Key takeaways
- Regular blood pressure monitoring can help determine if you need to take medications or if they are working.
- The best blood pressure monitors are easy to use, highly rated by customers, and have a long battery life.
- Amongst our top picks are the Withings BPM Connect and the Omron Evolv Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor.
- Best blood pressure monitor for multiple users: Omron Evolv Bluetooth Digital Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor | Skip to review
- Best blood pressure monitor with EKG: Omron Complete Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG | Skip to review
- Best compact blood pressure monitor: Vaunn Medical Digital Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor | Skip to review
- Best blood pressure monitor for automatic data sync: Wellue BP2 Connect Blood Pressure Monitor with ECG | Skip to review
With more and more health visits going virtual, the ability to perform basic health procedures at home has become a necessity. One such procedure is taking blood pressure.
Monitoring blood pressure is important because long-term high blood pressure can damage arteries and the heart. By checking blood pressure, you can determine whether you need to take medications or if they are working.
If you need to monitor your blood pressure, choosing a monitor might seem overwhelming.
Always speak with your doctor if you have any questions about blood pressure monitoring. We compiled a list of some blood pressure monitors that might help you in your search.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$150
- $$$ = over $150
• compact, portable design
• long battery life
• color-coded, easy-to-read display screen
• possible to download data to share with a doctor
• lightweight, cordless, and portable
• intuitive design
• extremely quiet
• compact and portable
• good value for the price
• comfortable cuff
• comfortable cuff
• quick, easy, and accurate readings
• stores data for two users
• color-coded results
• rechargeable battery
• ECG function
When deciding which blood pressure monitors to include, we considered factors like:
- Special features: Decide if you want a monitor that works on its own and stores readings internally. Some devices transfer data to your personal device and connect to an app that offers in-depth readings. Consider the display screen, options for multiple users, and extra capabilities such as irregular heartbeat detection.
- Price: Blood pressure monitors are available in a range of prices, so we did our best to showcase options for various budgets.
- Customer reviews: There are some things only someone who bought and used a blood pressure monitor knows about. That’s why we considered real users’ reviews about their experiences.
We also took location, size, fit, and accuracy into account.
Trying to get an accurate reading? Start with these steps.
- Get settled in: Make sure that your bladder is empty and you’ve had a minute to breathe. Remove any bulky clothing on the upper body. Place your feet uncrossed on the floor and rest your forearm on a table or chair arm that is at heart level.
- Apply the cuff: If using an upper arm cuff, the lower edge should be about 1 inch above the pit of your elbow. It should feel snug, but not tight.
- Power up the monitor: Make sure to check out your monitor’s specific directions.
- Inflate the cuff and wait patiently: Remember to breathe as you usually would.
- Note the numbers. Read the monitor to get your numbers and make a note of them somewhere if needed.
- Take a second reading: Release the pressure of the cuff before you take a second reading. Always wait at least 1 minute between readings.
Why take more than one blood pressure reading?
Taking multiple readings can help with accuracy and give you a picture of your blood pressure over time as you collect days or weeks of measurements. You can talk with your doctor about how often they think you should measure your blood pressure.
If you’re in the market for a blood pressure monitor, there are several factors to consider.
- Usage: Consider how often you need to measure your blood pressure, how many people will use the device, and how detailed you want your readings to be.
- App connectivity: Many devices provide internal storage or connect to an app. Find out if the app requires a monthly subscription fee and if it allows you to send your readings to a healthcare professional.
- Size: Decide which type of blood pressure monitor you want, and make sure it’s the correct size. An upper arm monitor might be more accurate, while a wrist device may provide convenience and additional metrics. If you plan to carry it with you, consider its portability and battery life.
- Reputable brand: Choose a monitor from a reputable brand at a price point that’s within your budget. Decide which features you prefer and read customer reviews to get a balanced feel for the pros and cons.
You’ll likely be using this device often, so take your time to find the one that’s best for you. Make sure it’s comfortable, affordable, and, most importantly, accurate.
If you’re new to at-home blood pressure monitors, ask yourself these questions to help narrow your search:
- Do I want to wear it on my arm or wrist?
- Do I want a device that’s like the one in a doctor’s office?
- Will I be using it on myself or someone else?
- What size and fit do I want?
- Does it need to come with additional features, like a built-in arrhythmia detector?
- Do I need it to come with an app?
- What battery life works best with my lifestyle?
- What’s my budget?
Once you have an accurate reading, you may wonder what it means. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association say that healthy blood pressure in adults is a reading of less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). But what if your numbers don’t match?
Systolic more than 120 and diastolic more than 80?
Elevated blood pressure occurs when the systolic (top) number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, and the diastolic (bottom) number is below 80 mm Hg. Most of the time, doctors will encourage lifestyle changes, but not medication, at this point.
Systolic more than 130?
With a systolic reading of more than 130 mm Hg or a diastolic reading of more than 80 mm Hg, you’re experiencing hypertension, and your doctor will determine a treatment plan. Always contact your doctor if you’re worried about blood pressure results.
Systolic more than 180 or diastolic more than 120?If the systolic number of your blood pressure reading is more than 180 mm Hg or the diastolic number is more than 120 mm Hg, get immediate medical attention, particularly if you have symptoms like headache, arm pain, or blurred vision.
At home vs. the doctor’s office
Many people find that they have higher blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office because they’re less at ease there and because professional tools may be more accurate.
Home blood pressure readings can be less accurate than those taken at the doctor’s office, where manual checks are a possibility. One way to ensure that you get consistent blood pressure readings is to bring your monitor with you to an appointment and compare the results.
Talk with your doctor to make sure you use the device correctly and check for accuracy. Be consistent in your approach and take your blood pressure at the same time each day. Sit in the same position, avoid caffeine, and rest ahead of time for the best results.
You may need a blood pressure monitor at home to check your blood pressure regularly to improve and manage your health. You’ll still need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional for routine blood pressure readings.
It’s important to monitor your blood pressure closely if you have certain health conditions or a family history of them. These conditions include diabetes, high or low blood pressure, and heart, thyroid, or kidney concerns.
According to
Home blood pressure monitors are also useful during pregnancy and weight loss programs. They
Most home blood pressure devices allow you to store readings to track patterns and changes over time. Many devices connect to an app that provides additional health insights. You can share your blood pressure data with a healthcare professional. Results can help determine if you need to modify your treatment plan and lifestyle habits.
If you notice that your blood pressure readings are consistently much higher or lower than usual, contact a healthcare professional. Hypertension occurs when readings are at least
If your blood pressure reading suddenly exceeds 180/120 mm Hg, wait at least 5 minutes and test again. If you have another high reading, call your doctor right away, especially if you have symptoms like blurry vision, numbness, or chest and back pain. These could indicate a hypertensive emergency, which
Talk with your healthcare professional if your blood pressure suddenly declines or you consistently have low blood pressure. This is particularly important if you feel dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
Why bring your blood pressure monitor with you to the doctor?
At the doctor’s office, you can compare readings, calibrate, and have a doctor or nurse check your blood pressure manually while your machine is running. This can help determine the accuracy of your readings.
Typically, blood pressure monitors work by inflating a cuff until it temporarily cuts off blood flow through the brachial artery. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released.
Within the cuff, a sensor detects blood flow. The point when the blood begins to flow intermittently through the artery is the systolic blood pressure. This is the top number on a blood pressure reading. The point when the blood flow goes from intermittent to steady is the diastolic blood pressure. This is the bottom number.
While the monitor is sensing the blood flow, it can also calculate your heart rate. Luckily, you just have to check out the final numbers and not worry about the work involved.
Blood pressure readings vary throughout the day due to factors such as the time of day, when you had your last meal, and your typical diet.
Additional factors that can affect your blood pressure include:
- stress levels
- exercise
- temperature
- a full bladder
- how you’re sitting
- whether you talk during a reading
- caffeine consumption
- habits involving smoking and drinking
- cuff fit and position
Doctors recommend automatic upper arm blood pressure monitors, since they are more accurate than wrist and finger monitors. They may suggest a specific brand or model for your needs.
Yes, Omron blood pressure monitors are accurate and fulfill validation standards for clinical accuracy from the European Society of Hypertension.
Some Omron blood pressure monitors are listed on the Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing and have validation from the Advancement of Medical Instruments and the British Hypertension Society.
To accurately store your data, be sure to correctly set the time and date on your device.
Not comfortable using a blood pressure monitor on your arm? A wide range of monitor choices is available to suit your needs. Some of them attach to other places, but this could affect their accuracy.
Blood pressure monitors designed for home use do come with some limitations. Having a doctor or another medical professional check your machine can help ensure more accurate readings.
A good blood pressure monitor fits your arm well and is accurate. With so many options out there, you can be on the right track to finding one that works for you.
