Polar H10 vs Garmin HRM Pro+: Which is the best heart rate monitor?

Welcome to The Run Testers. In this video we’re comparing arguably the two best heart rate chest straps in the business, the Polar H10 and the Garmin HRM Pro+. These are the chest straps we often use in our testing to evaluate running watch optical sensors. They’re both chest straps we’d recommend and there’s not much to choose between them on accuracy. But there are some subtle differences. So if you’re looking for a heart rate monitor to level up your run tracking and training data, we’re here to help you decide which one of these you should buy. Hit play for our Polar H10 vs Garmin HRM Pro+ head to head to find out.
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - What you need to know
2:58 - The Run Test & Verdict
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[@dnewman4952]

I think a key point you missed out on is the ability to replace the strap on the Polar H10. The straps inevitably fail on all heart rate monitors and with a Polar you just buy a new strap, with the Garmin you have to replace the whole unit. I typically have to replace the strap every 6 months as the accuracy starts to drop.

[@TheRunTesters]

That’s a very valid point.

[@SDScuba]

You seriously can't replace the strap? That's a deal breaker...How's that possible?

[@user-sj5ju4jb7t]

Thanks for this comment. I was set on the garmin because of more metrics but not being able to change the strap is a dealbreaker of it causes accuracy to drop.

[@cjsky5822]

​@@SDScuba the garmin is moulded on to the strap while the polar module unclips from the strap. That's probably why the garmin is capable of handling deeper water.

[@sethweber454]

I was on the fence till I read this, thank you

[@user-eo1dv5gn6z]

I think the Polar is better. The strap is replacable and if you care about the running dynamics you can buy the running pod seperatly. It goes on sale for about £35 occasionaly. "I don't like the colour of my Polar H10 strap, that is a point against it." Come on, you know you can choose different straps. Also, I'm quite certain that Garmin watches don't have GCT balance. Polar also works in the water too.

[@peterterstege9926]

I use the Garmin band with a Forerunner 255. Great combo

[@stuartdryer1352]

I have had two Garmin HR straps fail. My H10 has been completely reliable. At least one of my cycling partners has had the same experience.

[@mnyheim11]

One underrated feature of the HRM Pro and Pro Plus is the improved recording of pace and distance on a treadmill or running indoors.

[@melnikov_m]

But treadmill also records distance very well

[@mnyheim11]

@@melnikov_m Yes, but you want the pace and distance to be correct on your watch too, to gauge your fitness. Wrist based metrics are often bad at estimating this.

[@terryng8892]

I have both and prefer the H10 for comfort. The Garmin Pro+ strap metal connector rubs my skin. Both works well with my Fenix 7S.

[@henne5348]

Does the extra data like ground contact time etc change compared to just the watch? Or do I not need the garmin hrm if my watch already tracks the extra data by itself?

[@terryng8892]

@henne5348 Watch still ways to go for accuracy compared to chest strap HRM and other metrics.

[@Gonzalo-kb5qc]

Which one do you recommend for triathlon? Thanks for the vídeo 🙏🏽

[@mtn_man]

One other thing to note is the H10 does not take the std 2032 battery, it takes the smaller 2025 battery, it works with both but as I found to my cost, it means the H10 isn't as water resistant with the bigger battery and mine got damaged as a result.....

[@ivanh3]

I have the Polar H10 and a Fenix 7X. I had the Polar because it was originally paired to an Apple Ultra. I was thinking about going the Garmin strap for more data, however, not being able to remove the strap seems silly. The Poplar H10 is so easy to keep clean, and should the strap wear out (which so far has not been a problem), I could just get a new strap. The core Garmin gear is really cool, but sometimes the accessories don't seem to be well thought out.

[@CSRunner7]

I’m really interested in the running dynamics but have an old Garmin 235 so don’t think I could see them on my watch. Would the Garmin Pro monitor mean I could Bluetooth those stats direct from strap to Garmin Connect app on my phone afterwards so can still review them??

[@user-ho7wo9wm3y]

Which one has the best customer tech support/customer service? Polar used to offer live phone support but has discontinued it. Is Garmin any better?

[@Ghimlioak]

I have both and I prefer the Polar. Even if I had trouble with heart rate monitoring with low or high bpm at same pace . I don’t have heart disfunction at all 😊

[@SDScuba]

Can you transfer the data from the Polar to Garmin Connect? Seamlessly?

[@Ghimlioak]

@@SDScuba yes as well as the Garmin. Only less parameters to analyze. But if you are not interested in some stats the Polar is sufficient

[@TranceMusic20]

What about compatibility H10 with Garmin 265 for example? I've seen some people reported there is connection problem sometimes.

[@Mafioso1731]

Is it possible to pair the H10 with Samsung Health ?

[@deshkanagrikhoon]

Comparison should have been between Garmin HRM dual and Polar H10

[@Eon0007]

I found that after buying the H10 does not work with the Sports Tracker app that I've used for year's. Disappointing and had to go back to H7. Not sure if the Garmin would be?

[@AL-jm6vb]

Hi will you being a review against chest monitors against arm monitors

[@dirtytalkien1653]

You can’t change a strap on Garmin. That’s all you need to know. All other things are not as important. Also H10 has the most accurate measurement.

[@justinwaite26]

How do i use the garmin with a app on my phone that just gives basic bpm?...i dont need anything else..

[@harveyhenry8082]

If i use a coros HR strap with a garmin watch will it do a VO2 max estimate based off the coros HR data?

[@Sinasi08]

Very easily remove the sensor and then put the chest strap in the washing machine when needed. Polar H10 it is 😊😊💪💪

[@adamfeerst2575]

I shower with it after every use. Don’t need a washing machine.

[@JoutarouKuujou1]

@@adamfeerst2575 I find washing it in the sink easier (after each use). Then machine wash once a week. Without machine wash it smells funky in no time

[@ebohutomo]

Please review magene HR h603 chest trap

[@julianklumpers]

For me, the Garmin HRM+ BPM hangs a lot or is stuck for several seconds (10 to 30) and then suddenly drops to my current BPM. This feels very frustrating because it alters my average BPM and gives me false readings. Also, when I first paired my Garmin HRM+ with my Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2), the running dynamics (pace and distance) were set to 'Always' instead of 'Indoor', which also alters my pace and distance by minutes off.

[@drigobarreto]

I’m a Garmin guy, however the Pro + is my 3rd strap an I’m again disappointed. It didn’t cracked the case as the priors did. But it’s decaying after 1 year of use. Electrode Pads are detaching and the rubber around them are eroding fast. Probably going to Polar soon.

[@MotoRidesVietnam]

I'm owner of 2 x garmin hrm tri straps and both now fallen to pieces. Not built to last 💩

[@mrbartuss1]

Which would be better for Apple Watch? Tbh, I'm interested only in more accurate HR data and not draining AW battery as much

[@missbutts85]

Found the HRM Pro Plus on Amazon for $97. Been using it with my Apple Watch and it works well

[@mrbartuss1]

@@missbutts85 Does it save the AW battery? Have you noticed that?

[@ksheridan]

i,ve had 3 garmin hrm pro they are only lasting me about 14 months

[@Whatreally123]

I am olanning to ourchase the Polar H10. Can someone help me how to connect it to an android smartphone and set the watch to read data from the Polar and notify me when i go lower or higher of particular heart rates?

[@twoweeledsoto6072]

I'm just looking at my Garmin HRM +. DAMN! I just assumed I could replace the strap. Why would they not make it possible? I guess we all know the answer to that one. It'll be the last Garmin strap I buy.

[@ImApringle]

can you get replacement strap for the garmin? looks like its one unit

[@JoutarouKuujou1]

no

[@karthiksst]

Can we use polar h10 for tracking treadmill running ?

[@Martin9x19]

Yes, you can. It automatically connects to the treadmill/bike/stairs and ect.

[@mateuszkitka]

Polar has 5kHz / Garmin 2,4kHz. I noticed differences in connecting to different devices, favoring Polar. Unfortunately, Garmin has a problem with this. Maybe it's just me. The device was serviced and still has a problem even though I have a new one.

[@mseeberg]

We got both the H9 and the H10 at home, and keep getting connection errors (on different devices, Android and iOS). Some days, try what you want, they won‘t connect. Will definitely sell the Polars and try the Garmin… nothing worse than the sun coming out and you are sitting indoors trying to get the HR monitor to connect…

[@christianaspas]

try to moist the cheststrap a little bit before using it.

[@mseeberg]

@@christianaspas Hey, thanks for coming back, good advice, but unfortunately, I already tried that, even with a specific gel for that. Didn‘t help anything. Meanwhile got the Garmin Pro, works like magic in comparison. No single connection error since then, never looking back to that Polar crap…

[@justinshadrach829]

As a footballer I've used the Polar H10 but it doesn't seem to record all of my distance and hour game said I covered only 60m. It kept loosing GPS. Is the Garmin GPS any better?

[@Noah_wef]

The straps itself don't have any GPS afaik. Use your smartwatch or get a GPS vest for football

[@JoutarouKuujou1]

Machine washable H10 👍

[@henninga.9996]

This, the Garmin smells like cat piss after a few months, even with hand washing. It also disintegrates pretty quickly. H10 is washable and the band swapable, easy win

[@adamfeerst2575]

Shower with it. Don’t need the washing machine.

[@davidlee8019]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 📊 Comparing Polar H10 and Garmin HRM Pro Plus for running, both are highly recommended chest straps with subtle differences. 💰 Price difference: Polar H10 is cheaper than Garmin HRM Pro Plus, making it a more budget-friendly option. ⏱️ Battery life: Polar H10 offers longer battery life (400 hours) compared to Garmin HRM Pro Plus (12 months of daily training). 🌊 Waterproofing: Garmin HRM Pro Plus has better waterproofing capabilities (50m) than Polar H10 (30m). 📶 Connectivity: Garmin HRM Pro Plus supports unlimited ANT+ and three Bluetooth connections, while Polar H10 supports two Bluetooth connections. 🏃‍♂️ Tracking capabilities: Garmin HRM Pro Plus offers more advanced run tracking metrics like vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and stride length. 🛠️ Comfort and design: Polar H10 has easier battery replacement and a clip for fastening the strap, while Garmin HRM Pro Plus has a slightly smaller sensor and softer fabric. 🧼 Maintenance: Polar H10 strap is machine washable, whereas Garmin HRM Pro Plus strap is not. Made with HARPA AI

[@hakandartar]

Greetings, can I use Polar H10 by pairing it with Suunto 9 Peak?

[@mihovilbilac4700]

I use them with suunto 9 baro

[@hakandartar]

@@mihovilbilac4700 Thank you for your answer. Greetings from Turkey.

[@kao60]

Easy choice for me: The Garmin slides down all the time, and the Polar stays in place!

[@user-bs5fi1hf4g]

I have an old Garmin hrm-dual with a forerunner 965. Is there any reason to upgrade the chest strap?

[@a.k.1351]

Yes, if you have too much money.

[@kD_5555_]

Lol​@@a.k.1351

[@gorjn1]

coospo for £15

[@infocuslearning]

Why didn’t you compare the Garmin HRM Dual? Much closer in price.

[@davidlee8019]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *📊 Heart Rate Monitor Specifications* - Comparing key specs and basics of Polar H10 and Garmin HRM Pro+, - Price, battery life, size, weight, waterproofing, and connectivity compared, - Overview of tracking capabilities and additional features. 02:05 *🏃‍♂️ Comfort and Design Comparison* - Discussion on comfort, design, and usability aspects, - Comparison of battery replacement ease, - Differences in strap attachment and fabric properties. 03:05 *💡 Personal Preference and Usage Experience* - Personal experiences and preferences of the presenters, - Factors influencing their choice between Polar H10 and Garmin HRM Pro+, - Considerations such as accuracy, comfort, and compatibility with other devices. 04:14 *💰 Value Proposition and Final Recommendations* - Evaluating the value proposition of each heart rate monitor, - Final recommendations based on personal experiences and features, - Consideration of pricing, features, and intended usage scenarios. Made with HARPA AI

[@santiagocarlin9130]

HEY QUICK QUESTION can you connect your GARMIN hrm to a coros pace 3?

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

Did you figure it out? Wonder if it’s compatible

[@santiagocarlin9130]

In theory you can, but you lost running features Garmin connect has when you connect your hrm to a Garmin watch.@@chrisvarelabenitez4690

[@santiagocarlin9130]

In a way yeah. But you loose some running features Garmin has in hrm while connected to Garmin Watch.

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

@@santiagocarlin9130 like what?

[@santiagocarlin9130]

@@chrisvarelabenitez4690running dynamics which only works between Garmin devices.

[@thomaskeenan2208]

Low discomfort. Neither comfortable. Polar easy to remove and slightly less uncomfortable. Either is good. Garmin has its advantages.