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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best for multiple users: MOCACuff Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
- Best low tech system: Walgreens Auto Wrist Gen5
- Best for reading storage history: iProven Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
- Best excessive body motion sensor: HoMedics Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Blood pressure readings change throughout the day based on your activity level. If your blood pressure is consistently high, your risk may increase for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or heart attack.
Whether you’ve received a diagnosis of high blood pressure (also called hypertension) or not, taking your blood pressure often and tracking the results can alert you to changes that might need medical attention.
That’s where an at-home blood pressure monitor can come in handy.
The
However, this may not be practical for people who have upper arms that are more than 17 inches in circumference. Upper arm blood pressure monitors may also be harder to use by yourself.
Using a wrist blood pressure monitor is a viable alternative you can use both at home and in medical settings when an upper arm monitor is not practical.
When used correctly, wrist monitors can be accurate.
While no at-home monitor eliminates the need to see a doctor regularly, the wrist blood pressure monitors on this list can be useful for supplying information for you and your doctor.
What they measure:
Systolic pressure
Systolic pressure is the top number. It’s the pressure that occurs when your heart is beating and pushing blood through your arteries.
Diastolic pressure
Diastolic pressure is the bottom number. It’s the pressure that occurs when your heart is filling with blood between heartbeats.
How they work:
Wrist and upper arm blood pressure monitors work in the same way:
- A cuff is inflated tightly over the wrist or arm, blocking blood flow through the artery.
- As the cuff deflates and reaches your systolic pressure, blood flow resumes around the artery. This creates blood sounds, or vibrations, that the blood pressure monitor detects.
- The vibrations stop when your diastolic pressure is reached.
To pick the best wrist blood pressure monitors, we used these criteria:
Customer reviews and complaint history
In researching wrist blood pressure monitors, we found that many products have a lot of complaints and poor reviews. So, we made sure to include only monitors that get more positive reviews than negative ones.
Manufacturer’s reputation
We looked for products that come from manufacturers with good overall reputations for customer service and reliability. We eliminated products from manufacturers who made “too good to be true” claims, or that had poor ratings on sites such as the Better Business Bureau.
Features
The wrist blood pressure monitors on this list have a variety of features that range from simple, low-tech buttons to higher-tech app connectivity. We chose products with features such as ease of use, accuracy, and warranties, as well as low cost or free shipping.
Pricing guide
Wrist blood pressure monitors cost about the same as upper arm monitors.
Many wrist blood pressure monitors are less expensive than blood pressure monitor watches, but they may cost more than fitness trackers that have a blood pressure monitoring feature.
The monitors on this list cost between $20 and $50. We’ve indicated cost as follows:
- $ = $20–$30
- $$ = $31–$50
Best for multiple users
MOCACare MOCACuff Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Price: $$
Features: color-coded AHA category readings for two users, wireless sync to the MOCACARE app
Battery type: disposable AAA batteries
This battery-operated wrist monitor has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance as a low-risk medical device.
It weighs less than 1 pound and comes in black or white. It measures blood pressure and heart rate in large, easy-to-read numbers. It also includes a color-coded indicator of your readings that corresponds to the
You can wirelessly sync and record your measurements to the MOCACARE app on your smartphone. You can use the app to differentiate readings between multiple users.
A streamlined carrying case is included.
Pros
- reading history can be stored for two users
- large color-coded readings
- comes with a hard, protective case
Cons
- readings are stored in the app, not in your device
Best low tech system
Walgreens Auto Wrist Gen5
Price: $$
Features: excessive body motion and irregular heartbeat detectors, soft inflation cuff
Battery type: disposable batteries
This one-touch monitor records blood pressure and irregular heartbeat during readings. It’s easy to use and read.
It stores up to 60 readings and includes a risk category index.
This monitor is a good choice for someone who prefers a low-tech, simple device that doesn’t require syncing to an app.
It comes with a 5-year warranty.
Shipping is free, either to your home or to a local Walgreens store.
Pros
- compact, all-in-one monitor
- easy to use and read
- total memory of 60 readings
Cons
- doesn’t come with storage case
- doesn’t offer AM/PM averaging on readings
- some users say this unit has a short battery life
Best for reading storage history
iProven Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Price: $
Features: backlit display screen, irregular heartbeat sensor
Battery type: AAA disposable batteries
This white and turquoise monitor has a large backlit display screen and a touch-button operating system.
It measures blood pressure and has an irregular heartbeat detector.
It stores 60 readings at one time.
Free shipping and a 100-day, money-back guarantee are included.
Pros
- one-click start
- measures during cuff inflation for fast use
- backlit screen and large numbers make it easy to use in dim or dark rooms
Cons
- has no excessive body motion sensor
Best excessive body motion sensor
HoMedics Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
Price: $
Features: automatically inflates and deflates to the appropriate level, multi-user memory, irregular heartbeat and excessive body motion detectors
Battery type: disposable AAA batteries
This monitor stores up to 30 readings for two users each and has a memory averaging function.
In addition to an irregular heartbeat sensor, it has an excessive body motion sensor, which tells you if your movements are strong enough to skew your blood pressure reading results. This helps eliminate false readings.
This monitor has a shorter length cuff than some other monitors. It may not fit people who have very large or thick wrists.
It comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- stores 30 readings from two users
- contains a memory averaging function for your last three readings
- storage case included
Cons
- shorter than average length wrist cuff
When choosing a monitor for your own use, keep these criteria in mind:
Connectivity options
One of the main differences between wrist blood pressure monitors is whether they sync to an app or not. If you’re interested in keeping a long-term record of your readings, a Bluetooth-enabled monitor may be best for you.
Strap length and reading size
Some wrist monitors won’t provide enough space for larger wrists. Take note of the strap length if this is a concern.
You’ll also want to take note of the font size for your numerical readings. A too-small font may be hard to read for some people.
Monitoring routine
If you’re interested in taking your blood pressure during or after exercise, an at-home blood pressure monitor may be better than a wrist monitor. Blood pressure wrist monitors are only meant to be worn when you’re using them to take readings.
Manufacturer’s reputation
Before buying, take note of the name and reputation of the manufacturer, plus the warranties or guarantees they provide.
Seller’s reputation
Whether you’re shopping online or ordering your monitor in a store, check the seller’s reputation for details such as shipping time and cost, as these may vary for the same product.
| Brand | Price | Features | Battery type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCACuff Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor | $$ | color-coded AHA category readings for two users, wireless sync to the MOCACARE app | disposable |
| Walgreens Auto Wrist Gen5 | $$ | excessive body motion and irregular heartbeat detectors, soft-inflation cuff | disposable |
| iProven Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor | $ | backlit display screen, irregular heartbeat sensor | disposable |
| HoMedics Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor | $ | automatically inflates and deflates to the appropriate level, multi-user memory, irregular heartbeat and excessive body motion detectors | disposable |
Do
- follow the manufacturer’s directions for how to take readings. Many monitors come with a manual. Others provide instructions on the box.
- urinate first. A full bladder may increase blood pressure.
- compare your at-home reading to your doctor’s office reading to gauge accuracy. You can do this by taking the monitor with you to your next appointment and using it after getting your blood pressure taken with standard equipment.
Don’t
- take your blood pressure within 30 minutes after exercise or strenuous activity
- take your blood pressure within 30 minutes of drinking something hot or cold
- take your blood pressure within 30 minutes after bathing
- Before you begin the reading, sit still and relax for a few minutes. Keep your legs uncrossed.
- Keep your wrist at heart level. This may be easiest to do if you keep your elbow bent and resting on a hard surface.
- Most manufacturers suggest taking readings from your inner left wrist. So, orient the monitor or display so it’s over your inner wrist. Don’t wear the monitor like a watch.
- Do not move or talk during readings.
If your readings are in the normal stage, keep up the good work!
If your readings are in the elevated stage, let your doctor know you’d like to discuss options, such as lifestyle changes and medication, that may help bring your numbers down.
Consistent readings in the stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure categories require medical input. Let your healthcare professional know how many days your readings have been elevated, and what the numbers are. If you have to wait for an appointment, ask your doctor for guidance about lifestyle changes that may help bring those numbers down. These may include reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol, and alleviating stress.
One or more readings in the hypertensive crisis category mean you require immediate care. Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
How accurate are wrist blood pressure monitors?
Not all wrist blood pressure monitors are consistently accurate. Only choose a monitor, such as the ones on this list, which are known to provide accurate readings. You may wish to bring your monitor with you to your next doctor’s appointment, so you can compare readings and get a baseline.
Do doctors recommend the use of wrist blood pressure monitors?
The AHA does not recommend wrist blood pressure monitors. For that reason, some doctors don’t recommend them as well. Talk to your doctor to determine if a wrist monitor is a good choice for you.
Who should use a wrist blood pressure monitor?
People who are modifying their lifestyles or losing weight may benefit from daily or twice-daily readings at home. People who are new to blood pressure medication may also benefit. Anyone who wants to keep an eye on their blood pressure readings may benefit from using a wrist blood pressure monitor.
What is a reputable brand?
A reputable brand can be well-established, or new. Either way, check their listing on the Better Business Bureau’s website or on TrustPilot, to look for consumer complaints. Any brand with a large history of troublesome issues, such as breakage, or a poor return policy, should be avoided.
Blood pressure wrist monitors can provide accurate results when they’re used correctly.
To ensure that your results are accurate, only buy a monitor from a trusted manufacturer that offers a money-back guarantee or warranty.
Blood pressure wrist monitors are relatively inexpensive. Even so, you want to buy one that will last and that you can trust.
If possible, test your monitor’s results against readings you receive at your doctor’s office. If your monitor is not accurate, return it.