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Blood pressure is a vital metric that can help determine your risk of a variety of health issues. Unfortunately, the often unnoticeable side effects of high blood pressure (or hypertension) make it hard to know when intervention is necessary, which is why this condition is commonly known as “the silent killer.” An at-home blood pressure monitor can help you keep close tabs on this crucial health metric. By taking your own blood pressure readings regularly and tracking changes over time, you’re better equipped to manage your health for the long haul.
To identify the best blood pressure monitors of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 50 products across the most reputable brands. From price to accuracy to data storage ability to usability, see which blood pressure monitors stand out as our top picks. Note: Prices sourced from Amazon and company websites are accurate as of publication date, but are subject to change.
This clinically-validated blood pressure monitor from iHealth checked all of our boxes, with its affordable price tag, various data storage options and easy-to-read LED display. The standard cuff fits upper arms with diameters ranging from 8.7 inches to 16.5 inches, and the extra-large cuff fits upper arms with diameters ranging from 16.5 inches to 18.9 inches. The monitor itself weighs only 1 pound, making it easy to use on the go. It runs on battery power, too, so you never have to worry about keeping it charged.
Omron, a health care products brand for clinical settings, makes a handful of blood pressure monitors for home use. This 10 Series wireless model is clinically validated and FDA-approved, and it can be used by two users looking to keep an eye on their blood pressure and track their data points separately. The device’s storage memory is one of the best on this list, and the easy-wrap upper arm cuff is pre-formed for a comfortable and secure fit for arm diameters ranging from 9 inches to 17 inches.
This blood pressure monitor from iHealth is one of the pricier picks on this list, but it makes up for it with features. The entire screen of this 12.4-ounce monitor changes color based on your blood pressure reading, making it easy to know within which range you fall. Plus, the simple design and oversized numbers make it clear to see and foolproof to use. It’s clinically validated and approved by the FDA, and the device itself can store the most readings of any monitor on this list.
This simple blood pressure monitor from Beurer is a great option for families who want to keep tabs on their readings together, as it can store data for up to four users. It’s clinically validated and can average three consecutive readings for a more accurate view of your blood pressure. It doesn’t pair with a smartphone app for additional storage or analysis, though, so it’s a better fit for people who prefer a more low-tech approach.
This iHealth blood pressure monitor is ideal for folks who don’t want to worry about toting around one more device. After downloading the accompanying app, your smartphone becomes the monitor, sitting on a small docking station that connects to the upper arm cuff. It’s clinically validated and FDA-approved for accuracy, and multiple people can use it with ease. The main downside: It doesn’t include an averaging feature.
Looking for a monitor that automatically records and tracks your measurements with an accompanying smartphone app? Consider this A&D model, which makes sharing stats with your health care provider a seamless process. With the touch of a single button, this clinically validated monitor provides accurate results, and since it weighs just 8.8 ounces, it’s ideal for travel, too. The cuff
This FORA monitor is another low-tech solution you can trust, as it’s clinically validated. Weighing in at 14.1 ounces, it’s on the heavier side compared to others on this list, but the display is simple and its large numbers are easy to read. The cuff fits upper arms with a diameter between 9.4 inches and 16.9 inches.
If you want to splurge a little, consider this high-tech wireless cuff design from A&D, which pairs an easy user experience with clinically-validated and FDA-approved accuracy. The built-in screen on the cuff clearly displays your readings as the device automatically sends all data to the Heart Track app on your smartphone via Bluetooth connectivity. When you don’t want to use your phone, the cuff still works independently, providing a readout on its own display.
The best value on this list, the clinically-validated Microlife BPM1 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor is a great choice for anyone who’s testing the waters with at-home monitoring and wants to start with the basics. Ideal for a single user, it stores up to 30 readings on the device, recording the date and time for easy tracking. The high-contrast display is simple and clear to read, and the cuff fits upper arms with diameters between 8.7 inches and 16.5 inches.
This option from Omron is great for folks who don’t want to include a smartphone in their blood pressure monitoring routine. It’s clinically validated and approved by the FDA, and it measures your pulse in addition to your blood pressure. The LED screen is clear and easy to read, and the oversized numbers can be helpful for users with vision impairments. It comes with the same easy-wrap upper arm cuff as the other Omron monitor on this list, which is pre-formed for a comfortable and secure fit for arm diameters ranging from 9 inches to 17 inches.
Blood pressure monitors are digital medical devices that allow people to check their blood pressure levels and track their readings anywhere at any time, often independently. While many medical professionals use a stethoscope to listen to your blood pressure manually, these monitors measure your blood pressure with oscillometric technology, measuring the vibration of blood traveling through your arteries and converting that movement into digital readings.
Blood pressure monitors often come with the monitor itself and a cuff, either for your upper arm or wrist. The American Heart Association recommends using upper arm cuffs, as they provide more accurate readings than wrist cuffs.
When considering buying a blood pressure monitor for home use, look into the following factors.
One of the most important aspects of a blood pressure monitor is its ability to provide consistently accurate readings. Look for the following three phrases in product descriptions when trying to determine the accuracy of the monitor:
Many blood pressure monitors offer an averaging feature as well with the goal of providing an accurate depiction of your blood pressure. The devices often take three consecutive readings and average them together, accounting for any variability and giving you a single, more accurate data set.
User error can also impact accuracy significantly, so be sure to follow the product instructions exactly as they are written.
Many people use blood pressure monitor devices to track their blood pressure readings over time, in which case data storage of previous readings comes in handy. Some devices only store around 30 readings while others can store as many as 2,000, so think about your storage needs before purchasing a monitor.
What’s more, lots of monitors sync with smartphone apps that can then provide additional data storage outside of the device itself. If you’re tech savvy and like the idea of having your blood pressure information at your fingertips to share with your physician, consider a Bluetooth-compatible monitor with app-based data storage.
Lastly, some blood pressure monitors only store data for one user while others support data storage for multiple users. If you plan on sharing your blood pressure monitor with another member of your household, look into the number of users the device can support.
Display is another important factor, especially for older adults with vision impairments. Look for a blood pressure monitor device with a clear, simple and easy-to-read display screen to prevent misunderstanding your blood pressure readings. If your vision is highly compromised, some devices offer audio readouts as well.
A blood pressure monitor won’t be helpful (and you probably won’t use it very often) if it doesn’t feel intuitive. Consider the way the monitor lays out information, where buttons are placed, how easy it is to place the cuff correctly on your arm and whether those details feel natural to you.
Beyond the basics listed above, some blood pressure monitors include special features, such as:
To determine the best blood pressure monitors ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 50 products across the most reputable brands, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of factors, including:
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor might recommend monitoring your blood pressure regularly. By keeping tabs on your blood pressure, you can easily determine whether you’re on track to meet your health goals, when it’s time to call your doctor and more. Read more here for some expert tips for using a blood pressure cuff at home.
The normal blood pressure range for adults is a systolic reading of less than 120 and a diastolic reading of less than 80, according to the American Heart Association. Learn more about normal blood pressure and the five blood pressure stages to understand where you fall and what it means for your overall health and wellness.
Yes, blood pressure monitors used at home can give false or inaccurate readings, oftentimes due to user error. Wrist blood pressure monitors tend to be less accurate in general than upper arm blood pressure monitors. If you want to measure your blood pressure at home, most experts recommend using an upper arm cuff and following the product instructions carefully.
Ultimately, the best blood pressure monitor is the one you feel most comfortable and confident using. It should be clinically or medically validated, come with an upper arm cuff that properly fits your arm and makes it easy to record and keep track of your daily readings.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.