Our Take
A dedicated optical heart rate monitor worn on the upper arm or temple during sport, designed for those who find wrist-based tracking unreliable or who want to free up their watch for other purposes. It pairs with third-party fitness apps and Polar's own ecosystem, sitting at the premium end of standalone HR sensor options.
Key Features
Optical heart rate sensor worn on the upper arm or goggle strap, with an adjustable armband included
Transmits data simultaneously via Bluetooth and ANT+, allowing connection to multiple devices at once
Compatible with Polar's Beat app as well as third-party platforms including Garmin, Wahoo, and most ANT+-enabled devices
Onboard memory stores sessions when worn without a connected device, syncing later via the app
Rated suitable for swimming and water sports with genuine water resistance to 50 metres
Session duration limited by battery life, which Polar rates at approximately 20 hours per charge
Our Verdict
A strong choice for triathletes, swimmers, or cyclists who need reliable HR data independent of a watch. It's particularly worthwhile if you train across multiple disciplines or use gym equipment with ANT+ receivers. Those after an all-in-one wearable, or who train primarily on foot, will likely get enough from their existing watch.