- If your doctor has concerns about your blood pressure, they may recommend you get a blood pressure monitor to use at home for daily readings.
- Studies show that being able to read your blood pressure daily allows you to better manage it or lower it over time.
- Our top pick, the Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor, features an easy-to-read digital screen for blood pressure readouts, lets you track readings over time, and allows for multiple users.
- This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Velimir Petkov, DPM, a Podiatrist and board-certified wound specialist physician, practicing at Premier Podiatry.
An increasing number of people are purchasing a blood pressure monitor for use at home, and for good reason. Not only have these devices become much more affordable and easy to use, they can also serve as an important tool for keeping tabs on your overall health. In fact, some doctors are recommending their patients use a monitor on a daily basis in an effort to get a more accurate profile of their status.
Generally speaking, the only time that most of us have our blood pressure taken is while we're in the doctor's office. This one-time reading isn't necessarily indicative of what our blood pressure is like on a day-to-day basis. Going to the doctor's office can be stressful for many people, causing their blood pressure to spike. As a result, this snapshot approach could lead to artificially elevated readings.
One way to get a more accurate picture of our average blood pressure is to take our own readings at home using a personal blood pressure monitor. By recording our results several times a day for several months, we can provide our doctors with a larger set of data for examining chronic health issues or determining our current level of physical fitness.
Using a blood pressure monitor at home could have another positive impact on our health. Studies have shown that by being more aware of our blood pressure on a daily basis, we can learn to control it and even lower it over time. It can have a dramatic impact on those who suffer from hypertension, by helping to increase awareness of the condition and how to help keep it under control.
Which is better: Wrist or arm blood pressure monitor?
When shopping for a blood pressure monitor of your own, you're likely to come across two distinct types: those that wrap around the upper arm and those that go around the wrist. Generally speaking, the monitors that take their readings from the upper arm tend to be more accurate and consistent. That's not to say that wrist monitors can't be reliable too, they are just a bit more finicky to use.
Arm monitors fall into two distinct categories: aneroid or digital. An aneroid model features a more traditional design with a cuff that wraps around the upper arm and is inflated by squeezing on a bulb. The blood pressure is then read from a mechanical gauge. These types of monitors are slower and can be less accurate, but they are also more affordable.
Alternatively, a digital monitor inflates the cuff either with a bulb or automatically from the device depending on the individual model. The results are displayed on an easy-to-read screen. Digital monitors are simple and straightforward to use. That simplicity comes at a price, though, as digital models are usually more expensive than their aneroid counterparts.
Are at-home blood pressure monitors accurate?
Good quality at-home blood pressure monitors are accurate, but it's important to do the research to find the best option for your needs. No matter which type of blood pressure device you choose, it is a good idea to check its accuracy before relying on it too closely.
You can check its accuracy by bringing the monitor along with you on a visit to your doctor's office and comparing the numbers between your monitor and the one that is used by the healthcare professionals. Slight variances in accuracy can be normal, but if the numbers vary dramatically, you should return the one you purchased for a different model.
When deciding which specific blood pressure monitor is right for you, you'll want to be sure that the cuff fits properly before purchasing. Most devices have a fairly universal fit, but some arm cuffs can be too large or too small. If the cuff is too loose or too tight, the blood pressure readings may not be accurate, invalidating any tests. It helps to try a few of the monitors out ahead of time to ensure that they'll work for you and to get a sense of the other features they offer as well.
Here are the best blood pressure monitors:
Updated on 7/30/2020 by Kraig Becker: Replaced all categories with new selections, updated the links and formatting throughout, and updated the introduction to include sections on the accuracy of at-home blood pressure monitors and which versions are best.
The best blood pressure monitor overall
Amazon
The Omron Platinum has an easy-to-read digital screen, support for multiple users, and the ability to track how your blood pressure changes over time.
Thanks to its ease of use and numerous features, the Omron Platinum tops our list as the best at-home blood pressure monitor on the market. The device has a cuff that is designed to fit most individuals and it can wirelessly share its readings with the base unit. It doesn't have any cables or pumps that can get tangled or in the way while measuring your blood pressure. You can easily strap the monitor onto a patient while they are in a chair or even in bed for quick and easy checks.
The Omron Platinum can also support two users and keep track of the results for each person individually. The device can save 100 blood pressure readings per user in its memory and that information can easily be shared with doctors as well. Thanks to the Platinum's built-in Bluetooth, the base unit can be paired with a smartphone as well. You can add even more users and results and save them in Omron's free app for iOS and Android. The app isn't as user friendly as it could be, but it is usable once you get the hang of it.
One of the more unique features of this particular monitor is its ability to compare current blood pressure results with those stored in the memory and issue an alert if something is amiss. The device can tell if the systolic or diastolic measurements are abnormal, which is especially helpful in the morning when there is a higher risk for heart attack or stroke. By raising the users' awareness of their condition, it gives them time to see medical assistance for what could be a potentially life-threatening problem.
Well built and easy to use, the Omron Platinum's dual backlit screens are bright and easy to read from any angle. This dual-screen approach allows the device to display the user's current blood pressure readings on one side, and show historical
data on the second screen. This can be extremely helpful for giving patients a better understanding of how their blood pressure varies from day to day and how stress, anxiety, and other factors can influence it.
Pros: Fast and easy to use, wireless cuff, rechargeable battery, multi-user support, saved historical data, and irregular heartbeat alerts
Cons: Smartphone app not user friendly
The best digital upper arm blood pressure monitor
Amazon
The
Beurer BM47 is easy to use thanks to its digital screen, adjustable cuff, and ability to track four patients' blood pressure over time.
Inexpensive, easy to use, and feature-packed, the Beurer BM47 upper arm blood pressure monitor will suit the needs of most people. The compact device includes a soft, adjustable cuff designed to fit small and large arms. The monitor supports up to four users.
One of the BM47's best features is its simplicity. Once the cuff is securely in place, all you need to do is tap a single button to activate the device. Within a matter of seconds, the cuff will constrict and measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The readings are then displayed on the large LED screen along with the patient's heart rate. A series of colored lights along the edge of the unit serve as an indicator of a patient's current danger level, making it easy to tell at a glance if their blood pressure is too high.
The BM47 is lauded for its accuracy and it has the ability to save up to 30 blood pressure measurements for four unique users in its onboard memory. When checking an individual's current blood pressure, the device can then compare the results to the readings that have been taken over the previous seven days. This can be useful for tracking short-term variances, but if you want to compare data for a period longer than a week, you'll need to save the data manually.
Because the BM47 tracks a user's pulse, it also has the ability to identify unusual heart rhythms. This is yet another safety feature that could give users a warning if the device detects arrhythmia.
Pros: Accurate, simple to use, multi-user support for up to four people, large LED screen
Cons: Only saves historical data for seven days
The best aneroid upper arm blood pressure monitor
Amazon
The
Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff is a traditional monitor that uses a cuff and a small air pump to measure blood pressure on an analog gauge.
Some would describe the Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff as an old-school method for monitoring your blood pressure. We'd prefer to refer to it as a tried-and-true approach instead. This monitor resembles the ones that were used by doctors for decades before high-tech, digital devices came along. The traditional method continues to work well, particularly for those who just want as simple a monitor as possible.
Technically defined as a sphygmomanometer, this monitor features a traditional cuff that wraps around the upper arm. The user then squeezes a small air pump that causes the cuff to inflate and constrict. As the pressure is released through an air valve it will equalize at approximately the same level of the current systolic pressure in the body. It then provides the blood pressure reading, which is indicated by a needle pointing to a number on an analog gauge rather than a digital screen.
This model is a no-frills, simple, and very accurate way to monitor your blood pressure. That said, all of its components are very durable and made of high-quality materials which makes it feel like a premium product, even though it has an affordable price tag. The sphygmomanometer even comes with a handy case for storage and transport, making it easy to take with you when traveling.
Obviously this low-tech monitor lacks a lot of features that you'll find in other models. It doesn't keep track of your blood pressure results for instance, nor is it capable of providing any kind of alerts if a patient's blood pressure is too low or too high. Instead, it is a simple, proven method for keeping track of this important indicator of your health, and for many people, that's all it needs to be.
Pros: Traditional analog design may appeal to some, easy to use, affordable price, accurate readings, comes with a case
Cons: Analog dial may not be as easy to read as a digital screen, no alerts or digital monitoring system
The best wrist blood pressure monitor
Amazon
If you're looking for a wrist blood pressure monitor, the
Paramed Automatic is a good choice because it is easy to operate and more accurate than most wrist-based monitors.
Compact and lightweight, the Paramed Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is a good alternative to the more traditional upper arm cuff models. The FDA-approved device wraps around the user's wrist and is activated with the touch of a single button. You can see results for the systolic and diastolic numbers and the patient's current heart rate within 30 seconds.
With its surprisingly large display, this wrist-worn blood pressure monitor presents information in a clear, easy-to-understand fashion. The monochrome screen works well in most circumstances, but can get a little washed out in direct sunlight. It can be hard to read while outdoors, but it functions just fine under most other circumstances.
Only one person can use this monitor, but its onboard memory is capable of storing the results of up to 90 blood pressure readings. Those numbers can be used to analyze current and past blood pressure trends to help users better understand what causes spikes or dips in their results. A wrist monitor such as this one can be incredibly useful in that regard simply because it is so easy to use and can be kept close at hand.
Because this monitor is so small, it is very easy to carry with you wherever you go. That makes it a good choice for frequent travelers or those who simply need to check their blood pressure on a regular basis throughout the day. When stashed inside its included carrying case, this device can be safely transported in a commuter bag, backpack, luggage, or the glove compartment of a car. That brings a level of convenience that isn't always found in the larger monitors designed for the upper arm.
As already mentioned, wrist blood pressure monitors can be a bit more finicky and lack the level of accuracy found in the bulkier upper-arm models. That said, this particular unit is quite accurate and dependable, making it easy to recommend.
Pros: Small, lightweight, easy to carry, accurate for a wrist monitor, large LCD screen, can store up to 90 results
Cons: Screen can be hard to read in some lighting conditions, only single-user support
The best budget blood pressure monitor
Amazon
Blood pressure monitors can be expensive, but
Hyology's digital arm monitor is an affordable option that is still accurate and feature-packed.
There are a number of inexpensive blood pressure monitors to choose from, many of which will perform adequately when it comes to monitoring your health. But few models offer the same level of value that you'll find in the Hyology Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, a device that packs in a lot of features for an easy-to-swallow price.
It has a large, bright LCD screen that displays both systolic or diastolic readings, along with heart rate. It offers simple one-button operation, supports two users, and can store 90 readings for each individual. It can even detect an irregular heartbeat and alert the user if something seems amiss.
Unlike the other models we recommend, this device can operate with either standard AAA batteries or charge up with a USB-C cable and power adapter.
This model isn't the fastest blood pressure monitor around, and it takes about one minute for it to collect data for its readings, but it's a good deal at this price. Hyology has created an affordable monitor that gives anyone the ability to add an accurate and handy blood pressure monitor to their home.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, supports two users, stores 90 readings per user, can be powered by batteries or wall outlet
Cons: Slower than some other models