Polar Verity Sense is the brand’s optical arm-worn heart rate sensor, launched in February 2021 as the successor to the OH1+.
| Manufacturer | Polar |
|---|---|
| Type | Optical heart rate armband sensor |
| Series | Verity |
| Released | February 2021 |
| Price at launch | GBP 79.50 / EUR 89.90 / USD 89.90 |
| Predecessor | Polar OH1+ |
| Successor | Not yet announced. |
| Sizes | Adjustable armband, S-L and L-XXL |
| Colours | Black, Grey, Dark Red |
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
Verity Sense is Polar’s optical alternative to a chest strap, worn on the biceps or clipped to swim goggles. It has three modes, selected via a single button and LED: broadcast heart rate live over Bluetooth, broadcast plus record to onboard memory, or broadcast plus record pool swim metrics including distance and pace. It has no HRV output, so it cannot be used for Polar’s orthostatic test; that protocol requires the H9 or H10 chest strap.
Storage holds up to 600 hours of training data, and Bluetooth range is rated to 150m via a metal strip embedded in the band, useful for coaching staff monitoring a full squad from the sideline. The device supports two simultaneous Bluetooth connections plus unlimited ANT+, but no 5kHz GymLink, unlike the H9 and H10 chest straps.
What’s new versus the OH1+
- Wider, redesigned strap; same sensor pod
- Battery life extended to 30 hours via a June 2021 firmware update, up from 20 hours at launch and 12 hours on the OH1+
- Three selectable modes: broadcast, broadcast and record, broadcast and record pool swim metrics
- Water resistance rated to WR50
- Pool swim mode adds distance and pace
- Storage increased 30%, to 600 hours
- Second simultaneous Bluetooth connection added, plus unlimited ANT+ connections
- Improved swim goggle clip
- Backward compatible with existing OH1 and OH1+ armbands
Specifications
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30 x 30 x 9.5mm |
| Weight | 19g total, 5g without armband (sensor 5g, armband and holder 12g, clip 2g) |
| Case material | Plastic |
| Water rating | WR50 |
| Sensors | |
| HR measurement method | Optical (photoplethysmography) |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Magnetometer | Yes, accessible to third-party developers via the Polar Mobile SDK |
| HRV output | No. Not compatible with Polar’s orthostatic test. |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth LE, two simultaneous connections |
| ANT+ | Yes, unlimited simultaneous connections |
| 5kHz GymLink | No |
| Broadcast range | Up to 150m, claimed |
| Onboard storage | Up to 600 hours of training data |
| Battery | |
| Type | Rechargeable, 45mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours |
Features
- Three modes: heart rate broadcast, broadcast plus recording, broadcast plus pool swim recording
- Pool swim distance and pace
- Compatible with FORM Smart Swim goggles for in-goggle metrics
- Heart rate broadcast to gym equipment and third-party apps
- Polar Mobile SDK access for third-party developers to accelerometer, magnetometer and heart rate data
- Compatible with existing OH1 and OH1+ armbands
- No HRV output; not compatible with Polar’s orthostatic test
Further reading
Related sensors
- Polar H10, Polar’s ECG chest strap with HRV output, required for the orthostatic test.
- Polar H9, the lower-cost chest strap sharing the H10’s pod.
