10 Best Heart Rate Watches 2025 in the United States

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 Fitbit Inspire 3 is a versatile fitness tracker designed to help you stay active and monitor your health. One of its strengths is the 24/7 heart rate monitoring, which provides constant updates on your heart health. Additionally, it features stress management tools, sleep tracking, and notifications for irregular heart rhythms, making it a comprehensive health companion. It also tracks various exercises automatically and reminds you to move, enhancing daily activity tracking.

The lightweight design and water resistance up to 50 meters mean you can wear it comfortably all day and even while swimming. The 10-day battery life is another notable strength, ensuring you don’t have to charge it frequently. The customizable color touchscreen and notifications for calls, texts, and apps keep you connected and informed throughout the day.

However, it relies on your smartphone for GPS tracking, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer standalone GPS functionality. The screen size is relatively small at 0.76 inches, which might limit the display of detailed information at a glance. Additionally, while it offers several smart features and a 6-month premium membership, these may require extra steps to fully utilize. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a solid choice for individuals who want a user-friendly, feature-rich fitness tracker that covers essential health metrics and activity tracking without being overly complex.

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.