An Overview On Blood Pressure Monitors
High blood pressure affects one in three Americans, yet many dont even realize they have it. Known as the silent killer, it can cause a sudden heart attack or stroke without any symptoms at all beforehand. If you have regular medical checkups, youll likely be tested before every visit. But for some people, at-home checks are critical to keeping it under control.
For that reason, home blood pressure monitors have become increasingly popular in recent years. As technology evolves, these monitors have grown far more sophisticated, interacting with smartphones and even allowing multiple people in the same household to store their own information.
BP monitors at home are to help give you feedback on your blood pressure and response to starting hypertension medications. However, the more important role is for you to keep a log of your pressures so that your doctor can get a sense of your BP control over several days, says Dr. Niket Sonpal, a gastroenterologist based in New York City.
There are more than bells and whistles to a blood pressure monitor. Accuracy is a top priority, but it can get confusing since many devices promise accurate results. One method some devices use is averaging, which takes multiple readings and gives you the average of all. Some monitors also use AM/PM averaging to help you keep an eye on your overall daily blood pressure readings. Dr. Sonpal also recommends getting it calibrated for accuracy at your doctors office.
Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors
A wrist blood pressure monitor includes a cuff that fits around the wrist. Wrist monitors tend to be smaller in size, but they are usually more comfortable for the wearer. However, a wrist monitor may not be as accurate as an arm monitor.
“The American Heart Association recommends the use of an upper arm BP monitor, as these monitors tend to be more accurate than wrist models. However, wrist monitors can be more comfortable than upper arm styles. If you experience discomfort with a traditional bicep cuff monitor, you may prefer a wrist monitor.”
Blood Pressure Monitors We Also Tested
In our Lab test, we evaluated 10 blood pressure monitors, but only included eight on our final list of recommendations. While these two devices fell short in our test when it came to ease of use and delivery of results, they had some helpful features and may be worth considering if none of the monitors on our list are exactly what you’re looking for.
- A& D Medical Advanced Manual Inflate Blood Pressure Monitor: The device is lightweight, but it was confusing to set up and required manual inflation.
- Withings BPM Connect: While the monitor has app connectivity, the process it takes to connect to your smartphone is difficult and it takes 3 minutes and 30 seconds to get a single result.
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Best Blood Pressure Monitors Of 2022
Blood pressure is a vital metric that can help determine your risk of a variety of health issues. Unfor tunately, the often unnoticeable side effects of high blood pressure make it hard to know when intervention is necessary, which is why this condition is commonly known as the silent killer. An at-home blood pressure monitor can help you keep close tabs on this crucial health metric. By taking your own blood pressure readings regularly and tracking changes over time, youre better equipped to manage your health for the long haul.
To identify the best blood pressure monitors, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 50 products across the most reputable brands. From price to accuracy to data storage ability to usability, see which blood pressure monitors stand out as our top picks.
Note: Prices are accurate as of the publication date but are subject to change.
When considering buying a blood pressure monitor for home use, look into the following factors.
Our Pick: Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor 0604
*At the time of publishing, the price was $45.
Of all the blood pressure monitors we tested, the Greater Goods Smart Blood Pressure Monitor 0604 was the best in terms of features and ease of use. We liked its large, backlit display, as well as its capacity to store up to 60 measurements per each of two users on the device itselfand unlimited readings in the companion app, Balance Health . In our testing, the monitor gave reliably consistent readings. The cuff is comfortable and fits most arms, and the machine can both run on batteries and be plugged into the wall. It also offers the option to send data wirelessly from the monitor to an app via Bluetooth.
Like most of the monitors we considered, the 0604 offers irregular pulse detection and the ability to average pressure readings in the Balance Health app accessing these functions is simple and intuitive. You can toggle between users with an easy slide of a switch , and the monitor is usable straight out of the box, even beforeor without everconnecting to the app.
The 0604 is extremely quietit sounds like a refrigerator hum if youre within a couple inches of it, and it shouldnt disturb someone across the room. Its large, backlit display is easy to read, but readings stay on the screen for only a minute or so after delivery. The machine does, however, instantly send your results to the app, making daily, weekly, monthly, or annual averaging a simple task.
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Tracking Your Blood Pressure
Omron offers several digital blood pressure monitors with easy-to-read displays and simple operation. Many popular models also offer a memory function that stores previous readings, so tracking fluctuations in blood pressure is much easier. Some models include a blood pressure arm band if you prefer taking your pressure from your arm instead of your wrist. Omron also offers armbands to replace worn out equipment or to accommodate larger sized arms.
*The total item count is approximate. The count will be inaccurate when sponsored products are displayed, when multiple sizes or colors of a product are grouped on a single product card, and when the in-stock filter is applied.
A Note About Accuracy
Because blood pressure can fluctuate greatly in response to movement, medication, and other factors, we decided we did not have the resources to give a valid accuracy rating. Instead, we determined each devices reading consistency.
We calculated the standard deviation of the back-to-back systolic and diastolic readings on each device. We did this for both the morning and afternoon tests we’ve included the average standard deviations for each device listed above. Dr. Sheikh advised that devices with standard deviation readings of 10 or less would be considered consistent. Devices with standard deviations greater than 10 did not make our list.
Throughout both tests, the testers took thorough notes on how the cuff fit around their arm, how easy the results were to access and understand, whether or not the device was easily portable, any other features that would either lessen or enhance the devices value. They then scored the product for these attributes on a scale of one to five .
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Omron 7 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor With Side
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Item No. 8024318
The OMRON 7 Series Wireless Upper Arm home blood pressure monitor has a horizontally designed dual-display monitor and stores up to 120 readings . Sync via Bluetooth to the free OMRON Connect app for unlimited memory, graphs and trend tracking, as well as unlimited users. The OMRON Connect app works with iOS and Android devices. Omron is the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand of blood pressure monitors and the #1 selling manufacturer of home blood pressure monitors for over 40 years.
- DUAL LCD DISPLAY: Shows your last reading right next to your current reading for convenient and immediate comparison
- WIRELESS Bluetooth ACCESS: Syncs to the OMRON Connect app on your iOS or Android devices
- MEMORY STORAGE: Accommodates two users, storing up to 120 readings on one device
- IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT SYMBOL: Alerts you to the number of irregular heartbeats detected during your measurement
- COMFORT & CONVENIENCE: The easy-wrap Comfit cuff is preformed and features total arm circumference inflation and fits arms 9 to 17 inches in circumference, while the Advanced Averaging feature displays the average of up to your last 3 readings taken within 10 minutes
- This item may be eligible for FSA and HSA reimbursement. For any questions you may have regarding FSAs or HSAs, please browse our FAQ.
Complete Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor + Ekg
This high-end Omron blood pressure monitor also takes EKG readings.
It detects and measures atrial fibrillation , tachycardia, bradycardia, and sinus rhythms, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rates.
It may, therefore, be a good choice for people with AFib.
It can store up to 90 blood pressure measurements and offers Bluetooth connectivity via the Omron Connect mobile application, so a person can send their data directly to a doctor.
It comes with a D-ring cuff that fits arms with a circumference of 917 inches .
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Omron Blood Pressure Monitors
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What Our Testers Say
This device was straightforward to set up and use, and I like that it automatically stored all of my measurements, and averaged them out for me. The display size is large and easy to read, and it has a clock on it, so I could easily space out measurements. Nicole Kwan, Verywell Health Editorial Director and product tester
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Best Data Display: Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor
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Stores 200 data sets per user
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Carrying case included
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Machine sensitivity makes it prone to error messages
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Slight learning curve to understanding the device
Omrons Platinum Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor has a display that stood out during our testing. We rated this device a five out of five for data display because the letters were large and easy to read, and the devices backlit screen makes the data stand out in both light and dark settings. The screen shows your two most recent blood pressure readings, so you can compare data quickly. Additionally, the device is easy to connect to its paired app, which stores 200 readings per user .
Our testers said this device was incredibly easy to set upplug the cuff into the device and youre ready to take your reading. Our testers noted that the Omron Platinum is incredibly sensitive to movement, so movement during a reading will trigger an error message. It took a few trials to figure this out the machine did not explicitly say that the added movement caused the error message to appear. Because of this, we scored this machine a four out of five for ease of use, bringing its overall value rating down slightly to 4.5 out of five.
Average Standard Deviations
Price at time of publish: $79
Verywell Health / Nick Kova
Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 200 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 2 | Weight: 1.01 lbs
When Is The Optimal Time To Measure Blood Pressure
It is optimal to measure blood pressure within 1 hour after you get up in the morning & before you go to bed at night. If you measure your blood pressure in the morning, take the measurement within 1 hour after you get up before having breakfast & after visiting the restroom, rest for 1-2 minutes & then take the measurement in a sitting position. If you measure your blood pressure at night, after resting for 1-2 minutes, take the Digital Bp Machine in a sitting position before you go to bed. It is recommended to take the measurement at the same time period every day.
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Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
This Omron blood pressure monitor is equipped with a dual LCD monitor and built with technology to minimize the impact of breath and movement on readings. It helps people compare their blood pressure test results and find the average.
It automatically takes readings at customizable intervals, and a hypertension indicator alerts individuals to high blood pressure readings.
This device can connect to both iOS and Android electronic devices via Bluetooth.
Evolv Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
This Omron blood pressure monitor is a one-piece unit. The cuff fits arms with a 917-in circumference, and the monitor sits on the upper arm.
The companys advanced accuracy heart health algorithm allows the device to measure and collect data without wires. It can store up to 200 readings for two different people.
Bluetooth connectivity sends data to a persons iOS or Android smart device, and the free Omron Connect app provides unlimited memory storage and tracking. The app also connects with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.
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Omron 7 Series Upper Arm Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor With Ac Adapter
- Dual LCD display shows your last reading right next to your current reading
- Wireless bluetooth syncs to OMRON Connect app on your iOS or Android devices
- Memory storage for two users, storing up to 120 readings
- Easy-wrap comfit cuff
- Advanced averaging – average of last 3 readings taken within 10 min
Description
The OMRON 7 Series Wireless Upper Arm home blood pressure monitor has a horizontally designed dual-display monitor and stores up to 120 readings .
Sync via Bluetooth to the free OMRON Connect app for unlimited memory, graphs and trend tracking, as well as unlimited users. The OMRON Connect app works with iOS and Android devices. Omron is the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand of blood pressure monitors and the #1 selling manufacturer of home blood pressure monitors for over 40 years.
- Wireless bluetooth access
- Stores up to 120 readings – 60 per user
- Irregular heartbeat symbol – alerts you to irregular heartbeat
- Easy wrap Comfit Cuff fits 9″ – 17″ arm circumference
- Free Omron Connect app for unlimited memory, graphs and trend tracking for unlimited users
- Advanced averaging feature displays the average of up to your last 3 readings taken within 10 minutes
- Includes: Blood Pressure Monitor, Pre-formed Easy-Wrap ComFit Cuff, 4 AA Batteries, Instruction Manual, Quick Start Guide
- Includes: Free AC adapter
- Unit has 5 year limited warranty
- Cuff has 1 year limited warranty
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Advanced Omron Exclusives To Reduce Measurement Errors
Omron 7 Series stores up to 90 readings for one user or unlimited readings when used with the free OMRON Connect app. The Bluetooth feature allows you to keep a comprehensive record of your readings over time and monitor any fluctuations in your readings. Users can view the trend graphs and charts on select iOS and Android devices as well as with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices using the Omron Health Skill. To find out if your device is compatible, visit OmronHealthcare.com/connect. To help reduce measurement errors, the Heart Zone Guidance technology helps to guide your wrist to be positioned level with the heart for a more precise reading. To reduce measurement inconsistencies, it is recommended that users always measure BP on the same wrist. Blood pressure can differ between the right wrist and the left wrist and the measured blood pressure values can be different in result of that.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Cumene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Cumene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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How We Tested The Blood Pressure Monitors
The Verywell Health team tested 10 blood pressure monitors at The Verywell Testing Lab to see how they performed amongst a few key attributes, including setup, fit, accuracy, ease of use, data display, portability, and value. We chose these attributes because we believe that they are most aligned with the priorities of someone shopping for a blood pressure. All of the products we tested have been validated by the American Medical Association.
Our five testers, which included three Verywell Health editors and a nurse practitioner, tested 10 blood pressure monitors over the course of eight hours. Following the American Heart Associations guidelines for blood pressure monitor use, we asked our testers to fast for 30 minutes before both the morning and afternoon tests. These are the recommended times to take blood pressure readings, so we scheduled our day accordingly. Additionally, each tester sat with both feet on the ground and fit the cuff around their bare upper arm for every test.
Verywell Health / Nick Kova
Verywell Health / Nick Kova
Best With Talking Feature: A& d Premier Talking Blood Pressure Monitor
The A& D Premier Talking Blood Pressure Monitor is another great option for visually impaired users. This blood pressure monitor features an audio setting that reads out instructions, results, and a brief data analysis in English, Spanish, or French.
Our testers said that the setup for this device was simple, and the cuff fits nicely and can accommodate upper arms with a diameter between 9 and 14.6 inches. The talking function activates at the push of the start button, and guides the user throughout the process while also displaying the results on the devices screen.
The monitors screen isnt well lit, so it might be hard to see results in darker settings. That being said, it overcompensates for this through its talking feature, so youll be able to get your results regardless. The devices perfect five out of five scores in every attribute resulted in a five out of five overall value score.
Average Standard Deviations
Price at time of publish: $80
Verywell Health / Nick Kova
Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 90 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 1 | Weight: .66 lbs
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