Heart-rate chest straps · researched comparison
Polar H10 vs. Garmin HRM 600
Buy the Polar for broad heart-rate compatibility and a lower entry price. Buy the Garmin when its running dynamics, watch-free recording, and Garmin Connect workflow are worth the premium.
Direct verdict
Polar wins on focused value. Garmin wins on Garmin-specific data.Neither is an all-day tracker. Both require chest contact and a receiving device or app for live data.
Polar H10
$104.95 official price
Electrical heart-rate sensor with dual Bluetooth, ANT+, 5 kHz GymLink, one-session memory, and a replaceable CR2025 battery.
- Up to 400 hours stated battery life
- Broad watch, app, and gym-equipment compatibility
- Machine-washable strap after removing the sensor
Garmin HRM 600
$169.99 suggested retail
Electrical heart-rate sensor with rechargeable power, activity recording, step speed loss, and expanded running dynamics on compatible Garmin devices.
- Up to two months stated battery per charge
- Records activities when a watch cannot be worn
- Removable, machine-washable strap
Side-by-side facts
What the extra $65 changes
Official specifications checked August 1, 2026.
| Decision field | Polar H10 | Garmin HRM 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Official US price | $104.95 | $169.99 suggested retail |
| Measurement | Electrical heart rate | Electrical heart rate and HRV data |
| Power | Replaceable CR2025 coin cell | Rechargeable battery |
| Stated battery | Up to 400 training hours | Up to two months per charge |
| Connections | Dual Bluetooth, ANT+, 5 kHz GymLink | Compatible Garmin watches, Edge computers, equipment, and supported apps |
| Recording without a watch | One session, up to 30 hours | Records heart rate, calories, speed, distance, and more for later Garmin Connect sync |
| Running dynamics | No Garmin-specific dynamics | Stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact balance, and step speed loss with compatible devices |
| Strap care | Connector detaches; strap is machine washable | Module detaches; strap is machine washable |
| Required subscription | None | None |
| Main limit | Focused sensor, not a broader activity ecosystem | Higher price; several advantages depend on compatible Garmin hardware |
Who should buy which
Choose by the job, not the newest model
- You want electrical heart-rate data at the lower purchase price.
- You pair with different watch brands, apps, or compatible gym equipment.
- You prefer a replaceable battery over charging another device.
- You do not need Garmin running dynamics.
- You already use a compatible Garmin watch or cycling computer.
- You will use running dynamics rather than simply collect them.
- You record sports where a watch cannot stay on your wrist.
- You prefer rechargeable power and an indicator light.
- You want all-day steps, sleep, GPS, maps, or notifications.
- A chest strap makes you avoid tracking altogether.
- Your workout only needs elapsed time and a simple effort note.
- An optical armband would fit the activity and comfort requirement better.
Testing status
What FPW knows and what still needs testing
This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and documented external research methods. FPW has not completed a hands-on side-by-side test, so it does not award an accuracy winner.
- Same wearer, same sessions, same reference.
- Steady cycling, running intervals, strength work, and mixed movement.
- Pairing time, dropouts, lag, cleaning, comfort, and battery tracked.
- Firmware, strap size, phone, and receiving device recorded.
Buying links
Check the exact size and seller
The Polar link resolves to the researched black M-XXL listing. Garmin uses a labeled Amazon search because FPW has not cleared one exact HRM 600 strap-size listing.
As an Amazon Associate, FPW may earn from qualifying purchases.
Primary sources
Specifications used in this comparison
Research checked August 1, 2026 · comparison version 1.0