How-to guide · What each device measures

Pulse oximeter vs. heart rate monitor

A pulse oximeter estimates oxygen saturation and displays your pulse. A heart rate monitor tracks how fast your heart beats, for example during a workout. An upper arm blood pressure monitor measures something different.

Three devices for three jobs

Device	What it displays	Typical use
Fingertip pulse oximeter	SpO₂ as a percentage and pulse rate in beats per minute.	A spot check with your hand still.
Fitness heart rate monitor	Heart rate and, depending on the model, a workout history.	Tracking heart rate during exercise.
Upper arm blood pressure monitor	Systolic and diastolic pressure in mmHg, plus pulse rate.	Keeping a home blood pressure log.

Choose based on what you want to record

Oxygen saturation at a particular moment

See our fingertip pulse oximeter comparison and check the intended use and sensor fit. Follow the placement instructions and wait for a steady reading.

Heart rate during a workout

Compare a chest strap such as the Polar H9 with an optical armband such as the Polar Verity Sense. Our heart rate monitor guide compares the sensors and shows what to check before connecting to your watch or app.

Blood pressure at home

Start with your upper arm circumference and the kind of monitor you need. Our upper arm blood pressure monitor comparison separates models by cuff, memory, and connectivity.

What “finger heart rate monitor” can mean in a listing

Some listings use that name for a pulse oximeter because it also shows pulse rate. Check the units on the display. SpO₂ is a percentage, bpm is beats per minute, and mmHg is the unit for blood pressure. If you see PI, read our guide to perfusion index.

How to put each reading in context

Workout heart rate, SpO₂, and blood pressure are separate measurements. Note the circumstances of each reading and contact your health care professional if symptoms or a measurement concern you.

See how to read oxygen saturation and what SYS, DIA, and PUL mean.