Looking for the best HRV tracker in 2026? We've tested dozens of devices to find the top options for different needs and budgets. Here's how the leading HRV trackers compare.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Polar H10 | Oura Ring Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Oura Ring Gen 3 | Polar H10 + App |
| Oura for passive tracking, Polar H10 for accuracy | ||
| Best for Athletes | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Whoop 4.0 |
| Garmin for GPS sports, Whoop for pure recovery focus | ||
| Best Budget Option | Polar H10 ($90) ✓ | Fitbit Charge 6 ($160) |
| H10 offers gold-standard ECG accuracy at lowest cost | ||
| Best Smart Ring | Oura Ring ($300-400) ✓ | Samsung Galaxy Ring ($400) |
| Oura has better HRV features and app | ||
| Best Smartwatch | Garmin Forerunner/Fenix ✓ | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Garmin provides more actionable HRV insights | ||
| Best for Sleep | Oura Ring ✓ | Whoop |
| Ring form factor is ideal for overnight comfort | ||
The Bottom Line
Our top picks for 2026: - Best accuracy: Polar H10 with Elite HRV or HRV4Training - Best passive tracking: Oura Ring Gen 3 - Best for serious athletes: Garmin Forerunner 265 or Whoop 4.0 - Best budget: Polar H10 ($90) - Best smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 265 For most people, we recommend starting with an Oura Ring for effortless daily tracking, or a Polar H10 if you prefer accuracy over convenience.
Detailed Reviews
Polar H10
The accuracy benchmark. If you want the most precise HRV data and don't mind taking deliberate morning readings, the...
Full reviewOura Ring Gen 3
Best for those who prioritize comfort and discretion. The ring form factor is unmatched for sleep tracking, though...
Full review