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 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) is a solid choice if you're looking for a heart-rate watch that balances fitness tracking with smart features. Its heart rate monitoring is detailed and enhanced by additional metrics like vascular load, which helps you understand stress factors beyond just exercise. The built-in GPS supports accurate tracking for runs or outdoor activities, complemented by a running coach that offers real-time feedback and training programs for different events.

Battery life is improved for day-long use, meaning you can track your activity, heart rate, and receive notifications without frequent charging. The watch features a bright, clear 1.3-inch round touchscreen that displays info cleanly and responds well to touch, making it easy to check updates at a glance. Design-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 is lightweight and slim with a comfortable fit, so it won’t feel bulky during workouts or sleep. Its water resistance is reliable for everyday use and light swimming. Smart features like a personal AI assistant and advanced sleep coaching add extra value for those wanting more than just fitness stats.

While the battery capacity is improved, frequent use of GPS and other smart features may still require daily charging. Additionally, though the watch is lightweight, some users may find the 40mm size a bit large if they prefer smaller watches. This makes the Galaxy Watch 8 an excellent heart-rate watch option for fitness enthusiasts seeking detailed insights along with smart convenience.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a strong choice if you're looking for a heart-rate watch that blends fitness tracking with smart features. It has reliable heart rate monitoring and built-in GPS, which is great for tracking workouts and outdoor activities without needing your phone nearby. The Retina display is bright and easy to read, making it simple to check stats or notifications on the go. Water resistance up to 50 meters means you can swim or shower without worry.

Comfort-wise, the 40mm size with a soft sport band fits well for most wrists, and you can easily swap bands to suit your style. Smart features like crash detection, fall detection, emergency SOS, and seamless integration with Apple devices add extra safety and convenience. The watch also supports fitness and sleep tracking with detailed insights, plus access to Apple Fitness+ workouts if you want guided training.

One limitation to keep in mind is battery life, which typically lasts about a day—so you'll need to charge it daily, especially if you use GPS extensively. Also, it works best within the Apple ecosystem, so it’s less suited for Android users. If you want a heart-rate watch that doubles as a stylish daily smartwatch and you already have an iPhone, the Apple Watch SE offers excellent value with a good balance of fitness, safety, and smart features.