10 Best Heart Rate Watches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a strong choice for anyone looking for a heart-rate watch that combines fitness tracking with smart features. It offers precise heart rate monitoring, including ECG and irregular rhythm alerts, which can help users keep a close eye on their heart health. The built-in GPS supports a broad range of outdoor workouts like running, hiking, and swimming, making it suitable for active lifestyles. Its water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance make it durable enough for most environments. The display is bright, large, and always on, which improves usability, especially during workouts.

Battery life lasts about 18 hours under normal use, which is typical for smartwatches but might require daily charging; however, the fast charging feature compensates by reaching 80% in about 30 minutes. Comfort-wise, it is thinner and lighter than previous models, with customizable bands to suit personal style. Smart features include calls, texts, Siri voice control, emergency SOS, and integration with Apple's ecosystem, which is excellent if you already use iPhones or other Apple devices. Safety features like fall and crash detection add peace of mind.

On the downside, it only works fully with iPhones, so Android users won’t benefit from its full capabilities. Also, the price tends to be higher compared to other heart rate watches with fewer features. This watch is ideal for users wanting a premium, health-focused smartwatch with strong fitness tracking, safety features, and seamless Apple integration, but less suited for those looking for longer battery life or compatibility beyond Apple’s ecosystem.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a versatile fitness tracker designed to help you stay active and monitor your health. One of its strengths is the 24/7 heart rate monitoring, which provides constant updates on your heart health. Additionally, it features stress management tools, sleep tracking, and notifications for irregular heart rhythms, making it a comprehensive health companion. It also tracks various exercises automatically and reminds you to move, enhancing daily activity tracking.

The lightweight design and water resistance up to 50 meters mean you can wear it comfortably all day and even while swimming. The 10-day battery life is another notable strength, ensuring you don’t have to charge it frequently. The customizable color touchscreen and notifications for calls, texts, and apps keep you connected and informed throughout the day.

However, it relies on your smartphone for GPS tracking, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer standalone GPS functionality. The screen size is relatively small at 0.76 inches, which might limit the display of detailed information at a glance. Additionally, while it offers several smart features and a 6-month premium membership, these may require extra steps to fully utilize. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a solid choice for individuals who want a user-friendly, feature-rich fitness tracker that covers essential health metrics and activity tracking without being overly complex.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] is a versatile smartwatch that excels in several key areas important for a heart-rate watch. Equipped with a heart rate monitor, it provides notifications for irregular heart rhythms and high or low heart rates, making it a valuable tool for health monitoring. The built-in GPS allows for accurate tracking of your runs and other outdoor activities without needing your phone nearby.

Battery life is decent, though not exceptional, typically lasting about a day with regular use, which is a common standard for smartwatches with high functionality. Water resistance up to 50 meters makes it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. The Retina display is bright and clear, enhancing visibility even in bright sunlight, and the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The Apple Watch SE also offers smart features like text messaging, phone calls, music streaming, voice control via Siri, and Apple Pay, ensuring you stay connected and entertained. Comfort and design are strong points as well, with a range of customizable bands and a lightweight build that makes it comfortable for all-day wear. While the battery life might require daily charging, the extensive suite of features and seamless integration with other Apple devices and services make it a compelling choice for those already in the Apple ecosystem or looking for a reliable, multifunctional health and fitness partner.