External heart rate monitor for watch/iOS

Due to sporadic unreliability with the watch HR sensors, we’re looking for a dedicated heart rate monitor that interfaces with either the watch or iOS. Hoping for a chest strap style or something similar.

Does anybody here use something like that? Looking for something that ties in to the Apple ecosystem. The last post I could find on here was from 2019, and it was suggesting an iMore article that recommended the Wahoo Tickr X. It looks like there were a number of quality issues with the Wahoo products, so I am wondering if there is maybe a better current option?

Any more current advice?

I have used them all through the years. You cannot go wrong with Polar H9/H10 depending on your needs. Having 2 bluetooth connections is helpful.

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Can I ask which apps you use to monitor the data? Do you use a watch app for monitoring while you work out?

You might find this helpful.

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I use a Garmin (watch, cycling) since I left the Apple Watch several years ago. Apple would use bluetooth to connect and would sync to health app. I also use Zwift, etc. You can google dcrainmaker who reviews all the heart rate monitors. If I remember correctly, he settles on Garmin and Polar.

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When I row indoors, I use a Garmin chest strap paired to my Apple Watch via bluetooth. When I row, the HR readings from the watch are super sporadic due to gripping the bar. The chest strap fixes this and the Watch will use the chest strap’s HR data.

Works perfectly.

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Is there a particular model that you can recommend?

I have this one:

But I think as long as it has Bluetooth you are good to go. So their less expensive one (the Dual I believe it is) should also work.

Most of the time when I put on the strap it connects to the watch automatically. However I always pop into Bluetooth settings on the watch to verify. If it hasn’t connected automatically I just tap on it in Bluetooth settings and it connects immediately.

+1 for the Polar H9. I use the Polar App on my phone to monitor HR during workouts.

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Does the H9 not connect directly to an Apple Watch? Or you don’t have an Apply Watch?

Be aware that the Garmin strap can retain odor even after washing. It’s a known problem. The newest one released a few weeks ago probably does not have that issue.

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I’ve been using the MyZone MZ-3 for 6+ years now, independent app, and also integrates (Bluetooth) with your phone to dump data into Health. It also supports ANT+. Just one more option for you to consider.

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I’ve been using the Polar H10 chest strap for a while now, and it’s been rock solid with my Apple Watch and iPhone. It syncs easily with the Apple Health app and gives really accurate readings.

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