The Short Answer
Bluetooth chest straps work best with Elite HRV. The app connects directly to any Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor that broadcasts RR intervals (the raw beat-to-beat data needed for HRV calculation).
Our top picks: - Best overall: Polar H10 — most accurate, widely recommended - Budget pick: Polar H9 — same sensor, fewer features, $20 less - Garmin users: Garmin HRM-Pro Plus — works with Elite HRV and Garmin Connect
Fully Compatible Devices
These devices connect directly to Elite HRV and provide accurate RR interval data:
Chest Straps (Best Accuracy)
| Device | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polar H10 | ~$90 | Gold standard, dual Bluetooth/ANT+ |
| Polar H9 | ~$70 | Same sensor as H10, single connection |
| Polar H7 | ~$50 | Older model, still works great |
| Garmin HRM-Pro Plus | ~$130 | Running dynamics, works with Garmin too |
| Garmin HRM-Dual | ~$70 | Basic but reliable |
| Wahoo TICKR | ~$50 | Good budget option |
| Wahoo TICKR X | ~$80 | Adds memory for gym workouts |
| 4iiii Viiiiva | ~$80 | ANT+ to Bluetooth bridge built in |
| Suunto Smart Belt | ~$60 | Works if you have one |
Ear Clip
| Device | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HeartMath Inner Balance | ~$160 | Designed for biofeedback, works with Elite HRV |
Other Sensors
| Device | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Movesense Medical Sensor | ~$150 | Research-grade ECG, requires Movesense app first |
| Zephyr HxM | Discontinued | If you have one, it still works |
| CardioSport TP3 | ~$50 | Budget option, harder to find |
What Doesn't Work
Smartwatches and wrist devices don't connect to Elite HRV:
- ❌ Apple Watch — uses its own HRV app, can't send data to Elite HRV
- ❌ Garmin watches — HRV stays in Garmin Connect
- ❌ Fitbit — locked to Fitbit ecosystem
- ❌ Whoop — only works with Whoop app
- ❌ Oura Ring — only works with Oura app
- ❌ Samsung Galaxy Watch — no Elite HRV support
Optical armbands have limited HRV support:
- ❌ Polar Verity Sense — great for heart rate, but doesn't broadcast RR intervals to third-party apps
- ❌ Polar OH1 — same limitation
- ❌ Wahoo TICKR FIT — optical sensor, no RR interval broadcast
This isn't an Elite HRV limitation—it's how these devices work. Optical sensors on wrists and arms are designed for heart rate during exercise, not the precise beat-to-beat timing needed for HRV.
Why Chest Straps Work Best
Elite HRV needs RR interval data—the exact time between each heartbeat in milliseconds. This requires:
- ECG-based measurement (electrical signals from your heart)
- Bluetooth broadcast of raw RR intervals
Chest straps use electrodes that detect your heart's electrical activity directly, just like a medical ECG. This gives millisecond-accurate timing.
Optical sensors (on wrists, fingers, ears) measure blood flow changes, which is less precise and often doesn't capture the beat-to-beat variation needed for HRV.
Bottom line: For Elite HRV, you need a chest strap. The Polar H10 is the most recommended option—accurate, reliable, and well-supported.
How to Connect Your Device
- Enable Bluetooth on your phone
- Wet the chest strap electrodes (or use electrode gel)
- Put on the strap snug against your skin, just below your chest muscles
- Open Elite HRV and go to the device/sensor settings
- Select your heart rate monitor from the list of available devices
- Take a reading — you should see your heart rate and HRV data appear
Troubleshooting tips: - If the strap doesn't appear, make sure it's not connected to another app - Try removing and re-adding the device in Elite HRV settings - Some straps need a few seconds of skin contact before broadcasting - Replace the battery if readings are inconsistent (CR2025 for most Polar straps)
Our Recommendation
For most people: Get the Polar H10 (~$90).
It's the device most recommended by the Elite HRV team, has the best accuracy in independent testing, and works with virtually every HRV app if you ever want to switch.
On a budget: The Polar H9 (~$70) or Wahoo TICKR (~$50) are solid alternatives. You're getting 95% of the H10's capability for less money.
Already have a Garmin? The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus or HRM-Dual work great with Elite HRV while also syncing running dynamics to your Garmin watch.
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