You can track HRV effectively for under $100 or spend $300+/year on premium solutions. Here's what each tier offers and who should consider it.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Polar H10 | Whoop 5.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Setup | Polar H10 ($90) + Elite HRV (free) | Whoop ($360/year) or Oura ($300+) |
| Budget: ~$90 total vs Premium: $300-400+ | ||
| Accuracy | Gold standard ECG ✓ | Good PPG from wrist/finger |
| Chest strap is actually more accurate | ||
| Convenience | Manual morning readings required | Fully automatic, 24/7 ✓ |
| Premium wins on convenience | ||
| Analysis Depth | Basic trends and readiness | Detailed insights, correlations, coaching ✓ |
| Premium apps offer more interpretation | ||
| Commitment Required | Daily discipline needed | Just wear it ✓ |
| Automation removes friction | ||
| Long-term Cost | $90 one-time (+ optional $80/year) ✓ | $300-400/year ongoing |
| Budget setup saves hundreds over time | ||
| Best For | Disciplined users, tight budgets | Convenience seekers, serious athletes |
| Different solutions for different needs | ||
The Bottom Line
Budget setup (Polar H10 + Elite HRV): Best accuracy, lowest cost, but requires daily commitment. Suits disciplined users who want quality data without ongoing fees. Premium setup (Whoop/Oura): Passive tracking with deeper insights, but significant ongoing cost. Worth it if you'll actually use the data and value convenience. See our complete guide to HRV tracking without subscriptions.
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 reviewWhoop 5.0
Best for serious athletes who want completely passive tracking and don't mind paying monthly. The training load and...
Full review