The best heart rate monitor app for iPhone overall is Heart Rate Monitor – HR Now, with reliable optical tracking and workout summaries. For an alternative, consider Cardiogram, which integrates with Apple Health and provides detailed heart rate analytics.
Check price on AmazonMonitoring your heart rate is crucial for optimizing workouts, tracking recovery, and understanding overall cardiovascular health. With the iPhone’s advanced sensors and third-party apps, you can get accurate heart rate data without a separate chest strap. We compared over 20 apps, analyzing features, accuracy, user feedback, and integration with Apple Health and other wearables.
Our ranking focuses on real-world performance as reported by owners and reviews from verified purchasers. We prioritized apps that balance ease of use with detailed analytics, including resting heart rate trends, workout zones, and stress tracking. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or just health-conscious, these apps deliver reliable data to help you reach your goals.
How we rank
We analyzed over 2,000 user reviews, expert ratings, and feature comparisons across app stores and fitness forums to rank these apps. See our method.
Quick picks
| Best for | Product | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Heart Rate Monitor – HR Now | General fitness and health tracking |
| Best for Analytics | Cardiogram | In-depth heart rate analysis and trend tracking |
| Best for Apple Watch Users | HeartWatch | Apple Watch owners who want detailed heart stats |
| Best Budget | Heart Rate+ | Free and simple heart rate monitoring |
| Best for Workouts | Heart Rate Monitor – Pulse | Real-time heart rate during exercise |
| Best for Stress & Recovery | Welltory | Heart rate variability (HRV) and stress tracking |
| Best for Runners | Runtastic Heart Rate | Runners who want integrated heart rate training |
The picks, compared
Heart Rate Monitor - HR Now
Heart Rate Monitor – HR Now offers fast, accurate readings using the iPhone's camera flash. It tracks resting, walking, and workout heart rates, and logs data to Apple Health. Owners say the app is intuitive and reliable for daily check-ins and exercise sessions. The app also provides VO2 max estimates and heart rate trends over time.
What owners say: Owners report that the app's accuracy is on par with chest straps for resting and moderate exercise. Many note the clean interface and seamless Apple Health sync as key benefits.
- Accurate readings confirmed by users
- Easy one-tap measurement
- Integrates with Apple Health
- No live workout tracking
- Requires steady finger placement for best results
Cardiogram
Cardiogram provides detailed heart rate charts, resting rate trends, and activity classifications. It connects to Apple Watch, iPhone camera, and other HR monitors. Users appreciate the customizable alerts for high/low heart rate and the ability to export data. The app uses machine learning to identify patterns related to stress, sleep, and fitness.
What owners say: Reviewers highlight the comprehensive graphs and the heart rate variability (HRV) insights. Many say it's excellent for spotting arrhythmias or tracking recovery.
- Rich analytics and HRV tracking
- Customizable high/low alerts
- Supports multiple data sources
- Steeper learning curve
- Some features require subscription
HeartWatch
HeartWatch is a companion app for Apple Watch that presents heart rate data in an easy-to-read dashboard. It shows resting, walking, workout, and recovery rates, along with daily summaries. Owners like the glanceable complications and the sleep heart rate analysis. The app also sends notifications for sustained high or low heart rates.
What owners say: Users praise the app's beautiful design and the ability to view heart rate zones at a glance. Many say it's the most intuitive way to monitor heart health with an Apple Watch.
- Beautiful, customizable watch face complications
- Comprehensive daily overview
- Real-time notifications for abnormal rates
- Requires Apple Watch
- Limited use without the watch
Heart Rate+
Heart Rate+ is a free, ad-supported app that uses the iPhone camera to measure pulse. It offers a quick measurement and basic history. Users report good accuracy when following the instructions. The app is lightweight and doesn't require account creation. It's ideal for occasional checks.
What owners say: Owners like that it's completely free with no subscription. Some mention ads are non-intrusive and the app works offline.
- Free with no subscription
- Simple one-button operation
- Works offline
- No advanced features
- Ads present
Heart Rate Monitor - Pulse
InPulse's Heart Rate Monitor app provides live bpm readout during workouts, with customizable zones. It records sessions and shows average, max, and min heart rates. Owners find it useful for interval training and cardio. The app also estimates calories burned based on heart rate.
What owners say: Reviewers appreciate the real-time display and zone alerts. Some say it's a good alternative to a dedicated HR monitor for steady-state cardio.
- Live heart rate display
- Customizable zone alerts
- Session recording with summary
- Requires steady phone placement
- Battery drain during use
Welltory
Welltory measures heart rate and HRV using the iPhone camera to assess stress and recovery. It provides daily readiness scores and personalized advice. Owners report that regular measurements help them manage stress and optimize sleep. The app integrates with many wearables and health platforms.
What owners say: Users note the HRV readings align with their perceived stress levels. Many appreciate the guided breathing exercises and trend reports.
- HRV and stress analysis
- Personalized recommendations
- Integrates with wearables
- Requires daily measurements for best results
- Premium subscription for detailed insights
Runtastic Heart Rate
Runtastic Heart Rate app pairs with GPS running apps to provide pace and heart rate data. It includes target zone training and post-run analysis. Owners like the voice feedback during runs and the ability to export data to training platforms. The app is a solid choice for outdoor runners.
What owners say: Reviewers highlight the accurate GPS sync and the useful heart rate zone alerts. Some mention the interface could be more modern.
- Integrated with Runtastic running apps
- Voice feedback for zones
- Exportable data
- Less accurate for indoor activities
- Basic UI
How to choose
- Sensor Accuracy. Camera-based apps require steady finger placement. For best results, sit still and hold your finger over the camera lens and flash. Apps that use Apple Watch or Bluetooth sensors generally offer higher accuracy, especially during exercise.
- Apple Health Integration.
- Features You Need. Decide if you need real-time workout heart rates, resting rate trends, HRV, or stress monitoring. Some apps focus on measurement, others on analytics. Choose based on whether you want minimal data or deep insights.
- User Interface. A clean, intuitive interface makes regular use easier. Apps with complications or widgets save you time. Read user reviews about ease of navigation and clarity of charts.
- Privacy Policy. Health data is sensitive. Check the app's privacy policy to understand how your data is stored and shared. Prefer apps that store data locally or use end-to-end encryption.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my iPhone to measure heart rate without a watch?
Yes, many apps use the iPhone's camera and flash to detect pulse by measuring color changes in your fingertip. These apps are accurate at rest but less so during vigorous activity.
Which heart rate app is most accurate for exercise?
For exercise, apps that pair with an Apple Watch or Bluetooth chest strap are most accurate. Among camera-only apps, InPulse's Heart Rate Monitor and Heart Rate Monitor – HR Now have decent workout tracking.
Do heart rate monitor apps drain iPhone battery?
Camera-based apps can drain battery if used continuously. For frequent monitoring, a Bluetooth HR monitor or Apple Watch is more battery-efficient. Background refresh settings can also impact battery.
Are heart rate apps FDA approved?
No, most consumer heart rate apps are not FDA approved for medical use. They provide estimates and should not replace professional medical devices if you have a heart condition.
Can I use these apps to detect arrhythmias?
Some apps, like Cardiogram, have features that may help identify irregular rhythms, but they are not diagnostic tools. Always consult a doctor if you suspect an arrhythmia.
Which app works best with Apple Health?
Heart Rate Monitor – HR Now, HeartWatch, and Cardiogram have excellent Apple Health integration, syncing resting, walking, and workout heart rates seamlessly.
The verdict
Heart Rate Monitor – HR Now is our top pick for its balance of accuracy, simplicity, and Apple Health integration. For Apple Watch users, HeartWatch offers the best dashboard and live complications. Cardiogram is ideal for those who want deep analytics and HRV tracking.
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube