Preparing for triathlons is tough work and involves months of endless training to build strength and endurance. However, triathletes are always particular when planning and managing their training to avoid taking it to a point where it becomes counterproductive for their bodies.
The health-tracking technology has seen extensive innovation over the years, which has resulted in significant changes in the training routines of athletes. One of these innovations has given us heart rate monitors that help track the changes in a heartbeat over the course of training and competition and helps us monitor our progress and organize our preparation to get the maximum benefit out of it.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top | Garmin HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap, Real-Time Heart Rate Data and Running Dynamics, Black | Check Today's Price |
 | Garmin 010-01689-00 Forerunner 35; Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch, Black | Check Today's Price |
 | Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap - ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women (NEW) | Check Today's Price |
If you are a triathlete looking to buy a heart rate monitor to track your health, check out the following recommendations for the best triathlon heart rate monitors to enhance your training routines.
The 5 Best Triathlon Heart Rate Monitors
Given the need for precision and accuracy required by tri-athletes, it’s no surprise that not many brands have been able to make it to the top despite there being several in the business of making smartwatches. Below are the heart rate monitors, which were the best performers out of all the ones we tested.
1. Garmin HRM Pro
- Premium heart rate strap transmits real-time heart rate data via ANT+ technology and BLUETOOTH Low Energy technology to communicate with Garmin devices, compatible fitness equipment and online training apps, such as Zwift
- Captures running dynamics, such as vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, vertical ratio and more
- Stores heart rate data during swimming or other activities out of range of your Garmin watch then automatically sends data to the watch when the activity is finished
- Stores steps, calories, intensity minutes and heart rate then syncs to your compatible Garmin watch when in range
- Small, lightweight heart rate monitoring module is no wider than the width of the soft, comfortable strap
- Battery life: up to one year
This chest strap monitor is one of Garmin’s latest and best innovations in the category to date. Not only is it extremely accurate in the tracking of health data, but it also analyzes running dynamics, including oscillation, stride length, vertical ratio, etc.
This feature allows the athlete to gauge the quality of their training and make adjustments to it to enhance the results. Additionally, the monitor has Bluetooth connectivity, which connects it to other Garmin accessories, like smartwatches, Garmin apps, etc.
It stores all the health data, including heart rate, steps, calories spent, etc., so the athlete can see their progression over time and plan the next steps.
Overall, it is the best heart rate monitor in the market.
2. Garmin Forerunner 35
- Easy-to use GPS running watch tracks how far, how fast and where you run
- Estimates heart rate at the wrist, all day and night, using Garmin elevate wrist heart rate technology
- Connected features: Smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking and music controls (when paired with a compatible smartphone)
- All-day activity tracking estimates steps, calories and intensity minutes and reminds you when to move
- Automatically uploads your data to Garmin Connect, our free online fitness community where you can join challenges, receive insights and share your progress as you meet your go
If you are more comfortable using a wristband over a chest strap monitor, you should opt for the Garmin Forerunner 35. Not only is this smartwatch elegant and sleek, it has the ability to precisely monitor several health metrics, like heart rate, running distance, pace, calories spent, etc.
While it does not give a complete analysis of the running dynamics, unlike the Garmin HRM Pro, it is still a great option to have given its excellent connectivity due to the provision of both Bluetooth and GPS.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 also comes with a battery. So instead of going through the hassle of charging, you can simply switch out batteries to power it up.
3. Polar H10
- WORKS WITH EVERYTHING: Polar HRM works with many sports and smart watches (Polar, Garmin, Apple, Suunto, etc.), Polar Beat, fitness apps such as Strava and Nike, and ALL HRM compatible Cardio Equipment
- SUPREME ACCURACY: Widely recognized for its top precision by many sources, Polar H10 is the most accurate heart rate sensor in Polar’s history. Polar H10 provides top quality heart rate measurement and its the choice of many pro athletes.
- CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, ANT+ and 5 kHz provide an excellent variety of connection options (e.g. with Peloton). You can use Bluetooth and ANT+ connections simultaneously as well as two Bluetooth connections simultaneously.
- POLAR PRO CHEST STRAP: With improved electrodes, an easy-to-use buckle and silicone dots, the strap is comfortable and interference-free, and stays put when youre on the move.
- VERSATILITY: Wear Polar HR monitor when rowing, cycling, running, training indoors or swimming. Polar H10 is fully waterproof and it has internal memory for one training session.
- SOFTWARE UPDATES: Via Polar Beat app to keep your HRM up-to-date; Materials: Strap: 38% Polyamide, 29% Polyurethane, 20% Elastane, 13% Polyester, Silicone prints.
- Operating temperature : -10 °C to +50 °C / 14 °F to 122 °F. Compatibility-iOS mobile devices: iPhone 5 and later, with iOS 11 or later; Android mobile devices with Bluetooth 4.0 capability and Android 5.0 or la
The Polar H10 was one of the most accurate heart rate monitors among the ones we tested. It is extremely versatile and can be used by athletes for running, swimming, cycling, or training indoors. It is also compatible with a range of smartwatches like Garmin, Apple, Polar, and Suunto, making it easier to use for athletes who want to have a combination of brands.
It is a chest strap heart monitor and can operate between -10°C to 50°C, making it both durable and practical.
If your priority is to get accurate and versatile triathlon heart rate monitors, this should be your pick.
4. Garmin HRM-Tri
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- COMPACT AND COMFORTABLE - HRM-Tri is the smallest and lightest heart rate monitor from Garmin. Designed with rounded edges and no exposed seams, the strap remains comfortable during extended hours of training.
- SWIM HEART RATE1 - Stores up to 20 hours of heart rate data during swims, then forwards it to a compatible device at the end of the session. It also sends real-time heart rate to the watch when the monitor is out of the water
- RUNNING DYNAMICS2 - Provides feedback on running form by measuring cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time when paired with a compatible device
- BATTERY LIFE - Lasts for 10 months (assuming 1 hour/day use) with user-replaceable CR2032 batte
The lightest chest strap heart rate monitor by Garmin, the HRM-Tri is compact, comfortable, and has an exceptional battery life of 10 months.
Garmin HRM-Tri is a great option for athletes who prefer to minimize friction during their training, running, or swimming. Not only is it accurate, but it also records sophisticated data like vertical oscillation and ground contact time when paired with a compatible device.
Given its accuracy and storage space, it is a must consideration for all athletes.
5. Apple Watch Series 7
- Always-on Retina display has nearly 20% more screen area than Series 6, making everything easier to see and use
- The most crack-resistant front crystal yet on an Apple Watch, IP6X dust resistance, and swimproof design
- Measure your blood oxygen with a powerful sensor and app
- Take an ECG anytime, anywhere
- Get high and low heart rate, and irregular heart rhythm notifications
- Stay in the moment with the new Mindfulness app, and reach your sleep goals with the Sleep app
- Track new tai chi and pilates workouts, in addition to favorites like running, yoga, swimming, and dance
- Track your daily activity on Apple Watch, and see your trends in the Fitness app on iPhone
- Sync your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Pay instantly and securely from your wrist with Apple
The final heart rate monitor to make it to our list is the Apple Watch. While this product comes with a heftier price tag, it also offers amazing accuracy for health tracking and gives data for blood oxygen, ECG.
One of its best features is that it notifies the user when their heart rate spikes or drops abnormally and gives notifications for irregular heart rhythms. This feature can be very helpful to athletes when testing out different training regimes.
This watch has GPS and is compatible with iOS. It can keep the data secure in phone storage upon device pairing.
These are the five best triathlon heart rate monitors that have proven to be the most effective for triathletes.
How to Select the Right Heart Rate Monitor
While several features make up a good heart rate monitor, fundamental ones should be a part of your decision-making process.
Accuracy
Accuracy and precision play vital roles in the lives of all athletes because they make all the difference. Ensure your heart rate monitor gives accurate data to have a clearer picture of your health and the impact of your training.
Versatility and Battery Life
Another important feature to look at is the versatility and battery life. Not only should the heart monitor be able to register several kinds of activity, but its battery life should also be able to give a fair run time to a triathlete, so they cover the duration of training.
Connectivity
Offering Bluetooth connectivity is a must for the heart rate monitor because that allows it to pair with your other devices like smartwatches, and smartphones, etc. An added benefit of the smartwatch heart monitors is that some also offer GPS, which helps map out training routes.
Our Final Thoughts
To conclude, the best triathlon heart rate monitors are the ones that are accurate, versatile, and detailed. The ones that give a detailed analysis of the training or activity get an extra boost because they can be used to plan out the training sessions.
When you buy a heart rate monitor, make sure you buy one that’s most suitable for the sport you will be playing.
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Garmin HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap, Real-Time Heart Rate Data and Running Dynamics, Black | Check Today's Price |
| Garmin 010-01689-00 Forerunner 35; Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch, Black | Check Today's Price |
| Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap - ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women (NEW) | Check Today's Price |
