Garmin HRM 600 Review – Best Heart Rate Monitor HRM ?

Garmin HRM 600 Review

TL;DR – A great concept, adequately realised.

Imagine the freedom, running without a watch. Imagine playing your favourite team sport and recording your activity stats without wearing a sports watch that could hurt others. Imagine stepping onto the field, only to realise you forgot to start recording your performance, forcing you to head back to the locker to launch the Connect app. That sums up the brilliance and annoyance of the Garmin HRM 600; here’s my review of it, warts and all. There are warts, such as HRV accuracy, which is discussed in the scientific analysis section below.

Garmin’s HRM600 is its latest high-end chest strap heart rate monitor, positioned as the top-tier option and replacing the HRM-Pro Plus. This device is designed for data-driven performance athletes, including triathletes, football players, runners, cyclists, and individuals who can’t wear watches during sports such as football or martial arts, or those who prefer not to wear a watch. It captures accurate heart rate data, alongside advanced running dynamics, and has the notable ability to cache activities, recording straight to Garmin Connect without requiring a smartwatch. Even better, these features are not behind Garmin’s subscription paywall (Garmin Connect+), although for msrp$170, that’s what you would expect.

I’ve always had a sweet spot for novel heart rate monitors, and the addition of watch-free recording directly into Connect is certainly novel and also a commercial move I never expected Garmin to make. #Kudos. I was also curious about Garmin’s return to a detachable pod design. To cut a long story short, the HRM 600 functions as advertised, but it has significant drawbacks in actual use. It adds unnecessary complexity.

As a sports tech reviewer, this product gives me an unusual benefit. For my comparative tests, I can now wear this heart rate monitor to get a reference track without needing to pair it with a watch. For me, it’s a game-changer. I’ll be using this product a lot over the next few years, but perhaps not for the same purpose as team sports players or fitness class goers will; still, the way it works for us all is identical.

This will be a comprehensive review, as the product is relatively simple, and I will cover every feature, its usability (the issue), and provide extensive accuracy test results (it’s accurate enough for most people).

FYI: I purchased this with my own money. No payment, discounts, media loaners, or freebies are provided by Garmin whatsoever; I am independent of Garmin in every respect. Buying from the links here supports more of this independent content. Thank you.

Here is my quick summary review of the Garmin HRM-600 scroll further down for all the juicy details!:

Garmin HRM 600 Review: My excitement was tempered by some awkward design choices

86%

Summary

Verdict: The Garmin HRM 600 is a significant technical upgrade compared to its predecessors, particularly with its watch-free recording capability and new running metric support. It is the first heart rate monitor that can support athletes in almost every sporting activity. Its price point is eye-wateringly high, made questionable by odd design choices relating to the hardware, its rechargeable battery, and its interaction with Garmin Connect.

As of July 2025, I CANNOT recommend this if you want to cache and retrieve workouts via Connect (app). That feature is unreliable.

Regular endurance athletes don’t need the HRM 600, although some professionals might value the secure data transmission. Athletes in contact sports or those who prefer not to wear a watch need the HRM 600. Scientists involved in HRV research should validate the accuracy of their devices before use.

In itself, the new Step Speed Loss (SSL) metric made possible by HRM 600 borders on being useless. However, and it’s a big however,  SSL enables Garmin’s Running Economy Metric, which measures a fundamentally important aspect of systemic running performance. 

Numerous practical annoyances are added, including prompts for secure data connections that most of us do not need or want, and the time-consuming nature of starting a workout directly with Connect, which requires approximately 20-30 seconds and six taps – one tap to stop. In my naivety, I assumed the button would stop and start a cached workout without me needing my phone at the start of EVERY workout. And that button is tricky to feel and press, two fundamentally important aspects of a button.

So, it’s a flawed product in terms of usability. But, that said, I will use it a lot more as it offers a uniquely valuable way to record my reference-grade heart rate tracks. Due to other accuracy concerns, I’ll keep my Polar H10 for morning HRV readings.

Garmin HRM 600

High-end, watch-free heart rate recording strap.

$169.99

£149.99

+other retailers

Pros

• Stand-alone activity recording without a smartwatch.
• Detachable sensor module, allowing the strap to be machine-washed and replaced.
• Rechargeable battery using a Garmin proprietary plug charger.
• New Running Dynamic: Step Speed Loss.
• Supports Secure BLE connections with compatible Garmin devices, addressing privacy regulations.
• Includes a physical button for quick wake-up and pairing.
• Features a tri-colour Status LED for easy status checks (pairing, battery, wake mode).
• Provides accurate real-time heart rate data.
• Supports multiple activity types for recording, including a wide range of sports like running, cycling, swimming, and team sports.
• Allows data transmission over ANT+ (no limit) and BLE (up to 3 concurrent connections).
• Stores and forwards heart rate data for swimming when paired with select Garmin watches
• Tracks daily metrics such as steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, and all-day heart rate.
• Supports TrueUp for syncing activity tracking data across Garmin devices.
• Has a 5 ATM water rating. (50m)
• Available in two strap sizes (XS-S and M-XL).

Cons

• High price – the highest on the market
• HRV (rest) data appears inaccurate (n=1)
• 3 lost workouts due to incorrect caching/retrieval in the Connect app.
• The rechargeable battery lasts up to 2 months, while the coin cell battery lasts up to 12 months.
• The uncovered charging port is on the rear and difficult to access, requiring the pod to be removed from a tightly fitting strap, which could potentially damage the strap over time.
• The button cannot start recording a workout; recording must be initiated through the Garmin Connect app.
• The most complex strap to use, ever. (slight learning curve).
• Annoying process to pair securely (EU regulations)
• A new advanced metric requires specific Garmin smartwatches like the Forerunner 970.
• Best considered as incompatible with non-Garmin straps, although it fits loosely.

• Amazon Details

Design and Build Quality

The HRM 600 module measures 68.0 x 31.6 x 10.0 mm (2.7″ W x 1.2″ H x 0.4″ D). The M-XL strap and module weigh 61 g (2.2 oz), while the module alone is 18 g (0.65 oz). The strap is described as comfortable and machine-washable after removing the module. Two sizes are available: XS-S for chest sizes 60–85 cm (23.5–33.5″) and M-XL for chest sizes 80–119 cm (31.5–47″). The strap has four connector pads, which should provide consistent data. The detachable module is a return to an older and more conventional design, allowing for easier strap replacement and washing without exposing internal components to potential damage from the annual opening of the battery door (as occurred on the HRM-PRO). The water rating is 5 ATM, suitable for swimming and withstanding impact (dive) pressure equivalent to a depth of 50m.

I have used the HRM 600 for various sports, including pool swimming and open-water swimming while wearing a wetsuit. I have no reason to doubt the waterproof nature of the product. The pod features two waterproof seals around each connector, which form a tight seal to the strap. In contrast, the charging port is unprotected from moisture and becomes wet from water or sweat with every use.

I have used many chest straps, and Garmin’s strap feels as comfy and durable as any other—no more, no less. The only caveat I would add here is that some mild force is required to remove the pod from the strap, which can cause the strap to twist and potentially damage it over time. If, like me, you regularly download files from the pod using a cable, then there is an increased risk of eventual damage from continual re-insertion of the cable.

Setup and Ease of Use

In normal use, the HRM 600 wakes up when it is worn or the button is pressed.

The first setup involves activating the device by connecting it to a power source for 2 seconds and then unplugging it. Pairing can be done with compatible Garmin devices, the Garmin Connect app, or with most competitor devices and apps. Pairing mode is initiated by holding the button for 4 seconds, indicated by a continuous purple LED flash, and lasts for 5 minutes. The device supports both Secure (encrypted, for compatible devices) and Open (for all compatible devices, including third-party apps and equipment) Bluetooth connections, which can be toggled by quickly pressing the button twice. The LED indicates the connection type (2 flashes for Secure, three flashes for Open).

Pairing with the Garmin Connect app allows customising settings, receiving firmware updates, enabling USB workout file storage, and recording activities without a watch. Putting the strap on involves snapping the module onto the strap, adjusting the fit, wetting the electrodes, and connecting the hook and loop on the right side. Wetting the electrodes is crucial for establishing a good connection to the skin. The strap and pod must both be aligned correctly to ensure accurate running dynamics metrics, meaning the ‘GARMIN’ words are oriented so that another person can read them normally (they appear upside down to you when worn).

The Garmin HRM 600 is not easy to use in its advanced modes.

Garmin has introduced nonsensical complications requiring me to determine whether I want a secure or non-secure connection each time I pair. I’m just not interested in a secure connection. Ask once and never ask me again for any other product or pairing.

Consider the key differentiating feature of this product: the ability to record directly to Garmin Connect. The mandatory initiation for every workout of this type requires you to have your phone with you and to make six taps. If you are already a mile from home on that run or have just entered your fitness class and left the phone in the locker, you have to go back. The key feature is so awfully designed it’s unbelievable. There’s a button on the pod. If only that could be used to start a cached workout, which Connect could later sync over.

When interpreting LEDs, I have more or less figured out that red means something bad is happening, and green means all is good. I’m an advanced user, so I also know that BLUE means pairing, except with Garmin, it doesn’t. Two blue flashes every 5 seconds means it’s recording a workout initiated from Connect. Why two blue flashes? – Green to show its working, and flashing green to show its working and caching would suffice. Perhaps something with the blue LED for the minority who initiates a secure connection (blue reminds me of a police light, which reminds me of security – that’s a better colour, right?)

Why is the LED on the front of the pod rather than the top of the pod, where I could more easily see it when wearing it?

Button functions

Why? Oh Why?

• One press to wake up – overrides a failed wake-on-movement detection.
• Double-press – toggle between secure and non-secure connection types.
• Press and hold the button for 4 seconds – enter pairing mode.

Why can’t I start a workout with the button? The strap should automatically store it. That’s the obvious thing to do. Even better, it could detect an activity and record it without any interaction from me; that’s what Whoop does.

Why do I need to press the button to enter pairing mode? The HRM should always be discoverable unless I express an interest in the secure connections.

These odd behaviours suggest that Garmin’s products and services often appear to be designed by tech enthusiasts rather than those who will be using them daily. You may not like Apple or its products, but they are generally designed with the customer in mind.

To clarify, almost everyone purchasing an HRM 600 will figure out how to use it. It’s a simple product. The points I’m trying to make are that it has few features and should be extremely simple to use, requiring very minimal interaction.

In Detail – How to Pair a Garmin HRM 600

The pairing process is similar to that of any other sensor.

For those of you who have not used one of the newer, secure connections. This adds a slight annoyance and extra step to the process.

To a Forerunner 970

Pairing takes a minimum of seventeen button presses (!) on a Forerunner 970, including returning to the watch face – proof, if it were even needed, that Garmin’s usability is not well thought through.

Press and hold the button on the HRM for 4 seconds, or until a blue or red light appears. That means pairing mode is active and remains active for approximately a minute.

A (secure) BLE connection might be required to get all the running dynamics metrics. I would expect ANT+ to provide everything, but I haven’t tested all the various combinations and devices.

If you plan to run with HRM 600, consider how you want it to behave as a source of pace and distance. Also, consider whether you wish to autocalibrate (which calibrates to the GPS-recorded distance). A calibrated strap like this, as a source of pace and distance, might give you better data outdoors, but will certainly help on a treadmill.

I use a STRYD pod as the source of pace and distance, so I will disable the feature for the HRM600, but keep the autocalibration enabled, which I hope improves the accuracy of Garmin’s Running Dynamics metrics.

To Garmin Connect

Enable pairing mode and add to Garmin Connect as you would any other Garmin device.

In Detail – How to record a workout directly to Garmin Connect or the strap

“Hey Garmin, start a recording on my strap”

Well, that doesn’t work.

“Simply press the button to start saving the workout”

Well, that doesn’t work either.

Instead, you have to fumble with your phone, retrieving it from wherever it is stored, and make at least six taps on your phone to start the workout. Before doing that, you need to put the strap on. While you don’t have to press the button, you must wait until the strap and Connect establish a connection, which typically takes up to 15 seconds.

Once the recording has started, you do not have to be within range of your phone; however, NEVER close Garmin Connect. If you routinely close apps like I do, you run the risk that Garmin Connect may not properly reestablish the connection and save your workout. That happened to me only once, but it did happen. Losing a workout is the cardinal sin of sports tech; Strava will never forgive you for an unnecessarily mis-recorded workout.

The process is not too bad. It works. It’s pretty robust, but you need to be patient and careful.

To simultaneously record and save on the pod

Garmin connect> Icon in top right> HRM 600> System> USB File Access> enable File Access Over USB

When you see all the technical phrases, you know that this was created by a coder rather than a customer-focused UI designer.

Enabling ‘File Access over USB’ allows you to retrieve your workout file later from the pod with a cable. You can simultaneously record to your watch, Garmin Connect or whatever else.

This is an excellent feature for me, creating a reference HR track for my tests, freeing up a watch and a wrist to do ‘something else’. My wish would be that activities are fully automatically recorded based on movement. I can see the issues with that, so my next best option would be to use the freakin’ button to start/stop a workout. Garmin Connect, if opened later, could easily automatically retrieve the FIT file, but I wouldn’t even want it to do that; I’ll do it manually.

HRM-600 Features

The Garmin HRM 600 is packed with every feature I could think of…and then some. No other heart rate monitor has all these features.

The standout features for me that indicate HRM 600’s superiority are these

1. Support for Secure connections
2. Uniquely, it provides the required data for the Running Economy metric
3. The ability to store a file on the pod
4. The ability to record a workout to Connect without a watch,
5. Cached heart rate for swimmers (heart rate signals never travel through water for more than a few centimetres)
6. Cached heart rate can be retrieved to fill any gaps that your watch or Edge might have missed during the workout.

Whilst the last three are not new features, they are advanced features that contribute to the standout feature set.

HRM 600 also shares every existing Garmin strap feature and some new ones

• Connectivity: The device transmits data over ANT+ with no limit on concurrent connections, and three Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) channels. It also supports Secure BLE connections. It can send data to Garmin smartwatches, Edge cycling computers, Tacx Training app, other fitness equipment (via ANT+ or Bluetooth), and other apps.
• Rechargeable battery: Expect 2 months of life, and an emergency 10-minute charge with a typical Garmin 4-pin connector (get an adapter for your keyring) will give 2 hours of use
• Fitness Features: It provides accurate, real-time heart rate data. HRV data is also captured, which is crucial for understanding recovery and overall physiological status, although it is usually captured on a smartwatch.
• Running Features: The pod calculates, stores, and transmits running pace and distance, which can be helpful when using a treadmill. It provides the raw motion data to a compatible smartwatch to produce Running Dynamics, including standard metrics such as stride length, Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time Balance, and the new Step Speed Loss metric (FR970 and above). This data is not stored on the pod.
• Swimming Features: ANT+/BLE data is not meaningfully transmitted underwater; the HRM-600 records and stores your heart rate during swimming activities. It forwards this data to compatible smartwatches when the activity is saved.
• Activity Recording: Timed activities are recorded directly on the HRM 600. It can record data for up to 24 hours and will automatically stop recording if the battery drops below 5%. The recorded data includes heart rate, cadence, distance, speed/pace,  and a time-stamp, which enables calculations of calories, speed, and other metrics.
• Activity Tracking: When worn, the HRM 600 monitors daily metrics including step count, distance, calories burned, respiration rate, intensity minutes, and all-day heart rate. This data syncs to your Garmin Connect account when the device is awake and in range of your phone, and updates other connected Garmin devices via the TrueUp feature. It appears that activity tracking does not capture or store R-R (HRV) data; therefore, calculated data, such as Body Battery, cannot be accurately calculated. Whilst activity tracking data is recorded to the strap, it cannot be accessed manually.
• Team Sport Features: It supports tracking speed and distance, but not GPS position, during team sports.

The HRM-600 worked broadly as I expected when producing data across various sports and use cases. It provides a market-leading set of features and connectivity options.

• As a device, a paired heart rate monitor during sports worked as expected
• As a 24×7 activity tracker, it worked as expected, although a 24-hour recording limit feels too low
• As a device-free heart rate monitor during sports, linking to the Connect app, I expected an easier, cleaner way of working

When used in conjunction with a sports device like Forerunner or Edge, the HRM-600 works identically to older model chest straps, and it’s simply a case of wear and go. Running dynamics are interesting metrics, but they can be challenging to act on to improve your technique. Running Dynamics Scores are enhanced by running faster and are not ‘trainable’, or difficult to train, at best. Cadence is perhaps the most useful running metric that can be trained, but your watch also calculates it, and the HRM-600 is not needed.

The caching of sports data is excellent for triathletes and swimmers and works reliably at the end of the exercise. A related niche feature is that your watch may not always record every beat from the strap due to transmission or reception errors. The more advanced watches will recognise this and attempt to fill gaps from the cache on the HRM-600 or with optical HR, working on the premise that complete data is better than data with gaps.

When directly recording a workout or daily activity to the pod, less detailed data is stored. For example, you won’t store HRV (R-R) data or most running dynamics, as these are only broadcast live to apps and devices.

Performance:  Real-World Testing

I have performed tens of hours of daily testing across various activities, including running, cycling, swimming, strength training at the gym, gym classes, simulated gym competitions that cover HYROX-like gym stations and cardio activities, as well as regular daily wear (using a step tracker).

My sports tests include a maximum of four additional sources of heart rate: Polar Verity SENSE (arm), Whoop (arm or wrist), Garmin Elevate 5 (wrist), and other wrist sources (Suunto, Polar, etc.).

My wellness/HRV testing utilised a Polar H10 and a Wahoo TRACKR HR strap.

Battery Life

Garmin’s claim of 2 months of battery life is based on one hour of use per day. That seems slightly optimistic. Battery life appears to vary by sport type, possibly due to accelerometer movements consuming more battery. A more reasonable expectation would be 50 hours of sporting use.

Using the dcranalyzer tool to interrogate battery charge levels from workout files, I found these typical results.s

• Walking/Hiking – over 60 hours
• Hyrox/Gym Station/Cardio – about 30 hours
• Bike 35-53 hours
• Running 40-60 hours

Battery levels are not recorded when using the 24/7 activity mode. I would guess that you would get 2-3 days of continuous use before needing to recharge (only 1 day can be stored).

Pace/Distance Accuracy

The use of pace and distance on a treadmill was wildly inaccurate out of the box. After one calibration, the accuracy improved significantly and was within 5% of the treadmill distance. The issue here is that I can rarely use the same treadmill in the gym, and many are of widely differing ages, calibration levels and different models within the Technogym brand. None of the treadmill speeds seems consistent with the outdoor pace (consider NPE RUNN for accurate treadmill pace). 

My running technique is consistent. I would expect that with a few more calibration runs on one treadmill, I could improve the accuracy to as much as 3%. I’m never going to rely on that, but the point is that you can achieve reasonable levels of accuracy if you repeatedly use the same treadmill in a home or gym setting.

Stryd provides accuracy claims of 1% but doesn’t automatically adapt to treadmill incline.

I didn’t test the accuracy of running dynamics metrics other than cadence, which was generally good.

Daily Activity Data Accuracy

Heart Rate Accuracy

Test Results: 5 charts showing HR accuracy performance across a variety of exertion levels, environmental conditions, and compared to other devices, including: Polar SENSE, Garmin FR970 and Whoop MG.

HR accuracy during sports appeared exceptional; I would expect no less. Here is a selection of four comparative charts, where you can see, in every case, that the heart rate track from the HRM600 appears correct in every sport.

The only caveat I would add regarding accuracy is that for some people in certain situations, their body or the activity can cause erroneous readings with a strap due to movement or body composition. These individuals might be better off using a wrist-worn band, such as Polar SENSE. As you can see in these same charts, its accuracy is also excellent,

Heart Rate Variability Accuracy Test Results

Test Conditions: I used Marco Altini’s hrv4biofeedback one-minute spot check on three devices (Wahoo Trackr HR, HRM 600, Polar H10), rotating them and taking 30 paired RMSSD measurements (in milliseconds, ms). I equally rotated both wear positions (top and bottom) and the recording devices (iPhone 15 Pro and SE). Readings were taken while seated, split over two consecutive days, away from meal times and exercise periods, with resting heart rates of around 60 bpm.

Test Result Interpretations: The HRM 600 is not reliably accurate when benchmarked against the Polar H10, considered the gold standard. Its significant systematic underestimation (-6.57 ms on average), high variability (LoA [-17.80, 4.66] ms), and large error metrics (MAE = 7.68 ms, RMSE = 8.40 ms) indicate that it does not provide measurements close enough to the true RMSSD for dependable use in precise applications. While it shows a strong linear correlation with Polar H10 (r=0.846), this reflects consistency in trends rather than accuracy in absolute values. For users requiring reliable heart rate variability data, the HRM 600 outperforms the TRACKR HR but is not a suitable alternative to the Polar H10.

In contrast, TRACKR HR shows a mean difference of only 0.98 ms, LoA of [-6.08, 8.04] ms, MAE of 2.02 ms, and RMSE of 3.45 ms compared to Polar H10, indicating it is far more accurate and reliable for RMSSD. HRM 600’s errors are 2–3 times larger than those of TRACKR HR, highlighting its inferior performance relative to the gold standard.

Possible explanations:

• Sample Size: Sample size ($n=1$, 30 pairs) is sufficient for Pearson analysis, but limited to one subject, reducing generalizability.
• Test Conditions: The test conditions don’t explain the difference; the HRM 600’s RMSSD data, when viewed in tabular format, is visibly different. Statistical analysis confirms the visible differences.
• Device Differences: HRM 600 likely employs different signal processing or filtering methods than the other devices at resting heart rates (~60 bpm). Results could differ during workouts.
• RMSSD Sensitivity: RMSSD is highly sensitive to errors in R-R interval detection. HRM 600’s underestimation may result from missed beats, false beats, or algorithmic differences. My tests were performed at rest in good conditions. During workouts, motion artefacts and higher heart rates may increase HRV measurement challenges, potentially altering the results.

I was surprised. Athletes or scientists planning to use HRM 600 for heart rate variability (HRV) readings require additional data and research to support their use.

I will not use HRM 600 for resting RMSSD.

Note: The HRM600 data did seem to trend correctly, and so if this is your only source, you might be Okay with consumer-grade interpretations of HRV, such as 1-minute waking readings.

HRM 600 Strap & Pod Compatibility

TL;DR – Use only a Garmin strap with the Garmin HRM-600 pod.

The pod electrodes appear to be a standard width and superficially attach to other straps.

However, the HRM 600 pod has a rubber seal around the inside of its electrode hole (better phrase?). Other brand straps often have a rubber seal around the attachment area. Thus, when used on non-Garmin straps, these two seals make contact, creating a poor fit.

The HRM 600 pod generally pops out easily from non-Garmin straps.

Non-Garmin pods seem to fit onto the Garmin strap easily

HRM 600 – Watch/app/Device Compatibility

To some degree, HRM 600 will work in any sporting setup, ranging from old ANT+ only watches to new Bluetooth apps and indoor Zwift setups where you want to record HR to multiple sources.

However, various complications exist around which features are supported by which watches. I don’t have full comparison tables, but here is a generalisation (improvement suggestions welcomed)

• Cached data for swimming – Generally a high-end feature, especially on watches with triathlon/swimming features
• Running Dynamics – On most mid to high-end watches like Forerunner, Venu and Fenix
• Secure Bluetooth Connections – This feature will be supported going forward and is already supported on recent devices.

ECG Compatability

(not checked)

HRM 600 can likely sample data at 1 kHz (1,000 records per second) and perhaps stream to third-party platforms at around 130 Hz.

However, your regular Garmin watch only records heart rate data at 5Hz, ie five readings per second. This can only provide you with the timings of individual beats (R-R data) and lacks the resolution to view the waveform within each beat.

More complex interpretations of ECGs require extra precision capture.

HRM 600 Bugs

One time when recording directly to Garmin Connect, I inadvertently closed Connect without stopping and saving the recording. I reopened Connect, and it recognised what had happened and tried to save the workout, but failed. I lost an hour of workout data. Grrr. That’s 3 hours of planning and executing a workout wasted and needing to be repeated.

Two additional times HRM 600 failed to retrieve 2 hour workouts, saving only a few seconds.

Some of the running dynamics (GCT Balance) appear only to display when paired with a secure BLE connection.

On a few occasions, the strap was not recognised by my Forerunner 970 for about a minute (typically less than 15 seconds). Pressing the button in that situation might help, but the button is small and hard to find and push through clothing. It does not have a tactile ‘clicky’ action even when pressed.

HRM 600 Comparisons

In many senses, comparing HRM 600 to other brands is not meaningful. Most of HRM 600’s features only work within the Garmin ecosystem and require either a Garmin watch or Garmin Connect.

If you want a high-quality strap for HR or HRV, consider the Polar H10/H9 or many of Garmin’s earlier straps, which date back over a decade. Many cheaper Chinese brands, as well as better-known brands like Wahoo and Hammerhead, produce heart rate straps. Suunto makes an excellent strap, but it has limited connectivity options. I generally stick with either Garmin or Polar straps.

Key decision-making factors when comparing brands

1. Ensure support for at least two simultaneous Bluetooth connections and ANT+
2. Decide which battery you prefer. I would suggest that coin cell batteries are superior in terms of ease of use and longer charge life. Perhaps less safe with pets and children, and maybe less eco-friendly.
3. Determine whether you plan to get the strap wet while swimming. You will need WR50 even though you swim close to the surface.
4. Cost – Polar H9 ($50/£40) and Garmin HRM 200 (£80/$90) are high-quality straps, far cheaper than HRM 600 and without unnecessary features.

Key decision-making factors when choosing a Garmin HRM strap

Garmin seems to be refreshing its range of straps. The latest additions are HRM 200, HRM 600 and HRM-FIT (female-friendly). Older models, such as HRM-DUAL, HRM-PRO Plus, HRM-TRI, and HRM-SWIM, either appear to be discontinued or will likely be soon.

Let’s compare the previous ‘best’ strap with HRM 600.

HRM 600 directly replaces the HRM-Pro Plus as Garmin’s top-tier heart rate monitor strap. Key differences include the rechargeable battery (vs. CR2032 coin cell, a downgrade IMHO), detachable module (vs. fixed, an upgrade), Secure BLE support (unnecessary to most consumers), a Status LED (only necessary because of the rechargeable battery), a physical button (not well implemented), and the ability to initiate activity recording from the mobile app (vs. requiring a watch to start, an upgrade but not well iplemented).

The HRM-Pro Plus had a longer stated battery life (up to 12 months, compared to 2 months for the HRM 600). The HRM-Pro Plus supported activity tracking (steps, calories, intensity minutes, all-day HR) without a watch and syncing via Connect/TrueUp, but needed a watch to start a timed activity recording. The HRM 600 adds the ability to start timed activity recording from the Connect app. Both have a 5 ATM water rating. The HRM-Pro Plus also supported XC Ski Power, which may be missing on the HRM 600. The HRM 600 is also more expensive ($169.99 vs. $129.99).

In my opinion, Garmin’s previous straps, such as the HRM-TRI and HRM-PRO Plus, are generally superior in terms of commonly used features. If I didn’t run a sports tech website, I wouldn’t have upgraded to the HRM 600. However, as it stands, it offers me a must-have feature: the ability to record directly into Connect. I only recommend upgrading if you specifically need or want one of HRM-600’s features.

Garmin Heart Rate Monitor chronology

Solid heart rate straps have been with us for decades. Garmin has led the way, introducing value-added features over the last decade.

• earlier hard plastic, ANT+-only straps with simple HR functionality
• HRM-Run (2013) introduced Running Dynamics (e.g., ground contact time) and HRV
• HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim (2015) added store-and-forward for swimming and triathlon-specific features.
• HRM-Dual (2019) introduced dual ANT+/Bluetooth connectivity.
• HRM-Pro (2020) combined Running Dynamics, swimming storage, with Bluetooth.
• HRM-Pro Plus (2022) fixed the battery access design defect.
• HRM-200 (2025) introduced encryption and authentication features.
• HRM 600 (2025) added advanced running dynamics (e.g., step speed loss), activity tracking without a watch, and a rechargeable battery.

Value and Pricing

The Garmin HRM 600 is priced at $169.99 or £149.99. This is a significant increase from the HRM-Pro Plus ($129.99); thus, it is an expensive heart rate strap that, let’s face it, still records heart rate as accurately as its predecessors. You can buy an accurate heart rate strap for $25-$50.

The value proposition lies in the added features, such as watch-free activity recording, rechargeable battery, detachable module, advanced and new metrics, and Secure BLE, catering to athletes who need these capabilities for diverse training scenarios.

I suppose I am proof that this product is priced correctly, as I bought it because I valued its specific features. For 99% of athletes, I doubt it’s worth the money, especially considering some of the limitations associated with its use.

Updates, Long-Term Use & Future Features

The HRM 600 supports firmware updates from the Garmin Connect app or the Garmin Express desktop application.

I speculate that HRM 600 will be tweaked in both its button functionality and interaction with Garmin Connect. I further suspect that we might see minor features added, building on Step Speed Loss (running Economy)

Durability is a key concern for heart rate straps. The detachable module design improves longevity and allows the pod or strap to be replaced. It also allows separate cleaning of the strap, which should reduce water damage to the pod over time. Usually, I would say that this can only increase the long-term durability. Still, the rubber seal to the pod is tight, and I suspect that continuous removal (which I do daily) will significantly shorten the strap’s life. Still, a new strap is £30, so it’s not the end of the world.

One thing I noticed with just about every previous strap was that once I changed the CR2032 battery, the life of the subsequent battery was noticeably shorter than the original (including Polar). I only bought high-quality, genuine replacements, so I don’t understand how this happened. Others reported it too. Perhaps the rechargeable battery will last many years – I doubt it, though, I download files from it by cable every day. This keeps the battery fully charged, but charging over 80% reduces lifespan.

Features that could be added include: additional running dynamics metrics (unlikely); paywall 24×7 ECG features in Connect+ (possible),

Greater control over the channels used could improve battery life; for example, disabling two BLE channels or ANT+ channels might enhance battery life (the Polar H10 does this).

Cross-country ski power support may have been removed (TBC). I would imagine this can be added back easily enough.

Garmin HRM 600

High-end, watch-free heart rate recording strap.

$169.99

£149.99

+other retailers

Final Verdict

The Garmin HRM 600 is a high-end heart rate monitor with significant new features, most notably the ability to securely record timed activities directly to the Garmin Connect app and directly onto the HRM, eliminating the need for a watch.

Reintroducing a detachable pod will likely please many, but using a rechargeable battery is perhaps an eco-friendly move that will appeal to only a few.

HRM 600 provides the most comprehensive data, including heart rate, HRV, running dynamics (including the new Step Speed Loss), and tracks daily activity metrics. Its versatility is immense, extending to various sports, including swimming and team sports.

Recommendation: The HRM 600 is the clear choice for anyone who wants a top-tier strap or needs a rechargeable battery or watch-free activity recording – it’s the best option for team sports players.

Who Should Skip: Equally as accurate alternatives exist at a fraction of the price. Even swimmers and runners will find caching and core running dynamics on cheaper Garmin HRM models.

While this is the most featured heart rate monitor ever made, I have to mark it down for its price, the rechargeable battery, and how its most advanced software and hardware features work awkwardly, specifically, the button and Connect-initiated recording.

The most immediate and realistic improvement Garmin could make is to provide a Garmin Connect shortcut to start a recording. Beyond that, I would like to change the button function to initiate recording without Connect and for Connect to recognise and download completed workouts when possible.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions:

• Can I record an activity without wearing a watch? Yes, you can record timed activities using just the HRM 600 by starting the activity through the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. You don’t need to stay in range of your phone during the activity. Some high-end Garmin watches can also initiate recording and be left out of range.
• Is the battery rechargeable? Yes, the HRM 600 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a proprietary Garmin plug charger.
• How long does the battery last? The stated battery life is up to 2 months when using it for 1 hour per day.
• How do I check the battery level? The button on the module activates an LED, which displays green for OK, Orange for low, and Red for critically low. The charge level is also shown in Garmin Connect and on many watch and bike computers. Battery level reporting may not be accurate.
• Can I wear it for swimming? Yes, I recommend it for swimmers. It has a 5 ATM water rating and can record and store heart rate data while swimming, which syncs to your compatible watch when the activity is saved out of the water.
• Does it provide running dynamics? Yes, with a compatible Garmin smartwatch, it provides running dynamics including Step Speed Loss, Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time, and Ground Contact Time Balance.
• Can I sync data to my phone without a watch? Yes, the HRM 600 pairs directly with the Garmin Connect app for setup, firmware updates, and syncing activity tracking data and recorded activities.
• Is the strap replaceable? Yes, the sensor module detaches from the strap, allowing the strap to be replaced or machine-washed.
• How do I charge HRM 600? Remove the pod and use a standard Garmin 4-pin cable.
• Is HRM 600 accurate? Yes. Many reviewers will use it as a reference device for heart rate.
• Are there discounts on Garmin HRM600? Yes, surprisingly, there are discounts soon after launch. The HRM600 will likely be sold in product bundles soon, offering savings.
• Are the pod and strap replaceable? You can buy a new strap, but to get a new pod, you have to buy another complete HRM600.

Sources & References

This review is based on my experience and these sources:

• Garmin HRM 600 Owners Manual
• Garmin HRM 600 Product Page
• Researchgate.net: Scientific validation showing Polar H7 best against ECG.
• Polar H10 Product Page
• Polar H10 Review

Affiliate Disclosure: I purchased this with my own money. No payment, discounts, media loaners, or freebies are provided by Garmin whatsoever; I am independent of Garmin in every respect. Buying from the links here supports more of this independent content. Thank you.

Garmin HRM 600

High-end, watch-free heart rate recording strap.

$169.99

£149.99

+other retailers