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 Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for anyone wanting a heart-rate watch, especially runners or fitness enthusiasts. It offers accurate wrist-based heart rate monitoring and built-in GPS to track your pace and distance without needing your phone. The vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen is easy to read and use, with traditional buttons adding convenience during workouts. Comfort-wise, its lightweight 43 mm design makes it suitable to wear all day, even during sleep, which helps track recovery and sleep quality. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 19 hours when using GPS, so you won’t need to charge it frequently.

The watch includes over 25 activity profiles, covering running, cycling, HIIT, strength training, and more, making it versatile for various workouts. Smart features like Garmin Pay for contactless payments, smart notifications, and safety tracking add extra value. One limitation is its 30 mAh battery capacity, which is modest compared to some competitors, meaning heavy GPS use will drain it faster. Also, while the watch provides recovery insights and suggested workouts, these are estimates and might not replace professional guidance. The display and interface are user-friendly but might take a little time to get used to if you’re new to smartwatches.

The Forerunner 165 is well suited for active individuals focused on running and general fitness who want reliable tracking, helpful training guidance, and smart features in a lightweight, colorful package.