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We wanted to break down the best heart rate monitors specifically for triathletes. Triathletes require specific functions for their heart rate monitor and we break down their features below. Without further delay, the top 6 heart rate monitors for triathletes are:
| Rank | Device | Comments | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Garmin HRM-Tri | Best overall heart rate monitor for triathletes because if outperformed all other heart rate monitors for the 5 important considerations. | Amazon.com |
| 2. | Polar H10 | A good choice when it comes to chest strap heart rate monitors. Although the overall ratings are good, users have reported some connectivity issues. | Amazon.com |
| 3. | SUUNTO Smart Sensor | More price sensitive option, works for swimming and has a very long battery live | Amazon.com |
| 4. | Moov HR Moitor | Heart rate monitor which can be used for swimming in addition to cycling and running. | Amazon.com |
| 5. | Scosche Rhythm | Arm band monitor which can be used for cycling and running but is not as efficient for swimming. | Amazon.com |
| 6. | Dash Heart Rate Monitor | Chest heart rate monitor compatible with many watches and devices but should not be used for swimming. | Amazon.com |
Top 5 Important Features of Triathlon Heart Rate Monitors
There are a few criteria that is important when it comes to choosing the best heart rate monitor for triathletes.
While specialized heart rate monitor for runners, cyclists, or swimmers have their own unique features, triathletes need compatibility across all three disciplines in one device. This type of cross functionality only exists across a limited number of heart rate monitors. It’s important to understand the features and which ones will work best for triathletes. Having said that, there are 5 important considerations that all triathletes must take info account:
- Ability to monitor heart rate in water
- Long battery life for long training sessions
- Easily cleaned from sweat and dirt
- Instant read with your device
- Accurate readings
Best Heart Rate Monitor for Triathletes: Garmin HRM-Tri
 | The Garmin HRM-Tri is our best overall heart rate monitor for triathletes because if outperformed all other heart rate monitors for the 5 important considerations. – Ability to accurately monitor and store up to 20 hours worth of swimming heart rate data – Battery lasts up to 10 months with regular usage (1 hour per day) – Easy to clean with soap and water in the shower – Syncs with Garmin devices using Ant+ technology Price Varies – Check on Amazon.com |
Best Heart Rate Monitor for Multiple Devices: Polar H10
  | The Polar H10 is also a good choice when it comes to chest strap heart rate monitors. Although the overall ratings are good, users have reported some connectivity issues. – Some issues with connectivity, especially while swimming – Battery lasts up to 400 hours, which should last for more than a few months – Easy to clean with soap and cold water – Syncs with most devices and uses both Ant+ technology and Bluetooth Price Varies – Check on Amazon.com |
Best Budget Heart Rate Monitor: SUUNTO Smart Sensor – AW16
  | The SUUNTO Smart Sensor AW16 is a great budget hear rate monitor for that can be used for swimming as well as cycling and running. There has been some concerns around the effectiveness of the heart rate monitoring. – Some issues with monitoring, including dropped signals – Battery lasts up to 500 hours, which is slightly higher than compatible models – Syncs with most devices and apps (Strava, etc) and uses Bluetooth technology Price Varies – Check on Amazon.com |
Runner Up Best Budget HR Monitor: Moov Heart Rate Monitor
  | The Moov Heart Rate Monitor is a good mid-level monitor that works well with the Moov Fitness Tracker. This device works for running and cycling, but not swimming. Where the Moov really shines is for HIIT Workouts. – No monitoring while swimming – Battery has been known to last up to 10 months with regular workouts – Great for HIIT workouts – Syncs with Moov Devices using Bluetooth Price Varies – Check on Amazon.com |
Best Arm Band Heart Rate Monitor: Scosche Rhythm
  | The Scosche Rhythm is the only arm band hear rate monitor on the list and rare to see in the marketplace. Although the device is waterproof, it has a limited range and may not work best for lap swimming. – Device is rechargeable, instead of having a replaceable battery. It has been estimated to last 8 hours. – Easy to clean – Syncs with most apps through RHYTHM+ app the and uses both Ant+ technology and Bluetooth – This device also tracks elements such as speed, distance, pace, calories burned, and more. Price Varies – Check on Amazon.com |
Best Non-Swimming HR Monitor: Dash Heart Rate Monitor
  | The Dash Heart Rate monitor is the best non-swimming monitor and has high marks for both accuracy and price. The – Great connectivity and accurate monitoring, including establishing of heart rate zones – Battery is not the best and lasts up to 160 hours, or around 7 days straight. – Easy to clean – Syncs with most devices and uses Blutooth Technology Price Varies – Check on Amazon.com |
Chest Strap vs Wrist Heart Rate Monitors
There are two different types of heart rate monitors – chest strap and wrist.
Chest straps go around your chest and take heart rate measurement directly from the chest.
Wrist heart rate monitor go around your wrist like a watch, and most wrist heart rate monitors double for watches and activity trackers. Although these are the most convenient, the measurements are not as accurate as the chest strap and they generally don’t work under water or in pools.
Therefore, we almost always recommend the chest strap monitors to effectively track all 3 sports with a single heart rate monitor.