Elite HRV
The best free option for deliberate HRV tracking. Pair it with a Polar H10 for an affordable, accurate setup. The educational content helps you actually understand what your numbers mean.
Full reviewHRV4Training
Best for athletes who want training load context with their HRV data. The one-time price is refreshing, and the science-backed approach inspires confidence. Camera readings work in a pinch.
Full reviewHeartMath
Different from other apps—focused on training coherence rather than tracking HRV trends. The newer app measures HRV via your phone's camera with a 7-day free trial, so you no longer need the sensor to get started. Excellent for stress management and meditation practice, but not a traditional HRV monitoring solution.
Full reviewWelltory
Most approachable interface for HRV newcomers. The integrations with fitness apps and health platforms are convenient. Best for casual users who want insights without getting technical.
Full reviewOura App
The companion app for Oura Ring delivers one of the best passive HRV tracking experiences available. Sleep-focused HRV analysis is excellent, but you're locked into their ecosystem with no external sensor support.
Full reviewWhoop App
The gold standard for athletic HRV tracking with detailed analysis. The subscription model is polarizing, but serious athletes find the detailed recovery and strain insights useful for optimizing training.
Full reviewGarmin Connect
If you own a Garmin watch, Connect provides solid HRV tracking as part of a comprehensive fitness platform. The Training Readiness feature combines HRV with other metrics for actionable guidance, though the app prioritizes athletes over general wellness users.
Full reviewPolar Flow
Polar pioneered consumer HRV tracking and their scientific approach shows. Nightly Recharge and the orthostatic test provide solid HRV insights, especially when paired with the highly accurate H10 chest strap. Best for users who want research-backed methodology.
Full reviewApple Health & Fitness
Apple Health collects HRV data but provides minimal interpretation. It's best used as a data hub that syncs to more specialized apps like Elite HRV or HRV4Training. Great for data storage, limited for actionable HRV insights.
Full reviewFitbit Premium
Fitbit brings HRV tracking to the mainstream with an approachable interface and affordable hardware. The Daily Readiness Score is useful for general wellness, though athletes may find the analysis less detailed than Whoop or Garmin alternatives.
Full reviewKubios HRV
The most scientifically rigorous HRV app available. Kubios is used in academic research and provides metrics you won't find elsewhere. Best for users who want deep analysis and are willing to learn the science behind HRV.
Full reviewAthlytic
The best way to get Whoop-style metrics without buying new hardware or paying monthly subscriptions. If you own an Apple Watch and want recovery/strain tracking, Athlytic delivers surprising value for $25/year.
Full reviewCamera-Based HRV Apps
Camera-based HRV apps (like Welltory, Camera HRV, Instant Heart Rate) offer a free entry point to HRV tracking. Accuracy is lower than dedicated sensors, but they're useful for building the habit before investing in hardware.
Full reviewithlete
One of the original HRV apps that pioneered the morning readiness concept. Still effective with a simple one-minute protocol. The one-time price and proven track record make it a solid choice for athletes wanting simplicity.
Full reviewSweetBeat HRV
An affordable entry into HRV tracking with some unique features like food sensitivity testing. The geek screen appeals to data enthusiasts who want to see raw HRV metrics rather than just simplified scores.
Full reviewBioforce HRV
**Note: The company behind Bioforce HRV is no longer active. While the app remains on app stores, users report reliability issues with current OS versions.** Created by conditioning coach Joel Jamieson, Bioforce HRV is particularly popular in MMA and combat sports communities. The weekly trend focus helps athletes plan training blocks effectively.
Full reviewMorpheus
A modern recovery system built around HRV and created by strength coach Joel Jamieson. The dynamic training zones that adjust based on recovery state set it apart from simple HRV tracking apps.
Full reviewNatureBeat
A unique HRV app focused on outdoor sessions and nature exposure. Ideal for users interested in the documented benefits of nature on HRV and stress reduction, rather than athletic performance optimization.
Full reviewPulsetto
Different from traditional HRV apps—Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulation device with an accompanying app. It aims to actively improve HRV rather than just measure it. Worth considering for those seeking intervention.
Full reviewOthership
A well-designed breathwork app with HRV biofeedback integration. Ideal for users who want guided breathing sessions with real-time physiological feedback, rather than pure HRV data analysis.
Full reviewHRV Expert
For researchers and serious enthusiasts who want access to detailed frequency domain metrics and raw data. Not for beginners—assumes familiarity with HRV science and statistical analysis.
Full reviewSamsung Health
The native companion app for Samsung Galaxy Watch and Ring users. HRV tracking is automatic but less emphasized than in dedicated HRV apps. Good for Samsung ecosystem users who want integrated health tracking.
Full reviewLief
A unique HRV biofeedback device designed for stress and anxiety management. The wearable patch provides real-time coaching through vibrations when your HRV drops, helping you develop parasympathetic regulation skills.
Full reviewTrainingPeaks
The professional platform for endurance athletes and coaches. TrainingPeaks imports HRV data from various devices and integrates it into comprehensive training load management. Best for serious athletes following periodized plans.
Full reviewStrava
The world's most popular fitness social network imports heart rate data from workouts but has minimal HRV-specific features. Best used alongside a dedicated HRV app rather than as a primary HRV tracking solution.
Full reviewGentler Streak
A different fitness app that uses HRV and recovery data to recommend rest when needed, not just push harder. Good for sustainable fitness habits without the guilt of breaking traditional streaks.
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