Best blood pressure monitor overall
The Omron Platinum has an easy-to-read digital screen, support for multiple users, and the ability to track how your blood pressure changes over time.
Pros: Fast and easy to use, wireless cuff, rechargeable battery, multi-user support, saved historical data, irregular heartbeat alerts
Cons: Smartphone app not user friendly
Thanks to its ease of use and numerous features, the Omron Platinum tops our list as the best at-home blood pressure monitor. The device has a cuff designed to fit most people and it can wirelessly share its readings with the base unit. You can easily strap the monitor onto yourself, or someone else, while in a chair or even in bed for quick and easy checks.
The Omron Platinum has the ability to support two users and keep track of the results for each person individually. The device saves up to 100 readings per user and that information can also easily be shared with doctors.
Via the Platinum's built-in Bluetooth capability, the base unit can also pair with a smartphone. You can add other users and results, and save them in Omron's free app for iOS and Android . The app isn't as user-friendly as it could be, but it is usable once you get the hang of it.
One of its more unique features is its ability to compare current blood pressure results with those stored in the memory and issue an alert if something looks wrong. The device can tell if the systolic or diastolic measurements are abnormal, which is especially helpful in the morning when there is a higher risk for heart attack or stroke.
Best digital arm monitor
The Beurer BM47 is easy to use thanks to its digital screen, adjustable cuff, and ability to track four patients' blood pressure over time.
Pros: Accurate, simple, multi-user support for up to four people, large LED screen
Cons: Only saves historical data for seven days
Inexpensive, easy to use, and feature-packed, the Beurer BM47 upper arm blood pressure monitor will suit the needs of most people. The compact device includes a soft, adjustable cuff designed to fit small and large arms. The monitor supports up to four users.
One of the BM47 's best features is its simplicity. Once the cuff is securely in place, all you need to do is tap a single button to activate the device. Within a matter of seconds, the cuff will constrict and measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A series of colored lights along the edge of the unit serves as an indicator of a patient's current danger level, making it easy to tell at a glance if their blood pressure is too high.
The BM47 is lauded for its accuracy and it has the ability to save up to 30 blood pressure measurements for four unique users in its onboard memory. When checking an individual's current blood pressure, the device can then compare the results to the readings that have been taken over the previous seven days.
Because the BM47 tracks a user's pulse, it also has the ability to identify unusual heart rhythms. This is yet another safety feature that could give users a warning if the device detects arrhythmia.
Best basic blood pressure monitor
The Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff is a traditional monitor that uses a cuff and a small air pump to measure blood pressure on an analog gauge.
Pros: Traditional analog design may appeal to some, easy to use, affordable price, accurate readings, comes with a case
Cons: Analog dial not as easy to read as a digital screen, no alerts or digital monitoring system
Some would describe the Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff as an old-school method for monitoring your blood pressure, but we prefer to think of it as a tried-and-true approach instead. This monitor resembles the ones that were used by doctors for decades before high-tech, digital devices came along. The traditional method continues to work well, particularly for those who just want as simple a monitor as possible.
Technically defined as a sphygmomanometer, this monitor features a traditional cuff that wraps around the upper arm. The user then squeezes a small air pump that causes the cuff to inflate and constrict. As pressure releases, it equalizes at approximately the same level as the current systolic pressure in the body. It then provides a blood pressure reading on its built-in analog screen.
This model is a no-frills, simple, and very accurate way to monitor your blood pressure. That said, all of its components are durable and made of high-quality materials which makes it feel like a premium product, even though it has an affordable price tag. The sphygmomanometer even comes with a handy case for storage and transport.
Best wrist-based blood pressure monitor
If you're looking for a wrist blood pressure monitor, the Paramed Automatic is a good choice because it is easy to operate and more accurate than most wrist-based monitors.
Pros: Small, lightweight, easy to carry, accurate for a wrist monitor, large LCD screen, can store up to 90 results
Cons: Screen can be hard to read in some lighting conditions, only single-user support
Compact and lightweight, the Paramed Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is a good alternative to the more traditional upper arm cuff models . This FDA-approved device wraps around the user's wrist and is activated with the touch of a single button. You can see results for the systolic and diastolic numbers and the patient's current heart rate within 30 seconds.
The main appeal of this monitor is how small and simple it is: Its onboard memory can store the results of 90 blood pressure readings, which can help you better understand trends in your levels. It can only hold one person's profile but it's compact enough to be carried anywhere, making it a great choice for folks on the go.
With its surprisingly large display, this wrist-worn blood pressure monitor presents information in a clear, easy-to-understand fashion. The monochrome screen works well in most circumstances but can get a little washed out in direct sunlight. It can be hard to read while outdoors, but it functions just fine under most other circumstances.
Best budget blood pressure monitor
Hyology's digital arm monitor is an affordable option that is still accurate and feature-packed.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, supports two users, stores 90 readings per user, can be powered by batteries or wall outlet
Cons: Slower than some other models
There are a number of inexpensive blood pressure monitors to choose from, many of which will perform adequately when it comes to monitoring your health. But few models offer the same level of value that you'll find in the Hyology Arm Blood Pressure Monitor , a device that packs in a lot of features for an easy-to-swallow price.
It has a large, bright LCD screen that displays both systolic or diastolic readings, along with heart rate. It offers a simple one-button operation, supports two users, and can store 90 readings for each individual. It can even detect an irregular heartbeat and alert the user if something seems amiss.
Unlike the other models we recommend, this device can operate with either standard AAA batteries or charge up with a USB-C cable and power adapter.
FAQs
What's the difference between wrist- and arm-based blood pressure monitors?
When shopping for a blood pressure monitor of your own, you're likely to come across two distinct types: those that wrap around the upper arm and those that go around the wrist. Generally speaking, the monitors that take their readings from the upper arm tend to be more accurate and consistent. That's not to say that wrist monitors can't be reliable too; they are just a bit more finicky to use.
Arm monitors fall into two distinct categories: aneroid or digital. An aneroid model features a more traditional design with a cuff that wraps around the upper arm and is inflated by squeezing on a bulb. The blood pressure is then read from a mechanical gauge. These types of monitors are slower and can be less accurate, but they are also more affordable.
Alternatively, a digital monitor inflates the cuff either with a bulb or automatically from the device depending on the individual model. The results are displayed on an easy-to-read screen. Digital monitors are simple and straightforward to use. That simplicity comes at a price, though, as digital models are usually more expensive than their aneroid counterparts.
Are at-home blood pressure monitors accurate?
Good-quality at-home blood pressure monitors are accurate, but it's important to do the research to find the best option for your needs. No matter which type of blood pressure device you choose, it is a good idea to check its accuracy before relying on it too closely.
You can check its accuracy by bringing the monitor along with you on a visit to your doctor's office and comparing the numbers between your monitor and the one that is used by the healthcare professionals. Slight variances in accuracy are normal, but if the numbers vary dramatically, you should return the one you purchased for a different model.
When deciding which specific blood pressure monitor is right for you, you'll want to be sure that the cuff fits properly before purchasing. Most devices have a fairly universal fit, but some arm cuffs can be too large or too small. If the cuff is too loose or too tight, the blood pressure readings may not be accurate, invalidating any tests.
It helps to try a few of the monitors out ahead of time to ensure that they'll work for you and to get a sense of the other features they offer as well.
Via PakApNews