A key part of improving your performance and beating your PBs is understanding your base levels to begin with, so it’s wise to invest in a reliable heart rate monitor so you can start tracking your training.
Not only will they give you the obvious details (like your heart rate in real time) they’ll also measure a wider variety of analytics depending on your device. These can include your speed, power and size of your stride.
Garmin has a wide range of heart rate monitors available with each offering particular advantages and specialisms, so we’ve put together some of our favourites.
If you’re looking for an alternative device, we’ve also included some different brands below for a broad range of options for you to consider.
Best Garmin heart rate monitor deals in 2024
Garmin HRM-Pro Premium Heart-rate Monitor
This versatile Garmin is ideal for triathletes as it can function across all three disciplines, capturing your metrics in real time so you can catch up on how you performed once the event is complete.
It's compatible with Garmin GPS watches so you can assess your heart rate, and will also pair with bike computers for an in-depth look at your cycling stats.
The heart rate monitor itself is said to be lightweight and matches the size of the strap, which Garmin says should fit comfortably around your body while you exercise.
Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor
If you prioritise comfort above all else, the HRM-dual from Garmin has been designed to be both subtle and secure, staying in place but out of mind.
It uses Bluetooth or ANT to connect to your compatible device, transmitting your latest data so you can analyse your workout.
It's a durable bit of kit that should last in wet weather due to its water resistance, and has a long-lasting battery life of 3.5 years.
Garmin HRM Pro Plus
Prepare yourself for an indoor or outdoor workout with the Garmin HRM Pro Plus. It will help you measure your metrics across a variety of activities and environments, from outdoor swimming to indoor treadmill work as well as team sports, capturing a range of data as you work out.
As well as your heart rate it will also store analytics such as your balance, the length of your stride and calculate your running power (when used with a compatible watch) for a full overview of your activity performance and levels.
Garmin HRM-Swim
Specifically designed for the water portion of your training, the Garmin HRM-Swim will snugly strap to your chest as you make your way through the pool. It has a water rating of five ATM, which basically means it can be used to a depth of 50 metres, and will store up to 20 hours of data on your heart rate.
Although it’s designed to give you all your swimming insights, it will also capture the running and cycling metrics, so it’s a great all-rounder to have during your cross training and actual events, with a claimed battery life of up to 18 months.
Garmin HRM Tri
If you're looking for a compact heart rate monitor that will subtly and snugly fit onto your chest while you work out, the HRM-Tri is Garmin's smallest and most lightweight device to date, which means it should capture your essentials without getting in the way.
Fitting within the width of the accompanying strap, it has been made with soft and round edges and the seams have been covered on the strap for an especially cosy fit.