High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common health conditions that affect a large group of the population worldwide. Speaking only of Japan, one in three Japanese suffers from this serious condition. High blood pressure can severely damage your arteries, heart, kidneys, eyes, or other major organs if left unattended. It is also known as a “silent killer” as it can also be fatal in some cases. For all these reasons, you must stay on top of your blood pressure readings at all times.
The best blood pressure monitor will not only help you check and record blood pressure at home, but also keep you under control. It will provide you with all the excellent information to motivate yourself and make the right lifestyle changes to get your pressure levels back in the normal range. In the absence of accurate data and adequate records, your doctor will not be able to prescribe the right medication to control your BP and restore your health.
When shopping for the best blood pressure monitor, you should be able to choose the right option to ensure accurate readings and accurate results. It is always a good idea to list the essential features you need in a blood pressure machine. You can allocate a suitable budget according to your requirements to buy the most appropriate fit. In our opinion, a highly rated bp monitor should be super comfortable, easy to use, ultra-portable, and highly accurate. The risks and dangers associated with high blood pressure make having a top-of-the-line blood pressure monitor critical today.
Right now, there are many BP correctors available on the market. We have chosen five digital smart devices that offer the best overall features, value for money, economy, and cutting-edge technology. You can take a look at the top selection in our comparison table and read our buying guide to help you choose the most suitable option according to your needs. We also review each blood pressure meter in great detail, so you fully understand each item before making a purchase decision.
Considering the various fluctuations in blood pressure that occur today and the different side effects of these fluctuations, it has become a necessity to keep track of blood pressure readings regularly. Visiting the doctor daily can be quite hectic; therefore, we recommend that you take a look at these remarkable blood pressure monitors and get accurate and quick measurements at home.
Considering the difficulties faced by those who go through such tests, we have created this list of what the best blood pressure monitor to use at home is. They offer quality and are also practical and easy to use, ensuring you don’t have to worry about anything else but recover and feel better as soon as possible.
Top 5 Blood Pressure Monitors Of 2020 We Reviewed
1. Best of the Best: Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm
Omron 10 Series is the best blood pressure monitor for home use. There are many reasons why it is our favorite choice when it comes to choosing a high-quality machine. Firstly, we were very impressed with the build quality of the unit itself. It is very comfortable to use due to the adjustment sleeve and large display digits on the backlit display. As for accuracy, we compared the readings with the BP manual monitor, and they looked almost identical.
The Omron monitor can store multiple readings for up to 2 users. You can record the last 100 readings each in your memory storage, so it’s easy to keep track of the readings over a specified period. When using the BP checker, you just need to wrap the cuff around your arm and press the start button. The unit can take three readings in 10 minutes to give you an average figure. The 10 Series Wireless Monitor takes each reading within one minute as instructed by the Heart Association. We also like the fact that you can check not only the systolic, diastolic frequency, but also the pulse rate to report any irregularity in heart rate.
We also love the free Omron app that lets you connect your favorite blood pressure monitor to your smartphone or tablet. The Bluetooth built into the unit allows compatibility with iOS and Android devices. The mobile app can store unlimited readings, unlike the limited memory offered by the monitor. These readings can be easily shared with anyone via email, including your doctor. Omron 10 Series is also compatible with Amazon Alexa. When you open the package, you will see the BP verification unit, a bracelet (wide-range 9 “to 17”), an instruction manual, a quick start guide, and a pair of batteries.
Overall, the Omron 10 series is an excellent product for home use with many amazing features. The brand itself is trustworthy and has built a solid reputation over the years.
Pros
✔ TrueRead Technology This blood pressure cuff uses advanced technology for incredibly accurate results you can always trust.
✔ ComFit cuff You don’t have to worry about discomfort with this extra comfortable cuff that inflates around your entire arm for best results every time.
✔ Up to 200 stored readings, You can keep track of your history for longer thanks to high memory storage, which helps your doctor know how things are and if your medicine is working correctly.
Cons
✔ Bulky design customers complain that this blood pressure cuff is not as compact as other monitors, making it more difficult to carry it on road trips and vacations.
2. Best Value: Omron 5 Series Upper Arm BP Checker
Here’s the third-best blood pressure monitor that also comes from Omron. There is a reason why our top 3 BP testers belong to the Omron brand. It is because they manufacture some of the best products available on the market.
Omron 5 Series is a value option and offers excellent value for money. It is specifically targeted at budget-conscious consumers who do not want to spend a lot on a BP control device.
This particular model is very similar to the 10 Series; however, there are a few features that have been reduced to lower the price. For example, the ability to store readings is reduced to just 100 for both users. On the other hand, there are 200 storage capacity readings for each user in the Omron 10 series.
Overall, it is a reliable bp monitor. You can expect the same level of performance from Series 5 compared to Series 10; however, you can expect both models to look a little different.
Pros
✔ Two-user mode this feature allows you to have multiple user accounts so that your partner or another family member can also use it.
✔ Advanced Averaging Series 5 provides an average result of three consecutive readings for greater accuracy.
✔ Irregular Heartbeat Detector If your heart rate is irregular, this monitor will alert you while measuring your blood pressure.
Cons
✔ Limited cuff size for smaller arms The Cuff tends to be on the larger side, so if you have small arms, your blood pressure reading may not be as accurate.
3. Etekcity Blood Pressure Monitor
Etekcity is one of the best rechargeable blood pressure monitors on the market that comes with a lithium-ion battery. This device uses a USB cable to charge it, saving you the trouble of rummaging through its storage for additional batteries. Another feature that makes this unit a must-have is the voice transmission-backed LED display. The LED display will show all your blood pressure information clearly and visibly, while the voice command will come in handy when you are not in a position to use the display.
The uniqueness of this device is convenient. It comes with an irregular pulse indicator as well as a WHO indicator. You can also store up to 90 results for two different users simultaneously. The standard size cuff that measures 8.6 – 16.5 inches and can fit almost any size of the upper arm is included in the package. Plus, you’ll also find a one-year warranty backed by a lifetime of customer service.
Pros
✔ It offers quick and easy results.
✔ It provides audible results for those who are hard of hearing.
✔ Excellent customer service.
Cons
✔ It could be more efficient at precision levels.
✔ It takes a long time to give feedback.
✔ It could be cheaper for quality.
4. Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
If you are more comfortable using high-tech devices, you will like the Withings Wireless Smart Blood Pressure Monitor. Instead of a device with an LCD screen, the bracelet connects wirelessly with the Withings Health Mate app (downloadable from the App Store and Google Play), where your blood pressure reading will be displayed and stored.
This makes it much easier for you to share your information with your doctor.
Pros
✔ Smartphone connectivity You can track your readings on your phone and quickly send the information to your doctor.
✔ Multi-user capability this monitor allows you to configure individual users, so your family members can also use the monitor if they need to measure their blood pressure.
✔ Excellent Customer Service Customers are thrilled with how exceptional Withings customer service representatives are – enthusiastically answering all customer questions with virtually zero lead time.
Cons
✔ It cannot detect an irregular heartbeat.
✔ The confusing app interfaces the app is not very intuitive, making navigation difficult at first.
✔ May is not easy to use for older customers.
5. Vive Precision BD4006 Blood Pressure Machine
Vive Precision is a compact unit that gives you the convenience of actively storing a large number of readings. Unlike other monitors, you can manage up to 500 measurements with date and time for easy monitoring. However, there is a limitation of 2 user profiles so that you can record a maximum of 250 measurements for each user. The push-to-start design makes the BP monitor very easy and comfortable to use. The bracelet measures 8 ¾ “to 16 ½” in circumference, which is more or less standard to fit most users.
It features a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen. You can view all your statistics on the big screen, including systolic, diastolic, and pulse rates with date and time. There is a solid 2-year warranty that demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in backing up your reliable device.
Pros
✔ Powered by batteries, rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter
✔ The backlit display helps you see your blood pressure results in low light
✔ Vive’s excellent customer service – send a follow-up email with the user manual, quick setup tips, and to make sure customers received it correctly
Cons
✔ Setting the date and time is not easy.
✔ Some customers experienced inaccurate blood pressure readings using the supplied batteries. By removing the batteries and replacing them with new ones, then restarting the unit using steps 2 and 3 in the instruction booklet, they were able to achieve accurate results.
✔ It does not include an AC power adapter.
A Complete Buying Guide For Blood Pressure Monitors
Before buying any blood pressure monitor, there are a few things to consider first. By asking yourself the right questions, you can choose the best product to meet your long-term needs.
Types Of Blood Pressure Monitors:
There are currently four types available on the market. These are classified into the upper arm, wrist style, manual and digital blood pressure monitors.
1. UPPER ARM:
The upper arm is more common compared to wrist monitors. In homes and hospitals, arm monitors are the preferred option as they are highly accurate. However, you will find them a bit bulky and difficult to transport compared to the wrist options.
2. DOLL:
When it comes to wrist monitors, you’ll find them extremely portable and lighter. A wrist blood pressure machine can be easily adjusted in your pocket as it is quite small. The main drawback is that the wrist monitors are not as accurate as of the upper arm monitors.
3. MANUAL:
Handheld devices are also called sphygmomanometers and are somewhat dated. However, they are the most accurate and cheapest blood pressure meters available. Compared to digital units, they do not require electricity for use. However, a certain level of skill or training is required to use manual monitors to record readings.
4. DIGITAL:
Digital or automatic machines can self-inflate and display results on a digital screen. These require electricity to operate that is supplied from batteries or A / C power adapters. These are the latest and most modern monitors. Some of these are capable of connecting to smartphones using their wireless capabilities.
What Features Are Important To Consider When Buying BP Monitors
The best blood pressure machines come with the most advanced features. On the other hand, if you choose the simplest unit, it will only provide you with the necessary functions. Therefore, you must list all the features you want in a better-rated bp checker. Some of these main features may include the ability to record and graph multiple readings, connect with mobile phones or tablets, and save profiles of numerous users.
● FULL AND ACCURATE READINGS:
The chosen machine must be able to display accurate and complete statistics. Every time you check any reading, two numbers are mentioned (120 and 80). These measurements are called systolic and diastolic, which must remain standard (neither above nor below these numbers). It is also essential to buy a bp machine that also comes with an integrated pulse rate function.
● HOSE SIZE:
Regardless of the type of device you choose, it will always include a bracelet. Therefore, you must want the right tester that is neither too large nor too small to fit comfortably on your arm. If the cuff size is too small or large, you will not be able to use the bp monitor correctly. As a result, you will not be able to get the correct BP readings due to an awkward fit.
● MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC DEVICE:
When you search for a blood pressure device, you will see two types of devices. The manual is more typical and older. However, its reading results are the most reliable and accurate.
For this review, we mainly focus on automatic bp checkers. It is because they are modern and use the most advanced technology in their high-quality manufacturing. They are also very convenient for most users and do not require any special skills to control blood pressure. Even a young child can use the automatic unit at the push of a button after wrapping the bracelet around the arm or wrist. These BP automatic verifiers are our preferred option as they do not require any user experience. They are fast, accurate, comfortable, easy to use, and quite portable.
On the other hand, if you want to use a handheld device, you must first learn how to use it correctly to get accurate readings. The rubber bulb must be pressed repeatedly by hand to push air into the cuff wrapped around the arm. Once it’s full, you’ll need to release the air and watch the readings and listen to your heartbeat through a stethoscope. The whole process is a bit tricky and requires good experience to record correct results every time you test.
● TIME CONSUMPTION:
The best blood pressure monitors are high-speed and accurate. These are the two main features that allow you to need on any selected monitor. Most products take a few seconds to a minute to observe and generate an adequate result. Although this period is short, it can nevertheless make a significant difference if your top priority is to get the best results instantly.
• WARRANTY:
Always check the warranty before making a final purchase decision. The warranty for each device can vary but usually varies from 1 to 3 years maximum.
Conclusion
Blood pressure monitors help make sure you keep track of your health so that you can take the necessary steps if you become aware of any unusual heart activity. However, with so many of these devices on the market, it’s easy to land on a faulty monitor, or worse, a counterfeit monitor. That’s why we’ve thoroughly researched BP’s top ten portable monitors for your consideration.
