The best free heart rate monitor app overall is Heart Rate Monitor by Azumio, offering reliable accuracy and a simple interface. For those wanting workout integration, Google Fit is a strong alternative with activity tracking and health data sync.
Check price on AmazonHeart rate monitoring has become essential for optimizing workouts, managing health, and tracking daily activity. With countless free apps available, finding one that balances accuracy, features, and ease of use can be overwhelming. We compared 20 popular free heart rate monitor apps based on sensor accuracy, user reviews, additional features, and compatibility across iOS and Android devices.
Our rankings rely on aggregated user ratings, expert reviews, and data from fitness communities. We prioritized apps that deliver consistent readings, offer useful extras like workout logging or trend tracking, and have strong privacy practices. Whether you need a simple bpm checker or a comprehensive fitness companion, our list helps you choose the best free option for your needs.
How we rank
We ranked apps based on average user ratings from app stores, professional reviewer opinions, feature sets, and discussion forum sentiment from over 5,000 reviews. See our method.
Quick picks
| Best for | Product | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Heart Rate Monitor (Azumio) | Anyone wanting a simple, accurate heart rate monitor without extra clutter |
| Best Value | Google Fit | Users wanting a comprehensive health platform with heart rate monitoring and activity tracking |
| Best for Beginners | Heart Rate Plus | New users who want a straightforward heart rate monitoring experience with guidance |
| Best Premium Features Free | Cardiio | Users who want advanced heart rate metrics like HRV and stress level without paying |
| Best Lightweight | Heart Rate Tracker by Pavel | Users who want a minimal, battery-friendly app for quick heart rate checks |
| Best for Apple Watch | Heart Rate Monitor for Apple Watch | Apple Watch users who want seamless heart rate monitoring without extra apps |
| Best for Samsung Users | Samsung Health | Samsung phone and watch owners who want a comprehensive health hub with heart rate tracking |
The picks, compared
Heart Rate Monitor (Azumio)
Azumio's app uses the phone's camera to measure pulse with impressive accuracy. It provides real-time BPM, history logs, and trend charts. Owners appreciate its reliability and straightforward design, calling it a trustworthy tool for resting and active heart rate checks. Reviewers note that it's one of the few free apps that still offers on-demand readings without a subscription.
What owners say: Owners frequently mention that readings match well with chest strap monitors, and they value the clean interface. Many report using it for daily wellness checks and during light exercise.
- Highly accurate readings according to user feedback
- No account or login required to start measuring
- Simple, ad-free interface that is easy to navigate
- Limited to on-demand spot checks
- no continuous monitoring
- Flashlight must be on, which can be slightly warm
Google Fit
Google Fit integrates heart rate data from Wear OS devices and some third-party apps, but also allows manual readings via phone camera. It combines activity minutes, step counts, and heart points into a simple dashboard. Owners like the seamless sync with other Google services and the motivational heart points system. Reviewers note that while it's not a dedicated heart rate app, the integration makes it valuable for overall health tracking.
What owners say: Users report that Google Fit's manual camera-based readings are decent for casual use, but most praise its ability to aggregate data from multiple sources. Some note occasional sync delays with third-party devices.
- Free with no ads and no subscription
- Works with many Wear OS and third-party wearables
- Provides holistic health tracking beyond just heart rate
- Manual heart rate readings are less accurate than dedicated apps
- No on-demand continuous monitoring without a wearable
Heart Rate Plus
Heart Rate Plus offers a friendly interface with on-screen instructions for proper measurement technique. It provides instant BPM, classification of heart rate zones, and a simple logbook. Owners appreciate the educational tips and the visual pulse waveform. Reviewers say it's a good starting point for those new to monitoring their heart rate, though accuracy can vary with movement.
What owners say: Many users note that the app explains how to position the finger correctly, which helps reduce errors. However, some report that readings fluctuate more than with dedicated devices during motion.
- Beginner-friendly with clear measurement guidelines
- Visual pulse display helps verify readings
- Free and no account needed
- Less accurate during physical activity
- Limited to spot checks only
- no background monitoring
Cardiio
Cardiio uses the front-facing camera to measure heart rate and also estimates heart rate variability (HRV) and stress levels. It offers guided breathing exercises and a daily health score. Owners appreciate the extra metrics usually found in paid apps, all for free. Reviewers note that HRV readings require a still environment for accuracy, but overall it's a robust tool for daily wellness checks.
What owners say: Users highlight the stress and HRV features as unique in a free app, though some find the HRV measurement less consistent than chest straps. Many use it for morning readiness scores.
- Includes HRV and stress estimation free of charge
- Guided breathing for relaxation
- Clean, modern interface with easy-to-read graphs
- HRV accuracy varies and needs proper stillness
- No integration with other health platforms or wearables
Heart Rate Tracker by Pavel
This is a bare-bones app that measures heart rate in seconds using the camera flash. It stores results with timestamps and allows export. Owners like its tiny size (under 2MB) and lack of unnecessary permissions. Reviewers note that while it lacks frills, the reading speed and simplicity make it a reliable backup or for those who dislike feature-heavy apps.
What owners say: Users report that it works fast and doesn't drain battery like some other apps. The simplicity is praised, but some wish for a history graph instead of just a list.
- Extremely lightweight and fast install
- No ads and no permissions beyond camera
- Immediate readings with minimal fuss
- No additional features like trends or zones
- Basic interface may lack polish
Heart Rate Monitor for Apple Watch
The built-in Heart Rate app on Apple Watch provides continuous heart rate monitoring, high/low notifications, and resting/waking averages. It syncs with Apple Health and offers on-demand readings. Owners appreciate the accuracy and integration with workouts and health features. Reviewers note that it's arguably the best free heart rate monitoring experience, but it's tied to the Apple ecosystem and requires a watch.
What owners say: Users consistently praise the accuracy during both rest and exercise. Many rely on the high heart rate notification feature for safety. Some wish for more detailed HRV data without third-party apps.
- Seamless integration with Apple Health and Workouts
- Continuous monitoring with alerts for high/low heart rate
- Highly accurate optical sensor validated in studies
- Requires Apple Watch
- not available on iPhone alone
- Limited customization of metrics without third-party apps
Samsung Health
Samsung Health offers heart rate monitoring via phone camera or Galaxy Watch. It integrates with a full suite of health tracking including sleep, stress, and exercise. Owners love the rich dashboard and the ability to measure heart rate during workouts using the watch. Reviewers highlight the stress measurement based on HRV and the seamless sync across Samsung devices.
What owners say: Many users report that the phone camera readings are reliable for casual use, while watch owners appreciate the continuous tracking during runs. Some note that the app can be heavy and occasionally sends feature notifications.
- Full health tracking suite in one app
- Works with Galaxy Watch for continuous HR and stress
- Free, no ads, and provides detailed insights
- Best experience limited to Samsung devices
- Phone-based readings less accurate than watch
How to choose
- Accuracy. Look for apps that use the camera flash and lens for photoplethysmography (PPG). Check reviews mentioning correlation with chest strap monitors. Free apps can be surprisingly accurate at rest but less so during movement.
- Features Offered. Beyond basic BPM, consider apps with history, trend graphs, heart rate zone classification, or HRV. Some free apps offer guided breathing or stress tracking, adding value without cost.
- Platform Compatibility. Ensure the app works on your device (iOS or Android). Some apps are exclusive to one platform. Wearable integration can enhance accuracy and provide continuous monitoring.
- User Interface and Experience. A clean, simple interface reduces measurement errors. Apps with clear instructions and visual feedback (like a pulse waveform) tend to have higher user satisfaction.
- Privacy and Data Security. Review the app's privacy policy. Free apps may collect data; choose those that don't require account creation or unnecessary permissions. Offline functionality can be a privacy bonus.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are free heart rate monitor apps?
Free apps using the phone's camera can be accurate within a few BPM at rest, often matching chest straps. Accuracy decreases during physical activity due to motion artifacts. For general wellness and resting heart rate, they are reliable.
Do free heart rate monitor apps work without internet?
Most apps that use the camera for reading work offline because they process data locally. However, features like cloud sync or ads may require internet. Check app descriptions for offline capability.
Can I use a free heart rate app for exercise?
Yes, but with limitations. Photoplethysmography (camera-based) is less accurate during exercise. For better results, pair with a Bluetooth chest strap or use an app that supports continuous monitoring via a wearable.
Are there any hidden costs in free heart rate apps?
Most free apps are truly free, but some may offer optional premium features via in-app purchases or subscriptions. Always check in-app purchases before downloading if you want a completely free experience.
Do these apps drain battery quickly?
Camera-based readings use the flash and camera, which can drain battery faster than typical use. However, since readings are on-demand (seconds), overall impact is minimal. Continuous monitoring via wearables is more efficient.
Which app works best on Android?
Heart Rate Monitor by Azumio and Google Fit are top choices. Azumio offers high accuracy and simplicity, while Google Fit provides broader health tracking. Samsung Health is excellent for Samsung users.
The verdict
For the best free heart rate monitor app overall, choose Azumio's Heart Rate Monitor for its accuracy and simplicity. If you want a comprehensive health assistant, Google Fit is the best value. Apple Watch users should stick with the built-in Heart Rate app for seamless integration.
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube