Whether you’re concerned about your heart or your doctor recommended checking your vitals at home, a home blood pressure monitor is a necessary purchase. However, with hundreds of models on the market, it can be challenging to identify which ones meet your specific needs. If you seek convenience, comfort and accuracy, the Withings BPM Connect Blood Pressure Monitor is a top choice for its reliability and quality.
What to know before you buy a home blood pressure monitor
With such an important purchase, you’ll want to learn more about home blood pressure monitors and the features they offer before you decide on a final product.
Automatic vs. manual
Automatic blood pressure monitors read your pressure with the press of a button. A manual blood pressure monitor has a rubber bulb you have to pump manually. While manual models are accurate, automatic models leave no room for error.
Cuff size
For an accurate reading, make sure the blood pressure monitor cuff fits your upper arm correctly. Although there are one-size-fits-all cuffs, you may get an inaccurate reading if the cuff doesn’t fit your arm snugly. If your arm is larger or smaller, look for a home blood pressure monitor with specifically sized cuffs.
Speed
A home blood pressure monitor measures at varying speeds. Some may take up to 20 seconds, while others are closer to a minute. If the squeezing sensation of the cuff during the measuring process is uncomfortable, select a monitor that measures more quickly in order to reduce the discomfort.
Home blood pressure monitor features
Multiple users
If you want to track and store results for multiple people, a blood pressure monitor with a multi-user function is a great option. This monitor style allows you to share one device instead of needing to purchase multiple models.
App compatibility
High-tech home blood pressure monitors can connect to smart devices like a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. This allows them to send your results to an app, which can track your progress and offers other varying features depending on the brand. Overall, they provide in-depth analytics, and some apps can send your results directly to a medical professional.
Alerts
Some home blood pressure monitors feature a notification if your blood pressure is spiking or if your heartbeat is irregular. Alerts are helpful if you’re unsure what the numbers on the screen mean and provide some peace of mind. Of course, always consult your physician with any questions and concerns you may have about blood pressure readings.
Home blood pressure monitor cost
Basic home blood pressure monitors are pretty affordable and range between $20-$40. Mid-level to high-end monitors cost between $50-$150 and offer additional features like data storage, sharing capabilities and multi-user functions.
Home blood pressure monitor FAQ
Should I buy a blood pressure monitor that stores readings?
A. If you want to track or improve your blood pressure, it makes sense to opt for a model that stores previous readings. Blood pressure monitors can typically store between 50-60 previous readings, and some can store more than 200.
Is a home blood pressure monitor accurate?
A. Automatic cuff-style home blood pressure monitors provide accurate readings. However, you will need to re-calibrate them every couple of years to ensure accuracy.
Which home blood pressure monitor should I get?
Best of the best home blood pressure monitor
Withings BPM Connect Blood Pressure Monitor: available at Amazon
Our take: With so many advanced features, this blood pressure monitor earns high praise for its quality, convenience and accuracy.
What we like: This FDA-approved device provides accurate readings of both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate. It features instant color-coded feedback, a rechargeable battery and WiFi connectivity.
What we dislike: The storing and tracking of data for multiple users is not set up well.
Best bang for your buck home blood pressure monitor
Omron 7 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor: available at Amazon
Our take: This reliable, well-made wireless blood pressure monitor comes from one of the most trusted brands in the industry.
What we like: The Omron 7 Series Blood Pressure Monitor has a clear and easy-to-read screen. It provides alerts for irregular heartbeat and hypertension indicators. It also offers smooth connectivity via WiFi, Bluetooth and Amazon Alexa.
What we dislike: Some users report the monitor is too bulky.
Honorable mention home blood pressure monitor
Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor: available at Amazon
Our take: This quality monitor offers clear and accurate results with regular calibration, and it stores data wirelessly.
What we like: A popular pick among clinical specialists, this monitor features a dual-screen that displays current and previous readings for easy comparison. It allows for wireless data sharing with your doctor, holds up to 200 readings for two users and alerts you when there is an irregular heartbeat.
What we dislike: The batteries are not included.
Honorable mention home blood pressure monitor
Paramed Blood Pressure Monitor: available at Amazon
Our take: A well-made device, this blood pressure monitor features a large display and offers a high level of accuracy for reliable, quick readings.
What we like: Thanks to improved inflation technology, the Paramed Blood Pressure Monitor has impressive accuracy and multi-use capabilities. It features a convenient one-touch, backlit display and records up to 60 readings per user.
What we dislike: It requires proper calibration to create separate user profiles.
Honorable mention home blood pressure monitor
Qardio Arm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor: available at Amazon
Our take: The innovative design makes this blood pressure monitor even more impressive while still offering accurate readings.
What we like: Designed to be comfortable, light and discreet, this user-friendly monitor offers wireless connectivity and extended battery life. It has unique features like measurement charts and multi-user capabilities. It also connects to a secure app for tracking and sharing of data.
What we dislike: If not positioned correctly, there is a risk of inaccurate readings. Rachel Pintarelli is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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