By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.
A blood pressure cuff is a practical item to own. Your doctor may recommend purchasing a blood pressure cuff to keep at home if you've previously experienced abnormal blood pressure. Some athletes like to have blood pressure cuffs on hand to track how their training affects their bodies. Being able to easily check your blood pressure at home can help you, and your doctor, keep track of how your blood pressure runs to best guide your health care.
Taking your blood pressure at home has never been easier than it is now, with many different types of easy-to-use blood pressure cuffs available for purchase. From simple blood pressure cuffs to high-tech ones that connect to a smartphone app, there is a blood pressure monitor out there for everyone.
The Best Blood Pressure Monitor - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Blood Pressure Monitor: Omron Platinum BP Monitor
- Best Budget Blood Pressure Monitor: A&D Medical BP Monitor
- Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor: HoMedics Wrist Monitor
- Best At-Home Blood Pressure Monitor: Greater Goods BP Monitor
- Best Portable Blood Pressure Monitor: Withings BPM Connect
- Best Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor: LifeSource Upper Arm BP Monitor
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Blood Pressure Monitor - Omron Platinum BP Monitor
SPECS
- Number of readings stored: 200
- Weight: 0.46 lbs.
- Power options: Battery powered
- Number of users: 1
The OMRON Silver blood pressure monitor has a simple, wireless design. This blood pressure monitor comes with a cuff that wraps around the upper arm and a connected screen where you can see your reading. With a battery-powered design, this blood pressure cuff is wireless and easy to take with you from place to place. With memory storage of up to 200 blood pressure readings, this monitor allows you to recall past readings to track your blood pressure trends and keep your doctor in the know.
The cuff is versatile and fits adults with arms ranging from 9-17 inches in circumference. This cuff only stores readings for one user, so unlike some other options, you can't store readings for multiple people.
What We Like
- Lightweight, sleek design
- Wireless
- Stores up to 200 readings
- Easy-to-read backlit digital dual-display
What We Don't Like
- Only stores readings for one user
- Isn't rechargeable
BUY: Omron Platinum BP Monitor
Best Budget Blood Pressure Monitor - A&D Medical BP Monitor
SPECS
- Number of readings stored: 30
- Weight: 10 oz.
- Power options: Battery powered
- Number of users: 1
The A&D blood pressure monitor features an upper arm cuff that connects to a digital screen. This blood pressure monitor stores up to 30 readings from one user and comes at an affordable price point. This is the perfect basic blood pressure monitor if you need one but are not looking to spend a lot of money.
The adjustable cuff fits most adult arms and the monitor itself is easy to use with a simple, one-button operation. This blood pressure monitor also detects irregular heartbeats in addition to measuring blood pressure. The gentle inflation is supposed to make blood pressure readings a more comfortable experience.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Digital display
- Also detects irregular heartbeats
- Adjustable cuff
What We Don't Like
- Only stores readings for one user
- Heavier than other options
Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor - HoMedics Wrist Monitor
SPECS
- Number of readings stored: 30
- Weight: N/A
- Power options: AAA batteries
- Number of users: 2
The HoMedics wrist monitor is a wireless, compact blood pressure monitor. This blood pressure monitor simply wraps around the wrist and measures blood pressure without any wires attached. Rather than having a blood pressure cuff that wraps around the arm and connects to a monitor with a wire, this is all one small piece. Wrist blood pressure monitors like this one may be slightly less accurate than an upper arm monitor. However, if used properly, you should still be able to get a good reading.
This blood pressure monitor is battery-powered and fully wireless, making it ideal for travel. It can store 30 readings for up to two users, so it's also a great option for couples or families who need to store the blood pressure readings of more than one person. The simple one-touch operation is easy and convenient to use.
What We Like
- Small and compact
- Stores readings for more than one user
- Wireless
- Digital display
What We Don't Like
- Less accurate than an arm monitor
- May be difficult to put the cuff on without help
Best At-Home Blood Pressure Monitor - Greater Goods BP Monitor
SPECS
- Number of readings stored: 60
- Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Power options: AAA battery-powered or wall adaptor
- Number of users: 2
This versatile blood pressure cuff can be plugged into the wall for use or used wirelessly with AAA batteries. The Greater Goods blood pressure monitor stores up to 60 readings for two individuals. This blood pressure monitor does come at a slightly higher price point than some of the other options, but the fact that you can choose the power source between batteries or the wall adaptor is a convenient feature.
The blood pressure cuff is adjustable and designed to be comfortable. Because this blood pressure monitor can store multiple users' readings and can be plugged into a wall adapter, we chose it as the "Best At-Home Blood Pressure Monitor."
What We Like
- Stores two users' readings
- Choose from a battery or wall adapter power
- Backlit display
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some users found that the wall cord was a little short
Best Portable Blood Pressure Monitor - Withings BPM Connect
SPECS
- Number of readings stored: Unlimited storage through a smartphone app
- Weight: 12.8 oz.
- Power options: USB charge
- Number of users: 1
This sleek, wireless blood pressure monitor is easy to use and travel with. It is all one piece—the cuff itself has a small screen through which you operate the device. The Withings BPM Connect can sync up with your smartphone through Bluetooth to store all of your readings. The rechargeable design is convenient, so you don't have to spend money on batteries. The charge lasts up to six months, so you'll rarely have to even recharge it.
This blood pressure monitor is a travel-friendly option, which is why we chose it as the "Best Portable Blood Pressure Monitor." This monitor does come at a much higher price point when compared with other options, however it also offers plenty of unique features, such as extended battery life, unlimited smartphone storage, and a lightweight, compact design.
What We Like
- Wireless and lightweight
- 6-month battery life
- Rechargeable
- Backlit LED screen
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Must set up an account through the smartphone app before your first use
BUY: Withings BPM Connect
Best Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor - LifeSource Upper Arm BP Monitor
SPECS
- Number of readings stored: 90
- Weight: 48 oz.
- Power options: AA Batteries
- Number of users: 1
This simple blood pressure monitor has a small-sized cuff, so it is a good option for anyone with smaller arms. The monitor tracks blood pressure using an upper arm cuff connected to a small device. The device itself has a digital display that stores up to 90 readings for one user. One benefit of this blood pressure monitor is that it has an easy, one-button operation.
In addition to measuring blood pressure, this monitor also measures pulse rate. The fact that it stores 90 readings is a great feature, given that this is more than some of the other options. This monitor does come at a slightly higher price point when compared to similar options.
What We Like
- Large, easy-to-read display
- 1 button operation
- Fits smaller arms
- Stores 90 readings
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some users found readings to be inaccurate
BUY: LifeSource Upper Arm BP Monitor
What to Look for in a Blood Pressure Monitor
There are many different features to consider when shopping for a blood pressure monitor. We realize it can be challenging to make a decision when shopping online, given all of the different options that exist. Below, we're sharing some tips for shopping for a blood pressure monitor to help you find the best one. You'll want to consider the size, type of cuff, whether the cuff is associated with a smartphone app, and the power source.
Size
The size of your blood pressure cuff is an important consideration. In general, most shoppers like a smaller, more compact option over something that is bigger and bulkier. If you plan to take your blood pressure monitor with you while traveling, you'll definitely want something that is lightweight and small. Even if you only plan to use your blood pressure monitor at home, a smaller device is sometimes wanted over something larger since it won't take up a lot of space. However, if you have plenty of space for a larger monitor, then this may not apply to you.
Arm Cuffs vs. Wrist Cuffs
Another factor to consider is the cuff type. Some blood pressure cuffs go around the upper arm, while others go around the wrist. Wrist cuffs can be more challenging to get on by yourself and don't provide as accurate results as an upper arm cuff. There are some wrist cuffs that are more compact and lightweight, which can sometimes make them a more desirable choice.
Smart Apps
Some blood pressure monitors connect to a smartphone app. This can be helpful, but it isn't at all required. If you need to track your blood pressure in detail and find using a traditional tracking method (such as writing down your readings) hard to keep up with, a higher-tech monitor that connects to an app might help you. Smart apps store your blood pressure readings through an app on your phone, making it easy to track results and recall them when needed.
Power Source
When shopping for blood pressure monitors, you'll find that some use batteries as a power source while others are rechargeable. Most blood pressure monitors are battery-powered, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but does require you to purchase replacement batteries each time the old ones die. Rechargeable blood pressure monitors take away this need, making them a convenient option. Some blood pressure monitors are plugged into the wall, which is a good option if you plan to mainly use your monitor at home and you don't need it to be wireless.
FAQs About Blood Pressure Monitors
How accurate are at-home blood pressure monitors?
Home blood pressure monitors may not always be entirely accurate. It is important to only use home blood pressure monitors as a method to get an idea of your blood pressure trends, knowing that the results may not be exact. Some newer blood pressure monitors are tested for accuracy, which can help, but medical treatment should only be guided based on the blood pressure readings your doctor has obtained.
How do you use a blood pressure monitor?
Each blood pressure monitor will come with unique instructions, so you should consult the user manual of your specific monitor for instructions for use. Typically, you'll place the blood pressure cuff around your upper arm or wrist, align it properly, and velcro it. Then, you'll press the button to turn on the monitor. Wait for the blood pressure cuff to fill fully with air and then deflate before taking it off. Usually, your monitor will make a sound to notify you that the process is complete and you will see your results on the screen.
What's a normal blood pressure range?
Normal blood pressure is 120/80. Blood pressures can range quite a bit though, so your blood pressure may be slightly higher or lower than this and still be considered normal. High blood pressure is anything over 140/90.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article