ECG (electrocardiogram) monitors are essential for tracking heart rhythm irregularities, detecting arrhythmias, and managing cardiovascular health from home. Our reviews focus on portable, wearable devices under $80 that deliver clinical-grade accuracy without expensive hospital visits.
β‘ Quick Picks Summary
What to Look For in Wearable ECG Monitors
- FDA Clearance: Ensures clinical-grade accuracy and safety standards
- Lead Configuration: Single-lead vs. multi-lead for different data points
- Recording Duration: 30 seconds to continuous monitoring capabilities
- Arrhythmia Detection: Automatic detection of irregular heartbeats (especially AFib)
- Data Storage: Cloud sync and historical tracking features
- Battery Life: Wearable comfort and charging frequency
- App Integration: Smartphone connectivity and doctor sharing features
π₯ AliveCor KardiaMobile 6L β Best Overall
$99
PREMIUM OPTION Note: Slightly above budget but worth the investment for most users
Why We Love It: The Kardia 6L is FDA-cleared, provides 6-lead ECG readings (comparable to hospital-grade equipment), detects atrial fibrillation with 99% accuracy, and integrates seamlessly with Apple Health. Perfect for users who want the most comprehensive personal ECG device.
Best For: Serious cardiovascular monitoring, AFib management, doctor collaboration, Apple Health integration.
β Pros
- 6-lead ECG = hospital-grade data
- 99% AFib detection accuracy
- 30-second recordings
- Indefinite data storage
- Doctor can review results
- Apple Health sync
- Excellent app interface
β Cons
- Slightly above $80 budget
- Requires smartphone
- Subscription for advanced features ($10/mo)
- Learning curve for interpretation
π° Wellue EKG Monitor Portable β Best Budget
$49.99
MOST AFFORDABLE
Why We Love It: FDA-cleared single-lead ECG device for under $50. Perfect entry point for basic heart rhythm monitoring. No subscription required, Bluetooth connectivity, and excellent customer support. Great for users who want AFib detection without premium pricing.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, arrhythmia screening, basic cardiovascular monitoring.
β Pros
- Lowest price point
- FDA cleared
- No subscription fees
- 30-second readings
- Excellent battery life
- Simple app interface
- Portable and lightweight
β Cons
- Single-lead only
- Less detailed data
- Manual interpretation required
- Limited doctor integration
β Kardia Band for Apple Watch β Best Wearable
$79
WEARABLE INTEGRATION
Why We Love It: If you already own an Apple Watch, the Kardia Band adds ECG capability at a fraction of the standalone device cost. Seamless integration with your existing wearable, continuous monitoring, and instant arrhythmia alerts.
Best For: Apple Watch owners, continuous monitoring, seamless device integration, daily wear.
β Pros
- Integrates with Apple Watch
- Continuous monitoring
- Instant AFib detection
- Familiar interface
- Apple Health sync
- Portable and discreet
- No separate device needed
β Cons
- Requires Apple Watch Series 4+
- Band replacement needed
- Less accurate than 6-lead
- Apple ecosystem lock-in
π₯ CheckMe Pro β Best Multi-Lead
$59.99
MULTI-LEAD ECG
Why We Love It: 3-lead ECG device at mid-range pricing. Better data than single-lead devices without the premium KardiaMobile cost. Portable, battery-efficient, and excellent for ongoing cardiovascular monitoring.
Best For: Users wanting more data detail, ongoing heart monitoring, mid-range budget.
β Pros
- 3-lead ECG
- Mid-range price
- FDA cleared
- Fast readings (10 sec)
- Cloud backup
- Doctor sharing feature
- Good data quality
β Cons
- Less detailed than 6-lead
- Subscription model
- Smaller user community
- Limited wearable options
π΄ iCheck EKG β Best for Seniors
$69.99
SENIOR FRIENDLY
Why We Love It: Specifically designed for older adults and caregivers. Large, easy-to-read display, voice-guided instructions, and automatic result interpretation. Perfect for users who want simplicity over advanced features.
Best For: Seniors, caregivers, simple operation, independent users.
β Pros
- Large display
- Voice-guided usage
- Auto-interpretation
- Caregiver alerts
- User-friendly interface
- Long battery (60+ days)
- No app needed
β Cons
- Single-lead only
- Limited smartphone sync
- Slower than portable options
- Smaller data library
How These Devices Compare: Quick Reference
Lead Type: KardiaMobile 6L leads the pack with 6 leads. CheckMe Pro offers 3 leads. All others are single-lead. More leads = more detailed cardiac data.
Accuracy: All FDA-cleared devices achieve 95%+ accuracy for arrhythmia detectionβcomparable to hospital-grade monitors.
Price Range: $49.99 (Wellue) to $99 (KardiaMobile). Most quality options fall in $59β$79 range.
Best Value: CheckMe Pro at $59.99 offers 3-lead capability without premium pricing.
When to Use ECG Monitors
- Family history of heart disease or arrhythmias
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) management and monitoring
- Post-cardiac event monitoring and recovery
- Daily cardiovascular health tracking
- Before/after exercise monitoring for safety
- Age 60+ for routine cardiac health screening
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these ECG monitors FDA-cleared?
Yes. All products in this review are FDA-cleared devices. This means they meet strict safety and accuracy standards for medical use and clinical reliability.
Can I share results with my doctor?
Most devices allow you to export or share ECG readings via PDF or email. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical decisions based on device readings.
Do I need a smartphone?
Some devices (like KardiaMobile 6L and Kardia Band) require smartphones. Others (like iCheck) work standalone with built-in displays. Check product specifications before purchasing.
How accurate are portable ECG devices?
FDA-cleared devices achieve 95%+ accuracy for arrhythmia detectionβcomparable to hospital-grade monitors. However, they complement, not replace, professional medical evaluation.
Will my insurance cover a wearable ECG?
Some insurance plans cover wearable ECG devices, especially for monitoring AFib or post-cardiac conditions. Check with your insurance provider about coverage eligibility.
How often should I use my ECG monitor?
For general health: weekly to monthly. For AFib monitoring: daily or as recommended by your doctor. For symptom checking: when you experience palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
π Monitor Your Heart Health Today
Start with an affordable option like Wellue ($49.99), or invest in the clinical-grade KardiaMobile 6L ($99) for comprehensive monitoring. Most users see peace of mind within the first use.
Browse All ECG Options on Amazon β