about body condition, loads, training schedule, analyze and optimize achievements. They can even recommend, and they can warn you that it’s time to end the workout, so as not to. They are very durable, reliable and lightweight at the same time. There is a small drawback: these smartwatches are extremely expensive, about 50,000 rubles.
• , also refers to smartwatches capable of monitoring your activities. Models of this brand have repeatedly won at international exhibitions. The sensors work in real time, accurately tracking your heart rate for sleep monitoring. If you are not exercising effectively enough, you will be reminded and notified by the clock. They are able to formulate your sleep and workout schedule and recommend the exact balance, a kind of happiness index.
• Samsung Gear S2 Classic. This watch is easy to operate, made in a traditional classic style, plated with gold or platinum, but the usual dial replaces the screen, which changes depending on the desired indicator. Watch straps are selected differently, depending on the taste and color of the owner. The filling of these hours is very respectable: heart rate monitor, pedometer, weather news, all messages, tips and even. In addition, there is Wi-Fi, decent 512 MB RAM, processor, storage, and bluetooth. The battery charge lasts for 3 days. Besides this they not sensitive to water, all this due to a high degree of protection.

There are watches with even greater functionality, capable of determining the location on the map, seismological conditions, altitude above sea level and much more, but such equipment may be more likely to be needed by tourists, climbers, snowboarders and alpine skiers.

There are three types of sports watches:

• Quartz. As a rule, they work great, since the models do not have many special sports parameters. They have a pointer indication, without a dial, due to the small number of options, only the most necessary ones, and are relatively inexpensive.
• Mechanical. This is quite a rarity, you can find it among sailors, as it is more of a navigator’s model, and has a built-in chronograph.
• Computer. In terms of functions, they are the most sophisticated. Here you can measure your pulse, learn about the barometer and altimeter indicators. They have the ability to create virtual competition, with reminders to change exercises or rest, etc. The disadvantage is expressed in a rather fragile design, and, of course, this is the eternal computer “freeze” and “system crashes”. In addition, they need to be recharged quite often.

And among the materials the most popular are:

• In the budget version - plastic watches.
• Mid-level models are made of stainless steel.
• Expensive items, made from carbonate and titanium alloys.

For a runner, especially one just starting out on a treadmill, a watch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer is quite enough.

If you are not a pro, but run to maintain your well-being or, then a watch with a heart rate monitor will help you a lot when jogging; you will be able to correctly create the regime and duration of your runs, without harm to. Determine what exactly you would like to know during training, and approach your purchase with practical side. The main thing is that the classes are productive and satisfying.

Video. What features should a simple running watch have?

Reading time: 21 minutes

A heart rate monitor is a measuring device that measures your heart rate. It is also called a heart rate monitor.

Heart rate monitor is used to monitor heart function, analyze loads, determine heart rate zones and go beyond these zones. A large number of different models for heart rate monitoring are sold on the sports paraphernalia market. Let's figure out what a heart rate monitor is for, what its advantages and benefits are, how to choose one, and also look at the most popular models of heart rate monitors on the market.

Heart rate monitor: what is it for and what are the advantages

If you need information about how your heart works during exercise, then a device like a heart rate monitor is a must-have. During training, the heart rate monitor helps maintain the desired heart rate, measures the number of calories burned and monitors heart function and workload. Most often, a heart rate monitor is used during interval and cardio training, but also during power loads it won't be superfluous at all. In addition, the heart rate monitor can be used during daytime activities to monitor heart function.

Who might need a heart rate monitor?

• For those who do cardio training to lose weight or develop endurance.
• For those who do high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
• For those who have heart problems and need to control their heart rate.
• For those who want to control the number of calories burned during training.
• And also for those who want to regularly improve their results without harm to their health.

Why is it even necessary to measure your heart rate during exercise? Depending on your pulse or heart rate (abbreviated HR), your body will use different sources of energy. Based on this, there are several load zones that determine the effectiveness of your workout:

The indicated percentage is taken from the maximum heart rate value. To calculate it, we use the formula: Maximum heart rate = 220 – age.

Accordingly, for the body to use fatty acids as a source, it is enough to keep the pulse in the zone of 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. For example, if your age is 30 years old, then the following calculations will be used to calculate the possible range of your heart rate:

• Lower threshold = (220-30)*0.6=114
• Upper threshold = (220-30)*0.7=133

With such a pulse (114-133 beats per minute) you can practice for a long time, maintaining a continuous pace. In this case, the exercise will be aerobic, that is, using oxygen. Such cardio workouts help burn fat and train the heart.

If you are doing high-intensity interval training (for example, training according to the Tabata protocol), then at the peak moments your heart rate should be in the anaerobic zone, i.e. 80-90% of maximum heart rate:

• Lower threshold = (220-30)*0.8=152
• Upper threshold = (220-30)*0.9=171

The heart rate monitor helps you monitor your heart rate and keep it in the zone that meets your requirements. If your heart rate monitor model allows it, you can set the heart rate zones you are interested in, and you will be notified when your heart rate leaves the specified zone.

Benefits of a heart rate monitor:

• A heart rate monitor protects your heart from overload during exercise because you monitor your heart rate.
• You will exercise in the heart rate zone you need - for fat burning or endurance, depending on your goals, and therefore train more effectively.
• With a heart rate monitor it is easy to track your progress, analyze the level of load and its perception by the body.
• You will know exactly how many calories you burned during your workout.
• You can use the heart rate monitor during your normal daily activities to evaluate your body's performance or monitor your stress.
• The heart rate monitor is indispensable when running or walking fast on the street, when there are no other sources for determining the level of exercise.

Many cardio machines already have a built-in heart rate monitor. But firstly, such heart rate monitors show inaccurate data, which is better not to rely on. Secondly, to record data you need to hold the handles while running or walking, which is not always convenient. Therefore, if you want to receive the most accurate data on heart rate and calories, it is better to purchase a heart rate monitor.

You can also use manual heart rate monitoring. To do this, you need to stop and count the beats, recording the resulting values. However, additional manipulations during training are not always convenient, and the obtained values ​​will have a strong error. In addition, constant stopping lowers your heart rate, which disrupts the rhythm of the activity. This is why a heart rate monitor is indispensable: it will record data instantly throughout the entire workout.

Main functions of the heart rate monitor:

• Heart rate (HR) monitoring
• Setting your heart rate zone
• Notification of heart rate zone changes by sound or vibration
• Calculation of average and maximum heart rate
• Calorie counter
• Time and date display
• Stopwatch, timer

Some heart rate monitors have additional functions: GPS navigation, alarm clock, pedometer, training history, automatic calculation of training zones, fitness test, heart rate calculation for a single lap (useful for runners), synchronization with applications and computer. The more functions a device is equipped with, the more expensive it is.

Types of heart rate monitors

Heart rate monitors can be divided into 2 large groups: breastplates(using a chest strap) and carpals. Heart rate monitor with chest strap used O more popular among practitioners, but thanks to new technologies, models have appeared that allow you to accurately measure your pulse without a chest sensor.

A chest heart rate monitor is a sensor with electrodes that is worn under the chest and transmits data to a receiver watch or mobile application. There are two types of chest heart rate monitor models, which differ in configuration:

• Heart rate monitor without watch receiver. In this case, the data is transferred to the smartphone via Bluetooth Smart technology. The sensor is synchronized with special applications in the smartphone, where all necessary information about heart rate and calories burned. This is convenient for training analysis, since the application stores the entire data history. Most often, heart rate monitors are synchronized with applications on Android and iOS operating systems.
• Heart rate monitor with watch receiver. In this case, the sensor sends data to the receiver watch, where it is processed and you can see it on the screen. Such models are more expensive, but also more convenient. You do not need to additionally use a smartphone; all information will be displayed on the watch. For example, it is more convenient to use such heart rate monitors outdoors.

If you purchase a heart rate monitor with a watch, then also pay attention to the type of data transmission. There are two types of data transfer from the chest strap to the watch:

• Analog (uncoded) type of data transmission. May be subject to radio interference. It is considered less accurate, but if there is an error, it is very small. The analog heart rate monitor can sync with cardio equipment, picking up heart rate data from your belt. But if in your immediate vicinity (within a meter) someone is using a heart rate monitor with the same type of data transmission, for example, on group training, interference may occur.
• Digital (encoded) type of data transmission. A more expensive and accurate type of data transmission, not subject to interference. However, a digital heart rate monitor cannot be synchronized with exercise equipment.

Both analog and digital heart rate monitors are quite accurate, so The type of data transfer does not play a key role when choosing a heart rate monitor. There is no point in overpaying additionally for digital data transmission.

Wrist heart rate monitors

The convenience of wrist heart rate monitors is that you don't have to wear a chest strap with the sensor. To measure the data, you only need a watch that is worn on your wrist. However, this version of heart rate monitors also has a number of features and disadvantages, so despite the apparent convenience, wrist heart rate monitors are still less popular.

There are two types of wrist heart rate monitors, which differ in the principle of heart rate monitoring:

• Pulse is measured upon contact of fingers and sensor on the front side of the device. You simply place the heart rate monitor on your wrist, touch it, and the device gives you your heart rate readings. The disadvantage of such monitoring is that you will measure your pulse not for a certain period of time, but on demand, only after contact of your fingers and electrodes on the body. This heart rate monitor is more suitable for tourism, mountaineering, or for those who, due to health restrictions, are forced to periodically monitor their heart rate zone.
• Pulse is measured via tracking behind blood vessels. The principle of operation of such heart rate monitors is as follows: you put the bracelet on your hand, the LEDs shine through the skin, the optical sensor measures the narrowing of blood vessels and the sensor displays the obtained values ​​on the watch screen. But the disadvantages of such devices are also obvious. For data accuracy, the belt must be tightly tightened on the wrist, which is not always convenient during training. Additionally, heavy sweating or rainy weather may interfere with the sensor's performance.

Of course, a watch is a more common piece of equipment than a chest strap. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable wearing a belt under your chest, we recommend purchasing a second version of a wrist heart rate monitor. But discomfort and inconvenience are perhaps the only argument in favor of a wrist heart rate monitor. Most trainees still opt for a heart rate monitor with a chest strap because of the convenience and accuracy of the data.

Prices for a heart rate monitor are determined by the following parameters:

• Manufacturing company
• Heart rate monitor type: chest or wrist
• Contents: is there a watch receiver, replaceable straps, cases, etc.
• Data transmission type: analog or digital
• Moisture protection
• Belt, its width, quality, ease of fastening
• Quality of the watch receiver case
• Availability of additional functions

Heart rate monitors: a selection of the best models

We offer you a selection of heart rate monitor models with a brief description, prices and pictures. Based on this review, you can choose the right heart rate monitor for yourself. Prices are indicated according to Yandex Market data as of September 2017 and may differ from the cost of the heart rate monitor in your store.

Sigma heart rate monitors

Popular models of Sigma heart rate monitors are developed by a Taiwanese manufacturer. Among heart rate monitors, Sigma is considered one of the market leaders; their models are almost ideal in terms of price and quality ratio. They mainly offer heart rate monitor models with a chest strap and a watch:

• Sigma PC 3.11: the most primitive model with a basic heart rate counting function. There is no calorie counting.
• Sigma PC 10.11: the optimal model with all the necessary basic functions, including calculation of average and maximum heart rate, calorie counter, sound signal when the target heart rate zone is violated.
• Sigma PC 15.11: This model is suitable for running enthusiasts, as it adds functions such as lap counter, average and maximum heart rate per lap, number of calories burned per lap, lap time.
• Sigma PC 22.13: This heart rate monitor uses digital data transmission, so the price is a little more expensive. The model is offered in several body colors. Standard functions: calculation of average and maximum heart rate, calorie counter, zone indicator, sound signal when the target heart rate zone is violated.
• Sigma PC 26.14: model similar to the previous one, but with the addition of new functions. For example, this device has a lap counter, an automated function for calculating the target zone, memory for 7 training sessions, totals per week.

Polar heart rate monitors

Polar is one of the most famous brands in the heart rate monitor market. Polar produces high-quality devices, but their prices are much higher. You can purchase a chest strap with a sensor that will transmit data to your smartphone, or a set of strap and watch receiver for easier data tracking.

Chest straps with sensor:

• Polar H1: GymLink communication interface, Android and iOS support, moisture protection.
• Polar H7: GymLink and Blutooth Smart communication interfaces, Android and iOS support, moisture protection.
• Polar H10: a new generation of heart rate sensors, replacing the H7, one of the popular heart rate monitor models.

Chest heart rate monitor with watch included:

• Polar A300: in addition to the standard functions, this device also has many additional features: pedometer, sleep monitoring, reminder function, goal setting, accelerometer. It is also possible to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
• Polar FT60: this model includes a calorie counter function, as well as a number of auxiliary, but very convenient and useful functions, such as: alarm clock, second time zone, low battery indicator, locking buttons from accidental pressing.
• Polar M430: Another very multifunctional gadget, waterproof, with GPS navigation and backlight. Added notification function about incoming calls, received messages and notifications from applications for social networks GPS.

Beurer heart rate monitors

This brand offers models of heart rate monitors with a chest strap and models in which you need to touch the sensor of the device to measure data. For training, we recommend choosing heart rate monitors with a chest strap; it is more convenient and practical.

• Beurer PM25: a simple and convenient model, there are all the important functions, for example, a built-in calendar, clock, alarm clock, stopwatch, calorie counter, alert when leaving the training zone.
• Beurer PM45: The set of functions is similar to the PM25 models, but adds interchangeable straps, a bike mount, and a storage case.
• Beurer PM15: This is a wrist-based heart rate monitor with a touch sensor, the device monitors heart rates, alerts you when you go beyond the training zone, but does not count calories. Price: 3200 rubles.

Suunto heart rate monitors

Another well-known company in the sports equipment market, which produces a series of sports watches with the ability to measure heart rate. Suunto offers chest straps and chest straps included with your watch:

• Suunto Comfort Belt: Chest strap suitable for all T-series sports watches and computers that can be used as a heart rate monitor.
• Suunto Smart Belt: Chest strap with Bluetooth Smart technology. Compatible with Suunto's Movescount app.
• Suunto M2: a chest strap with a watch that has all the basic functions, including heart rate control, calorie counting, automatic selection of the desired heart rate zone.
• Suunto M5: This heart rate monitor comes with additional features to help you determine optimal mode training based on your individual performance, as well as get reliable information about speed and distance during running training.

Sanitas heart rate monitors

Sanitas does not have many models, but they are notable for their low prices, so we also mention them.

• Sanitas SPM22 and SPM25: Heart rate monitor with chest strap that includes all the basic functions and is perfect for regular use.
• Sanitas SPM10: You don't need a chest strap to measure your heart rate with this model. You simply place the device on your wrist and touch the sensor on the front of the device with your finger. This device is suitable for people who do not want to wear a chest belt or, for example, for tourism.

Other models

• Nexx HRM-02. A budget option for a chest strap with a sensor, which is suitable for those who are not ready to seriously spend money on fitness gadgets. The device has built-in Bluetooth Smart and is compatible with almost all mobile applications that support the function of transmitting data from a wireless heart rate monitor. Counts heart rate and calories burned.
• Torneo H103. Chest strap with watch receiver. Endowed with all the basic functions: heart rate calculation, calorie counter, setting heart rate zones, measuring time in target zone, stopwatch, calendar and alarm clock, waterproof.
• Wahoo TICKR. Another option for a chest heart rate monitor that transmits information via Bluetooth to a smartphone. In addition to heart rate, such characteristics as steps taken and calories burned are recorded.

Which heart rate monitor to choose:

• If you want to purchase a heart rate monitor with an optimal price-quality ratio, then buy the Sigma or Beurer models.
• If you want to purchase the most reliable and accurate device, then buy Polar or Suunto models.
• If you want to purchase the simplest and most inexpensive option for a heart rate monitor, you should pay attention to the models offered on the Aliexpress website (review below).

Heart rate monitors: a selection of the best models on Aliexpress

We offer you a selection of heart rate monitors that can be purchased on Aliexpress at an affordable price. All heart rate monitors have similar functions and are in approximately the same price range, so we suggest you focus on customer reviews, the average product rating and the total number of orders for this product.

Chest strap without watch

If you purchase a chest strap without a watch, your heart rate data will be sent to an app on your smartphone. The chest straps are compatible with all Bluetooth Smart (4.0) and ANT enabled devices. The presented sensors are quite accurate in measuring heart rate.

We suggest you pay attention to the following chest sensors:

Smart watch with heart rate monitor Not uncommon in 2017, almost every smartwatch manufacturer has taken care of a heart rate sensor in their device. This is not surprising; the function is really necessary, and sometimes even critically important, especially for athletes and for people with heart disease. Athletes have a unique opportunity to regulate their training, adapting to the appropriate pulse zone depending on the purpose of the training.

Such a huge assortment of smart watches with a heart rate monitor on the market makes the buyer at a loss in choosing, for this, to ease the pain of choice, we have made the TOP 7 smart sports watches with a heart rate sensor.

Herzband Elegance

Editor's rating:

Average price – $70

Estimated life time: 5 days

Herzband is a brand that is confidently gaining popularity in the CIS, it has gained fame for its ability to measure pressure, or rather, calculate it based on heart rate readings. On this moment these are the best.

Design. They have a classic design, a round dial with a mechanical button on the right, a leather strap complements the classic ambiance.

Functionality and characteristics. The display is monochrome and has a fairly low brightness reserve. The controls are convenient, they can be turned on by turning the wrist, but there is no voice control. Receive notifications from all messenger applications. Tracks all physical activity, like any other fitness tracker. They have a fairly low brightness reserve; in sunny weather it will be difficult to make out anything.

Our editorial testing has shown that The watch's heart rate monitor works properly.

Advantages:

• pressure measurement;
• stylish design
• low price

Flaws:

• low display brightness reserve
• no GPS

Verdict: A good option for those who are looking for a budget option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor that has a classic design and the functionality of a fitness tracker.

Editor's rating:

Average price – $200

Estimated life time: 25 days

Design and interface.Withings Steel HR has a truly “Swiss” watch design; it is only revealed by a small OLED display, which is designed to show all the watch’s notifications. Using a mechanical button, it switches between Withings Steel HR screens, where you can view your heart rate, steps and calories.

Functionality and characteristics. The main advantage of the watch is its record life time, which is 25 days in active mode, an incredible result for a modern smartwatch. To achieve such results, sacrifices had to be made, and this sacrifice was the display, which received a very small size. But it is worth noting that it copes with all its functions perfectly. Due to the bright backlight, all information is clearly perceived even on a small display.

Another interesting feature is the high water protection, which is 5 ATM. This allows the watch to be submerged to a depth of 50 meters. The watch is equipped with a soft silicone strap, which will allow you to dive with the watch in the pool and at sea.

The “brains” of the device are not too far behind the design and amaze with their functionality. So, they can independently determine what type physical activity You are currently studying (paired with a connected smartphone), determining the stages of sleep, but without a smart alarm clock.
The operation of the heart rate monitor in the watch quite accurate, but during intense training the data is distorted.

Advantages:

• record life time
• stylish design
• high degree of protection against water

Flaws:

• inconvenient controls
• no GPS
• inconvenient charging
• The heart rate monitor does not cope with intense workouts

Verdict: An excellent option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer for those who appreciate classic style and do not like to charge gadgets.

Editor's rating:

Average price – $150

Estimated life time: 11 days

Xiaomi AmazFit Pace is the first smartwatch from the famous Chinese brand, which went on sale quite recently, at the beginning of 2017. They have already gained a lot of fans around the world due to their stylish design and fitness tracker capabilities. In this review, we are interested in precisely these capabilities and, in particular, the operation of the heart rate monitor.

Functionality and characteristics. Xiaomi AmazFit is not just a smart watch with a heart rate monitor, it is also a good GPS-tracker, capable of tracking your movements. This combination of functionality should be appreciated by lovers of jogging in the fresh air. It should be noted here that when GPS is turned on, battery life is reduced from 5 days to one day, and in domestic use the manufacturer promises work up to 11 days, which is a very impressive indicator with such a display.

Another interesting feature of the watch is the presence of memory - 4 GB, where you can store music that you can listen to using a wireless headset.

Among other things, the watch has standard functions for tracking sleep, steps, and calories burned. There is no smart alarm clock, there is only a regular vibration alarm clock. Heart rate monitor operation I was very pleased; a series of comparative tests with chest heart rate monitors did not reveal any serious errors.

Design and interface. Xiaomi AmazFit Pace boasts a rich display where you can easily view basic data; the brightness is adjusted automatically due to the built-in sensor. At the same time, the display has a number of control disadvantages. First, the gadget does not support voice control, and second, to activate the display you need to press the small mechanical button in the upper right corner.

Like any smartwatch, Xiaomi AmazFit Pace can receive notifications from applications. Unfortunately, this area has not been fully developed. Thus, the “Reply” and “View conversation” functions do not function. The interface is presented only in English or Chinese.

Advantages:

• Availability of GPS
• high quality display
• long life time

Flaws:

• inconvenient display activation
• flawed notification software
• no support for Russian language

Verdict: An excellent option for those who prefer a sporty design and do a lot of outdoor activities.

Average price – $375

Estimated shelf life: up to 4 days

Design and interface. The watch was released in two design options, which are noticeably different, but at the same time quite similar. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a brutal version, similar to what we see on the covers of magazines with harsh models. The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a timeless classic design, smaller than its larger sibling and not as shock and shock resistant, while the Frontier version is MIL-810G protected.

One of the main features and the main control feature of this watch is the “bezel”, this is a rotating ring around the watch, with the help of which gadgets are controlled. This solution turned out to be very successful and simplified interaction with the device by an order of magnitude.

The watch uses a standard strap that can be easily unfastened and replaced with yours. The body is made of high quality 316L steel.

Display with the SUPER AMOLED matrix there are no complaints, all data is readable without any problems in any lighting.

Functionality and characteristics. The watch runs on its own Tizen platform, which is noticeably more convenient than Android Wear. There are fewer applications here, but they are quite enough for everyday use.

Like any fitness tracker, the watch can track steps, calories, and sleep. Interesting features include determining the lifting height, as well as the ability to compete with friends in the number of steps. To evaluate all the fitness capabilities of the watch, you need to use the S Health application, which is only available for the Galaxy series from Samsung. Such exclusivity is an undoubted disadvantage of the gadget.

The watch has GPS and Glonass, which can remember your route. Separately, I would like to note that there is a version with LTE, which will allow you to call directly from the watch without a smartphone. A pleasant advantage of the gadget is its long operating time, taking into account the huge number of functions that require battery power.

The third generation of guiaras has significantly improved heart rate measurements, which is why the watch is included in our TOP. The heart rate monitor works correctly even during intense movement.

Advantages:

• display
• Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
• convenient control
• MIL-810G protection in Frontier version

Flaws:

• Samsung's proprietary fitness app is only available for the Galaxy series

Verdict: An ideal option for everyday use at work, in the gym, on vacation, if you also have a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung.

Average price – $350

Estimated shelf life: up to 2 days

Polar is the 2nd company from this TOP, which came not from the world of technology, but from the world of sports watches. And this fact significantly influenced the Polar M600 model in terms of functionality.

Design and interface. The design of the watch is sporty and futuristic, the case is made of plastic, there are metal inserts on the sides, and the strap is made of silicone. The design is not for everyone and will not be to everyone’s taste, plus the device is already quite bulky.

The main control is via the touch screen, there are also two mechanical buttons, on the left there is a “Stop” or “Back” button, below the display there is a button responsible for starting the workout.

Display juicy and bright, but in direct sunlight it is difficult to read data.

Functionality and characteristics. The watch is based on Android Wear, which means that more than 4,000 applications for various purposes will be available to the owner. Fitness capabilities are implemented through Google Fit and a special Polar Flow service, which records all the information about the training performed, and you can also schedule them there. The service is very good and will appeal to many athletes.

Runners and cyclists will appreciate the presence of a full-fledged GPS. Another nice feature of the gadget is that it is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters, which is more than enough for a swimming pool.

Due to the 6-LED sensor, the heart rate monitor can compete in accuracy with chest-mounted heart rate meters. During testing, the heart rate monitor did not cause any complaints.

One of the unpleasant features is the short lifespan of the gadget, only 8 hours in training mode and 2 days in normal mode with Android, but with iPhone will only work for a day.

Advantages:

• Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
• proprietary software for sports activities

Flaws:

• design for everyone
• short period of life

Verdict: Good option for professional athletes who need the most functional smartwatch.

Apple Watch Series 2

Average price – $400

Estimated life time: one day

It’s not for nothing that watches from the legendary brand are included in most reviews of smart watches and fitness trackers. Apple Watch Series 2, as a watch with a heart rate monitor, also did not disappoint.

Design and interface. The design is quite futuristic and not everyone will like it, but at the same time many will find it very attractive. It is presented in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. There are two control buttons on the right side. The number of varieties of straps is amazing in variety; the case itself is presented in the main material options: aluminum, steel, and ceramics. The updated version now has quick access to the necessary applications via a button, which makes control quite convenient.

Display juicy and bright, all data can be read without any problems in any weather. There is an automatic brightness adjustment sensor, the operation of which can be adjusted in the settings.

Functionality and characteristics. Apple Watch Series 2 is a true multifunctional machine among smartwatches, which can do almost everything that a modern smartwatch can provide. Briefly by functions:

• Ability to answer calls and receive messages;
• Tracking the physical activity of the wearer;
• Supports many additional applications from the App Store;
• Measuring calories burned, steps taken, heart rate
• Recording the route traveled using GPS
• Internet access via Wi-Fi

The watch boasts not only the usual Bluetooth and GPS modules, but also a Wi-Fi module that allows you to access the Internet directly from the gadget. The gadget is waterproof, it can be used in the pool, and even a separate functionality has been created for this purpose that tracks strokes.

All the perfection of the watch is killed by its lifetime, which is one day, which is an anti-record for this top, and it’s difficult to find smart watches in 2017 who live so little.

The app for measuring heart rate is very primitive and is suitable only for lovers of an active lifestyle, but not for professionals. But it is worth noting that The heart rate monitor works flawlessly. Moreover, an independent scientific study conducted at Stanford showed the error of the heart rate monitor on an exercise bike is only 2%, which is comparable to the electrocardiogram data; for walking, the figure was slightly higher than 2.5%.

Advantages:

• wide selection of applications
• Availability of GPS and Wi-Fi module
• juicy display

Flaws:

• very short period of life
• high price

Verdict: An excellent option for those iPhone owners who require the widest range of capabilities from a smartwatch.

Estimated life time: 9 days in watch mode, 11 hours in training mode with GPS

The ForeRunner series of watches is designed for running, as clearly evidenced by the name of the same name. The Garmin ForeRunner 235 is one of the best value for money running heart rate watches on the market. This model is suitable for both professionals and amateur runners who need much more than the functionality of a regular fitness tracker, but at the same time need a watch for everyday use.

Design and interface. The ForeRunner 235 is designed in sporty style and they will not go well with a formal suit to emphasize the status of the wearer. But they will fit perfectly into any other wardrobe and not just sports ones.

Display quite large and bright, all notifications and data can be read without any problems, even in the sunniest weather. Control is carried out by 5 mechanical buttons, which is quite convenient in rainy weather. The entire interface is intuitive and does not require much time to understand. Russian language is supported.

Functionality and characteristics. The watch is equipped with GPS and the GLONASS system, which made it possible to introduce a wide range of capabilities; in addition to the classic data on steps, calories and sleep, it offers a number of other options. As they run, they can show an estimated finish time based on their current momentum. Will appreciate training effect from class. They will predict your best result based on data already received. They will give recommendations for post-workout rest. Supports cycling training.

Also, many will find it useful to assess VO2 max to assess the effectiveness of the training process in athletics.

Additional amenities include smart notifications and music control on your smartphone. This is also the only smartwatch with a heart rate monitor suitable for this review.

Heart rate monitor operation does not cause any complaints even with intensive training. It is possible to track heart rate zones.

Advantages:

• Availability of GPS/Glonass
• Windows Phone support
• advanced features for running training

Flaws:

• not suitable for a formal suit
• lack of app store and internal memory

Verdict: An excellent option for those who are engaged in professional running training.

Comparison table of the best fitness bracelets with an accurate pedometer

Bracelet	Manufacturer country	Battery life	Color display	Rating
HONOR Band 5	China	5 days	Eat	8.9
Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro	South Korea	2 days	Eat	8.9
HUAWEI Band 4e	China	14 days	No	8.8
Xiaomi Mi Band 4	China	10 days	Eat	8.8
Honor Band 4	China	6 days	Eat	8.8
Honor Band 4 Running Edition	China	10 days	No	8.7
Xiaomi Mi Band 3	China	11 days	No	8.6
Garmin Vivosmart 4	USA	4 days	Eat	8.5
Polar A370	Finland	2 days	Eat	8.2
LEMFO ID115 HR	China	7 days	No	8.2

In most cases, a pedometer in a fitness bracelet counts the owner’s steps based on a special device - an accelerometer (a device that determines the acceleration of an object). As a rule, fitness bracelets are equipped with three-component accelerometers that track acceleration along three coordinate axes. For more accurate readings, fitness bracelets can be supplemented with a gyroscope, which determines the orientation of an object in space. .

Thus, step information is determined based on the acceleration and position in space of your hand (in other words, based on the swing of your hand). That is, steps can be taken without even moving, but by actively waving your arms, or, on the contrary, steps are counted with a large error if the owner carries a heavy load or keeps his hand in his pocket while walking.

Therefore, the main goal in choosing a fitness bracelet is precisely the accuracy of the pedometer while walking (when your hands are not in your pockets and your movements are intense). All trackers will, in one way or another, count other types of activity as steps, which involve waving your arms and changing your body position. For you, we have selected fitness bracelets with a minimum percentage of false pedometer alarms and accurate counting of steps while walking and running.

Honor Band 5 - flagship from Huawei

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 9.3

Functionality 9.5

Display quality 9.8

Autonomy 7.0

Design 9.0

8.9 Average rating

Honor Band 5 is a rather high-profile new product of 2019, which was released immediately after the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. It seems that the model’s development time was cut specifically in order to be released at the same time as its main competitor. The fact is that Honor Band 5 is almost no different in design and technical equipment from the fourth version; the main metamorphoses have occurred with the interface and software. But even such small transformations were enough to instantly capture part of the market.

The device screen is the golden mean in the world of fitness trackers - 0.95 inches, AMOLED, 120x240 pixels, color, touchscreen. What's more pleasing is the change in interface design; it has become more colorful and voluminous. The notification text is easy to read, and the screen itself does not fade in bright light.

The software update allowed us to slightly increase the speed and accuracy of the device. But the old shortcomings remain: the maximum number of notifications is 10, when dialing which the tracker may begin to slow down, the battery remains the same (100 mAh) - with active use it will last for 5-6 days, dials have been added, but there are only 8 of them, Bluetooth 4.2 instead of the current version 5.0.

But the fitness bracelet also has a whole lot of advantages: 10 training modes, high water resistance and detailed swimming analysis, the best sleep monitoring on the market, a smart alarm clock, blood oxygen level measurement, a relatively accurate heart rate monitor and constant heart rate measurement, a “find smartphone” function and much more.

The pedometer accuracy of the new Honor Band 5 is at a high level. I have been using the tracker for several weeks now, the results are as follows: the average error in counting steps is 2%; the average error in measuring the distance traveled is 6%; the bracelet does not count as steps when traveling on public transport; Driving and active gestures are also not taken into account by the pedometer. You will find detailed measurement results in a separate review (link below).

pros

• High quality strap with comfortable clasp
• Well-developed graphics in the interface
• Touch AMOLED display with protective 2.5D glass
• Detailed sleep monitoring
• Smart alarm clock
• 10 training modes
• Good accuracy of pedometer and heart rate monitor
• WR50 water resistance and detailed swim monitoring
• No need to remove the capsule to charge

Minuses

• The design is no different from the previous version of the bracelet
• Weak oleophobic coating - fingerprints remain on the screen
• Braking due to a large number of accumulated notifications
• Remote camera control is only available for Huawei smartphones
• NFC and AliPay do not work in Russia
• Bluetooth version 4.2
• Lack of built-in GPS

Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro - a combination of versatility and quality

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 8.8

Functionality 9.9

Display quality 9.9

Autonomy 6.0

Design 9.8

Ease of use with a smartphone 8.8

8.9 Average rating

A bright model with a very large 1.5-inch AMOLED display and a resolution of 432x216 pixels. It is the large display and high resolution that make this fitness bracelet the owner of the highest quality and most detailed screen on the tracker market.

Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro has many functions for tracking your health and physical activity: continuous heart rate counting, calorie counter, floor sensor, activity tracking during training, sleep monitoring, movement history, training plan, timer and stopwatch, etc. .

The gadget is also distinguished by the presence of many additional functions: reading all messages and notifications received on the phone, notification of a disconnection with the phone, sending template messages, viewing the weather, playing audio, etc.

The fitness bracelet is also equipped with built-in sensors: heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, GPS tracker.

The manufacturer placed special emphasis on using the device in the pool. The waterproof rating allows you to swim with the bracelet, and the device itself has a special sports mode for tracking activity in the water.

You need to be very careful with the bracelet. Many users complain that water gets into the device through cracks and chips that may have been caused by hitting a door frame, furniture, etc. Some people still advise against constantly swimming with such an expensive fitness bracelet.

During sports activity and walking, the pedometer shows accurate data - the error is less than 1%. In everyday life, he can add steps when active with his hands, such as while taking a shower, changing clothes, and active gestures.

pros

• Large, color display
• Wide range of functions
• GPS tracker
• Well-developed application
• Reliable strap
• Stylish design

Minuses

• High price
• Autonomy up to 2 days
• False pedometer alarms
• No smart alarm clock

Huawei Band 4e – tracker for running and basketball

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 9.4

Functionality 7.3

Display quality 9.0

Autonomy 8.4

Design 9.0

Ease of use with a smartphone 8.8

8.8 Average rating

Equipment: fitness bracelet, shoe mount, charger, documentation. Using a special clothespin, the tracker can be securely attached to shoes for more detailed activity monitoring.

The bracelet is compact (14.8x40.5x11.2 mm) and light (13 grams). But despite its small dimensions, the device looks stylish on the hand.

The main module is fixed in a silicone block to which the strap is attached. The module can be easily removed with little effort.

Separately, it is worth noting the unusual fabric strap, which is made from recycled materials. This bracelet does not cause irritation or allergic reactions, so it will be an excellent replacement for silicone straps.

The screen is non-touch, the interface is controlled using the touch button at the bottom of the module.

It is worth mentioning that Huawei Band 4e can only notify you about messages; you cannot read the text or find out the sender’s name on the bracelet. Notification of incoming calls is also available.

Basketball Wizard Edition is in the name of the fitness bracelet for a reason. Huawei Band 4 can not only track the user’s basketball activity, but also provides detailed statistics: the number and height of jumps, maximum and average height of jumps, duration of freezes, speed of movement, duration of the game, distance traveled, number of steps, calories burned. After the game, the tracker calculates its effectiveness in points.

This device also pays a lot of attention to running. In the statistics you can see the following parameters: average pace, average speed, stride length, average time of contact with the ground, average push, average turnout, average elevation angle.

The pedometer error is less than 5%. Test results while walking: took 100 steps, the bracelet counted 103; took 300 steps, the bracelet counted 309.

pros

• Compact and lightweight
• 2 wearing modes: on the arm and on the leg
• Low cost
• Hypoallergenic strap
• Detailed analysis of running activity
• Water resistance 5ATM
• There is a "Basketball" mode
• Accuracy of work

Minuses

• No heart rate sensor
• Small monochrome screen
• Notification text cannot be read
• Narrow specialization: for running and basketball

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 – the best fitness bracelet of 2019

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 8.9

Functionality 9.0

Display quality 9.8

Autonomy 8.0

Design 9.1

Ease of use with a smartphone 9.0

8.8 Average rating

Where to buy in Moscow and regions:

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 is one of the most anticipated fitness bracelets in 2019. The fourth Mi Band is definitely the best offer on the fitness tracker market in terms of price/functionality/quality ratio.

Mi Band 4, compared to the previous version of the bracelet, received a new processor, a new screen, an updated sensor, 2.5D protective glass, a 3-axis gyroscope, and an increased battery capacity. We couldn't do without additional functionality. Now the fitness bracelet can analyze 6 types of activity, constantly monitor heart rate, control the smartphone player, provide a weather forecast for 4 days in advance, and change the design of the main screen.

Mi Band 4 is equipped with an updated Huangshan No. 1 processor, as well as a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope. These technical innovations allow the fitness bracelet not only to work faster, but also to provide more detailed and accurate data about your activity.

In terms of step counting, Xiaomi Mi Band 4 cannot be called the most precise fitness bracelet. Steps, as before, measures plus and minus adequately, but not without errors. The fact is that counting steps is too individual an indicator, which depends not only on the length of your step, but also on the movements of your hands while walking.

I conducted an experiment in which I took exactly 1000 steps, which the tracker counted as 991. This is a very impressive result, but not everyone gets it. After reading reviews from other users and comparing their numbers, I came up with a maximum error of 15%. That is, in the worst case, with real 1000 steps, the bracelet will be wrong by 150.

Unfortunately, the bracelet still cannot count the number of floors passed - this is also a minus.

Read about the heart rate monitor of the fitness bracelet, its functionality, as well as other pros and cons in the full review of the Mi Band 4:

pros

• Laconic and discreet design (perfect for any clothes)
• Lightweight and compact, comfortable to wear
• Protective 2.5D glass
• Bright and informative display
• Autonomy from 10 to 20 days
• A large number of sports modes
• Voyage accounting
• Possibility to choose a suitable dial design
• 4 day weather forecast
• Smartphone player control (volume adjustment, track switching, pause)
• Moisture protection version WR50 (swimming, shower)
• Accurately measures resting heart rate (1-2% error)
• Low cost

Minuses

• The bracelet can't track nap
• Notification font is too small
• Error in pulse measurement after 150 beats/min
• To charge the bracelet, you must remove the capsule from the strap.
• The strap clasp may come loose from time to time.
• No built-in GPS sensor
• Lack of smart alarm clock
• The “swimming” training mode is poorly developed (there is an error in measurements, meager statistics)
• In Russia there is no support for NFC and voice assistant

Honor Band 4 – the choice of buyers

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 9.0

Functionality 8.9

Display quality 9.8

Autonomy 7.5

Design 9.0

Ease of use with a smartphone 8.6

8.8 Average rating

A beautiful model with a large color AMOLED display, 0.94 inches diagonal and a resolution of 240x120 pixels, which gives one of the highest quality images on the tracker market.

The Honor Band 4 bracelet is characterized by a large set of functions: controlling the camera from the phone, searching for a phone, viewing notifications, heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor (including the ability to set up constant measurements), sleep monitoring, smart alarm clock and much more. All declared functions work accurately, without large errors.

The WR50 water resistance allows you to take the bracelet into the pool. In addition, the application has a special “swimming” mode that will provide detailed statistics on your swims.

When viewing notifications, the gadget begins to freeze a little, which is most likely due to a lack of memory.

The pedometer shows accurate information. Including, in the sports mode “Swimming” it counts strokes with arms in different styles: breaststroke, backstroke, etc. You can manually set a goal: a certain number of steps per day. But here it should be taken into account that steps will be counted optimally, for example, when jogging, when the movements are monotonous. During normal walking from work to home, an error of 10-200 steps per 1000 real ones may occur. This is explained by the fact that the bracelet may mistakenly count some hand movements and bends as steps.

There is a delay in updating steps on the bracelet screen. It is recommended to analyze the statistics step by step at the end of the day, then the error will be minimal.

pros

• High-quality assembly and reliability
• Absolutely waterproof
• Large and high-quality display
• Wide range of functions
• Up to 6 days of battery life with active use
• The display is protected by tempered glass

Minuses

• “freezing” when there are a large number of accumulated messages
• No GPS tracker
• Small selection of watch faces for the home screen
• There is no way to control music on the phone

Honor Band 4 Running Edition – the best solution for running

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 9.4

Functionality 7.5

Display quality 9.0

Autonomy 8.0

Design 8.0

Ease of use with a smartphone 8.4

8.7 Average rating

Honor Band 4 Running Edition is a special line of bracelets designed for running, so the device comes with a plastic attachment for attaching to shoes.

The hypoallergenic strap is pleasant to the touch and does not look cheap. The classic buckle clasp securely secures the bracelet on your hand. Available in 5 strap colors. The main module with the screen is easily pulled out of its slot thanks to the flexibility of the strap.

The monochrome P-OLED screen with a diagonal of 0.5 inches does not have a sensor, and all control is assigned to the touch button underneath it.

The model does not have a heart rate sensor, unlike its older brother (Honor Band 4). But the device is not without other functions: counting steps, distance traveled and calories, notifications from the phone, smart alarm clock, phone search, inactivity reminder, activating the screen by raising the wrist and switching menu items by turning the hand.

You can set up to receive notifications from any application, but the bracelet will not show the message itself and the send recipient, it will only give a signal.

The 77 mAh battery allows the bracelet to operate in standby mode for 20 days, and with active use for about 10 days.

Now about the pedometer: the tracker does not count steps in the car or public transport, the error in counting accuracy is up to 4%. Tests: walked 100 steps, the bracelet showed 107, walked 500 steps, the bracelet showed 509, walked 1000 steps, the bracelet counted 1037.

The bracelet is designed for running, it can calculate the average pace, average speed, step length, average time of contact with the ground, average landing push, average eversion, average elevation angle, as well as perform analysis and make recommendations.

The error in calculating distance while jogging is usually up to 5%, but sometimes it can reach 10%. Tests: ran a circle of 400 meters, the bracelet showed 360; ran 1 km, the bracelet showed 1.04 km; ran 1.3 km, the bracelet showed 1.29 km.

pros

• Low price
• Waterproof WR50 (can swim and shower)
• Lightweight and compact
• Attractive design
• Shoe attachment
• Measuring a large number of running parameters
• Maintains connection with phone up to 40 meters
• Smart alarm clock
• More than a week without charging
• High accuracy

Minuses

• No heart rate sensor
• Small monochrome display
• Does not show notification text and recipient
• Not the most correct sleep monitoring

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 - the most affordable and popular bracelet

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 8.6

Functionality 8.0

Display quality 8.9

Autonomy 8.0

Design 8.9

Ease of use with a smartphone 9.0

8.6 Average rating

Where to buy in Moscow and regions:

A model with an oval, convex screen, which is why it sometimes clings to clothes and gets scratched. The strap is beautiful and comfortable, but it only snaps into place with one pin and can come unfastened at will.

The gadget from Xiaomi has a low price, but a decent set of functions. There is a heart rate monitor, sleep phase monitoring, phone search mode, calorie counter, notifications for increased heart rate and much more. But not all of the declared functions work as they should. For example, a heart rate monitor provides correct information only in rest mode. During load, the data may differ from reality by 20-30%.

In addition to being vulnerable to scratches, the device's screen displays information poorly in bright sunlight, which is largely due to the convex shape of the glass.

Mi Band takes steps into account based on the G-sensor and multiplies their number by the average step length, calculated based on your specified height. Thus, maximum accuracy in counting steps can be achieved only when moving with an average step length with normal arm movements (characteristic of walking).

During normal activity, the bracelet can read any movements of the arms or changes in body position as steps. In this case, the approximate error of the pedometer by the end of the day can reach 30 percent. In public transport, the tracker can count 300-500 steps on a 2-3 km road.

But there is still a way to increase the accuracy of the pedometer. To do this, you need to select any activity in the “Activity”, as a result of which your smartphone’s GPS will be connected, which will reduce the error in counting steps to negligible. But along with GPS, the bracelet’s heart rate monitor will also be turned on in the mode of constant heart rate measurements, which will negatively affect autonomy.

pros

• Low cost
• Wide range of functions
• Moisture protection according to WR50 standard (shower, swimming)
• Battery lasts 10-15 days
• Thoughtful application
• Weather widget

Minuses

• Inaccurate operation of the heart rate monitor during training
• Doesn't keep more than 5 notifications in memory
• The pedometer overestimates the real indicators
• Convex display sometimes gets scratched

Garmin Vivosmart 4 with stress and energy tracking

Our ratings

Pedometer accuracy 8.8

Functionality 9.5

Display quality 8.6

Autonomy 6.8

Design 9.3

Ease of use with a smartphone 8.2

8.5 Average rating

Lightweight, super-thin fitness bracelet with a comfortable silicone strap. The tracker does not cause any discomfort on the wrist and is comfortable to sleep with. The display is small but bright and automatically adjusts to ambient light levels. The bracelet design is a step forward for Garmin.

5ATM water resistance allows you to use the gadget even when swimming. A special Pulse Ox sensor is capable of assessing the level of oxygen in the blood at any time of the day. The device can also track stress and energy levels - you will know exactly when the body is ready for stress.

With active use, one charge of the fitness bracelet lasts for an average of 4 days. But if you turn the display brightness to maximum and start constantly measuring blood oxygen levels and pulse, the tracker will work for a little more than one day.

The bracelet accurately measures your heart rate at rest, but during physical activity, as the pace increases, the error of the heart rate monitor increases.

All standard functions for fitness bracelets are present: counting steps, measuring heart rate, setting goals, monitoring sleep, monitoring calories burned, receiving alerts and notifications, viewing the weather forecast, controlling the smartphone camera, finding a phone and much more. Vivosmart 4 is a truly multifunctional modern fitness tracker.

The disadvantages include the small screen, which makes it very difficult to read messages, and sometimes some of the text is not visible at all. In addition to the fact that the fitness bracelet for 16 thousand does not have a built-in GPS sensor, the ability to connect a smartphone to the GPS is also excluded. The quality of the display leaves much to be desired. In addition, some buyers note the low level of Russian support.

This device is perfect for those close to professional sports. Those for whom it is important not just to measure steps, but also to track basic health indicators, will like this gadget.

pros

• Comfortable thin bracelet
• Compact and lightweight gadget
• Measuring blood oxygen levels
• Waterproof 5 ATM
• Laconic design
• Accurate pedometer
• Innovative Body Battery energy monitoring function
• Advanced sleep monitoring metrics
• Multifunctionality

In this article, we choose a sports watch with a heart rate monitor. They have become indispensable companions for athletes and supporters of a healthy lifestyle. The main purpose of the accessory is to record heart rate during training (but sophisticated models also have a number of additional options). Externally, the heart rate monitor looks like a large watch that contains 2-3 (sometimes as many as 4!) types of displayed data.

Additionally, all kinds of sensors can be included with the “watch” (sellers can give buyers bicycle cadence sensors, distance sensors, GPS and others - it depends on the specific configuration).

Why do you need a sports watch with a heart rate monitor?

A heart rate monitor is essential to help you know your heart rate during physical activity. And this will give you the opportunity:

• Choose the right workout pace;
• Find perfect time for breaks;
• Calculate the duration of breaks and understand what rest time ideally restores your strength.

All watches are programmed to determine your MHR (maximum heart rate) by subtracting your age from 220.
Example. If you are 20 years old, then the maximum heart rate is: 220 - 20 = 200 beats per minute. This indicator is taken as the main one (100%). Next, all numbers are calculated from it (as a percentage).

There are hundreds of manufacturers that supply sports watches to the market. Among them you have probably seen:

• Polar;
• Suunto;
• Oregon;
• CardioSport;
• Sanitas;
• Beurer;
• Sigma SPORT and others.

Each manufacturer has its own line of heart rate monitors. The most famous models for amateurs:

• Suunto M2 Lime. Heart rate monitor with pedometer, clock and alarm functions. There is a chest strap and an analog data sensor. Cost about 5000 rubles;
• Beurer PM15 is a model sports heart rate monitor is not equipped with a belt, and the data on heart rate determined by touching the touchpad with your finger. Cost 2500 rubles;
• Sigma RC 15.11;
• Beurer PM25 and others.

Professionals choose more expensive products equipped with the following functionality:

• Polar FT80WD+FlowLink;
• Polar RS800CX Bike New;
• Polar CS200cad N.

A small overview of models of heart rate monitors for the hand - click on.

Currently, there is a wide variety of devices that allow you to monitor the condition of a person’s heart. These include fitness bracelets, sports watches, and simply chest straps with a wireless sensor for transmitting information to a phone or tablet. All their functionality can be systematically broken down into 13 important points, which we will consider below.

Working hours

The more bells and whistles, the more power-hungry the watch. Without GPS, heart rate monitors use about the same amount of power as a wristwatch. The presence of a GPS sensor accelerates energy consumption (after 7-25 hours of use, recharging will be required).

Mounting method and sensor type

The heart rate sensor can be in the form of a chest strap, which is attached at a minimum distance from the heart.

To understand the principle of operation, let’s highlight the chest strap as the basis that collects information. After which the received information can be transmitted via Bluetooth to:

• Sports wristwatch that directly displays heart rate from a chest sensor;
• A smartphone or tablet that processes information using applications.

Each method has its pros and cons; the watch is convenient due to its compactness and mobility, since it is constantly on the wrist and the athlete can see his pulse at any time. Displaying on a phone does not have such mobility, but you can save results, track a graph of heart rate changes, and much more.

We indicated popular watch models at the beginning of the article, but here are “belt + phone” devices:

1. Samsung EI-HH10NN costs 1950 rubles, works only with Samsung phones.
2. Polar H7 hybrid belt, suitable for any modern smartphones with Bluetooth support, as well as branded Polar watches.

belt Polar H7

An example of how the sensor works with a chest strap:

Touchpad
The pulse is determined by touching a special sensor on the outside hours. This type of heart rate monitor is suitable for amateurs who do not need to track their pulse in real time, but just need to know their heart rate at a certain time.

The efficiency of work is lower, the results are often “off”. But the low cost makes such watches attractive for those who play sports at an amateur level.
Popular representatives: Beurer PM15, Beurer PM18 (model with pedometer).

Sports bracelets with internal sensor
In essence, these are watches, although they are called bracelets. The main difference from the variations described above is that the watch receives heart rate data from a sensor located on inside bracelet That is, they do not have a chest strap and you do not need to put your finger on the watch.

Fitness bracelet Fitbit Charge HR

Available with or without displays. The main task of a fitness bracelet is to transmit information to a smartphone, where heart rate, pedometer, calorie consumption, etc. metrics are calculated in a special application.

The cost of sports bracelets with a heart rate monitor is higher than a simple watch with a chest sensor, and starts from 10 thousand rubles. For example, the Fitbit Charge HR model costs 11,000 rubles, the popular Polar Loop bracelet costs 10,900 rubles, Samsung Gear S costs 17,360 rubles.

Attention! The cost of heart rate monitor watches varies greatly. The simplest models can be found for 1,500 rubles. The price tag for serious and powerful ones “starts” at 15,000 rubles. The more expensive the model, the more additional functions it has.

The minimum required capabilities are an indication of the training time and a pulse bar. By the way, the pulse line makes the watch popular not only among athletes. The device is necessary for those who suffer from arrhythmia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Pedometer

This feature is often added to watches with a heart rate monitor. It does not have a special impact on the price, so this item should be considered from the point of view of expediency. If you constantly walk or run, then it makes sense to choose a watch with a pedometer to calculate the distance, number of steps taken, etc.

Additional functions of heart rate monitors

1. Communication with computer

A useful option that will allow you not to manually transfer training information to your diary. This way you save time on entering data. It’s very easy and simple, because everything will be automatic. You just need to install the official program on your computer, connect a heart rate monitor to it and download all the information on the history of your training.
It is possible to go to Personal Area on the manufacturer's website. This will show data about physical activity coach, relatives and friends.

2. Recording training history

The heart rate monitor remembers the history of your activities: the intensity of the exercises, the time they were performed, heart rate, pulse and other parameters. This is convenient for those who keep a fitness diary, and the hassle of filling out the data is several times less.

For those who work “from time to time” and often throw the diary on the shelf, this option is of no use.

3. Keep track of calories burned

The technique calculates the number of calories burned based on the intensity of the pulse. Of course, this only gives approximate results, so the importance of the option is questionable. It can be used as a kind of “reference point” for further tracking of calorie consumption.

The watch cannot know exactly how much energy a person has spent, because this indicator is influenced by many factors: weight, metabolic rate, ratio of muscles and fat in the body. But, having measured the calorie consumption during the first workout, next time you will be able to know exactly how much you worked out, because the calculation will be based on the same indicators as the first time. And by comparing the results and knowing for sure that the calculation always occurs according to the same formula, you will be able to calculate individual programs training.

4. Lap time and average heart rate

For athletes who train in intervals. This option helps you record how your results change from one section to another. The function can be found even in inexpensive models. But few people use it (due to its specificity).

5. Definition of the “fat burning zone”

The option allows you to understand the actions that will bring maximum benefit from your workout (the so-called “fat burning zone”). A simple and cheap heart rate monitor will calculate 3 zones. Professional and expensive will “find” up to 5.

Attention! The “fat burning zone” is just an approximate indicator that is calculated by the machine based on certain data. Therefore, do not treat it as a panacea for all ills.

You can calculate this zone yourself. Karvonen's formula will help you (it is what is included in most algorithms). At the same time, you'll stretch your brain a little.

Below is a table with an approximate heart rate, maintaining which will have a beneficial effect on a person’s overall health:

Aerobic heart rate

50-85%

Maximum heart rate
Age	Beats per minute	Beats per minute
20	100–170	200
25	98–166	195
30	95–162	190
35	93–157	185
40	90–153	180
45	88–149	175
50	85–145	170
55	83–140	165
60	80–136	160
65	78–132	155
70	75–128	150

6. The presence of a sound signal about a change in pulse

This option is perfect option for those whose pulse constantly jumps. As soon as the heart rate rises above the set norm, the device emits a warning “squeak” (or vibrates).

ATTENTION! Another function may be useful for those who are used to feeling sorry for themselves during training. If you slow down the pace of your workouts or start to get lazy, your pulse will “report” this to the heart rate monitor, and it will immediately let you know with a sound signal.

7. Fitness test

It is unlikely that this function will be useful to professionals who know their load, sequence and pace of exercises. It is intended for those who yesterday were lying on the sofa, and today made a bold decision to plunge headlong into healthy image life.

The heart rate monitor invites you to undergo a short test (like in famous fitness centers). After analyzing the results, the device “produces” an exercise program suitable for your level of training.

Attention! You cannot “overload” the body with sudden kilometers of running and lifting weights of 20 kg. The increase in load should be gradual. A fitness test will show you which one exactly.

8. The same GPS

A sports watch with GPS function is truly something worth recommending. Without this option it is impossible to imagine morning jogging, cycling, race walking or other active sports where you need to move around the terrain. Thanks to built-in sensors, the system will notify you:

• About the number of kilometers traveled;
• About the average speed of movement;
• About the specifics of the climb and other characteristics.

Slope and elevation information is only available on devices with a barometric altimeter. But you shouldn’t take them as truth: during training, the equipment will show you data that is 2-3 times inflated. When you connect to your computer, the system will polish up the information and give you the correct information.

GPS is only available on watches that work directly with a phone or save data to a computer. On simple heart rate monitor models that are designed to work only with watches, you will not find such a function.

9. Ability to create “your own workouts” + change workouts

Another “professional” option that athletes need to reach the next height. It allows you to set the pace and features of the workout, speed up or slow down from a given pace. The technology will tell you when it's time to speed up or slow down.

Another option for the “advanced” is changing the workout. Suitable for those who manage to ski, run and swim to their heart's content in one lesson.

10. Customize your screen

Another option for everyone. Individual settings allow you to refine the data you need during training (up to 12 parameters). Thanks to them, you can control your body's signals.

The question is whether it is worth paying more for such a “pleasure”: the additional customization function will automatically “heighten” the cost.

Finally, a small table describing the main manufacturers.

Other brands are less known to customers, so there is no point in presenting them. But most dark horses"are created for those who deny innovation and advocate conservatism in every detail.