If you want more reliable heart rate data during exercise than you typically get from the wrist, there are two main ways to go: a chest strap or an optical armband. Chest straps remain the obvious choice if accuracy comes first, while armbands are easier to put on and generally more comfortable if you do not like having something wrapped around your chest.

Why use a dedicated heart rate monitor?

For everyday tracking, the heart rate sensor on a smartwatch is usually good enough. Things get a bit more demanding once you start using heart rate to control a workout, particularly during intervals, harder runs or sessions where you are trying to stay inside a specific training zone.

That is where a dedicated monitor still makes sense. Chest straps generally react more quickly when your heart rate rises or falls, while armbands can offer a nice middle ground if you want something more comfortable. If you use heart rate zones regularly, the cleaner data can make it easier to judge effort rather than relying entirely on pace or how you happen to feel that day.

Heart rate zones themselves are useful for different types of training. Easier zones are typically used for aerobic and endurance work, while the higher zones come into play during threshold sessions and harder intervals.

Chest strap vs armband vs wrist

The three approaches measure heart rate in slightly different ways. Most chest straps detect the electrical activity produced by the heart with electrodes sitting against the skin. It is essentially a simplified version of the principle used by an ECG, which is why chest straps tend to respond particularly well when intensity changes quickly.

Armbands usually use optical PPG sensing, much like a smartwatch. The difference is where the sensor sits. Moving it higher up the arm can reduce some of the movement and fit issues you get at the wrist, while also making the device much easier to wear than a chest strap for some people.

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are the most convenient option because you are probably already wearing one. They shine light into the skin and analyse changes in blood flow to estimate your pulse. Modern sensors have become very good, particularly during steady exercise, but movement, fit, cold weather and rapid changes in effort can still cause problems.

That is why there is no single best format for everyone. A chest strap still makes the most sense if accuracy is the priority. An armband is a good compromise if comfort matters more, while a wrist sensor is easily the most convenient for everyday use.

How much more accurate is a chest strap?

There is plenty of research showing why chest straps became the reference point for exercise heart rate tracking. One Cleveland Clinic study compared several wrist-based monitors with a Polar H7 chest strap and a three-lead ECG while participants ran on a treadmill.

The chest strap produced the closest agreement with the ECG throughout the test. The Polar H7 recorded a correlation coefficient of 0.98, while the Apple Watch Series 3 came next at 0.96. The other wrist devices tested were lower at around 0.89.

The gap also tended to increase as running speed went up. At rest and during easier activity, the difference between wrist and chest measurements was much smaller. Once participants were working harder, the limitations of optical wrist sensing became more noticeable.

It is worth putting those results into context. The study used devices that are now several generations old, and wrist-based heart rate sensing has improved considerably since then. It also took place on a treadmill rather than outdoors, so it does not perfectly reproduce real-world running.

The broader point still holds, though. Wrist sensors can work very well during steady exercise, but chest straps remain the safer bet when you care about rapid changes in heart rate. That matters most for intervals, threshold work, racing and other sessions where a delayed or incorrect reading can throw off the entire workout.

Armbands sit somewhere between the two. They still rely on optical sensing, so they do not have the same inherent advantage as an electrical chest strap. But moving the sensor away from the wrist often gives it a cleaner signal, while keeping the setup more comfortable and easier to put on.

Best heart rate monitor chest straps

Polar H10

Polar H10

Buy on Amazon

Battery:

Up to 400 hours, replaceable CR2025

Heart rate technology:

Electrical chest sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth LE, ANT+ and 5 kHz GymLink

Water resistance:

WR30

The Polar H10 has been around for a long time now, but there is a reason it is still one of the easiest chest straps to recommend. We reviewed the H10 back when it launched and found it comfortable, accurate and very reliable, and not much has changed on that front.

The soft fabric strap uses silicone dots to stop it moving around during exercise, while the sensor itself can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. ANT+ and Polar’s 5 kHz GymLink transmission are also supported, so it works with a wide range of watches, cycling computers, gym equipment and training apps.

There is onboard memory as well, although it only stores one training session at a time. That is handy if you want to train without carrying your phone, and the H10 is also water resistant to 30 metres for swimming. With up to 400 hours from a replaceable CR2025 battery, charging is something you simply do not have to think about.

It is not the newest heart rate monitor in this guide, nor does it try to throw a long list of extra training metrics at you. What it does very well is deliver dependable heart rate data with excellent compatibility, which is why the H10 remains such a strong all-round choice.

Pros

+ Excellent heart rate accuracy

+ Comfortable, non-slip strap

+ Bluetooth, ANT+ and GymLink support

+ Very long battery life

Cons

− Internal memory limited to one training session

− Few extras compared with newer premium chest straps

Wahoo TRACKR HEART RATE

Wahoo TRACKR HEART RATE

Buy on Amazon

Battery:

Over 100 hours, rechargeable lithium-ion

Heart rate technology:

Electrical ECG chest sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

ANT+ and up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections

Water resistance:

IPX7

Wahoo TRACKR HEART RATE replaces the old TICKR generation with a much simpler proposition. It is still a straightforward chest strap built around accurate heart rate tracking, but Wahoo has finally moved away from the replaceable coin cell and given it a rechargeable battery.

Battery life is rated at more than 100 active hours, so this is not something you should find yourself charging particularly often. The sensor uses electrical heart rate measurement and can also provide HRV data to compatible apps. There is ANT+ support as well as up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections, which makes it particularly handy if you train with several devices at once.

Comfort is another area Wahoo has focused on. The strap is slim and soft, while the pod sits fairly flat against the chest. There are also LED indicators that let you quickly check battery and connection status before starting a workout, which is a small thing but genuinely useful when you are trying to get out of the door.

The trade-off is that TRACKR keeps things pretty basic. There is no onboard workout memory, no running dynamics and no attempt to turn it into an all-purpose training sensor. But if what you want is an accurate, rechargeable chest strap that can talk to several devices at the same time, that simplicity is part of the appeal.

Pros

+ Accurate ECG-based heart rate tracking

+ Rechargeable battery with over 100 hours of use

+ ANT+ and three simultaneous Bluetooth connections

+ Comfortable, low-profile strap

Cons

− No onboard workout memory

− No advanced running dynamics

− Not designed for recording swim heart rate

Myzone Switch 2.0

Myzone Switch 2.0

Buy from Amazon

Battery:

3 to 6 months between charges

Heart rate technology:

ECG on chest, optical PPG on arm or wrist

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+

Water resistance:

Waterproof to 10 metres

Myzone Switch 2.0 takes one of the more unusual heart rate monitors around and gives it a fairly substantial refresh. The big idea has not changed. You can wear the same sensor on your chest, arm or wrist, which means you are not stuck with a chest strap every time you want to track a workout.

How it measures heart rate depends on where you put it. On the chest it uses an ECG sensor, with Myzone quoting 99.4% accuracy. Move it to the arm or wrist and it switches to optical PPG, where the company quotes 95%. That flexibility is the real reason to choose it over a conventional chest strap. You can use ECG for harder sessions where accuracy matters most, then move it to the arm or wrist when comfort is more important.

Switch 2.0 also improves quite a few things from the original MZ-Switch. The sensor has upgraded hardware, a larger LED display and redesigned straps, while battery life is now rated at between three and six months depending on use. There is also up to 36 hours of onboard workout storage, so you do not need to keep your phone nearby.

Connectivity is good too, with both Bluetooth and ANT+ for linking to gym equipment, cycling computers and compatible apps. It can also track swimming when worn on the wrist and is waterproof to 10 metres. The downside is that you are paying quite a bit more than you would for a straightforward chest strap, but few alternatives give you this much freedom over how and where you wear the sensor.

Pros

+ Can be worn on the chest, arm or wrist

+ ECG measurement when worn on the chest

+ Up to 36 hours of onboard workout storage

+ Bluetooth and ANT+ support

+ Much longer battery life than the original Switch

Cons

− More expensive than a conventional chest strap

− Optical accuracy is lower when worn on the arm or wrist

− Arm strap is sold separately

Garmin HRM 600

Garmin HRM 600

Buy from Garmin

Battery:

Up to 2 months at 1 hour per day, rechargeable

Heart rate technology:

Electrical ECG chest sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth and ANT+

Water resistance:

5 ATM

Garmin HRM 600 is the one to look at if you already train with a Garmin watch and want more than basic heart rate data. It sits at the top of Garmin’s current heart rate monitor range, combining an ECG chest sensor with running dynamics, standalone workout recording and swimming support.

Pair it with a compatible Garmin watch and it can add metrics such as stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time balance and step speed loss. The latter also feeds into newer features such as Garmin’s Running Economy metric. It can also provide pace and distance during indoor track and treadmill sessions, which makes it quite a bit more useful than a chest strap that simply sends across your heart rate.

The HRM 600 can record an activity even when you are not wearing a watch and sync the session directly to Garmin Connect afterwards. That also comes in handy for swimming, where it can store heart rate data underwater and pass it back to a compatible Garmin watch once the session is finished.

Garmin has also switched to a rechargeable battery this time around. Battery life is rated at up to two months if you use it for around an hour per day, and the sensor module can be removed so the strap itself can go in the washing machine. It is one of the more capable chest straps here, but a lot of that extra capability makes the most sense if you are already firmly inside the Garmin ecosystem.

Pros

+ Accurate ECG-based heart rate and HRV tracking

+ Advanced running dynamics with compatible Garmin watches

+ Can record workouts without a watch

+ Good swimming support and 5 ATM water resistance

+ Rechargeable battery and machine-washable strap

Cons

− Expensive compared with simpler chest straps

− Many advanced features require a compatible Garmin watch

− Battery life is shorter than coin-cell chest straps

Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt 2

Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt 2

Buy from Suunto

Battery:

Up to around 460 hours, replaceable CR2032

Heart rate technology:

Electrical ECG chest sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 5.4, up to three simultaneous connections

Water resistance:

30 metres

Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt 2 is a much bigger update than the name suggests. It still handles the basics you would expect from a chest strap, including accurate heart rate and beat-to-beat R-R data, but Suunto has also packed in motion sensors, onboard memory and support for several devices at once.

The six-axis motion sensor is the standout addition. Pair the belt with a compatible Suunto watch and it can measure running metrics including cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, flight time and left-to-right ground contact balance. That puts it much closer to Garmin HRM 600 territory than the simpler chest straps in this guide.

It can also store up to 20 hours of heart rate and R-R data when your watch is out of Bluetooth range. That is useful for swimming, team sports and other workouts where wearing a watch is awkward or not practical. The R-R data is also important for Suunto ZoneSense, which uses beat-to-beat information to assess exercise intensity.

Battery life is another big strength. Suunto quotes around 460 hours from a replaceable CR2032 cell with power saving enabled and running-form tracking switched off. It can also maintain three Bluetooth connections at the same time, although there is no ANT+ support, which is worth keeping in mind if you have older gym equipment or cycling gear that relies on it.

Pros

+ Accurate heart rate and R-R interval tracking

+ Detailed running-form metrics with compatible Suunto watches

+ Up to 20 hours of onboard heart rate and R-R memory

+ Very long replaceable-battery life

+ Three simultaneous Bluetooth connections

Cons

− No ANT+ support

− Running-form features require a compatible Suunto watch

− Onboard memory features are mainly aimed at Suunto users

Frontier X2 and Frontier Zone

Frontier X2 and Frontier Zone

View on Frontier’s website

Battery:

Zone up to 30 days typical use; X2 around 14 days

Heart rate technology:

Continuous single-lead ECG chest sensor

GPS:

None, uses connected phone or watch

Connectivity:

Bluetooth, one phone plus two external devices

Water resistance:

IP67

Frontier X2 and Frontier Zone are quite different from the other chest straps in this guide. Heart rate is only part of what they do. Both continuously record a single-lead ECG during exercise and use that signal to produce additional data such as HRV, breathing rate, Cardiac Strain, Training Load and Body Shock.

We have spent plenty of time with both. In our Frontier X2 review, one of the main strengths was the amount of physiological data available beyond heart rate. The newer Frontier Zone keeps that basic idea but simplifies the hardware, removes the small display, switches to USB-C and stretches typical battery life from around 14 days to as much as 30 days.

Both can work independently and save a workout to onboard memory, or broadcast heart rate over Bluetooth to compatible watches, cycling computers and training equipment. You can connect a phone plus two external devices at the same time. There is no ANT+, though, which makes them less flexible than Polar, Garmin and some of the other straps here if you still use ANT+-only equipment.

The Zone is the one we would lean towards now. Battery life is considerably better, the screen on the X2 never added much in practice, and the vibration alerts are genuinely useful for staying inside a training zone without constantly looking at a watch. There is a catch, though. Some features that came as standard with the X2, including live ECG streaming, ECG exports and Garmin Connect integration, now require Frontier Premium on the Zone.

These are also overkill if you simply want accurate heart rate during exercise. Their real appeal is the ability to record ECG continuously while you train and dig much further into what was happening during a session afterwards. They are health and fitness devices rather than replacements for clinical ECG equipment, but they offer a type of data you simply do not get from an ordinary heart rate strap.

Pros

+ Continuous ECG recording during exercise

+ Much deeper heart and training data than a normal chest strap

+ Can record workouts without a phone or watch

+ Useful vibration alerts for heart rate and training zones

+ Frontier Zone has much improved battery life and USB-C charging

Cons

− No ANT+ support

− Several Zone features require Frontier Premium

− More than most people need for basic heart rate tracking

Wellue VisualBeat Strap-Free HRM

Wellue VisualBeat Strap-Free HRM

Buy from Wellue (use code GW10 for 10% off)

Battery:

Up to 48 hours, rechargeable

Heart rate technology:

Electrical chest sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+

Water resistance:

IP22

The Wellue VisualBeat is the odd one out here, and that is exactly why it earns a place in the guide. As we found in our hands-on review of the VisualBeat, you can wear it with a conventional chest strap or ditch the strap altogether and attach the sensor directly to your chest using disposable ECG electrode patches.

It still uses electrical heart rate sensing in either setup, so going strap-free does not mean switching to optical PPG. In our testing, the numbers were very close to a Garmin watch paired with a Polar heart rate monitor over a 15km run, and the same pattern continued across other workouts. The patches were also noticeably less obtrusive than wearing a band around the chest.

There is quite a bit packed into the sensor too. It has Bluetooth and ANT+, can record without your phone, and stores up to 10 sessions or 30 hours of data in total. The ViHealth app gives you live heart rate and ECG, while configurable vibration alerts can warn you when you move above or below your chosen heart rate thresholds.

The strap-free setup does have limitations. We found that the adhesive patches can start to come loose during particularly sweaty or intense workouts, in which case the regular chest strap is the safer choice. IP22 protection also means this is not a monitor for swimming. But if you dislike wearing a traditional chest strap and still want electrical heart rate sensing, the VisualBeat offers something genuinely different from the rest of this list.

Pros

+ Can be worn with a chest strap or adhesive patches

+ Accurate electrical heart rate sensing

+ Bluetooth and ANT+ support

+ Onboard memory for phone-free workouts

+ Customisable heart rate vibration alerts

Cons

− Adhesive patches can loosen during sweaty workouts

− Disposable patches need replacing

− IP22 protection means it cannot be used for swimming

Best heart rate monitor armbands

Polar Verity Sense

Polar Verity Sense

Buy from Polar

Battery:

Up to 30 hours, rechargeable

Heart rate technology:

Optical PPG sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Dual Bluetooth LE and ANT+

Water resistance:

WR50

Polar Verity Sense is the armband we would put at the top of the list right now. We covered the Verity Sense when it first arrived, and the basic idea still works very well. Instead of wrapping a sensor around your chest, it sits on your upper or lower arm and measures heart rate optically.

Comfort is the big attraction. The sensor itself weighs just 5 grams and the complete setup comes in at 19 grams, so it is easy to forget about once you start training. Moving the optical sensor away from the wrist also helps avoid some of the fit and movement problems you get with watches, although it is still an optical sensor and can lag behind an ECG chest strap when heart rate changes very quickly.

Polar has packed in plenty of useful extras as well. Battery life is now rated at up to 30 hours, while the 16MB of internal memory can store as much as 600 hours of training. You can record a workout without carrying your phone, or broadcast heart rate live using ANT+ and two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Bluetooth range stretches to as much as 150 metres with the sensor in its holder.

Swimming is another area where the Verity Sense stands out. It comes with a clip that attaches the sensor to your swimming goggles, placing it against the temple rather than the arm. In swimming mode it can record heart rate as well as pool metrics, and WR50 water resistance means it is built for regular use in the water. If you want something more comfortable than a chest strap without giving up serious training features, this is probably the most complete armband option here.

Pros

+ Very comfortable and lightweight

+ Up to 600 hours of onboard workout storage

+ Dual Bluetooth and ANT+ support

+ Excellent option for swimming

+ Strong 30-hour battery life

Cons

− Optical sensing can lag during rapid heart rate changes

− Not as accurate as an ECG chest strap in every type of workout

− Proprietary charging cradle

Scosche RHYTHM24

Scosche RHYTHM24

Buy from Scosche

Battery:

Up to 24 hours, rechargeable

Heart rate technology:

Optical PPG sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth LE and ANT+

Water resistance:

IP68

Scosche RHYTHM24 has been around for a while, but it still has a few tricks that most optical armbands do not. In our RHYTHM24 review, we found it comfortable, easy to wear and remarkably close to a Polar H10 chest strap during running.

It uses a combination of green and yellow optical sensors and can be worn on either the upper or lower arm. Once the strap is adjusted properly it stays in place well, and for anyone who dislikes having something wrapped around the chest, it is a much less intrusive way of getting heart rate data.

Where RHYTHM24 still stands out is the feature set. There are separate running, cycling, swimming, heart rate and HRV modes, along with duathlon and triathlon modes. It also has up to 13 hours of onboard memory, so you can train without carrying a phone or watch and upload the workout afterwards.

Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours and connectivity covers both Bluetooth LE and ANT+. IP68 water resistance also means it can be used for swimming, although heart rate is recorded to the device rather than transmitted live through the water. The hardware remains capable, but the software side has never been its strongest point. In our testing, the Rhythm Sync app felt much more basic than the hardware deserved.

Pros

+ Very good optical heart rate accuracy

+ Comfortable upper or lower arm fit

+ Up to 13 hours of onboard workout storage

+ Bluetooth and ANT+ support

+ Multiple sport modes including swimming and triathlon

Cons

− Rhythm Sync app is fairly basic

− Swim heart rate is recorded rather than transmitted live

− Older design than the Polar Verity Sense

Wahoo TICKR FIT

Wahoo TICKR FIT

Buy from Wahoo

Battery:

Up to 30 hours, rechargeable

Heart rate technology:

Optical PPG sensor

GPS:

None

Connectivity:

Bluetooth and ANT+

Water resistance:

IPX7

Wahoo TICKR FIT keeps things much simpler than the other two armbands in this guide. There is no onboard memory, swimming mode or long list of extra metrics. You put it on your arm, pair it with your watch, bike computer or phone and use it as an external heart rate sensor.

It uses an optical sensor and can be worn on the forearm or upper arm, with small and large straps supplied in the box. The whole setup weighs just under 20 grams, so it is easy to forget about during a workout. Wahoo also includes LED indicators that confirm when the sensor is switched on and connected.

Connectivity covers both Bluetooth and ANT+, although Bluetooth is limited to a single connection. Battery life is a strong point at up to 30 hours per charge, which actually puts it slightly ahead of both the Polar Verity Sense and Scosche RHYTHM24 on paper.

We have also compared TICKR FIT with competing optical armbands in our Polar OH1+ review. The appeal remains much the same today. It is comfortable, straightforward and widely compatible, but it lacks the onboard recording and swimming features you get from Polar and Scosche. If all you want is an optical heart rate sensor that sends your numbers to another device, that simplicity can work in its favour.

Pros

+ Comfortable and lightweight

+ Strong 30-hour battery life

+ Bluetooth and ANT+ support

+ Simple physical on/off button

+ Works with a wide range of watches, apps and bike computers

Cons

− No onboard workout memory

− Only one Bluetooth connection

− No dedicated swim tracking

The post Best heart rate monitor 2026: chest straps & arm bands for exercise appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The complete system costs $189 in the US and is available in six colours, including mirrored and standard versions. There is no subscription to pay, either.

Speedo is focusing on technique

According to the official Speedo iQ product page, the system tracks pace, distance, strokes, breathing and turns. It can also examine head position, breathing angle, distance per stroke, turn time and carry angle across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

Once the swim is finished, the Speedo iQ app lets you replay the session, compare performances and follow your progress over time. It also turns the recorded data into recommendations and suggests drills aimed at the parts of your technique that need more work.

The module records everything independently, so there is no need to keep a phone beside the pool. It can also be removed and fitted to another compatible pair of Vanquisher goggles. So worn or damaged goggles can be replaced without throwing away the electronics.

Speedo says its smart googles have been approved by World Aquatics. They can be worn during official competitions as well as normal training. So that’s something to keep in mind if you are serious about your swimming pursuits.

The missing display is a big choice

What’s interesting here is that the company has taken a very different approach from FORM and FINIS. There is no heads-up display showing your pace, lap count or other information as you swim, with all the analysis saved until afterwards. Plus, you can turn a pair of dumb goggles into smart goggles.

In our FORM Smart Swim 2 review, the real-time display was one of the strongest features. It shows heart rate, split time, stroke rate, distance and workout instructions directly in your line of sight, although the goggles cost $249 and some of the more advanced coaching tools require a subscription.

The FINIS Smart Goggle offers a similar approach to Form. It also puts live performance information in front of the swimmer while keeping the overall design close to a normal pair of goggles.

Speedo is instead betting that some swimmers would rather have an uncluttered view and dig into more detailed technique data once they leave the water. That makes their goggles less useful for adjusting pace halfway through a session, but potentially more interesting for swimmers who want to understand how they move through the water. Speedo IQ also bring one of swimming’s biggest brands into a category that has remained fairly small.

The post Speedo takes on FORM with its first smart swim goggles appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The two companies announced their partnership in June, and Wahoo’s first supporting firmware allowed its latest bike computers to display and record raw breathing data. The latest update finishes the job by turning those measurements into personalised zones that cyclists can follow during a ride.

Breathing zones are now live

Firmware build 302661 was released on July 28 for the ELEMNT ACE, BOLT 3 and ROAM 3. According to Wahoo’s official ELEMNT firmware notes, the update adds ventilation training zones for Tymewear VitalPro users.

Wahoo app version 6.89.0 has also arrived on iOS and Android, providing the controls needed to configure those zones. Riders first complete a threshold test through Tymewear and then enter the resulting values in the Wahoo app before assigning them to their preferred cycling profiles.

Once everything is set up, the bike computer can show the rider’s current ventilation zone with a colour-coded background. Other available fields include breathing rate, tidal volume, minute ventilation and the amount of time accumulated in each zone.

The post-ride summary on the ELEMNT includes a simple graph showing the proportion of the session spent in each zone. Wahoo’s detailed Tymewear setup guide confirms that the underlying respiration data is also written to the FIT file and can be sent to the Tymewear app for further analysis.

There is currently no equivalent ventilation summary inside the Wahoo app’s activity history. The information therefore appears on the ELEMNT immediately after a ride or inside Tymewear once the completed activity has synchronized.

Another way to judge effort

Most cyclists use heart rate, power or a combination of the two to control workout intensity. Ventilation zones offer a different view by looking at how the body’s breathing changes as effort increases through aerobic and anaerobic thresholds.

Wahoo says breathing responds more quickly to changes in effort than heart rate. It could therefore provide earlier feedback when a rider increases the pace, although the usefulness of that guidance will depend on the accuracy of the VitalPro sensor and the quality of the initial threshold test.

The new feature also shows how far Wahoo’s cycling platform has advanced. Current models are increasingly becoming hubs for specialised physiological sensors rather than simply recording speed, distance, power and heart rate.

There are some limits to keep in mind. Wahoo only lists the ACE, BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 as compatible, while the $299 VitalPro uses separate breathing and heart-rate sensors that must both be paired with the ELEMNT.

The hardware cost and extra setup will keep this fairly specialised for now. Still, cyclists already using Tymewear finally have the complete integration promised in June, with breathing data converted into something they can act on while riding.

The post Wahoo adds live breathing zones to its latest bike computers appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

FotMob is the easiest all-round pick

FotMob is probably the most practical choice for most football fans. The app has World Cup 2026 support, live scores, match stats, alerts, highlights and Live Activities for Apple Watch.

For those with an iPhone, FotMob says users can follow matches from the Lock Screen, Dynamic Island, as well as the Apple Watch, with Live Activities dressed in country colours. It also has updated widgets for the group stage and knockouts.

There is also an Android version of FotMob on Google Play. The listing says the app offers live scores, detailed stats, breaking news and personalised alerts. So that’s great for users who mainly want reliable football coverage without hunting around for a dedicated tournament-only tool.

The appeal here is simple. FotMob is not just a World Cup app. It is a football app that has been updated for the World Cup, so it should remain useful after the tournament ends.

Apple Watch users have a few other solid routes

Apple Watch users can also use Apple Sports. Apple says the app can show live scores and play updates on Apple Watch through Live Activities, as long as the user has iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.

That makes Apple Sports a good low-friction option if you already live inside Apple’s ecosystem. It is not as football-focused as FotMob, but it does the basic live score job cleanly.

OneFootball is another option. Its App Store listing includes Apple Watch support and World Cup 2026 coverage, with live scores, goal alerts and match results.

For iPhone users, the choice probably comes down to how much detail they want. Apple Sports is cleaner and more minimal, FotMob gives you deeper football coverage and OneFootball sits somewhere between live scores, alerts and football news.

Wear OS has apps and watch faces

Wear OS users have two different routes. They can install a football scores app such as the above mentioned FotMob. They could also opt for SofaScore, or go for a World Cup watch face.

SofaScore’s Google Play listing says the app is optimised for Wear OS smartwatches. It covers live sports scores and detailed statistics, so it is worth a look if you prefer a broader sports app rather than a football-only one.

The more interesting Wear OS option is Kick It, a free World Cup watch face from Facer and Citizen. It pulls tournament data onto the watch face, including live scores, standings, team records and match status.

There are limits. Kick It currently works for users in the US, Canada, Japan and the UK on watches running Wear OS 6, with an EU launch planned. So it looks useful, but it will not be available to every Wear OS owner.

If your watch supports it, the benefit is obvious. You do not need to open an app just to see what is happening. The score sits on the face itself.

Garmin users get a dedicated World Cup face

Garmin owners should look at WC2026 Live Pro on Connect IQ. It is a watch face rather than a normal app, but it is built specifically for the 2026 tournament.

The face shows live scores, daily fixtures and group standings directly on the watch. It also adjusts kick-off times to the local time zone, which is handy for a tournament spread across multiple time zones.

There is also a favourite team feature. That lets the watch keep your chosen team more visible, even when it is not playing that day.

This is probably the neatest setup for Garmin users because it uses the watch face itself instead of relying on phone alerts. The trade-off is that it is more specialised than FotMob or SofaScore, so its usefulness will drop sharply once the tournament ends.

The official FIFA app is still worth having

The official FIFA World Cup 2026 app is also worth a look. It covers fixtures, schedules, live scores, stats, line-ups and real-time updates. But be warned – the software is very poorly rated by users with 2.1 stars out of a possible 5.

Or you could opt for Flashscore. Which has live World Cup results, match updates, stats and group standings.

For the watch, though, I would narrow it down. Apple Watch users should start with FotMob or Apple Sports. Wear OS users should look at FotMob, SofaScore or Kick It if their watch supports it. Garmin users have the cleanest tournament-specific option with WC2026 Live Pro.

The post The best smartwatch apps for following the World Cup 2026 appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The main experience stays

This is an extension of Form’s smart goggles idea. Instead of checking a watch between lengths, you see swim data inside the lens while you are in the water. And it works brilliantly. Smart Swim 2 LT now sits below the regular Smart Swim 2 and Smart Swim 2 Pro.

I reviewed Smart Swim 2 a while ago, and the display was the main reason the goggles worked. It made structured swimming easier because data was visible mid-set rather than after stopping at the wall. The second generation model also had a smaller module and better fit than the original, although the display still takes some getting used to.

The new LT model should offer the same basic experience for swimmers. But with one caveat.

Heart rate is the cut

The regular Smart Swim 2 includes an integrated heart rate monitor. Smart Swim 2 LT does not. That is the clearest reason to pick one over the other.

In my review, I found the built-in heart rate tracking useful because it removed the need for another device. It gave a better view of effort during intervals and recovery. But not every swimmer needs that, especially if they already train mostly by pace or use a separate heart rate strap.

HeadCoach remains part of the LT package. That gives users access to Form’s training planner and technique guidance, including feedback around swim form. SwimStraight is also now free for all users, which helps open-water swimmers keep a straighter bearing without sighting as often.

The range now makes more sense

The lineup now has three clear price points. Smart Swim 2 LT costs $149. The standard Smart Swim 2 remains at $199. Smart Swim 2 Pro now costs $259 after a $50 price cut and adds Gorilla Glass lenses and fog-free swimming. You can check the all out on Form’s website/,

Smart Swim 2 LT is the entry model for swimmers who want the display and coaching, but not integrated heart rate. Smart Swim 2 remains the better fit if you want heart rate included. Smart Swim 2 Pro sits above both with the tougher lens setup.

That is a cleaner range than before. Form has not taken away the thing that makes its goggles useful. It has just created a lower priced version for swimmers who can live without one sensor.

For regular pool swimmers, this could be the more practical option. You still get the in-lens data and the training platform, which are the main reasons to buy Form goggles in the first place. The more expensive models are still there for swimmers who want the full hardware package.

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The idea itself is straightforward. Rather than picking up your phone every time you want to check a score, you swipe up on your watch and it is right there alongside your other glances. It sits in the same menu as your heart rate, step count and weather, so checking a score becomes part of the same routine as checking anything else on the watch.

It’s worth noting, the feature works through the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. So you need to have this connection. Your watch pulls live data, which means you need to stay paired to keep scores and schedules current.

What leagues are covered

The lineup covers 15 sports leagues, which is a reasonable spread. Soccer fans get the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and MLS. American football gets the NFL and NCAAF. Basketball is covered by the NBA, NCAAM, NCAAW and WNBA. The NHL covers ice hockey and MLB takes care of baseball.

It covers the major US leagues and the biggest soccer competitions in Europe reasonably well. Whether it includes your sport will depend on where you are and what you follow, but for a large portion of Garmin’s user base at least a few of these will be relevant.

Setting it up

Getting the Sports Scores glance onto your watch takes only a couple of minutes. You swipe up from the watch face to open the glances menu, tap Edit, then Add and select Sports Scores from the list. Once it is added, you open the glance and start picking your leagues and teams.

You can follow multiple teams across different leagues at the same time. If you have a team you want to prioritise, you can set it as a favourite, which pins it to the top of the glance so it is the first thing you see when you open it. Removing teams is equally simple. You scroll down within the glance, select My Teams, tap the team you want to remove and select Remove Team.

Once the setup is done, the glance sits in your regular swipe-up menu and checking a score is as quick as checking anything else on the watch.

Which watches are getting it

The rollout covers the Venu X1, Venu 4, vivoactive 6, Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, fenix 8, fenix 8 Pro, fenix E, Enduro 3, tactix 8, quatix 8, quatix 8 Pro and D2 Mach 2. If your watch is on that list and the feature has not appeared yet, check for a pending software update in the Garmin Connect app.

What is worth noting is what is not on that list. A large number of Garmin watches that are still perfectly capable devices are not getting the feature, and it is difficult to make a convincing technical argument for that.

A sports scores glance is not a demanding piece of software. It is essentially a data display that pulls information from your paired smartphone. Older Garmin watches have been running glances like this for years and the hardware is more than capable of handling it.

Garmin has a long and consistent track record of using software feature exclusivity to nudge its existing user base toward newer hardware. It is a pattern that repeats with almost every significant update the company releases. New features land on current models first, and older devices either get them much later or not at all. This looks like another instance of that approach.

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Runna and Amazfit now work together

This update means you can now link your Amazfit watch directly to your Runna training plan. Workouts will sync from the Runna app to Zepp, and once completed, flow back to Runna for post-run analysis. It’s two-way sync, and it’s all done behind the scenes once the connection is set up.

Right now, this only works on two models: the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro and Amazfit Balance 2. These are the first watches to get support, with other devices expected to follow. Runna says it chose to launch now rather than delay for broader compatibility. You’ll also need to update your Runna app to version 8.21.0 or later.

If you’re using a different Amazfit watch, syncing may still work partially through the Zepp app, but direct integration with Runna is being added device by device. A full list of supported watches is visible within the Zepp app under your training plan setup.

How the sync actually works

Once connected, upcoming Runna workouts are pushed automatically to your Zepp app. These then appear on your T-Rex 3 Pro or Balance 2 ready to run. When you finish a session and save it on your watch, the data syncs back through Zepp to Runna, where the app provides pacing insights and feedback tied to your plan.

Runna suggests tweaking a few defaults on your Amazfit watch for smoother workout tracking. Turning off auto-lap is one of them, especially for longer intervals. Otherwise, your splits might get cut up mid-way. They also recommend disabling auto-pause, since it can interfere with rest intervals during structured sessions.

If your watch supports it, voice prompts during runs can be turned on too. Runna uses these to alert you to pace targets or split changes. If that’s not available, you can still get vibration alerts.

Still run-based, for now

At the moment, only running workouts are synced. Strength training or other sessions won’t push to your watch, although Runna’s Calendar Sync lets you still view them in the app. There’s no word yet on when other activity types might be supported.

The integration with Polar is also in progress. Runna confirms that Polar doesn’t currently support full workout syncing, but that support is expected later this year.

If your Amazfit workout doesn’t show up in Runna, the first step is to check it synced to Zepp. If it’s there but missing in Runna, disconnecting and reconnecting the Amazfit account from Runna usually helps.

Deleting a workout from your watch or Zepp after it’s synced won’t remove it from Runna. So once it’s there, it stays.

Runna says this is just the start of a longer roadmap with Amazfit. For those with a T-Rex 3 Pro or Balance 2, the new features are already live via Runna Labs. Everyone else should see the update soon.

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A tennis bag that trains with you

The core idea behind the Nisplay Y1 is to reduce the hassle of setting up a ball machine. It combines gear storage and training functionality into a single compact unit. There’s no need to lug around multiple pieces of equipment or find a separate power source on the court. Instead, players can unzip the bag, turn it on and start hitting. Nisplay says the transition from bag to ball launch takes only seconds.

The outer build uses soft-touch vegan leather with quality zippers and fastenings, along with an ergonomic back panel and padded straps. The look is intentionally clean, avoiding the bulky industrial design of traditional ball machines. There are also magnetic modular attachments for extras like bottles, towels and rackets.

Training features with a focus on flexibility

Inside the Y1 is a dual-wheel launcher designed to produce topspin, backspin and flat shots. You can choose between pre-set drills that target different skills, or you can manually configure your own. The system supports up to 15 court target zones, with shot combinations adjustable to suit everything from basic consistency work to more intense rally simulation.

An interesting feature is the so-called Ball Boy mode. It offers one-shot-at-a-time delivery for serve practice or recovery drills, letting users control the pace more naturally. You can switch modes using the included controller, through a smartphone app or even via Apple Watch or voice command. The whole setup is built to be used solo, without needing to walk back and forth to tweak settings.

More than just tennis

Nisplay is positioning the Y1 as a multi-sport device. While it’s launching with tennis as the main focus, there are plans to support padel and pickleball too. Players in those communities often face the same challenges: inconsistent practice partners and limited access to training equipment. A portable launcher that fits in with standard gear bags could help bridge that gap.

There’s also a custom 58-inch mini racket accessory being offered. It’s meant for precision and control training, pushing users to move more deliberately and sharpen footwork. It’s optional, but it ties in with the broader goal of making practice sessions more engaging and dynamic.

Kickstarter coming soon

Now, this sounds very much along the lines of the Slinger Bag which we reviewed a few years ago. But something that is smaller in size. More recently we reviewed PongBot Pace S Pro – that one doesn’t look like a tennis bag but is one of the most feature-packed tennis robots you can purchase today.

The Y1 isn’t out yet, but early backers can place a refundable deposit to lock in a lower launch price. Nisplay lists the VIP tier at $499, compared to a future MSRP of $1,199. Actual payment only happens once the Kickstarter campaign goes live and hits its funding target.

This also isn’t Nisplay’s first rodeo. Their earlier L1 ball machine launched on Kickstarter back in 2022 and raised over $1 million from more than 2,000 backers. That model leaned more toward a compact traditional launcher, but it showed the company could deliver on crowdfunding promises.

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Among the growing list of performance-focused wearables, Helio Glasses stand out because they try to solve a simple problem in a very direct way. Runners and cyclists often glance down at their wrist mid-effort to check pace or heart rate. That moment of distraction is usually brief, but it can still affect form, awareness or even safety. Helio’s idea is to remove that need entirely by placing your data in front of you, just inside your field of vision.

A heads-up display for runners and cyclists

This early concept is meant for outdoor athletes who want real-time stats without the break in concentration. When paired with an Amazfit smartwatch, the Helio Glasses project pace, heart rate, and even navigation data into your forward view. You stay locked in and moving, with no downward glance required.

The units on show at CES are still very much prototypes. But the glasses will be lightweight, built with impact-resistant polycarbonate, and water- and sweat-resistant. Battery life has been tuned for endurance sessions, with Zepp Health saying it should easily last through a full marathon.

Controls are kept simple. You can adjust settings using buttons on the frame, or just manage things from your paired Amazfit watch. The idea is to avoid fiddling mid-run and let the glasses do their job quietly in the background.

A growing category of glanceable data glasses

Helio isn’t the only device trying to solve the wrist-glancing problem. ENGO 2 has been around for a while, using ActiveLook tech to show pace, heart rate, and distance right in your line of sight. It works with a bunch of watches and cycling computers, and it’s built specifically for endurance sports. It’s light, simple, and does exactly what most runners or riders need without overcomplicating things.

Form is another name that often comes up, but it’s a different story. Their smart goggles are built for swimmers, showing stroke rate, splits, and other data while you’re underwater. So while the idea is similar, put stats where your eyes are, it’s not aimed at runners.

Helio follows the same stripped-back approach. It’s not trying to replace your watch or act like a full-on AR headset. You wear it, it shows you what you need, and that’s it.

Not for sale just yet

Zepp Health has made it clear this is not a product launch. The Helio Glasses are concept-only for now, with a tentative target of the second half of 2026 if development stays on track. Details like pricing, hardware specs and final design are still up in the air.

Still, it is an interesting direction. And given how common it is to see runners and cyclists lifting their wrist mid-activity, it’s not hard to see the appeal. Whether the execution lives up to the idea remains to be seen.

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The footage is brief, but it is dense with implications. Tennis is not a forgiving activity for a humanoid form. It demands balance during lateral movement, fast visual tracking of a small object, timing of arm swings, and stability at the moment of impact. Walker S2 manages all of this without appearing stiff or unstable, which is what makes the demo worth a closer look.

What actually happens in the video

The robot stands opposite a human player and engages in a controlled rally. The pace is moderate. Shots are fed cleanly and predictably. Walker S2 steps into position, swings its racket, and sends the ball back over the net. Movements look coordinated rather than pre-frozen, with visible weight shifts and recovery after each hit.

This is not a robot planted in place with a single repetitive motion. Foot placement changes between shots. The torso rotates with the swing. Balance holds during contact, which is a critical detail. Many humanoid demos fall apart at this exact moment, when impact forces expose weak control loops.

At the same time, the sequence stays within a narrow envelope. The robot does not sprint, dive, or handle unpredictable spin. That appears deliberate. The goal here is controlled demonstration rather than stress testing.

Why tennis is a revealing test

Tennis compresses several hard robotics problems into one task. Vision systems must detect and track a fast moving ball against a complex background. Control systems must predict where that ball will be, not where it is. Locomotion must reposition the robot smoothly without destabilising it. Arm motion must stay synchronised with body movement.

Walker S2 showing competence across all of these layers at once is notable. Even if some aspects are simplified, the integration matters. This is closer to real world interaction than lifting boxes or waving to a camera.

Anyone who has played tennis will tell you this is an extremely difficult task. It is crazy to think a robot can not just hit a ball, but hit it cleanly and with fluid motion.

Autonomy versus demonstration

One open question is how autonomous this sequence really is. The video does not explain whether the robot is operating fully on board or receiving external guidance. That distinction matters, especially when demos circulate without technical context.

The movements suggest real time responsiveness rather than a fixed animation. However, the controlled environment and predictable ball feeds mean assistance cannot be ruled out. Until UBTECH publishes deeper technical detail, it is sensible to treat this as a capability showcase rather than proof of independent athletic performance.

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Why this still matters

Even as a demonstration, the clip shows how far humanoid coordination has progressed. Stable bipedal movement combined with dynamic arm motion remains one of the hardest problems in robotics. Tennis exposes weaknesses quickly. Walker S2 does not collapse, jitter, or freeze.

This kind of demo points less toward robots playing sports and more toward robots operating in environments where timing, balance, and interaction matter. Warehouses, factories, and service settings all demand similar underlying skills just with different tools.

The tennis court is simply a clear stage on which those skills become easy to see. We did review PongBot Pace S Pro a couple of months ago. The robotic tennis ball launcher is very impressive. But the device shown in the video is next level!

Via NotebookCheck

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