The 8 Best Portable EKG monitors
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in January of 2019. The ability to keep tabs on your ticker is extremely useful, especially if you have a history of heart complications. These portable EKG monitors allow you to track cardiac activity on the go without a costly hospital visit. But while undoubtedly convenient, they're not a replacement for an actual doctor, so be sure to always confer with yours and share any results that concern you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. AliveCor KardiaMobile 6L
2. Alivecor KardiaMobile
3. BodiMetrics Performance
Editor's Notes
October 20, 2020:
While we have done our best to include portable EKG monitors known for accuracy and reliability, none of these are substitutes for professional medical care, so make sure to discuss your plans with your doctor and share any abnormal readings you get with them.
When selecting the models on this list, we did our best verify their accuracy using outside sources, as well as considered any peer-reviewed studies particular devices had and other supporting documentation. Using this criteria, both the AliveCor KardiaMobile 6L and Alivecor KardiaMobile proved to be two of the best options. They are often recommended by practicing cardiologists and both are clinically validated with more than 70 studies. The former offers more information because it is a six-lead option, whereas the KardiaMobile is just a single lead device. That being said, both still take clean, noise-free readings quickly and are compact enough to easily slip into a pocket.
The BodiMetrics Performance is another monitor that takes and compiles a large amount of data, including heart rate, blood oxygenation, temperature, and more. It can also function as a medication reminder and pedometer.
The Apple Watch Series 6, though not a dedicated EKG monitor, has the ability to act as one, and incorporates all the other functionality you expect of a smart watch, from text notifications to activity tracking to the ability to answer calls. Since it is water-resistant down to 50 meters, you can still keep tabs on your heart health while swimming, too. All that being said, it has a notable limitation in that it struggles to identify atrial fibrillation when the heart is elevated above 120 BPM, which may automatically disqualify it as a suitable option for many.
February 15, 2019:
There were two primary considerations in making these rankings: how accurate the results were, and how easy those results were to understand. It should be noted that none of these devices will be as accurate as a dedicated machine operated by a trained clinician, but they should be able to give you reasonable ballpark figures. Any selection that required a paid subscription to access your readings, such as the Alivecor KardiaMobile, was penalized as a result.
Special Honors
Choice MD100E If you prefer a monitor that doesn't require or integrate with a smartphone, you may like the Choice MD100E. It has an on-device screen that displays all the information picked up by its sensors, and it allows the addition of optional 3-lead cables if you need to be able to track your heart rhythm while exercising or doing anything else that requires the use of your hands. semedicalsupply.com
4. Emay EMG-20M
5. Apple Watch Series 6
6. Facelake FL20
7. Wellue DuoEK
8. Welbean Heartscope
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