Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor Review

In this Polar H10 heart rate sensor review, I’ll break down what it is, what it does better than wrist trackers, and where it’s lacking.

The Polar H10 is known for being one of the most accurate heart rate monitors available, but it’s not for everyone.

If you train using heart rate zones and want accurate feedback, you’re gonna want to keep reading.

Unboxing

The Polar H10 comes in a small box about the size of pencil box.

Time to open it up and see what’s inside…

The Polar connector sits inside its own box so it’s not shifting around during shipping.

And it also comes with an adjustable strap. The strap comes in different sizes so make sure you check that before you decide to pick one up.

The back of the connector has two male probes that snap right into the female pieces attached to the strap.

Right in the center of the connector is where the CR2025 battery sits.

These are the same batteries used in low drain devices like watches, key fobs, and calculator so they last a long time.

And here’s what the chest strap looks like from the back.

It’s adjustable and uses a plastic buckle.

Pretty straight forward, now I just have to figure out how to sync it to my training devices.

Specs

• Dimensions: 2.6″ Wide x 1.3″ Height x 0.4″ Thick (connector only)

• Weight: 2.1 oz

• Materials: Plastic

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ 2.1

• Battery: 165 mAh, coin cell

• Battery life: CR2025 coin cell battery lasts up to 400 hours

• Water-proof: Up to 30m

What Is The Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor?

The Polar H10 is a chest strap heart rate monitor that tracks your heart rate while you train.

You wrap it around your chest so it sits on your skin right by your heart.

This makes it much more accurate than wrist optical sensors used in wrist watches.

It pairs with phones, fitness apps, bikes, treadmills, rowers, and more using Bluetooth and ANT+ so you can see exactly what your heart rate is.

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Top Benefits Of The Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

Accuracy

I like to do cardio within my fat burning heart rate zone (between 103-121 heart beats per minute).

With the Polar H10, I can track my exact heart rate so I don’t go under or above my range.

Above I paired the H10 with my Assault Bike Pro X and the display console shows my exact heart rate.

CALCULATOR: Find Your Target Training Zone Using My FREE Target Heart Rate Calculator

Long Battery Life

The Polar H10 uses a CR2025 coin cell battery that lasts up to 400 hours.

I can do an hour of cardio daily for an entire year and it’ll still have a charge which is impressive.

One thing I don’t like is that I have to check the Polar Flow app to see my battery life.

Adding something as a simple light on the device with different colors (green, yellow, red) to show me how much battery is left would be nice.

PRO TIP: Remove the battery from the strap after every use so it lasts longer

Best Features Of The Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

Chest Strap

The chest strap is simple to use but it plays an important role.

It keeps the heart rate sensor on my chest so I can get the most accurate reading of my heart rate.

The H10’s strap comes in two sizes: M-XXL and X-Small-Small.

I went with the M-XXL size and it fits well around my torso.

It’s adjustable and it’s comfortable. I know it’s there but doesn’t bother me.

It uses a plastic snap buckle that’s easy to lock and unlock.

As far as the strap material goes, it’s stretchy and washable so it can be rinsed and hung to dry so it doesn’t get stinky.

Notice those non-slip silicone spots next to the buckle? Those line the inside of the strap and grip my skin.

That way the strap is not moving around and I can get an accurate heart rate reading.

Connectivity

I can connect the Polar H10 to just about anything.

My phone, gym equipment, and fitness apps.

The Polar H10 comes with Polar GymLink, dual Bluetooth connectivity, and ANT+.

How To Use The Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor

Moisten The Inside Of The Strap

First thing I have to do, is moisten the front inside of the strap with a little bit of water (not the buckle side).

You’ll see an area there that’s lined with what looks like rubber.

That’s an electrode that tracks heart beats and a little bit of water helps to improve accuracy.

Wrap Around Your Chest

With the connector attached to the strap, I wrap it around my torso right where the upper abdominals meet the pecs.

I can adjust the size of the strap if I need to so that it’s not too tight or too loose.

Polar Flow App

Down load the Polar Flow App from the Apple or Google Play store and create an account.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone.

Go to the Start Training menu (clock icon)

Tap the settings menu (sandwich menu or cogwheel)

Tap pair and the app will search for the H10 (make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on)

Once paired, the Polar H10 name shows up on your screen.

Right below that is where I can check my connector’s battery life.

Now that I have the Polar H10 synced with the Polar Flow app, it’s time to connect it to my Assault bike (or treadmill, elliptical, rower, etc.)

Tap the cogwheel to get to the Bluetooth devices setup menu.

Tap the 2 Bluetooth devices slider to turn it on.

I get close to my Assault bike and my heart rate shows up on the bike’s display console.

Tap the blue check mark on the top right to get out of this screen.

Tap done and I’m all set.

I only have to do this once and the connector and my air bike will sync up automatically from now on.

Make sure your phone’s bluetooth is turned on if you want the Polar Flow app to track your workouts.

How Does The Polar H10 Work?

Polar H10 uses electrophysiological technology similar to what doctors use when monitoring heart patients.

As my heart beats, it sends electrical signals to my skin and that’s why the strap has electrodes on the inside.

The best place to measure heart rate is on the chest so that’s why the Polar H10 is so accurate when compared to wrist sensors.

The electrodes on the strap pick up my heart signals and transmits them to the connector.

With the connector synced to my Assault bike, now I can see an accurate visual of my heart rate so I can stay within a specific training zone.

And I can pair the H10 to just about any equipment that has Bluetooth capabilities.

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Polar H10 vs Polar H9: What’s The Difference?

Feature	Polar H10	Polar H9
Heart Rate Accuracy	Slight edge in accuracy with better strap design and electrodes	Very accurate heart rate reading
Simultaneous Bluetooth Connections	Yes — can connect to 2 devices at once	No — one Bluetooth connection at a time
Internal Memory	Yes — stores one training session for later syncing	No
Strap Type	Pro strap with silicone grip dots for better fit	Soft strap (basic but comfortable)
Firmware Updates	Yes — OTA updates supported	Typically not supported
Price	Higher (premium tier)	Lower (budget-friendly)
Best For	Serious athletes, multi-device users, swimmers	Everyday fitness, casual runners, budget buyers

In the chart above, I broke down the features that make the Polar H10 different from the H9.

To sum it up, the Polar H10 has advanced features like internal memory, dual Bluetooth connection, and a premium strap.

If you don’t need advanced features, then the Polar H9 is accurate and sells for less.

Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor Pros & Cons

Pros

• Accuracy: Uses electrical sensors to measure electrical activity generated by the heart when it contracts (chest strap is the most accurate way)

• Connectivity: Syncs to the Polar Flow app and other training products like rowers, bikes, ellipticalss, treadmills, etc.

• Comfortable: The strap is soft and stretchy and doesn’t bother me at all.

• Battery life: Up to 400 hours of battery life

• Versatile: I can wear it while walking, running, working out, and even swimming (up to 30m)

Cons

• No screen: I need the app to check battery life

Polar H10 Price & Discount

The Polar H10 heart rate monitor and strap sell for $104.95 through their official website.

But I’ve found the best price without needing a discount code is through Amazon.

Plus they’ll ship it for free the next day if you have Amazon prime.

Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor Alternatives

Polar H9

The Polar H9 heart rate monitor is the budget version of the H10.

It does not have internal memory, dual Bluetooth connection capacity, and uses a basic strap.

If you just need the basics, then this is still very accurate and more affordable.

Garmin HRM 200

The Garmin HRM 200 also uses a chest strap for high accuracy and connects to multiple devices with Bluetooth and ANT+.

I like that Garmin added a button and light on the connector to pair the device and show battery life, among other things.

This one is best for people who are already own Garmin products.

Wahoo TRACKR

The Wahoo TRACKR has excellent accuracy like the H10, it’s rechargeable, and has up to 3 Bluetooth connections.

I don’t like the rechargeable battery because it doesn’t last as long as a CR2025 battery.

This is still an excellent heart rate sensor that’s priced right about the same as the H10.

My Experience Using The Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

I use the Polar H10 heart rate monitor with several gym equipment that I own.

After the intial setup, it syncs automatically so there’s no extra work on my end.

This lets me track my heart rate accurately so that I’m training within my target heart rate and there’s no guess work.

Final Verdict: Is The Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor Worth It?

The Polar H10 is highly accurate because of its technology and position right on top of the chest.

It delivers reliable heart rate readings using Bluetooth and ANT+ so I can use with a bunch of fitness apps and cardio equipment.

Even though it lacks a display or light that shows me battery life, it’s more accurate than wrist fitness trackers, making it one of the best heart rate monitors available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Polar H10 more accurate than wrist heart rate sensor?

Yes, the electrode on the chest strap reads electrical signals from the heart and that’s more accurate than wrist sensors.

Does The Polar H10 work with the Apple Watch, Peloton, Garmin, and other brands?

Yes. It has Bluetooth and ANT+ so it can pair most fitness apps and gym equipment.

Does the Polar H10 work for swimmers?

Yes, it’s water resistant up to 30 meters so it can be used for those who like swimming based workouts like triathletes.

Is The Polar H10 battery rechargeable?

No, it uses a CR2025 coin cell battery that lasts up to 400 hours. Once it dies, I just buy another one for around $5.