This comparison pits two fundamentally different approaches to HRV tracking against each other: the Polar H10 ECG chest strap, the gold standard for accuracy, versus the Oura Ring, the leading smart ring for passive 24/7 monitoring. Your ideal choice depends on whether you prioritize measurement precision or effortless daily tracking.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Polar H10 | Oura Ring 4 |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Accuracy | ECG-based, research-grade R-R intervals ✓ | PPG optical sensor, good but less precise than ECG |
| ECG chest straps remain the accuracy gold standard for HRV | ||
| Sleep Tracking | Not designed for sleep (uncomfortable to wear overnight) | Automatic nightly sleep staging, HRV, temperature, SpO2 ✓ |
| Oura Ring excels at effortless overnight tracking | ||
| Convenience | Must strap on intentionally, wet electrodes, session-based | Wear-and-forget ring, 24/7 passive monitoring ✓ |
| The ring requires zero daily effort once charged | ||
| Price | $80-90 one-time ✓ | $300-350 + $6/month subscription |
| Polar H10 is much cheaper with no ongoing fees | ||
| App Ecosystem | 200+ compatible apps, broad third-party support ✓ | Oura app + Apple Health/Google Health Connect integrations |
| Polar H10 works with virtually every HRV app on the market | ||
| Exercise Tracking | Real-time HR/HRV during workouts, ANT+ for bike computers ✓ | Basic activity tracking, no real-time workout HRV |
| Chest straps are built for exercise; rings are not | ||
| Best For | Morning readings, workout HRV, research protocols | Daily readiness scores, sleep optimization, passive trends |
| Different tools for different goals — many serious users own both | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose the Polar H10 if you want the most accurate HRV readings, real-time workout data, and broad app compatibility at a low price. Choose the Oura Ring if you value effortless 24/7 monitoring, sleep tracking, and daily readiness scores. Many dedicated HRV practitioners use both: a ring for overnight trends and a chest strap for precise morning or workout measurements.
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 4
Best for those who prioritize comfort and discretion. The ring form factor is ideal for sleep tracking, though the...
Full review