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Compatible HRV Monitors, Chest Straps & Watches

"The latest Optimal HRV band enhances reading accuracy and significantly reduces artifacts." Tim Ferriss, 5-Bullet Friday newsletter

 

Already own a heart rate monitor? The Optimal HRV app works with most chest straps and sensors that send accurate beat-to-beat (R-R interval) data over Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+. Below you'll find which HRV monitors are compatible, which watches and rings don't share HRV data, and how to test your own device. Don't have a monitor yet? See the Optimal HRV Monitor.

How to Test Your Device?

If your device isn’t listed above, here’s how to find out if it’s compatible with the Optimal HRV app:

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1. Check Compatibility Criteria


Contact your device’s manufacturer and ask:

  • Does this device capture accurate R-R intervals?

  • Does it transmit those raw intervals (without smoothing)?

  • Does it support Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+?

If you’re unsure about any of the above, your device’s manufacturer should easily be able to confirm whether their product meets these criteria. If they can’t, we recommend not doing business with them.

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2. Run a 60-Second Compatibility Test


Before subscribing, use the Optimal HRV app’s 60-second compatibility test to ensure your device and the app can communicate properly. Open the Optimal HRV app and tap "Test my device" to run it.

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3. Contact Your Manufacturer


Most manufacturers have a contact form or support email on their website. Here’s what to ask:

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  • For your phone or tablet:​

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Does this device support Bluetooth 4.0?

(Be sure to specify your phone or tablet model and version.)

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  • For your heart rate monitor:​​

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Does this heart rate monitor capture accurate RR intervals? If so, does it alter or smooth the R-R intervals? Also, does it support Bluetooth 4.0?

(Include the exact heart rate monitor model in your message.)

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Want a monitor that works out of the box?

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The Optimal HRV Monitor is made for the Optimal HRV app, so you can skip compatibility checks and start tracking HRV right away. Featured in Tim Ferriss's 5-Bullet Friday newsletter. Get the Optimal HRV Monitor.

HRV monitor compatibility test in the Optimal HRV app

HRV Monitor & Biofeedback App

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Device Compatible?

To reliably capture Heart Rate Variability (HRV), your device must:

  1. Measure and transmit accurate R-R intervals (inter-beat intervals, IBI) without smoothing or filtering.

  2. Support Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) or ANT+ connectivity (ANT+ is only supported on selected Android devices). 

If your device manufacturer confirms those two points, it’s likely compatible.

What heart rate monitors are compatible?

The app is compatible with any heart rate monitor that accurately measures R-R intervals and has Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+ (ANT+ only available for Android devices).

  • Polar H7

  • Polar H9

  • Polar H10

  • BlueLeza HRM Blue – Only available in Europe

  • 4iiii Viiiiva

  • Zephyr HxM (make sure it’s Bluetooth 4.0, not 2.0!)

  • Cardiosport TP3

  • Suunto Smart Belt

  • Ambiotex smart shirt with cardio-monitor

  • The Garmin HRM-Dual and HRM-Pro are the only two with Bluetooth and ANT+. These monitors have not been tested in-house; however, this information is provided directly by Garmin support.

  • Inner Balance Bluetooth Sensor ear clip

Which heart rate monitors are unverified or incompatible?

The devices listed below are closed-platform third-party devices that do not send data to Optimal HRV:

 

  • Whoop wrist device

  • iThlete Finger Sensor

  • Oura ring

  • Motiv ring

  • Apple Watch

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We cannot confirm that the monitors listed below accurately transmit R-R intervals; therefore, they cannot be used to measure heart rate variability (HRV). However, they are acceptable for measuring basic heart rate (HR):

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  • Biostrap

  • Wahoo BLUEHR

  • Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Armband

  • Polar OH1 Armband

  • Polar Verity Sense

  • Vernier Go Wireless Heart Rate

  • Geonaute*

  • MyZone MZ-3

  • Under Armor UA Heart Rate

  • LifeBEAM hats

  • TomTom BLE HRM

  • Mio ALPHA

  • Fitbit Charge HR

  • Lezyne HRM

  • The least expensive chest straps are sold on Alibaba

  • Knock-off brand monitors

 

Manufacturers have confirmed that the devices listed above do not transmit R-R intervals to third-party applications.

Can I use my Apple Watch, Oura ring or Whoop for HRV with the app?

No. These are closed devices that don't send beat-to-beat data to other apps, so they can't be used with Optimal HRV. For HRV tracking and biofeedback, use a compatible chest strap or the Optimal HRV Monitor.

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