When Choosing a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) for use with Hydrow consider the following:
- Choose a model that can connect via ANT+. - Hydrow supports ANT+ connections and this is the preferred way to pair an HRM. Many HRM's have the option to connect via multiple methods. We do have the ability to pair Bluetooth-only HRMs if need be, but this is not the optimal method.
- Choose the style that you prefer. - HRM's come in several wearable configurations (Chest straps, Arm bands, etc.) This is a matter of personal preference and comfort and shouldn't impact compatibility with Hydrow.
- Choose a model that doesn't require PIN entry for setup. - Complicated fitness trackers and Smart Watches will often ask you to put in a code on the phone or other device during pairing. HRM's which require this step are not compatible with Hydrow at this time. If you're not sure, take a look at the Owner's guide or User Manual for the HRM in question to see whether this is required.
- Choose something simple. - The more complicated and expensive a the HRM the more likely that it will have proprietary features that may not be useful with Hydrow. Hydrow works best paired with a straight-forward and single-purpose HRM.
List of compatible HRM's
There are a few HRM's that we have tested and confirmed to work well with Hydrow:
- Scosche rhythm+
- Polar OH1 arm-band
- Wahoo TICKR & TICKR X chest-strap models.
- TICKR FIT arm band.
We have also heard numerous reports from our users that the following models function correctly with Hydrow:
- Garmin HRM-Dual chest strap
- Scosche Rhythm 24 arm-band
- OTBeat Burn arm band
- OTBeat Flex arm band
- OTBeat chest strap
- Peleton HRC01 chest strap
- Polar H10 chest-strap
- Whoop Strap 3.0 (Note: requires a separate subscription, Bluetooth Only via Whoop App)
Again this list is certainly not exhaustive and there are many other models out there which will likely work just fine with Hydrow. We will be adding more to this list as we confirm them, so if you have a favorite model that you find works well feel free to let us know!
Which HRM's are incompatible?
We don't have extensive list here either, but we'll add more as we discover models that don't work.
Most Smart Watches with HRM capability will not work with Hydrow. This includes:
- Apple Watch
- most Fitbit Models
- Many Garmin or Polar devices with a touch screen.
- Any device which requires a PIN number as part of pairing.
- Older or proprietary models such as the Polar T-34
We have also discovered that the Bose SoundSport Pulse headset will not act as an HRM for Hydrow (although it plays our workout audio just fine.)
Can I use more than one HRM?
Yes. You can pair one HRM per user profile on Hydrow. Hydrow will attempt to reconnect to your preferred HRM whenever you log into your profile!
OK, I have my compatible HRM, How do I connect it?
For steps, see our article on: Pairing a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) using ANT+
(For HRMs that operate by Bluetooth only, there is also a legacy article on How to Pair a new Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor)