Health has never been more important as people are now taking time to work on their lifestyle and give it a healthier turn.
From outdoor activities to spending time with friends and family, everyone is now aware of their physical and mental health and trying to do as much as possible for it.
But sometimes, despite all our efforts, we might already have a health condition or develop one.
Of course, the world of science and technology has taken great leaps, and the field of medical sciences has advanced manifold. Treatment, as well as preventive measures, are available for most health conditions.
That being said, one still has to keep an eye on their health, as early detection can play a crucial role in treatment. There are now various technologies available to keep track of one’s health.
Some fitness bands track sleep, physical activity, calorie intake, and so on. Oximeters and blood-sugar level indicators are also easy to use and portable.
Now you can also monitor your heart rate with your smartphone! Nowadays, almost everyone uses a smartphone.
You can download an app on the same smartphone and keep track of your heartbeat! Various heart rate monitor apps are now available on Google Play and the Apple Store.
These Android Bluetooth heart rate monitoring apps are also compatible with various devices with different operating systems.
These apps will keep track of your heart rate while you exercise, do outdoor activities, analyze the change in your heart rate from when you were resting to when you were doing peak cardio or high-intensity workouts, and so on.
You can get your real-time health information right in your hand. You can also share regular reports with your physician as well.
How These Apps Can Track Your Heart Rate?💁
Fitness bands and other wearable devices measure your heart rate by analyzing the changes in blood volume below your skin’s surface.
This process is known as photoplethysmography. Smartphone heart rate trackers use a similar technique to detect your heart rate.
Let us explain how it works in detail. When your heart beats, it sends blood right through the capillaries in your body.
The blood running through these capillaries in your face and fingers swells and recedes with each heart pump.
Blood can absorb light. These apps capture this swelling and reduction of blood using your phone’s camera and flash.
It throws light on your skin and makes a reflection when you place your finger on your smartphone’s camera lens.
The app then analyses the change in color and thickness of blood being pumped into your finger to calculate your heart rate.
How Accurate Are These Heart-rate Tracking Apps?
Photoplethysmography is a reliable method of tracking heart rate, and many devices have used it for quite some time. Yet all heart rate monitoring apps are built in different manners.
When compared with clinical gold standard measurements of electrocardiogram and fingertip pulse oximetry, it was found by the scientists that the heart rate tracking of these apps can be off.
Their research revealed that the heart rate monitored by these apps could be off the mark by almost 20 beats per minute in 20% of the cases.
Unsurprisingly, these apps do not perform as well as the highest quality of clinical and medical-grade equipment.
So most apps are recommended for casual monitoring instead of serious medical use. But it was also found that within these apps too, some perform far better than the other heart rate monitor apps.
The study revealed that apps that will ask you to place your finger on your smartphone’s camera to track your heartbeat are far more accurate than apps that use your face to monitor your heart rate.
If you need a basic overview of your heart activity, then these heart rate monitoring apps are highly convenient.
But if you need to track your heartbeat for a more difficult situation, then it is recommended to stick to the equipment your physician might have suggested for you.
Now that you are aware of how heart rate tracking apps work, let us take a look at the best heart rate monitor apps available on different types of devices to find the best one for your needs.
Best Heart Rate Monitor Apps – Our Top Pick👌
1. Instant Heart Rate: HR Monitor & Pulse Checker
This is one of the top-rated apps available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Millions of people across the globe use the app and have been featured on reputed news portals like CNN, The Guardian, Chicago Tribune, and so on.
The app measures your heartbeat through your camera and promises results within ten seconds.
It will also give you pulse waveform graphs and charts to track your heart rate. You can also try this app’s StandUp test, which will measure your fatigue or fit.
The app will also record your bpm, and you can use the note space to track what you did when your heart rate was resting. This app is trusted even by researchers and cardiologists.
The app also offers premium packages for varying periods, such as monthly or yearly.
The subscription price varies from time to time and depends on the package you choose. It may vary from $9.99 per month to $59.99 per year.
Features of Instant Heart Rate app:-
- This app is compatible with all types of devices-Android, iOs, and Windows Phones.
- The user interface is easy to use and comprehend. It is convenient and suitable to be used by all ages.
- The app requires a good and well-functioning camera flash to give the most accurate result.
- This app is considered one of the iPhone’s most accurate heart rate monitor apps and supports over 25 languages.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
2. Kardia: Detect more arrhythmias than any other personal EKG
Kardia app is compatible with both Android and iOs devices. This app goes the extra mile, and you require an additional device to work with it.
But thanks to the additional device that requires you to put your fingers on it to monitor your heart rate, the app can give you more information than other apps, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and so on, in just 30 seconds.
You can also get the KardiaBand for more portable yet equally accurate readings.
The app also analyzes your EKG to indicate whether your results are normal or may indicate readings or episodes that show abnormal blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or even symptoms of conditions like atrial fibrillation.
If the app detects any irregularity or erratic heart rate, it will also guide you on handling the situation and what you should do next.
Features of the Kardia app:-
- The app has an additional sensor device that takes 30 seconds to measure your heart rate and blood pressure.
- The app will manage a health record for you, and you can share it with experts easily.
- The KardiaBand EKG devices can easily detect common arrhythmias that other apps can not.
- The app has received a rating of 3.6 and 4.8 out of 5 on the Google Play and Apple stores, respectively.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
3. Cormeum: Smart heart-failure management
This app has a 4.8 rating and is designed to study and identify abnormal heart rates and possible health failure.
It was developed by a heart specialist nurse who saw the potential of preventing heart problems if one can keep regular track of their heart health.
It maintains track of your heart’s health to analyze the data.
It tries to predict any potential health dangers you might face from your heart rate. It also provides you with graphs and alerts to better understand all the information.
You can also keep track of the medication you are taking and what doses. The charts the app prepares are readily available to the users and can be shared with the experts of your choice.
The app will also track your sodium intake, and you can set sodium targets on daily, weekly, or monthly levels.
You can also schedule daily reminders to remind you to enter your details for a more detailed report and keep track of your overall heart health.
With weekly charts, you can track the trends your heart rate follows with a specific diet.
Features of Cormeum app:-
- This app tracks both your heart rate and your meals to calculate the intake of sodium and other fluids to prepare a detailed report.
- It will ensure that you are not missing any of your medications.
- The app generates easy-to-read charts, and these reports can be shared easily with experts or physicians. These can give data on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis.
- The app can be available on both iOS as well as Android devices.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
4. FibriCheck
This Android app is simple. Easy to use by all ages, this app will give you the same details as an echocardiogram.
It is certified by the Food and Drug Administration so you can rely on this app for the correct results. It only takes a minute to read your heart rate and check whether it is regular.
Features of the FibriCheck app:-
- This app has a simple interface that is easy to use and understand
- It is approved by FDA and is featured on Healthline as well
- It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store. It is free but might have in-app purchases.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
5. Cardiac Diagnosis (arrhythmia)
Cardiac Diagnosis may seem like an app that is too simple to be true. But it is quite accurate when it uses intense light to monitor your heart rate and give you the correct reading.
It does not need any additional devices, and it will let you know if your heart rate is normal if you need to pay caution, or if it is dangerous and you must seek immediate medical assistance.
It is suitable for people who are already aware of their heart problems and need a quick check to see if they need immediate medical help in the event of arrhythmia or another such cardiac episode. Early detection can prove to be a lifesaver in such cases.
Features of the Cardiac Diagnosis app:-
- You do not need to have any additional devices to use this app
- This app is free to use on Android devices.
- It has a rating of 4.0 stars out of 5 on the google play store.
- It will not give detailed information but sufficient information to decide your course of action.
Download the App from Google Play Store
6. Qardio Heart Health
This app takes 30 seconds to monitor your heart rate with the help of your device’s camera and gives you almost accurate results.
It is available on both Android and Apple devices. It will also allow you to measure your blood pressure, and you can keep track of these pieces of information according to your location.
You can then analyze your heart rate at your workplace, gym, and home and determine your action accordingly.
You can also keep track of other health metrics like weight and body composition of fat and muscle. It will give you a more holistic view of your health rather than just focusing on the health of your heart.
You can get quick results that are easy to read and share with others. This app can also pair with Apple Watch to make heart rate monitoring more accurate and easy.
Features of the Qardio app:-
- This Qardio app has won 3 CES awards and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the google play store.
- It has the cloud-sync feature to import the data from your wearable trackers like Fitbit, Google Fit, Samsung Health, etc.
- You can share your records with your physician directly through the app and seek their consultation.
- It also has a QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure monitor that can be synced with your devices if you want even more accurate results.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
7. REPS Heart Rate Monitor
Heart Rate Monitor app is an Android-compatible app that you can use on your smartphone or tablet. It also uses the camera of the device to track your heart rate.
The app will also have a Heart Rate training zone where you can work on improving the health of your heart.
This app is free to use with unlimited recording and does not need any additional device like the Kardia app to function. It is also compatible with Google Fit and has an easy-to-use app interface.
You can also add labels to your heart rate to analyze how your heart rate works at different times during different activities.
Features of Heart Rate Monitor app:-
- This app works on the new and old versions of Android.
- It is free to use but might have in-app purchases that are entirely your choice to go for or not.
- The app has over a million installs and brilliant reviews on the Google Play store, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Download the App from Google Play Store
8. Cardiio: HR checker & beat analyzer
This is considered one of the best heart rate monitor apps, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5. It uses the cameras of your iPhone to measure your heart rate and give you an analysis of the same.
It will give you information like resting heart rate, heart rate performance over time, and endurance.
You need to first download and install the app on your iPhone. Then you should open the app and follow the instructions.
It will tell you to place your finger over the camera. Now the app will use the sensors and take your pulse. Then it will give you the result of its reading after analysis.
Cardiio Incorporated developed this app with an average rating of around 4.7 out of 5 on the Apple store.
This heart rate monitor app also features from time to time as one of the best heartbeat apps in different modes of media.
Features of Cardiio heartbeat app:-
- The user can get a premium pack and unlock features like Pulse Waveform Pack, Specific Heart Rate Pack, Calorie-Burn Estimator, etc. You do not need different devices to gain all this information. You can subscribe to the premium version of this app for $9.99.
- The app also offers an interval training circuit to help improve your numbers and aerobic ability. You can run the plan through your doctor and start working on it.
- The free version of this app comes with well-working basic features that will allow you to keep track of your heartbeat.
- The app supports over 13 languages.
- The app requires iOS version 8.0 or above and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.
Download the App from Apple App Store
9. Heart Rate Plus
This is yet another heart rate tracking app that is available on all iOS and Android devices and has an average rating of more than 4.5 stars on the app store out of 5 stars.
The app will use your device’s camera to track your heart rate and monitor your pulse. You can get the saved reports in graphs to facilitate the understanding of the reports.
You can also add quick notes and tag them according to your needs and understanding in this app.
It will remind you to measure your heart rate regularly, and you can export the reports to CSV or Apple health support.
This app will give you a real-time analysis of your heart rate with a graph as well. You can also purchase the premium version to remove the ads from the app.
The heart rate app also analyzes and provides you with a real-time graph.
Features of the Heart Rate Plus app:-
- This app has one of the highest ratings on the app store and is trusted by many users.
- This app is one of the most accurate apps with an iPhone and is free to use.
- You can get a pro version at a minimal price which will remove the ads from the app and allow you to export your reports in a spreadsheet file.
- It will remind you to monitor your heart rate regularly, and you can be assured not to miss it.
- The app supports over 20 languages, such as English, Hindi, Thai, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, French, etc., so you can use it in a language you are comfortable with.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
10. Cardiograph – Heart rate meter
Macropinch’s Cardiograph will help you measure and track different people’s heart rates in the same app!
You can track your entire family’s heart health in this app by creating individual profiles.
It will use your device’s camera and sensor to calculate the rhythm of your heart and create a personal history that you can easily refer to whenever you need it.
Features of the Cardiograph app:-
- Track the heart rates of more than one person in this app
- It is easy to use and will give you accurate results.
- It has a neat and uncluttered interface.
- It supports Android Wear OS and can be paired with smartwatches to track your heart rate.
- You can add notes to your heart rate tracking as well.
- It has a 4-star rating on the Play Store with over 200,000 reviews.
Download the App from Google Play Store
Download the App from Apple App Store
11. Heartwatch
With a rating of 4.7 stars, this app tracks your heart rate in four modes- Sleeping, walking, workout, and regular.
It is also always on the lookout for any irregularities in your heart rate.
This app is also trusted to work best with Apple smartwatches and is quite accurate. Its user interface is also good.
It has combined AI and machine learning technologies to analyze complex medical signals and give you the best results without invading your privacy.
Features of the Heartwatch app:-
- This app is one of the best and cheapest heart rate monitoring apps on the app store at just $3.99.
- The app can be used in over 10 languages, so you are free to choose the language you are most comfortable with.
- The app has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- The app needs iOs 11.0 or above in iPhones and watches 4.0 or above for the Apple watch.
Download the App from Apple App Store
📗FAQ📗
What is the best pulse heart rate monitor app?
Many heart rate monitor apps are available for download, but the best one will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include Instant Heart Rate, HeartWatch, and Cardiogram.
Best heart rate Monitor app for iPhone?
Instant Heart Rate, Cardiogram, HeartWatch, and Runtastic Heart Rate Monitor are several heart rate monitor apps available for the iPhone.
How do I use my phone as a heart rate monitor?
To use your phone as a heart rate monitor, you will need to download a heart rate monitor app and follow its instructions.
Typically, this will involve placing your finger over the camera lens and flash on the back of your phone or using a separate heart rate monitor device that connects to your phone.
Can a smartphone measure heart rate?
Yes, many smartphones can measure heart rate with the help of a heart rate monitor app and the phone’s camera and flash.
Is there a free heart monitor app?
Yes, there are several free heart monitor apps available for download, including Instant Heart Rate, Cardiio, and Runtastic Heart Rate.
How accurate are phone heart rate apps?
The accuracy of phone heart rate apps can vary depending on the app and the conditions in which it is used. Some studies have shown that certain apps can be fairly accurate, while others may be less reliable.
Can my iPhone measure my heart rate?
Yes, iPhones have a built-in heart rate monitor that can be used with the Health app or a third-party heart rate monitor app.
How do I use my iPhone as a heart rate monitor?
To use your iPhone as a heart rate monitor, open the Health app or a third-party heart rate monitor app and follow the instructions for measuring your heart rate.
Typically, this will involve placing your finger over the camera lens and flashing on the back of your phone.
Can a phone heart rate monitor detect arrhythmia?
Some heart rate monitor apps are capable of detecting arrhythmia, but it is important to note that these apps are not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.
Can my Samsung phone check my heart rate?
Yes, many Samsung phones can check heart rate with the help of a heart rate monitor app and the phone’s camera and flash.
Is there a free app for blood pressure and heart rate?
Yes, there are several free apps available for download that can monitor both blood pressure and heart rates, such as Instant Heart Rate and HeartWatch.
What is a good resting heart rate by age?
Resting heart rate can vary depending on age, fitness level, and other factors. However, a normal resting heart rate for adults is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Can you do an EKG on your phone?
Yes, there are EKG apps available for download that can be used with a separate device to perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) on your phone.
Are phone ECG accurate?
The accuracy of phone ECGs can vary depending on the app and the conditions in which it is used. It is important to note that these apps are not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.
What is a normal resting heart rate?
A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
How accurate is the iPhone watch heart rate monitor?
The accuracy of the iPhone watches heart rate monitor can vary depending on the conditions in which it is used. Some studies have shown that it can be fairly accurate, while others have found it less reliable.
What heart rate is too high?
A heart rate that consistently exceeds 100 beats per minute at rest may be considered too high and could indicate a medical condition.
What does your pulse feel like with AFib?
In atrial fibrillation (AFib), the pulse may feel irregular, rapid, or fluttery. Some people may not notice any difference in their pulse, while others may experience chest pain or shortness of breath symptoms.
What does an AFib heart rate look like?
In AFib, the heart rate may be irregular and vary from person to person. Some people may have a heart rate within the normal range, while others may have a heart rate that is too fast or too slow.
What Galaxy phones have a heart rate monitor?
Many Galaxy phones have a heart rate monitor, including the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, and Galaxy Note 20.
Which Samsung phone has a heart rate sensor?
Many Samsung phones have heart rate sensors, including the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, and Galaxy Note 20.
What is the app that detects heart arrhythmias?
Several apps available for download can detect heart arrhythmias, such as KardiaMobile and AliveCor.
What is a good pulse rate for a 70-year-old?
A normal resting heart rate for a 70-year-old is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
What is a good resting heart rate for age 70?
A normal resting heart rate for a 70-year-old is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
What is the difference between pulse rate and heart rate?
Pulse rate refers to the number of times your arteries expand and contract as blood flows through them, while heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute.
In other words, pulse rate is a measurement of the heart’s output, while heart rate is a measurement of the heart’s activity.
What is the most accurate heart rate monitor app?
“Instant Heart Rate” application is one of the world’s leading and most accurate heart measurement applications and is trusted by some of the best cardiologists for its use in clinical trials.
What is the best heart rate app for Android?
Instant Heart Rate, Kardia, Cormeum, Cardiac Diagnosis, etc. are some of the best heart rate applications for Android, and allow you to take care of your heart health, without any additional device.
What is the best heart rate monitor for iPhone?
Instant Heart Rate, The H10, Cardiio, etc. are among the best heart rate monitors for iPhone, and you can use them to check specific heart rates without much problem.
What app can I connect my heart rate monitor to?
You can use the Polar Beat application to connect your heart rate monitor with your smartphone.
How accurate are phone heart rate apps?
The accuracy depends on what application you are using to find the heart rate. “While Instant Heart Rate” and “Heart Fitness” were two of the most accurate heart rate applications after findings from a study based on 108 randomly selected patients.
Other applications tested were “Whats My Heart Rate” and “Cardiio Version” which were not as accurate as they should be.
What is the best free heart rate monitor app?
Kardia, Qardio Heart Health, Cardiio are some of the best free heart rate monitor applications you can rely on to track your heart rate and take care of your health.
Is there a totally free heart rate app?
Kardia is a completely free heart rate application without in-app purchases and is recommended by leading cardiologists to track your heart health data with medical accuracy, right from the comfort of your home.
Can iPhone detect heart rate?
You can download and use the Google Fit application on your iPhone to detect heart rate using the rear camera and the respiratory rate. You can also use the best heart rate application, Instant Heart Rate to use your iPhone as a heart rate detector.
Is the iPhone heart rate accurate?
iPhone itself cannot detect your heart rate, you have to download a third-party application. And, the accuracy rate comes down to the application you are using. Instant heart rate is the most accurate global heart rate application and does perfectly well on iOS and Android devices.
Is Android Heart Rate Monitor accurate?
Android heart rate monitoring applications like instant heart rate, Kardia, Cormeum, FibriCheck, etc. are doing decently well regarding monitoring the heart rate. However, you should never rely on applications only, especially if you are a heart patient.
How accurate is Samsung’s heart rate?
According to a study by the heart rhythm society, the accuracy of the variables at finding heart rate within 5 BPM is very accurate. The accuracy rate for Samsung wearable devices was an impressive 94%.
However, you should not always depend on wearables only, especially if you have heart problems.
Is Fitbit or Apple Watch more accurate for heart rate?
The study by the heart rhythm society found that the accuracy of finding heart rate within 5 BPM was 100% for apple, and 94% for Fitbit. The accuracy rate within 10 BPM was 100% for Apple and 88% for Fitbit. So, Apple Watch is slightly better as compared to Fitbit, as far as accuracy for heart rate is concerned.
Which heart rate app is most accurate?
As previously mentioned in the list, the Instant heart rate app is the most popular and accurate heart rate monitoring app. It is made by Azumio, compatible with Apple, Android, and Windows devices, and accurate and reliable.
How do I choose a good heart rate monitor?
There are various types of heart rate monitors available on the market. You can go for chest straps if you have accuracy as your priority.
If you want convenience in a heart rate monitor, you can use wrist-only heart monitors. Lately, in-ear heart monitors have also been released and become a hit with sports enthusiasts.
Can my phone take my heart rate?
Yes, you can use your smartphone to track your heart rate if you have a good camera and flash, as most heart rate apps use these two smartphone features to monitor your heart rate.
How accurate are iPhone heart rate monitors?
Photoplethysmography is a reliable method of tracking heart rate, and many devices have used it for quite some time. Yet all heart rate monitoring apps are built in different manners.
When compared with clinical gold standard measurements of electrocardiogram and fingertip pulse oximetry, it was found by the scientists that the heart rate tracking of these apps can be off.
Their research revealed that the heart rate monitored by these apps could be off the mark by almost 20 beats per minute in 20% of the cases.
Unsurprisingly, these apps do not perform as well as the highest quality of clinical and medical-grade equipment.
Conclusion
So most apps are recommended for casual monitoring instead of serious medical use. But it was also found that within these apps too, some perform far better than the other heart rate monitor apps.
The study revealed that apps that will ask you to place your finger on your smartphone’s camera to track your heartbeat tend to be far more accurate than apps that simply use your face to monitor your heart rate.