A wrist-based heart monitor is one of two types of HRMs. Designed similarly to a smartwatch, most wrist-based heart monitors display information on a heart monitor touch screen and are discreet and comfortable enough to wear during your workout. Your pulse is detected through the wristband, so while the comfort factor is a major benefit of a heart rate monitor watch, it may not be as accurate as a chest strap model because it’s further away from your heart. These heart monitor watches are highly durable and meant to withstand sweat, water and other outdoor elements.

If you train more intensely, a chest strap model might be the best heart rate monitor for you. They are generally more accurate than a heart monitor watch since heart rate monitor chest straps are designed like a thin belt for your chest, wrapped around your body for the most targeted and accurate BPM. Heart rate monitor chest straps pair back to a watch to display your metrics. If you’re using a heart rate monitor chest strap, it might be worth investing in wireless sports headphones to keep the cords from catching in the chest strap.