The Polar H10 and Apple Watch represent two very different philosophies for HRV tracking. The H10 is a dedicated ECG chest strap that delivers medical-grade accuracy during intentional readings. The Apple Watch is a PPG-based smartwatch that passively measures HRV throughout the day alongside dozens of other features. This comparison helps you decide between best-in-class accuracy and all-in-one convenience.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Polar H10 | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Accuracy | ECG-based R-R intervals, gold-standard accuracy ✓ | PPG optical sensor from the wrist, good but noisier |
| ECG chest straps consistently outperform wrist-based PPG in validation studies | ||
| Price | $80-90 one-time purchase ✓ | $399-799 depending on model |
| The Polar H10 costs a fraction of even the cheapest Apple Watch | ||
| Battery Life | ~400 hours (replaceable coin cell) ✓ | 18-36 hours depending on model |
| The H10 lasts months; the Apple Watch needs daily charging | ||
| Comfort/Wearability | Chest strap required during readings, not practical 24/7 | Worn on wrist all day, familiar watch form factor ✓ |
| Apple Watch is far more practical for continuous daily wear | ||
| App Ecosystem | 200+ compatible apps via Bluetooth and ANT+ ✓ | Apple Health, watchOS apps, limited third-party HRV access |
| Polar H10 works with Elite HRV, HRV4Training, Kubios, and many more | ||
| Data Export | Full R-R interval export through compatible apps ✓ | HRV data in Apple Health; raw R-R intervals not easily accessible |
| Researchers and data enthusiasts prefer the H10's open data access | ||
| Additional Features | Heart rate monitoring only, no screen or notifications | Full smartwatch with notifications, GPS, fitness tracking, ECG app ✓ |
| Apple Watch does far more beyond HRV tracking | ||
| Best For | Morning HRV readings, research, workout HR monitoring | All-day health tracking, casual HRV monitoring, Apple ecosystem users |
| Different tools for different goals and lifestyles | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose the Polar H10 if HRV accuracy is your top priority. It delivers medical-grade ECG readings, works with virtually every HRV app, and costs under $100. It is the best choice for morning readiness protocols, research, and anyone who wants the cleanest possible data.
Choose the Apple Watch if you want HRV tracking as part of a broader health and smartwatch experience. Its wrist-based PPG sensor is less precise than a chest strap, but it tracks passively throughout the day and night without any effort. If you are already in the Apple ecosystem and want one device that does everything, the Apple Watch is hard to beat for convenience.
For the most comprehensive setup, consider using both: the Apple Watch for daily passive trends and the Polar H10 for precise weekly or morning readings.
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 reviewApple Watch
Convenient if you already wear one, but not recommended as a primary HRV device. The native Health app provides...
Full review