The Polar H10 ECG Heart Rate Chest Strap: My Personal Review
I've been using the Polar H10 ECG heart rate chest strap for over two years, and I have to say, it’s one of the best tools I've found for tracking my health. It excels at measuring heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), and it's even been referenced in research studies as being comparable to more expensive Holter monitors. If you're serious about your health data and can wear a chest strap, I highly recommend it.
Key Features and How I Use It
The H10 broadcasts my heart rate and HRV to my phone or other devices via Bluetooth. While it can connect to most watches, only Polar watches will record HRV. I also love that the H10 has an internal memory that can store up to 30 hours of workout data. I manage these settings and features using the older Polar Beat app, which then syncs the data to the main Polar Flow app.
To get the most accurate readings, the device uses a fabric chest strap with conductive pads that snap onto the H10. Since the pads can fray over time, I have three straps that I rotate and wash weekly. For better conductivity, I also use a small amount of Spectra 360 conductive gel by Parker Labs , which really helps maintain a strong connection between the electrodes and my skin. The strap needs to be snug for best results.
BTW: There is not on/off switch, the H10 turns on automatically when it is worn properly
Tips for Maintenance and Troubleshooting
If you use the H10 for continuous, 24/7 recording, you'll need to change the battery (a CR2025) about every two weeks. When you do, make sure to use a little bit of food-grade silicone gel on the O-ring to prevent it from tearing and leaking. I learned this the hard way—without the gel, the gasket would wear out, causing water damage. For normal use during workouts, the battery can last six months to a year.
I've found that the Bluetooth connection can sometimes be a bit finicky with my Google Pixel 6, which is a known issue with some Android phones. If it’s not connecting, my go-to troubleshooting steps are to turn Bluetooth on and off on my phone, and if that doesn't work, I restart the phone. On rare occasions, I’ll also have to remove and reinsert the battery from the H10 to get it to do a full "cold boot."
What I Wish It Had and Final Thoughts
The one thing I wish the H10 could do is record HRV data internally, separate from a workout session. While the documentation suggests this is possible, I haven't found any apps that have unlocked this feature.
Overall, the H10 is a comfortable and highly accurate device. I used to wear it 24/7 for almost two years, but my skin developed a mild reaction, so now I only wear it occasionally for extended HRV recordings. For the most part, I've switched to optical sensors, but I'll always keep my H10 on hand for when I need the most precise data. It’s an essential tool for anyone serious about tracking their health metrics.
