Continuous Blood Pressure Monitor for Home Use
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Blood pressure monitors are an excellent at-home solution for staying on top of your health, especially if you have an underlying condition that requires regular blood pressure readings. We found that the best monitors offer accurate readings, are easy to use, and aren't complicated to fit around your arm. To find the best on the market, we purchased 10 devices certified by the American Medical Association's Validate BP list and tested them in The Verywell Testing Lab under the guidance and supervision of Huma Sheikh, MD, a neurologist at Mount Sinai in New York City and member of the Verywell Health Medical Expert Board. The eight blood pressure monitors we recommend excelled in our test and provided statistically consistent systolic and diastolic measurements when compared to the baseline readings Dr. Sheikh measured using her own medical-grade device. Based on our test, these are the best blood pressure monitors available right now. Our Ratings Pros Large, clear display Stores 100 data sets per user Results available in under 30 seconds Cons Only supports two users Bluetooth feature does not provide much additional information What do buyers say? 90% of 2,900+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. When we looked at our most important attributes: ease of use, fit, and data display, the Omron Upper Arm Gold Blood Pressure Monitor received a five out of five in every category. We found that it was not only easy to fit and position on your arm, but it gave extremely clear, straightforward data in less than a minute. The Omron Gold only requires two steps to set up: insert the four included AA batteries and attach the cuff to the monitor. The cuff itself is large enough to accommodate a range of arm sizes, but the most impressive feature of this device is how straightforward its instructions are. Once the cuff is around your arm, press the start button and wait for about 30 seconds until your blood pressure and heart rate reading appear on the screen. While this monitor is great for quick readings and taking on the go (it comes with its own carrying case), its Bluetooth feature is a bit clunky and difficult to navigate easily. We ultimately found that was a fair trade off for a device so versatile and easy to use, thus receiving our vote for 'Best Overall' blood pressure monitor. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $95 Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Number of Readings Stored: 100 per user | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 2 | Weight: 1.6 lbs "I loved how straightforward the setup and instructions were for this machine. It takes less than 30 seconds to get your blood pressure reading, so it seems like it would be an easy addition to your everyday routine." — Christina Oehler, Health Commerce Editor and product tester Our Ratings Pros Easy to use One-step setup Cuff fits easily and comfortably onto arm Cons No carrying case included Only stores 14 readings at a time For users who want to regularly check their blood pressure without additional bells and whistles, this blood pressure monitor checked all of the necessary boxes while staying in an affordable price range. Its one-step setup allows users to quickly assemble and test the device right out of the box, and shares results with large, easy-to-read letters. The cuff is comfortable and easy to put on, and the box provides illustrated instructions on how to properly fit the cuff around your arm. Because it isn't a very elaborate device, you don't get a lot of data storage — the machine only holds 14 readings, so if you need to regularly monitor your blood pressure, this probably isn't the device for you. Because of this shortcoming, we gave this device a 3.5 out of five in terms of data display. If you're just looking to check your blood pressure at home from time to time and still want a quality device without a high price tag, the Omron 3 Series is a great budget-friendly pick. While it received a perfect score in setup, fit, and ease of use, its 3.5 scores for data display and portability ultimately brought down its overall score to a four out of five. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $52 Power Source: Batteries | Number of Readings Stored: 14 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 1 | Weight: 1.2 lbs "This is a great no-frills blood pressure monitor, however it's not ideal for people who need to track their readings over time or plan to track and store readings for more than one person." — Ashleigh Morley, Health Commerce Editorial Director and product tester Our Ratings Pros Stores 250 data sets Cuff fits easily and comfortably onto arm Cons Screen displays excessive data that may be confusing to user Slight learning curve to understanding the device If you're investing in a quality blood pressure monitor, you're likely going to want to get plenty of uses out of it. The Microlife Watch BP Home Blood Pressure Monitor stores up to 250 blood pressure readings, so you can track your vitals over time. The device is easy to set up and only requires plugging the cuff into the monitor itself. The cuff, which has instructions for use printed on the outside, stays put once positioned on your arm. Once you've taken your reading, the monitor automatically stores the data and previous readings can be accessed by the "M" button on the machine. It offers a Diagnostic Mode for people whose doctors put them on a 7-day self-monitoring program, and can detect A-Fib. Our testers said that the one downside to this machine is that it provides more information than necessary on its display. The screen shows the date, battery life, and various other icons that could be confusing to an inexperienced user, though it provides plenty of information for anyone who prefers that level of detail. We gave this device a point a four out of five for data display, but because it received five out of five in every other category, we gave the Microlife Watch BP a 4.5 out of five for overall value. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $100 Power Source: Batteries | Number of Readings Stored: 250 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 1 | Weight: .8 lbs "This device was straightforward to set up and use, and I like that it automatically stored all of my measurements, and averaged them out for me. The display size is large and easy to read, and it has a clock on it, so I could easily space out measurements." — Nicole Kwan, Verywell Health Editorial Director and product tester Our Ratings Pros Easy to set up and connect to app Large, clear display Gives average of multiple readings Cons Gives diagnosis-level analysis No carrying case included If you're looking for a little more context when analyzing your blood pressure, a blood pressure monitor with a connected app can give you a more thorough look into your blood pressure reading trends. The Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor provides users with both straightforward readings on the device as well as an in-depth look at their results in the Connect Omron app. The device is easy to set up and attach to your arm, and it comes with clear, illustrated instructions on how to properly position the cuff for accurate results. Once you've taken your reading, which can be done with the push of a single button, your data will appear in large, easy-to-read numbers on the monitor and will automatically sync to the paired app. The app will analyze your results and tell you whether your blood pressure is abnormal or in a healthy range. This feature, however, hurt the device when it came to rating its overall value. If one of the numbers is even on the cusp of elevation, the screen will show an icon that says "high", but doesn't give much indication about why or what "high" means and the instructions don't go out of their way to explain this number. Despite receiving fives for setup, fit, and data display, its over analysis of the data brought down its overall value score to a 4.5 out of five. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $52 Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 60 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 1 | Weight: 1.4 lbs "The app flagged my 115/83 reading as "Hypertension Stage 1". After talking with Dr. Sheikh, this isn't truly accurate and could cause patients to get anxious about readings being perceived as unhealthy when you should really consult your doctor or physician about your readings." — Ashleigh Morley, Health Commerce Editorial Director and product tester Our Ratings Pros Large, clear display Stores 200 data sets per user Carrying case included Cons Machine sensitivity makes it prone to error messages Slight learning curve to understanding the device Omron's Platinum Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor has a display that stood out during our testing. We rated this device a five out of five for data display because the letters were large and easy to read, and the device's backlit screen makes the data stand out in both light and dark settings. The screen shows your two most recent blood pressure readings, so you can compare data quickly. Additionally, the device is easy to connect to its paired app, which stores 200 readings per user (for two users). Our testers said this device was incredibly easy to set up—plug the cuff into the device and you're ready to take your reading. Our testers noted that the Omron Platinum is incredibly sensitive to movement, so movement during a reading will trigger an error message. It took a few trials to figure this out; the machine did not explicitly say that the added movement caused the error message to appear. Because of this, we scored this machine a four out of five for ease of use, bringing its overall value rating down slightly to 4.5 out of five. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $79 Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 200 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 2 | Weight: 1.01 lbs Our Ratings Pros Loud, clear speaker Carrying case included Available in 3 languages The A&D Premier Talking Blood Pressure Monitor is another great option for visually impaired users. This blood pressure monitor features an audio setting that reads out instructions, results, and a brief data analysis in English, Spanish, or French. Our testers said that the setup for this device was simple, and the cuff fits nicely and can accommodate upper arms with a diameter between 9 and 14.6 inches. The talking function activates at the push of the start button, and guides the user throughout the process while also displaying the results on the device's screen. The monitor's screen isn't well lit, so it might be hard to see results in darker settings. That being said, it overcompensates for this through its talking feature, so you'll be able to get your results regardless. The device's perfect five out of five scores in every attribute resulted in a five out of five overall value score. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $80 Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 90 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 1 | Weight: .66 lbs "It's good for a beginner and the manual is very easy to understand. The manual explains what blood pressure is, and the speaker is clear, loud, and easy to understand." — Marie Paulemey, Retired Registered Nurse and product tester Our Ratings Pros Ready to use out of box Connected app is easy to navigate Cons No carrying case included We loved the fit of this monitor's cuff, which holds its cylindrical shape at all times and makes it easy to fit properly onto your arm. This makes it great for those with limited mobility and keeps setup quick and fuss-free. The connected app is another great feature of this device: it stores multiple readings, indicates irregularity in readings, and is easy to connect to quickly. Data taken on the monitor uploads immediately to the app, so you get real-time feedback as you take your measurements. While the monitor itself is lightweight, it doesn't come with a carrying case which might make it harder to travel with when needed. Because of this aspect, we gave this device a three out of five for portability and a four out of five for overall value. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $65 Power Source: Batteries or AC adapter | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 99 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 1 | Weight: 1.2 lbs Our Ratings Pros Sleek, lightweight design Connected app is easy to navigate Cons One-piece feature makes it hard to read results Can take two people to properly adjust onto arm When it comes to sleek, polished designs, this blood pressure monitor takes the cake. Its cuff-and-monitor one piece design makes it perfect for travel and easy to store. The device has a connected app that can hold 100 readings, so you can compare your blood pressure overtime and review your reading trends at the tip of your fingers. Because of its sleek, two-in-one design, blood pressure readings can be hard to read on the device, which resulted in a 3.5 out of five fit score and a four out of five setup score. Our testers said that it was difficult to effectively position the blood pressure monitor correctly without the help of another person, since you have to hold the device in place while securing the strap. But once it's strapped on, it's smooth sailing to get a quick reading. Average Standard Deviations Price at time of publish: $120 Power Source: Batteries | Maximum Readings Stored on Device: 100 | Number of Users It Can Store Data For: 2 | Weight: .5 lbs Best Overall: Omron Upper Arm Gold Blood Pressure Monitor Best Budget: Omron Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor Best Data Storage: Microlife Watch BP Home Best with App: Omron Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor Best Data Display: Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor Best with Talking Feature: A&D Talking Blood Pressure Monitor Best Fit: Welch Allyn Home Blood Pressure Monitor Best One-Piece Design: Omron Evolv When it comes to finding an accurate, easy-to-use blood pressure monitor, our favorite was the Omron Gold Blood Pressure Monitor. It gives you quick, clear results that are easy to read and comes with a carrying case for on-the-go use. For those who want to track their health data over a long period of time, the Microlife Watch BP Home stores over 250 readings that can be accessed through an easy-to-navigate app. 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best blood pressure monitors we tested. We recommend them without reservation. 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These blood pressure monitors are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great blood pressure monitors, but others are better. 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These blood pressure monitors are just average. 3.4 and below: We don't recommend blood pressure monitors with this rating; you won't find any on our list. In our Lab test, we evaluated 10 blood pressure monitors, but only included eight on our final list of recommendations. While these two devices fell short in our test when it came to ease of use and delivery of results, they had some helpful features and may be worth considering if none of the monitors on our list are exactly what you're looking for. The Verywell Health team tested 10 blood pressure monitors at The Verywell Testing Lab to see how they performed amongst a few key attributes, including setup, fit, accuracy, ease of use, data display, portability, and value. We chose these attributes because we believe that they are most aligned with the priorities of someone shopping for a blood pressure. All of the products we tested have been validated by the American Medical Association. Our five testers, which included three Verywell Health editors and a nurse practitioner, tested 10 blood pressure monitors over the course of eight hours. Following the American Heart Association's guidelines for blood pressure monitor use, we asked our testers to fast for 30 minutes before both the morning and afternoon tests. These are the recommended times to take blood pressure readings, so we scheduled our day accordingly. Additionally, each tester sat with both feet on the ground and fit the cuff around their bare upper arm for every test. Our test began with Dr. Sheikh, a neurologist and Verywell Medical Expert Board member, taking a baseline blood pressure reading for each tester. After the baseline readings were recorded, our testers rested for 10 minutes before attaching the designated monitor to their right arms and getting a first reading. Once the first reading was recorded, our testers waited another 5 minutes before taking a second reading. The same process was repeated on the left arm immediately after. All products were then retested in the afternoon, using the same methodology as the morning test. Because blood pressure can fluctuate greatly in response to movement, medication, and other factors, we decided we did not have the resources to give a valid accuracy rating. Instead, we determined each device's "reading consistency". We calculated the standard deviation of the back-to-back systolic and diastolic readings on each device. We did this for both the morning and afternoon tests; we've included the average standard deviations for each device listed above. Dr. Sheikh advised that devices with standard deviation readings of 10 or less would be considered consistent. Devices with standard deviations greater than 10 did not make our list. Throughout both tests, the testers took thorough notes on how the cuff fit around their arm, how easy the results were to access and understand, whether or not the device was easily portable, any other features that would either lessen or enhance the device's value. They then scored the product for these attributes on a scale of one to five (five being the ideal rating). The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor. They advise against using a wrist and finger monitor as they yield less reliable readings. The most important thing is to measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff. Additionally, if you struggle with have limited mobility, a cuff that keeps its shape and doesn't require a lot of strength to wrap around your arm. When looking for a blood pressure monitor, you'll want to opt for one that fits your lifestyle. If you're tech-savvy, you might want to consider going with a model that includes features like Bluetooth, app connectivity, and ample storage for readings. For others, that might not be the best option. If you're not someone who regularly uses a smartphone and would rather use a simple, no-frills design, consider the device's setup and use instructions to guarantee it fits your lifestyle. When shopping for a blood pressure monitor, take your vision and preferred method of data display into consideration. You'll want to find a monitor that displays large, bright readings, or one that can easily pair to an app. Additionally, if you're purchasing your monitor for multiple users, take data storage into consideration. Some monitors will simply give you a reading or only store a handful of readings for single users, while others can store dozens of readings and track your progress on an app. If you want to regularly share your blood pressure readings with your doctor, look for a device that will store multiple readings. If your doctor has recommended that you take your blood pressure every day, you'll want to find a device that is easy to tote around, particularly for those who travel often. We recommend looking for a lightweight device, and ideally, a device that comes with a carrying case. Christina Oehler is the commerce editor for Verywell Health and has an RYT-200 Certification. She previously worked as an assistant editor for Health magazine. While testing blood pressure monitors at The Lab, she focused on the integrity of the test and created a methodology that helped thoroughly review the products through the eyes of a buyer. Christina conducted side-by-side comparisons of each blood pressure monitor and consulted a neurologist for the best techniques to get the most thorough insights to provide to buyers. Additional reporting to this story by Danielle Zoellner As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
Systolic: 4.61
Diastolic: 2.01
What Our Testers Say
Systolic: 6.71
Diastolic: 3.02
What Our Testers Say
Systolic: 3.05
Diastolic: 2.49 What Our Testers Say
Systolic: 2.5
Diastolic: 1.65 What Our Testers Say
Systolic: 7.53
Diastolic: 3.89
Systolic: 5.84
Diastolic: 4.2 What Our Testers Say
Systolic: 8.01
Diastolic: 1.99
Systolic: 7.64
Diastolic: 4.5
Overall Rating Setup Fit Ease of Use Data Display Portability Amazon 5 5 5 5 5 Walmart 5 5 5 3.5 3.5 Steeles.com 4 5 5 4 5 Amazon 5 5 5 3.5 3.5 Amazon 5 5 4 5 4.5 Amazon 5 5 5 5 5 Amazon 5 4.5 5 5 3 Walmart 4 3.5 4 5 5 Final Verdict
How We Rated the Blood Pressure Monitors
Blood Pressure Monitors We Also Tested
How We Tested the Blood Pressure Monitors
A Note About Accuracy
What to Look for in a Blood Pressure Monitor
Fit
Ease of Use
Data Display
Portability
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Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-blood-pressure-monitors-4158050
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