Accurate, comfortable, and able to be swum with. All it needs is a rechargeable battery.
Pros
+
Accurate
+
Comfortable, non-slip strap
+
Long battery life
+
Connects to multiple devices
+
Various colour options
Cons
-
Battery not rechargeable
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The Polar H10 heart rate monitor first launched in 2017 and has become known as one of the best heart monitors on the market, thanks to its accuracy and ease of use. Polar even calls it the 'gold standard' of accuracy.
Since 2017, there have been several updates to the strap, and the current option features ECG technology, dual Bluetooth connection, and device memory.
Priced at RRP £86.50, the Polar H10 offers comfort, ease and top-level heart rate measurements ideal for anyone looking to study their athletic performance in any sport, and from a cycling perspective, it's an excellent option.
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The data pod detaches from the main strap.(Image credit: Emma Cole)
Solid poppers provide a secure connection and the transfer of data. (Image credit: Emma Cole)
Design and specifications
The Polar H10 functions as a chest strap containing electrodes with a connector pod which snaps in place in the middle, silicon dots to help the strap stay in place and there is a buckle for fastening. To activate the sensor, the electrode area needs to be moistened; a quick lick, or even a bit of breath helps in this regard, but if you're squeamish just splash some water on it.
The H10 uses ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors to measure the user's heart rate. ECG sensors are considered the best for heart rate monitoring amongst health officials as they are considered to be the most accurate. Essentially ECG works through direct skin contact, which allows it to record the electrical signals in the heart, measuring the wearer's heart rate and rhythm. this is in contrast to optical heart rate monitoring, the likes of which you'll find on the best cycling watches, and standalone devices like the Whoop 4.0 and the Wahoo Tickr Fit armband.
While many other heart rate monitors use ECG measuring methods, the H10 has additional features which help position it as a top spec HR strap. Compared to the Polar H9, the H10 has dual device Bluetooth and device-free recording, albeit with memory space for just one training session.
Performance
Wearing and connecting the H10 sensor is straightforward. Simply moisten the electrode area, slip it on and then attached the Polar branded pod.
The Polar H10 can be used with a sports watch and is compatible with many sports watches that support Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, including Polar sports watches and other brands.
I used mine with my Garmin Instinct 2S watch and I found the strap sent HR readings to devices almost instantly. I also used the H10 with the Wahoo Tickr Move and once paired the transfer of HR data was also rapid.
Polar says the broadcast range is 9000cm, and I had zero problems with any range issues. Indoor training is relentlessly sweaty, and with a water resistance of 30m, the H10 hasn't drowned on me yet (unlike a phone I once put in my sports bra). This does also make it suitable for triathletes, but Polar does say not to take it diving.
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The battery is replaceable, rather than rechargeable.(Image credit: Emma Cole)
The pod is rated waterproof to 30m, so you can swim with it if you want to. (Image credit: Emma Cole)
Battery
TheH10 uses a CR2025 battery which the brand says boasts about 400 hours of use. With that sort of run time, it will be a while until you need a new battery. When that eventually happens, a new CR2025 coin cell battery will set you back approximately £3.50 for four which isn't a lot.
The battery is in the Polar branded pod which makes it easy to swap without subsequent issues with the strap. But with at £86.50 and being a top spec HR monitor, would a rechargeable battery not be better? Both for purse and planet.
Without going down a sustainability rabbit hole, I think that largely depends whether you are in the camp of 'too much stuff to charge already' or not. For me, rechargeable is always better.
Comfort
The Polar H10 features a buckle for closure making the monitor easy to take on and off and the strap is soft against the skin, with the silicon dots neatly keeping it in place.
The H10 comes in two sizes M-XXL (67-95cm) and XS-S (58-71cm). I tried the M-XXL which fitted nicely. I haven't always been a big proponent of wearing a strap as I have often found they rub, are uncomfortable, or simply just don't work with my sports bra, but in the case of the H10 I was pleasantly surprised.
The strap sticks to skin as promised, doesn't rub and for the most part I forgot it was there. It is even comfortable during long training sessions. Of note is that I haven't tried the H10 in hot weather conditions, thus cannot test how the H10 fares in comfort once the sweat levels go up, but my indoor training has been a sufficient analogy.
Tech and comfort aside, what's particularly fun is that the H10 comes in various colours and even a camo option. While heart rate monitors aren't exactly glamorous tech, it's nice to have a choice of colourways to exude a little pizzazz.
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An easily adjustable buckle keeps it secure. (Image credit: Emma Cole)
Silicone dots on the strap stop it falling down mid-effort. (Image credit: Emma Cole)
Verdict
The H10 is considered the gold standard for a reason. It offers consistent and accurate heart rate measurements, a comfortable and secure fit, decent battery life and seamless connectivity.
For those who like a chest strap heart rate sensor, you won't go far wrong with the H10.
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Testing scorecard and notes
Design
Clean design, adjustable strap, and offered in two different sizes
9/10
Performance
Excellent accuracy using ECG technology and long battery life
9/10
Value
There are HR monitors available for less money, but the H10 has added features which make it a great option
Emma Cole is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who loves anything to do with adventure, sport and sustainability. Alongside writing about these passions for Cyclingnews, her work has also featured in Cycling Weekly, Outdoors Magic and Cyclist Magazine - where she previously held the role of Features Writer for over two years. Emma hosts her own podcast, The Passion Stories Podcast and has a first-class degree in French and Politics.
