Polar Verity Sense vs. OH1 - Should Runners Upgrade?

The OH1 has been one of my favorite HR monitors, and Polar recently announced an upgrade. In this video, I'll go over the changes and whether I think you should upgrade.
0:00 intro
0:53 workout
1:39 disclosures
2:13 external HR
3:12 armband
4:22 size
5:03 range
5:13 memory
5:31 battery
6:31 price
6:40 swim features
8:01 my testing data
11:17 straps
12:28 enclosure
13:16 button travel
14:03 buying guide
disclosures: the Polar Verity Sense was sent to me for purpose of review. The OH1 was purchased myself. The Polar Vantage V2 and the Polar H9 that I mention in this video were also provided for purpose of review in prior videos. No one is paying me to make this video or to use any of these devices. No one will get a chance to preview my footage or thoughts before this video goes up on youtube.
Polar Verity Sense www.polar.com/us-en/products/...
Polar OH1 www.polar.com/us-en/products/...
Polar Vantage V2 www.polar.com/us-en/vantage/v2
Polar H9 www.polar.com/us-en/products/...
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
Running footage shot on:
insta360 one X2 (paid link)
www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i...
Music sourced via Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Disclosure: It's 2021, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
I may earn commissions if you purchase items from Insta360 via my affiliate links.
Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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[@robj3773]

I've had a OH1+ for nearly two years. I love it. Very accurate & comfortable. 1. You can see battery 🔋 level in the Polar Beat app under settings - HR sensors. Confusingly Polar have two different apps for different purposes. 2. Swimming lap counting magic uses a built in accelerometer. 3. New Verity Sense has an additional Bluetooth channel too. Good if you do treadmill runnings using Zwift and record on watch too for training load metrics. Thanks 👍🏻 for the great review.

[@kofuzi]

1. i thought Polar was getting rid of the Beat app 2. i didn't know if the verity sense had an accelerometer in it. i was trying to figure out how it would know pace and distance with on HR

[@yiwei412]

Great video kofuzi! Your work is truly inspiring as another Asian person living in the US. The intros are fire and the quality of editing is so damn good. Can't wait to see the channel grow

[@wesleybell6824]

Love the content! So amazed!. Living in Chicago I’ve never seen the lake front that empty... oh! And those are my new favorite shoes! ENDORPHIN!!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I’m glad you thought there was a difference to the button itself 😂 I sat around clicking both for way too long to make that conclusion.

[@antigravity19]

Nice Review, just got my OH1 in december so won't need to replace for awhile. I may get the new armband as the velcro would be a welcome addition. I do agree the OH1 button is annoying, good to hear they are making minor improvements too.

[@sun.2801]

I’ve been considering getting the OH1 for the longest time but now I’ll have to look into the Verity Sense instead. Bigger button and longer battery life are appealing. Also, same here on the “I can barely not drown” swim ability. 🐢 Land turtle is me.

[@DeanPattrick]

Not even finished the video and love your content. We suffer exactly the same problems: optical watches don’t work the best whilst running and also winters are problematic (live in Helsinki) 🙌🙌😎😎

[@andywright7425]

Those intros are always 🔥🔥

[@davidgross7972]

Thanks for this comparison Michael. It's great to see the DCR-style comparison charts! I have been using the OH1+ for the past few months because my Garmin 235 heart sensor lenses are all cracked and HR readings are not reliable. It has been great overall but I have had some of the same problems as you. On my forearm, it seems to get more dropouts or inconsistencies, so I always wear it on my bicep. The band also seems to have stretched so I have had to tighten it up to prevent dropouts. I also have had problems pushing that button; need to press it with my fingernail or it doesn't respond. Battery life seems okay, usually I can do most of the week depending how long my runs are and the device does give you a bit of warning that the battery is low with the red flashes of the led when you turn it off and also the notification on my watch, but seems like it is only when it is so low it is about to die. Anyway, it's nice to know there is a newer option and bands available.

[@kofuzi]

i use DC Rainmaker's analyzer tool

[@communicationiskey-]

Great channel! Apart for swimming, I prefer the Polar H10. No buttons, no need to recharge every week, can record 1 training session, just simple! Got into Coros watches for their battery life and excellent functionalities, I would not buy another gizmo that has to be charged on daily or weekly basis like the iWatch.

[@sonnylloyd2899]

AMAZING review, thanks!

[@massi888]

HI Thank you for your review. To check the battery status, there is a trick :) you have to install the Polar Beat App on your phone and pair it to it and it gives you the battery status, the drawback that it seems to only be able to pair to one strap at the time, for example if you have an H10, if it is paired to polar beat, you won't be able to pair the new verity sensor with it, but if you remove it, will work (Settings-> HR sensor->Battery). I have the the OH1, and if i understood correctly your review, i can probably just by the verity strap and use the OH1 sensor with it to have a better fitting on the arm.

[@ScentNomad]

I got my OH1+ only a few days ago (great device) so I won't upgrade for a while anyway, but I agree: some nice new features, not necessary for me personally though. I appreciate that Polar made the straps / sensor holder interchangeable, so we will still be able to purchase extra ones for the OH1. What I don't get is why they didn't took the time to create a simple battery meter, they did so well with the new button and user interface (and those new swim metrics are amazing indeed!), why not use the LEDs to give some feedback? The rough estimation in the Polar Beat app is not very useful too. Anyway, great review, cheers from Berlin / Germany!

[@msandiford93]

Love my OH1, it's my go to HR device. The battery life is such a good upgrade I think

[@ilushk]

"I can barely not drown" is exactly how I would describe my ability to swim!

[@kofuzi]

I look forward to working on it, but I’m very aware of my abilities in the water

[@korbyndean1535]

pro tip : you can watch movies at kaldroStream. Been using it for watching lots of of movies recently.

[@mauriciomarvin9738]

@Korbyn Dean yup, I've been using Flixzone} for since december myself =)

[@keatondavion6706]

@Korbyn Dean yup, I have been using Flixzone} for since december myself :)

[@IainMabbott]

These reviews are great! I have no interest in these HR bands but I watched it all anyway 😄

[@davidlidstone9148]

70k SUBS !!! Woohoo 🥳

[@josephcarter8291]

This is the exact debate I was having in my head after today's LS.

[@Oscarmike1981]

Good review, you saved me a couple of bucks.

[@kofuzi]

Glad I could help

[@russelljf56]

The big difference is in the button / interface for starting standalone tracking. The OH1 I could place on my arm and start a track with the double tap (granted probably not with jackets and multiple gloves) but the Verity you need to toggle it around to the right activity and then start, knowing it's on the right activity while on arm would be tricky. But then again standalone tracking might not occur too often for most people (once i got the ant+ connection sorted with my phone app I haven't had to) When connected to my phone running app, the battery status would be visible, but likewise I'm surprised it doesn't push through that info to my Garmin (and to your Polar). You fidgeting with the armband under your layers... That's the real Shamrock Shuffle!

[@DrRamiNader]

I love the OH1, but the Verity Sense looks good. Don't need it, but may want it :)

[@motivationthreshold]

Great review. My question is why are these manufacturers still adding the optical sensor to their watches when they clearly don’t work properly. I forgot my heart rate belt a few weeks ago on a long run and my watch defaulted to using optical sensor. It never went below 180! And Garmins sensor will break and they will make you pay for it! If you don’t then you don’t then for some reason altitude and barometer work. Just so anyone thinking of buying a Garmin Fenix for the built in heart rate function...DONT!!

[@okantichrist]

How does the data from these devices compare to your chest strap monitor?

[@mjmdiver1137]

Michael, I have the OH1 and have been very happy with it for the past few years. I use Garmin watches for my running and I prefer to use a chest strap, but I found that I will get chafing on my chest from the strap, and nothing I have tried will stop the chafing from happening. Once it starts, I will end up with a pretty bad cut/gouge in my skin over time and I just had to stop using them. Do you have any thoughts on how to alleviate that? It's been almost 5 years since I gave up trying to get a chest strap to not cause me pretty severe chafing problems with the long runs.

[@RunTommy123]

Weird man, I didn't get a notification for this video, or any of your stuff the last few days

[@zambroata]

the intro music is epic

[@danieloherrick6332]

Any idea why Garmin doesn't make an arm band?

[@ViperDFS]

Does the VeritySense automatically shut off after activity or being removed from arm? The ONLY thing i dont like about my Polar OH1 is that if you forget to turn it off after an activity it will just keep reading until the battery dies. I'd like a unit that is smart enough to detect when it sitting on the table or gym bag reading 0 and shut itself off after a few min.

[@JB-hq9yj]

Is the Vantage V2 your exclusive tracker now or are you just doing a long term review? I’m between the V2, Garmin 745 and AW6 and I know you have experience with Apple Watch

[@patricia__alves_]

Thanks for the video! Would you still recommend the OH1 in 2023? It’s way cheaper than the Sense (60$ difference) and the Coros HR is out of stock everywhere here in Canada. I have the same issues as you (AW doesn’t pick up HR as soon as it’s a bit chilly). 😊

[@tsubakichan]

Darn. Got my OH1+ in December and my ONLY complaint is that it lasts like 7.5 hours of active time, despite the claimed 12 hour. I end up charging it maybe every 5? days. If I had that choice back then, I'd have sprung the extra money for the Verity Sense. But not worth buying it now since I already own the OH1+, like you said.

[@orion9k]

Why does the chart start at 80 bpm? It cant record resting heart rate ?

[@StephaneWirtel]

Hi @kofuzi . After this video, did you started to move to the Verity Sense instead of the OH1? Other question, do you use a Drone for the recording of your movie? Thank you

[@CsabaTothMr]

My two tips: 1. for chest strap you can just use your saliva instead of gels. Since it's weird to lick the strap, I lick the top of my hand and then transfer the saliva to the sensors. 2. for optical sensors: try to turn the sensor under your wrist where your vascular system is way more pronounced. In case of a watch that has it's own disadvantages though.

[@Burps___]

Conductive gels work much better than saliva in cold temperatures.

[@whitewings05]

The OH1 does actually have a gyro in it so it can measure pace and such for swimming, THEORETICALLY. I'm just guessing the verity sense has a few more *meters and software tricks

[@thatguygreg]

Great video and good timing for me. I just bought the OH1+ and had my first run with it this morning. Was disappointed with the result, it kept disconnecting with the watch. I think I had the strap too tight. Do you wear the OH1 on the same arm as your watch? I had it on the other side this morning so maybe that messed up with the signal. Didn't know about the Verity, but got a decent deal on the OH1 so will stick with it if it works over the next week or so.

[@kofuzi]

Always on the same arm as the watch

[@yomango35]

Nice video.. Two things I forgot to mention to you regarding the Polar OH1 ..few times I did turn on the device and I went for a walk outside , then when I came back , I try to sync the device , but the data was not transmitted ... It happen few times ...Not a pleasant experience . And the second thing... once you see the data online after you did your workout ...What do you really get from it ?? You run too fast or too slow ?? Anything else ??

[@kofuzi]

if you're looking solely at what the OH1 or the Verity Sense can give you, the data you get is HR, which is quite valuable for certain training styles. if you're looking for pace information, you will need a watch and/or footpod.

[@jaysingh05]

Thanks Kofuzi! I’ve been struggling w my polar H10 chest strap monitor; keeps dropping out in the middle of my runs. 😫Super frustrating. Purchasing an OH1 based on this review, while I try to continue troubleshooting the chest strap.

[@kofuzi]

are you getting it wet before your activity starts? have you considered using conductive gel? (it's not the most pleasant, but I need it for winter running)

[@jaysingh05]

Kk - I’ll try the gel. I HAVE been wetting it. But The problem actually starts when I get sweaty so not sure if conductivity itself is an issue. Usually drops out after at least 20 mins or running, often more. I think it has something to do with the contact points of the strap where it connects to the sensor. According to one KZbin review, apparently they shrink over time, especially if you wash the strap often which I do. And so the guy used a duct tape method to fix LOL. I’ll try the gel and and I’ll try the duct tape thing MAYBE. But honestly, at that point I should just send the sensor/strap back to polar and have them figure it out and tell me exactly what the issue is. Because 3 months of decent data and then all of a sudden wonky is … frustrating. But thanks as always Kofuzi - for everything you do!! 😄

[@jaysingh05]

Kk - I’ll try the gel. I HAVE been wetting it. But The problem actually starts when I get sweaty so not sure if conductivity itself is an issue. Usually drops out after at least 20 mins or running, often more. I think it has something to do with the contact points of the strap where it connects to the sensor. According to one KZbin review, apparently they shrink over time, especially if you wash the strap often which I do. And so the guy used a duct tape method to fix LOL. I’ll try the gel and and I’ll try the duct tape thing MAYBE. But honestly, at that point I should just send the sensor/strap back to polar and have them figure it out and tell me exactly what the issue is. Because 3 months of decent data and then all of a sudden wonky is … frustrating. But thanks as always Kofuzi - for everything you do!! 😄

[@ramosmiguel1977]

Great review. Btw, does any of these 2 warn us on real time of any specific HR ?

[@kofuzi]

the sensor itself doesn't do it; it would depend on the device that the sensor is communicating with. the app can be used to set HR zones that could provide such warnings. and Polar watches can do that. Most other brands of GPS watches could also do it, but some are easier to toggle on/off the HR zones than others.

[@Francisco_Moreno]

hey kofuzi is it possible to use this sensor with another watch like garmin? or is it only compatible with a polar watch?

[@fva93]

You can use it with a garmin watch.

[@lucaatzori92]

Exhaustive! Thanks for it! And try swimming…. ;)

[@mr1derful83]

Polar since 2014: Watches: Loop, Loop 2, M400, M460, A360, V800, M200, Vantage M, Vantage V (and V Titan), Ignite, Grit X, Vantage V2 Straps: H7, H10, OH1, OH1+, Verity Sense Bike Computers: V650... Stop replacing stuff that's less than 3yrs old and update my 7yr old bike computer! /Rant

[@kofuzi]

That’s a lot of watches

[@bettstp]

I have the OH1 and the current battery level is visible in the polar beat app but its not a percentage, it's basically full, half-full or needs a charge. Thanks for this comparison though, I saw this new polar yesterday and was wondering if it was worth it. Probably will wait until the OH1 dies I guess

[@kofuzi]

The persistent low battery warning that can occur if you let the OH1 get too low with a polar watch feels frenetic. Without more specificity on the battery life, it leads me to obsessively charge the device

[@bettstp]

@@kofuzi Yeah I find myself doing what you do and just charging it every 4 days or so, or before any long run if I can't remember when I last charged it

[@scott_strool]

Did they send one to everybody?

[@kofuzi]

seems like it

[@James-zu1ij]

I thought you were practicing for an egg and spoon race. You are holding a camera... doooh!!!

[@yomango35]

Too late ..I just did order it .....Its okay.Two is better than one ...:)))

[@RafalKontrym]

Can you wear the Verity Sense on the wrist?

[@stickonatree]

Most triathlon watches eg fenix from garmin can tell you how many laps or lengths :)

[@kofuzi]

yes, but presumably it's not giving that info via data it's getting from the HR sensor. as far as i know, the Verity Sense does not have gyros or accelerometers in it. i could be wrong though.

[@peterfigg3922]

@@kofuzi Polar Verity Sense has both gyros and "accelerometers" in it, the gyro is new and helps with detecting the turn in swimming.

[@wilberthchaconalfaro7690]

I would rather keep using my Polar H10

[@GeorgeRon]

The operating cost of a chest strap should not be taken lightly. Where I live, the H10 costs around 50-60$. Getting a replacement 2025 CR battery every month really bothers me, and those batteries aren't cheap either. Add up all the coin batteries you buy over the lifetime of the chest strap. Besides, the chest strap has already given me blisters on the chest... the H10 fabrics sucks.

[@kofuzi]

the coin batteries are so annoying

[@15woongb]

First

[@borysb1748]

I received Polar Verity Sense for Christmas. As this is unwanted gift (it's really crappy) I am trying to reurn it since then. Customer service either does not bother to reply or they do everything they can to not give you instructions how to return products. Then after 3 weeks they demand packing slip in order to accept the return. What an anti-consumer greedy corporation. Guys, check trustpilot, don't buy their products.