For the most advanced blood pressure cuff out there, this pick from Qardio is jammed packed with helpful features. This device is completely wireless and is compatible with a host of devices via a free, downloadable app. The results are quick, accurate readings that can be easily stored and viewed at any time from your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch (check with manufacture to ensure your device is compatible). The app then has the ability to interpret results and display in chart or graph form to easily visualize your daily readings.
One major plus is the ability to sync the device with up to eight smartphones or tablets, so you can track your results on multiple devices or give access to friends, family, or caretakers as needed. The doctor share feature is very helpful for keeping your health care provider in the know, as results can be emailed to your physician with a simple click of a button.
Like most modern blood pressure monitors, the device tracks your pulse in addition to your blood pressure and will alert you if it detects an irregular heartbeat.
If you're looking for a marriage between the benefits of an app along with the more traditional ease of use of a digital reader, this Platinum style blood pressure cuff from Omron can't be beat. Featuring a dual, backlit LCD screen, results are displayed in easy-to-read extra-large numbers as well as displaying your last reading next to your current for easy comparison. Great for multi-user households, the digital reader can accommodate two users and store up to 100 readings per user. A very convenient feature of the digital reader is the ability to average readings and alert users when a reading is out of range.
For even more useful features, a free downloadable app provides unlimited user and memory storage, which is compatible with select iOS and Android devices (see manufacturer to check if your device is compatible). The app allows for a more comprehensive view of yours or a loved one's readings, providing convenient graphs and charts as well as options to easily share data with doctors as needed.
For simplicity and ease of use, this digital, automatic blood pressure monitor from Lovia is a sure bet. With a simple push of a button, you'll have your blood pressure reading along with pulse in about 30 seconds. The large 3.2" LCD screen is easy to read, even in low light settings thanks to the backlit feature. And ensuring an accurate reading is easier thanks to an included tonometer in the cuff that alerts you to improper placement on the arm.
Capable of working in a two-user mode, this device can store up to 120 timestamped readings per user, for a total of 240 memory storage capabilities. For added peace of mind, an irregular heart rate indicator ensures you can gain a clearer understanding of your or a loved one's health.
Another no-frills, easy to use option is this digital monitor from Greater Goods. Like similar models, the large LCD screen coupled with large numbers is easy to read, which is only aided by the bright blue backlit. A side arrow makes it visibly clear if your blood pressure is higher than ideal. Compatible with two users, a simple touch of a button will display and store your blood pressure and pulse readings, up to 60 per user. While that is not as large of a capacity as other models, it still stores about two months' worth of readings, which should be sufficient for most.
Plus, a purchase from Greater Goods is one you can feel good about, as the company is dedicated to respecting their employees, their customers, and the community. The support staff located in St. Louis provides everything from video tutorials to expended phone hours so you can get the help you need. Plus, a piece of each purchase goes to nonprofit charities, including Love146 which is fighting to end child trafficking and care for survivors.
This highly portable monitor from Konquest is great for home or travel alike. The battery-powered automatic reader includes a handy storage bag and is ready to use straight out of the box. Like most top models, the device provides systolic and diastolic readings, along with pulse and irregular heartbeat detection capabilities. Featuring a two user mode, the monitor can store up to 120 timestamped readings total, or 60 per user.
Delivering results in under a minute, readings are easy to see thanks to a large, blue backlit LCD screen, and easy to obtain thanks to large, clearly labeled buttons. The tilted design of the monitor aids in easy reading.
Another great high tech yet easy to use digital monitor is this physician trusted 1700 series blood pressure monitor from Welch Allyn Home. Utilizing SureBP, this is the same technology featured in Welch Allyn vital sign monitors used by doctors every day. The machine also works impressively fast, delivering blood pressure measurement and pulse in just 20 seconds!
The included digital display is easy to read and easy to operate with just a push of a button. A free downloaded app provides storage for past readings, making it easy to track and share with caregivers and doctors. It's important to note that the device itself has no storage capabilities and that this unit is only intended for a single user.
For those with below or above-average arm size, an extra-small cuff (5.9" to 9.4") as well as an extra-large cuff (15.7" to 21.2") are available for purchase separately, as well as an AC adaptor if desired.
When it comes to purchasing a product for tracking your health, doing the proper research is essential in ensuring you are not only buying the best product for your needs but also operating that product properly for higher accuracy. This is especially true with blood pressure cuffs, as improper usage can lead to inaccurate results. As always, it is best to consult with your physician with any health-related purchase. It is also recommended bringing your chosen device to your physician's office to compare the reading it produces versus what your doctor measures to ensure its accuracy.
There are a variety of factors that provide in-accurate readings with at-home monitors. In order to get the most accurate results, be sure to do the following:
The most popular options for at-home blood pressure readings are upper arm or cuff monitors and wrist monitors. Upper arm monitors are most similar to what your doctor uses in-office. They consist of an adjustable cuff that wraps around the upper arm, either right or left is fine, and is commonly secured in place with a Velcro-like fastener. The cuff then inflates to get a blood pressure reading, which is transmitted to a device for easy reading. Wrist monitors are attached at the wrist with the display attached to the cuff, which inflates to obtain a reading.
Choosing a cuff option is often ideal over wrist models as the positioning of the cuff on the arm is at the same level as your heart, one key factor in getting an accurate reading. There are more upper arm models that are also Bluetooth compatible, allowing for the use with an app for even greater data storage and easy data transfer, as well as other useful features. On the other hand, wrist models are often more portable, which is great for travel. It is also ideal for those with limited arm or hand mobility, as well as those with large upper arms where a standard upper arm cuff will not fit effectively or comfortably.
It's important to consider the needs of you or a loved one when choosing which model is best for you.
See our review for The Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors of 2021.
The most common form of at-home blood pressure monitors is a digital version. This simply indicates that the readings are transmitted to an LCD screen for easy reading. Many models also include extra features to the monitor, such as taking your pulse, storing readings with the timestamp for easy reference, and the ability to have more than one user. Digital options are often easy to use, thanks to large, backlit display screens, large numbers, and large, clearly labeled buttons.
Wireless monitors use Bluetooth technology to send results to a smart device such as smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch to use with an app and may or may not include a digital screen for displaying readings. The benefits of an app far outstretch the capabilities of a digital monitor, as it often allows for more data storage, ease of transferring data to a doctor or loved one, and greater interpretation and visualization of data are just benefits. Yet this also requires users to have a compatible device for downloading the app and receiving data from the monitor, as well as the ability to connect the device via Bluetooth and to operate the app. If that is the case, it might be more beneficial (and cost-effective) to go with a digital model. Or there are options that utilize both a digital monitor as well as the ability to connect with an app, making it a great choice for caregivers who want the ease of use for their client or loved one to view their own readings, as well as the ability to use the app for their own benefit.
If choosing a wireless option, always be sure to check with the manufacture for device compatibility as well as app abilities.