Polar H10 is the brand’s flagship ECG chest strap, launched in 2017 as the successor to the H7.
| Manufacturer | Polar |
|---|---|
| Type | ECG chest strap heart rate sensor |
| Series | H-series |
| Released | 2017 |
| Price | GBP 86.50 / EUR 89.90 (current RRP) |
| Predecessor | Polar H7 |
| Successor | None. Polar H9 is a lower-cost sibling using the same pod, not a replacement. |
| Sizes | Adjustable strap, two size ranges: M-XXL and XS-S |
| Colours | Black |
Specifications and features as at launch, updated where the current official specification differs.
Jump to: Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Features | Further reading
Expert opinion
Polar H10 is the strap Polar’s own orthostatic test and HRV-based recovery features require. Other HRV-capable Bluetooth chest straps will not work for that protocol. It supports two simultaneous Bluetooth Smart connections plus ANT+, added via a 2019 firmware update, and Polar’s proprietary 5kHz GymLink for live underwater transmission to a compatible Polar watch. Caching is limited to a single session, up to 65 hours long at one-second resolution, recorded through the Polar Beat app; a paired watch does not receive cached data live.
The H9 uses the same pod but a cheaper, simpler strap. Polar has said the strap accounts for the accuracy difference between the two models, not the electronics: the H10’s PRO strap carries additional electrodes and silicone grip dots that the H9’s SOFT strap lacks.
What’s new versus the H7
- Redesigned PRO strap with an additional electrode strip and silicone grip dots for multi-sport use
- New clasp mechanism, reversible for either buckle orientation
- User-replaceable CR2025 battery via a screw-open door, replacing a coin-slot mechanism
Specifications
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 65 x 34 x 10mm (pod) |
| Weight | 60g total (connector 21g, strap 39g) |
| Case material | Plastic |
| Strap material | Soft textile with silicone grip dots, machine washable |
| Water rating | WR30 |
| Sensors | |
| HR measurement method | ECG (electrocardiogram) |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Connectivity | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth LE, two simultaneous connections |
| ANT+ | Yes, added via firmware update in 2019 |
| 5kHz GymLink | Yes. Live underwater transmission to a compatible Polar watch. |
| Broadcast range | 90m |
| Onboard caching | One session, up to 65 hours at one-second resolution, via the Polar Beat app only. Not synced live to a paired watch. |
| Battery | |
| Type | CR2025 coin cell, user-replaceable |
| Battery life | Up to 400 hours, roughly one year at one hour of training per day |
Features
- Required for Polar’s orthostatic test and HRV-based recovery features on Vantage and Grit X watches
- Two simultaneous Bluetooth Smart connections
- ANT+ compatible, added via firmware in 2019
- 5kHz GymLink for live underwater transmission to a paired Polar watch
- Single-session onboard caching via the Polar Beat app, up to 65 hours at one-second resolution
- Machine-washable strap
- Compatible with third-party apps and gym equipment via Bluetooth broadcast
Further reading
Related sensors
- Polar H9, the lower-cost sibling sharing the same pod with a simpler, cheaper strap.
- Polar Verity Sense, Polar’s optical armband alternative for those who prefer not to wear a chest strap.
