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1. Heart Rate Sensor App For Mac Sync With Polar Bears
2. Heart Rate Sensor App For Mac Sync With Polar 2
3. Heart Rate Sensor App For Mac Sync With Polar Express
4. Heart Rate Sensor App For Mac Sync With Polar Bear

While your Apple Watch's heart sensor should perform just fine for passive monitoring, anyone training or in need of much more accurate data may be better off with a heart rate monitor strap. Luckily, the Apple Watch supports connecting a Bluetooth-enabled strap or monitor. Once you pair it, you're ready to go!

Optical Heart Rate Tracking: You demand accuracy when you train. Get it with Polar’s proprietary heart rate algorithm and 6 LED optical sensor. Put in the Hours: With its built-in memory, Polar OH1 can store up to 200 hours of training data. After your workout, sync your data to Polar Flow with either the Polar Flow app or web service. The technology in Polar heart rate monitors is compatible with numerous products as well. These include the Nike+ product line and others that utilize 5 kilohertz transmission technology. Polar heart rate technology also is often found in commercial cardiovascular training equipment, such as many treadmills at your local gym. Heart rate sensor. First -rate app support. Digital Crown. Can unlock your Mac. Swimming, strength training, and many other indoor and outdoor activities that you can choose in the Polar app. It has one of the most precise on-wrist heart rate monitors.

Keep in mind that while the Apple Watch should support many Bluetooth heart rate monitor straps, it may not support all of them: Straps that use older legacy Bluetooth technology or ANT+ won't connect to the watch.

How to pair your external heart rate monitor with your Apple Watch

1. Make sure your heart rate monitor is discoverable.
2. Launch the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
3. Tap on Bluetooth.

4. Tap on the name of your device under Health Devices when it appears in order to pair it.

How to fix a heart rate monitor that won't pair with Apple Watch

There are a few potential reasons why your heart rate monitor won't pair with Apple Watch. First, make sure you have a strap that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or LE connectivity: Straps that use older legacy Bluetooth technology won't appear at all in your Apple Watch's Bluetooth settings.

We've largely seen issues where heart rate monitors won't connect to Apple Watch because they've been previously paired with a different device — usually your iPhone — and will automatically try and grab that signal before displaying on Apple Watch. We've also seen issues with heart rate monitors not being in pairing mode. Here are a few steps you can take to fix these issues.

1. Make sure your Bluetooth heart rate monitor supports Apple Watch and is in pairing mode (check with your monitor's manufacturer for more information).
   • Tip: Some heart rate monitors, like Polar's H-series, may need to be worn on your skin during the pairing process — check with your manufacturer for more details.
2. On your iPhone, go to the Settings app.
3. Navigate to Bluetooth.

4. Turn the master Bluetooth switch Off.

5. On your Apple Watch, swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open Control Center.
6. Tap the Airplane mode button to disable your Apple Watch's sensors.

7. Wait ten seconds, then tap the Airplane mode button again to reenable your Apple Watch's sensors.

8. Go to the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
9. Tap on the Bluetooth option.
10. Scroll down to the Health Devices section. It may take a few moments for your heart rate monitor to appear.

11. Select your heart rate monitor to connect it to your Apple Watch.

Questions?

Did you have any other question about pairing external heart rate monitors? Let us know in the comments below.

Updated April 2018: Added information about troubleshooting heart rate monitor pairing.

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BestExternal Heart Rate MonitorsiMore2020

The Apple Watch has an excellent oximeter-based heart rate monitor for tracking your day and basic workouts, but it's not perfect for more endurance or weight-based activities. That's because the Apple Watch only has so much battery life, and more intensive workouts drain the battery faster due to the constant heart rate monitoring. For tougher workouts, you should consider an external heart rate monitor like Scosche's Rhythm+ Monitor Armband.

Best for Most: Scosche Rhythm+ Monitor Armband

The water-resistant (IP67) device connects to an adjustable neoprene strap. While you can wear it anywhere on your arm, Scosche recommends the forearm. (I did my initial tests with it in that location, as well.) It uses an 8-hour rechargeable battery, so you can plug it in after workouts as you might with an Apple Watch.

Both the small grey tracker and strap are slim and stylish, given that you'll likely be wearing them in a visible location on your arm. You can slip a shirt on over the Rhythm+ if you want to hide it, but it's a nice enough looking tracker to leave it visible. It does look a little goofy when both the Apple Watch and tracker are on the same arm, but until we have magical nanobot implants, such is our connected device lifestyle.

In practice, it's significantly more comfortable than wearing a chest strap during heavy-duty workouts, while being about as accurate. The Rhythm+ uses green and yellow oximeter sensors (described as 'PerformTek biometric sensor technology') to get a more precise look at your heart rate than the Apple Watch's green sensors alone and records data much more frequently.

I wore the Rhythm+ for a week to my regular skating practices and weight training sessions. From those workouts, it proved significantly more accurate than my usual Apple Watch tracking (I used Bluetooth to connect to the Rhythm, but it also offers ANT+ support for cyclists). My only concern with the Rhythm+ was occasional tightness when doing arm-related exercises. Although the neoprene strap flexes slightly, it's not designed to deal with major forearm or bicep flexion.

Unlike many of the other chest strap options, Scosche doesn't offer a dedicated app for viewing your recorded heart rate data. Instead, you can look at it in Apple's Activity or Health apps, or download a third-party option like Cardiogram.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Breathable band
• Frequent heart rate readings
• Water-resistant

Best for Most

Scosche Rhythm+ Monitor Armband

An armband that monitors without fear of battery drain.

If you're looking to get better heart monitoring without going full in on the chest strap, get this forearm-monitoring instead.

Source: TwelveSouth

It's a band that you pop the case of your Apple Watch into and strap it to your upper arm. This keeps the Watch's sensor securely to your skin, so you get a more consistent reading, especially if you're bending your wrist a lot while you exercise.

Your Apple Watch, sans band, fits into a mount with the backside exposed, so the Watch's sensors are unobstructed. The mount has a raised silicone border to protect the Watch from scratches (and keep it in place).

If you're happy with the performance of your Apple Watch's heart rate sensor, but don't want it wrapped around your wrist while you work out, get the ActionSleeve. It's the perfect alternative.

Pros:

• Works with Apple Watch
• More accurate readings thanks to positioning
• Affordable

Best for Apple Watch

ActionSleeve

Lets you use your Apple Watch.

If you want to stick with the Apple Watch's heart rate monitor, but want a little more accuracy, the ActionSleeve is perfect.

Source: Polar

The H10 connects to your iPhone or Apple Watch using Bluetooth LE, though you'll want to use one of Polar's apps to get Polar's specific readings. I used Polar Beat; it's not my favorite app (and requires an in-app purchase if you want to see your heart rate/fat burn breakdown), but it does the trick. Your heart tracking will also log in to Apple's Health app after you connect it, allowing you to take your fitness data elsewhere. And if you're not near a connected device, the H10 has a small amount of onboard storage, allowing you to log a workout even without your devices present.

Note: We've seen several users run into an issue where the H10 appears on the iPhone, but not the Apple Watch. To fix this, you'll want to pair the H10 to the Apple Watch first, before connecting it to your iPhone — or disable Bluetooth on your iPhone from the Settings app before attempting to pair with Apple Watch.

Polar's H10 was by far the most accurate of the fitness trackers I tried, but it does come at the expense of having to wear a chest strap. During a run or weight training session, this shouldn't bother you, but full-contact sports might be a bit much: For me, anything strapped to my chest in derby is a potential bruising hazard — and I've seen enough cracked sternums to want to avoid that fate at all costs.

Pros:

• Accurate readings
• Syncs with Health app
• Onboard storage

Best for Accuracy

Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor

Polar's technology provides speedy fitness tracking.

This water-resistant chest strap is comfortable and offers electrode-based heart monitoring, so it's more accurate than others.

Source: Scosche

The Rhythm24 has a battery status indicator, so you'll know if it's time to recharge.

It has seven different monitor modes for different training options. Set it for running, cycling, swimming, just tracking your heart rate, or heart rate variability for identifying stress and recovery during training. If you're training for a duathlon or triathlon, set one of the multi-modes, and it will track each of your different activities.

You can record your workout and save your training data to help you better understand where you need improvement.

Heart Rate Sensor App For Mac Sync With Polar Bears

Just like the Rhythm+, it uses both yellow and green optical sensors for better accuracy with all skin tones.

I tested the Rhythm24 with daily running sessions alongside my Apple Watch. I found that the Rhythm24 was always more accurate, monitoring every heartbeat in real-time, as opposed to updating with new information that was already behind by the time it synced.

The Rhythm24 uses the same type of armband used with the Rhythm+. I found it to be very comfortable during my runs, but have not tried it with weight training exercises.

For just a bit more than the Rhythm+, the battery life, and multiple training modes make this a much better fit with fitness fans that workout for more than just an hour or two. If you're a long-distance runner, a triathlon trainer, or just want to track your heart rate all day long, get the Rhythm24.

Pros:

• Water-resistant
• Longest battery life
• Multiple workout modes
• Support for triathlon training

Best for Runners

Scosche Rhythm24

Great for fitness buffs that are in it for the long haul.

This heart rate monitor armband has 13 hours of continuous memory storage, so leave your phone behind when you're training.

Best for Training: Garmin HRM-Tri Heart Rate Monitor

When you're training hard, you want an external heart rate monitor that won't get in the way. The Garmin HRM-Tri is one of the smallest and lightest heart rate monitor offerings from Garmin, and it will remain comfortable throughout your training.

With the HRM-Tri, it's designed to best handle running, cycling, swimming, and many more intensive activities. The monitor uses a single CR2032 battery that can last up to 10 months if you just do an hour of training a day. The HRM-Tri even provides feedback on your running form and running dynamics thanks to the accelerometer that measures torso movement when running.

As you use the HRM-Tri, it can store up to 20 hours of heart rate data from your swims and training, and this data can be forwarded to other Garmin sport watches after your session. Or you can just send your data directly to the Garmin Connect app to view your swim metrics, heart rate graphs, pace, stroke, and more.

Pros:

• Small and lightweight
• Comfortable to wear
• Long battery life
• Gives feedback on running form and dynamics
• Great for swimming

Best for Training

Garmin HRM-Tri

Designed for triathletes

The Garmin HRM-Tri is a comfortable heart rate monitor that is perfect for training while running, cycling, or swimming.

Best for Cyclists: Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband

If you want to have the heart rate monitor that champions like Team INEOS, Bora-Hansgrohe, Katusha Alpecin, Ironman World Champion Jan Frodeno, Heather Jackson, and American Pro Mountain Biker Sonya Looney, then check out the Wahoo TICKR FIT.

The TICKR FIT is an armband that works best on your forearm, and you can get personalized heart rate training for more efficient workouts. With TICKR FIT, you'll track and capture your heart rate in real-time, see your training zones and calories burned on your iPhone through over 50 compatible apps since it utilizes Bluetooth/ANT+. This means it will work with not only your iPhone, but tablets, GPS watches, and bike computers by Wahoo, Polar, Garmin, Apple, and many more.

If you use the Wahoo Fitness app with the TICKR FIT, you can automatically upload that data into your preferred training platform of choice, like Strava. And while it seems geared more for cycling, the TICKR FIT actually works well with any form of exercise. The TICKR FIT is quite accurate, comfortable, and stays in place as you exercise.

Pros:

• Comfortable on forearm
• Accurate readings
• Works with over 50 apps and many devices
• Up to 30 hours of battery life
• Affordable price tag

Best for Cyclists

Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband

Champion cyclists use this heart rate monitor

TICKR FIT is comfortable and secure. It works with over 50 apps and connects to most devices for a personalized experience.

Why bother with an external heart rate monitor?

Heart rate monitoring on Apple Watch comes at the expense of battery life: The smartwatch's health sensors account for a large majority of battery drain. As such, Apple limits how often the sensor records data, even during workouts. At rest, you'll get heart rate data every 10 minutes; during a workout, you're likely to get recordings every 10 seconds to a minute.

The wrist-based monitor can also get tripped up if you tend to do a lot of exercises involving wrist bending or quick movement. The oximeter works by measuring the movement of your blood using light. When you flex your wrist, you can momentarily change that circulation, leading to erroneous heart readings (If you've ever seen an Apple Watch reading of '65bpm' or lower or a grey number when you're in the middle of a high-intensity workout, that's likely what has happened).

If you're worried about your Apple Watch's battery life during a lengthy workout (like a marathon, for instance), or you'd like more consistent and quick readings, consider an external heart rate monitor. These Bluetooth accessories often run off quick charges or watch batteries and offer faster readings from a location with better circulation (like the chest or upper arm). If you don't have an Apple Watch at all, you can use external monitors with your iPhone to get valuable heart rate data.

We've tested several of these Bluetooth heart rate monitors to give you the best recommendation.

Bottom line

The Scosche Rhythm+ monitor armband is a reliable, accurate, and affordable monitor that's perfect for amateurs and fitness fanatics alike. Not only that, but it's also an eye-catching accessory that's bound to turn heads while you work up a sweat.

Plus, its significantly more comfortable than wearing a chest strap during heavy-duty workouts, while being about as accurate. The Rhythm+ uses green and yellow oximeter sensors (described as 'PerformTek biometric sensor technology') to get a more precise look at your heart rate than the Apple Watch's green sensors alone and records data much more frequently. And another great thing about the Rhythm+ is the fact that since Scosche doesn't have its own dedicated app, your data just syncs directly with Apple Health, no other app required.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Lory Gil is the current Managing Editor at iMore and has picked up the fitness mantel in Serenity's absence. She's been testing heart rate monitors on her daily morning jogs to make sure they meet our highest standards.

Christine Romero-Chan is a Staff Writer at iMore who is trying her best to get back into a more active lifestyle. She has been testing out new devices and tools that will help get her back on track.

Serenity Caldwell was formerly the Managing Editor at iMore, and now works for Apple. She spent a year testing these heart rate monitors while working out, training for roller derby, and testing her body's limits.

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