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The 4 Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2024

We tested blood pressure monitors from Omron, Alcédo, iHealth, and others to help you find the very best for your home health routine
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Best Blood Pressure Monitor Review (Find a calming location to take your blood pressure every day.)
Find a calming location to take your blood pressure every day.
Credit: Clark Tate
By Clark Tate ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 10, 2024

The Best Blood Pressure Monitors for 2024


To find the best blood pressure monitors available today, we researched over 45 models, then bought the top 12 to test side by side. Blood pressure monitors are famously fickle, and the last thing you need is an annoying interface or inflation mechanism that sounds like a jet taking off. To find accurate monitors, we compared each reading to control data taken manually with a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. To find devices that are pleasant enough for daily use, we compared their user interfaces and any included apps and tried out all their features. The results are a clear-cut guide to the best monitor for your needs.

If you need more detailed information about your health, try monitoring your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels with one of the best pulse oximeters from our testing, or check out our favorite smartwatches. For more basic equipment, we have you covered with our review of the best thermometers, and if you're more concerned with environmental health factors, see our reviews for the best air purifiers and our favorite water filters.

Editor's Note: We updated this review on June 10, 2024, to include a section detailing how we tested blood pressure monitors.

Top 12 Blood Pressure Monitors

Displaying 1 - 12 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Blood Pressure Monitor
Top Pick Award
Best for Travel or Solo Use
Best Buy Award
Best Value and Best for the Visually Impaired
  Top Pick Award
Best XL Cuff Option
      
Price $84 List
$84.00 at Amazon
$110 List
$74.97 at Amazon
$43 List
$29.95 at Amazon
$40 List
$34.99 at Amazon
$99 List$40 List
$39.99 at Amazon
$50 List$43 List$130 List
$99.49 at Amazon
$180 List
$99.99 at Amazon
$40 List$68 List
$64.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
92
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Pros Best in class accuracy, easy to export and share data with a doctor, large screen, supports multiple usersAccurate, all components are easy to useAudible instructions, impressive accuracy, reasonably pricedSimple to use, reliably accurate, compactNo tubes or wires, compact, great app, sets remindersCompatible with an XL cuff, bright and colorful display that interprets your resultsSimple, accurateLive voice walks you through measurements, reasonable price, good accuracyElegant, extremely portable, wireless and rechargeableXXL cuff size, fairly simple to useEasy to use, large display, good memory capacityBright display, easy to use, app retains unlimited data
Cons Pricey, large, some learning curveMust consult the manual for correct placementComplicated to switch between users, easy to erase dataStores less data, inconveniences with app, display scratches easilySmall cuff size, requires app, loud, technological learning curveAverage accuracy, instruction manual is less clearMinimal memory, only one userSwitching users is tricky, annoying soundtrackHas a learning curve, hard to read, requires an app for full function, no irregular heartbeat indicatorFinicky, no app to share readings, limited memory, only works on larger armsCuff gets excessively tight (high pressure), accuracy concernsThe least accurate device in our test
Bottom Line The most accurate monitor in the test, it's also easy to use and links to an app to store, chart, and share dataThis monitor is the easiest way to get highly accurate blood pressure readingsThis accurate and inexpensive monitor talks to you, an excellent feature for anyone but especially the visually impairedThis bright and easy-to-use model is accurate but doesn't store much data unless you type it into the app manuallyThis fairly easy to use option is accurate, tech-heavy, and uses your smart device as a screenIf you need an XL cuff option, this one is your best betThis barebones option gives you accurate readings and few extrasA great option that talks to you and gives accurate readings, ideal for folks who struggle to see screensThis is a good option for travel and we appreciate that it shows readings on the device and on the appThe only option in the test for arms larger than 18.9 inchesThis monitor is easy to use and read, but it landed in the back of the pack in our accuracy testsThis device is easy to use and read but is not accurate enough to earn a recommendation
Rating Categories Omron Platinum Omron Evolv Wireless Alcédo Upper Arm Mo... Balance Greater Goo... QardioArm Wireless... iHealth Track Smart Omron Bronze Upper Arm ParaMed Automatic A... Withings BPM Connect LifeSource Extra La... Vive Precision Machine Greater Goods Bluet...
Accuracy (50%)
10.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
Ease of Use (20%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Memory (15%)
8.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
9.0
7.0
2.0
5.0
7.0
3.0
6.0
7.0
Features (15%)
9.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
2.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
4.0
Specs Omron Platinum Omron Evolv Wireless Alcédo Upper Arm Mo... Balance Greater Goo... QardioArm Wireless... iHealth Track Smart Omron Bronze Upper Arm ParaMed Automatic A... Withings BPM Connect LifeSource Extra La... Vive Precision Machine Greater Goods Bluet...
Cuff Size 9" to 17" (22 to 42cm) 9" to 17" (22 to 42cm) 8.7" to 15.7" (22 to 40cm) 8.75" to 16.5" (22 to 42cm) 8.7" to 14.6" (22 to 37cm) 8.7" to 16.5" (22 to 42cm) option for 16.5 to 18.9" (42-48cm) 9" to 17" (22 to 42cm) 8.7" to 15.7" (22 to 40cm) 9" to 17" (22 to 42cm) 16.5" to 23.6" (42 to 60cm) 8.75" to 16.5" (22 to 42cm) 8.7" to 16.5" (22 to 42cm)
Memory Capacity 2 users, 100 readings each, App unlimited 1 user, 100 readings each, App unlimited 2 users, 120 readings each 2 users, 60 readings each 8 users, unlimited readings 99 readings, App unlimited 1 user, 14 readings 2 users, 120 readings each 8 users, unlimited readings 1 user, 60 readings each 2 users, 250 readings each 2 users, 60 readings each
App Bluetooth/Alexa Compatible Bluetooth/Alexa Compatible No Balance Health App Qardio App iHealth MyVitals App No No Health Mate App No No Balance Health App
Phone Requirements N/A N/A N/A N/A iOS 10.0 or later, Kindle, Android 5 or later, Android Wear and Apple Watch, requires Bluetooth 4.0.and up iOS 8.0 or later, Android 5.0 or later, requires Bluetooth 4.0.and up N/A N/A iOS 10.0 or later Android 6.0 or later N/A N/A N/A
Irregular Hearbeat Detector Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Number of users 2, Unlimited users in app Unlimited users in app 2 2 8 Unlimited users in app 1 2 8 1 2 2
Power source AA batteries or AC power AAA batteries AAA batteries AAA batteries or AC power AAA batteries AAA batteries AA batteries AAA batteries or external adaptor, not included Rechargeable battery via micro-USB cord AA batteries and AC cord AAA batteries AAA batteries or AC power adapter
Dimensions 7.5" x 3.3" x 4.7" 4.63" x 3.5" x 1" 4.65" x 4.33" x 2.05" 4" x 4.25" x 1.9" 5.9" x 2.6" x 1.75" 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.6" 4" x 3.1" x 5.1" 4.3" x 4.5" x 2.25" 6" x 2.75" x 2.25" 4" x 6" x 2" 5.25" x 5.5" x 2.25" 5.5" x 5.1" x 1.95"


Best Overall Blood Pressure Monitor


Omron Platinum


92
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 10.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Memory 8.0
  • Features 9.0
Cuff Circumference: 9" to 17" | Memory: 100 entries for 2 users (unlimited on app)
REASONS TO BUY
Very accurate
Straightforward
App makes it easy to email data
Inflation tube clicks into place
REASONS TO AVOID
Data doesn't automatically transfer to the app
Large
Pricey

The Omron Platinum rose to the top as the most accurate blood pressure monitor we tested. In two rounds of testing, we didn't register a single reading that varied 10 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or more from our control. We look for this because that degree of inaccuracy could move you from one blood pressure classification group to another. The cuff is comfortable, and a simple and highly visible diagram helps you position it correctly. The large screen is easy to read, displaying your current reading on the right and letting you scroll through past readings on the left. You can switch between users with a quick slide button, and the device will hold 100 readings for each of you. Though the Omron Connect app (iOS and Android friendly) is more complicated than other options, it charts your readings and makes it easy to email them directly to your doctor.

The Platinum is the largest device in our test fleet. Despite finding it intuitive, some tasks present a learning curve, such as taking multiple measurements in a row to get a highly-accurate average. Also, transferring your data to the Omron Connect app to save more than 100 entries requires an additional step. If you have a systolic pressure above 210 mmHg, you'll need to hold down the start button until it inflates 30 or 40 mmHg higher than your expected reading. Despite demanding a little more effort, this device is relatively straightforward, accurate, and helps you send readings directly to your doctor via the associated app. Overall, the Platinum is the best blood pressure monitor we tested, especially if two people plan on using it. If you are looking for something similarly reliable to carry with you when traveling, the Evolv Wireless, also by Omron, will set you back a little more in initial costs but won't disappoint when it comes to performance.

Read more: Omron Platinum review

blood pressure monitor - the omron platinum aced our accuracy tests. we love it's large...
The Omron Platinum aced our accuracy tests. We love it's large, easy-to-read screen. The current reading is on the right, a past reading is on the left.
Credit: Clark Tate

Best Value and Best for the Visually Impaired


Alcédo Upper Arm Monitor


74
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 9.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Memory 5.0
  • Features 5.0
Cuff Circumference: 8.7" to 15.7" | Memory: 120 entries each for 2 users
REASONS TO BUY
Talks you through process and results
Good accuracy test results
Reasonably priced
REASONS TO AVOID
A bit complicated to switch between users

The Alcédo Upper Arm Monitor performed very well in our accuracy tests and is one of two monitors we tested that has a talking function. The voice helps guide you through the measurement process and lets you know if your reading is normal or elevated based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This feature is helpful for anyone but imperative for the visually impaired (you can mute the voice if you don't enjoy it). The cuff is comfortable, clearly marks the point to align with your artery, and is curved to conform to your arm. This monitor is user-friendly, and we love the price tag.

The Alcédo stores 120 blood pressure measurements for up to two users, which pales in comparison to other devices with associated apps to send an unlimited number of readings. That said, it might be ample storage for some users. A more pressing concern is that you can accidentally erase all of your data by pressing the memory button (MEM) for too long. And it's easy to do. Trust us. If you want to keep track of trends, you may want to write your readings down or store them in a spreadsheet. Another drawback is that switching between users is not intuitive. We prefer models that have a dedicated button for that specific purpose. Setbacks aside, this affordable device works well, making it an excellent option for many and the best in the test for the visually impaired. The only other monitor we tested that also offers audio measurements is the ParaMed Automatic Accurate. Although we didn't think its accuracy was quite as reliable as what we saw in the Alcédo, it performed equally well across all other metrics and comes at a similar price.

Read more: Alcédo Upper Arm Monitor review

blood pressure monitor - this monitor has few bells and whistles, but everything works well...
This monitor has few bells and whistles, but everything works well, and its quite easy to use.
Credit: Clark Tate

Best for Travel or Solo Use


Omron Evolv Wireless


79
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 8.0
  • Ease of Use 9.0
  • Memory 7.0
  • Features 7.0
Cuff Circumference: 9" to 17" | Memory: 100 on device, unlimited on app
REASONS TO BUY
Tubeless and compact
Accurate
Easy to use
Comfortable, molded cuff
REASONS TO AVOID
More expensive
Data doesn't automatically transfer

The Omron Evolv Wireless is tubeless, compact, simple to use, and among the most accurate options in the test. We recommend this model for travelers or those willing to pay a bit more for easy measurements. The molded cuff is the easiest in the test to wrap around your own arm. It's also quite comfortable. The Evolv pairs with the Omron Connect app to store and retrieve data, but you can also get a single reading without the app or your phone. Simply press the start button, and the result will read out a ticker bar.

The downside is you can only view past measurements in the app and not the device itself. And you do need them since blood pressure trends are more helpful to your doctor than a single reading. The app is decent; it's fairly easy to use and helps you visualize your data with daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly charts. We like that it color-codes your readings — green for normal, yellow for elevated, orange for stage one hypertension, and so on. The app also lets you email your results to yourself or your doctor. If you're shopping for easy, accurate, and don't mind spending more, the Omron Evolv Wireless is the one to get. Or, to save a bit of money, you could go with something a tad larger like the Platinum monitor, also by Omron. Although tubed and slightly less convenient for travel, we found it reasonably priced and very easy to set up and use, with consistently accurate results.

Read more: Omron Evolv Wireless review

blood pressure monitor - we think the ease and accuracy of this monitor are worth a lot.
We think the ease and accuracy of this monitor are worth a lot.
Credit: Clark Tate

Best XL Cuff Option


iHealth Track Smart


62
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 6.0
  • Ease of Use 6.0
  • Memory 7.0
  • Features 6.0
Cuff Circumference: 8.7" to 18.9" | Memory: 99 on device, unlimited on app
REASONS TO BUY
Optional XL cuff sold separately
Interpretive color coding
REASONS TO AVOID
Only average accuracy
Less robust and clear instructions

The iHealth Track Smart only achieved average results in our accuracy tests. The readings didn't vary enough to concern us, but there are more consistent options available. Many factors can influence accuracy, and a major one is using the correct cuff size. Most of the models we tested max out at 17 inches, which isn't that big. The iHealth's standard cuff fits arms from 8.7 to 16.5 inches, but you can buy a compatible extra-large cuff that fits arms up to 18.9 inches. (The LifeSource Extra Large Cuff fits arms up to 23.6 inches, but it isn't as accurate.) The monitor on the iHealth also has a bright display that changes color to draw your attention to your blood pressure category (green for normal, yellow for normal-high and stage one hypertension, and red for stages two and three). You also get unlimited memory on an associated app.

Aside from the option of purchasing a larger cuff, the iHealth monitor is undoubtedly average. We found the instruction manual somewhat hard to decipher. Fortunately, having tested so many other devices, we know our way around blood pressure monitors, so we eventually figured it out, but a first-time user may find it challenging to use. We tried to contact iHealth customer service for assistance, but they sent the phone to voicemail and took a day to respond to our email. Still, if you need a larger cuff, you need a larger cuff. We think iHealth will provide you and your doctor with useful information about your blood pressure. If a larger cuff isn't a priority, the Upper Arm Monitor by Alcedo will be easier to pick up and operate upon purchase, with audible instructions to walk you through the process. It also delivers highly accurate readings and sells for a similar price. If a tracking App is important to you or your doctor, we think it's worth spending a little more to pick up the Platinum by Omron, our favorite overall in the lineup.

Read more: iHealth Track Smart review

blood pressure monitor - the ihealth monitor posted average accuracy results in our tests but...
The iHealth monitor posted average accuracy results in our tests but we trust it to provide helpful information to our doctors and appreciate the larger cuff options.
Credit: Clark Tate

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
92
Omron Platinum
Best Overall Blood Pressure Monitor
$84
Editors' Choice Award
79
Omron Evolv Wireless
Best for Travel or Solo Use
$110
Top Pick Award
74
Alcédo Upper Arm Monitor
Best Value and Best for the Visually Impaired
$43
Best Buy Award
65
Balance Greater Goods Cuff Kit
$40
64
QardioArm Wireless Monitor
$99
62
iHealth Track Smart
Best XL Cuff Option
$40
Top Pick Award
60
Omron Bronze Upper Arm Monitor
$50
59
ParaMed Automatic Accurate
$43
55
Withings BPM Connect
$130
50
LifeSource Extra Large Cuff
$180
48
Vive Precision Blood Pressure Machine
$40
46
Greater Goods Bluetooth
$68

blood pressure monitor - the omron platinum gave us consistently accurate readings.
The Omron Platinum gave us consistently accurate readings.
Credit: Clark Tate

How We Test Blood Pressure Monitors


In the course of this review, we ran more than 300 individual tests to evaluate 12 blood pressure monitors over the past few years. To avoid bias, we purchase each monitor from the same retail websites and retail stores you use. While most blood pressure monitors work well most of the time, some models displayed concerning accuracy lapses, and we do not recommend them.

During our initial blood pressure monitor review, three medical doctors and a wilderness first aid certified tester designed our test protocols, taking control blood pressure measurements with a calibrated mercury sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. (This is considered the gold standard of blood pressure measurements.) Then, they took test measurements with one to three test monitors.

blood pressure monitor - a host of monitors, ready for another testing session.
A host of monitors, ready for another testing session.
Credit: Janet Tate

We repeated this process eight times for every monitor. Each is judged by how much they diverge from the control numbers. After much-supervised practice, our lead tester now takes her own control and test monitor readings. During testing, we used the monitors daily, and we tested them at the same time in the morning or evening and followed protocols that gave our arms time to rest. Our lead tester also downloaded and used all the accompanying apps to assess their storage capacities and user-friendliness.

Our blood pressure testing is divided across four different metrics:
  • Accuracy (50% of overall score weighting)
  • Ease of Use (20% weighting)
  • Memory (15% weighting)
  • Features (15% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab


Our core blood pressure test team is composed of Clark Tate and Dr. Glen Tate, her physician father. While Dr. Tate recently retired, he maintains his license and took innumerable blood pressure measurements during his 38-year career as a family practitioner. Clark is no stranger to the process either, having taken quite a few over the decade she's held her Wilderness First Responder credential. She also earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Environmental Science and Land Use Policy from the University of Virginia, and spent years working as a river restoration ecologist in Colorado, ensuring she is now well-versed in field research and data collection. They ask whatever family and friends are nearby to join the tests to get as many perspectives and heart rates as they possibly can.

Just sit back, relax, and wait for a reading.
Just sit back, relax, and wait for a reading.
All of these models are pretty great. We are very impressed with the...
All of these models are pretty great. We are very impressed with the field.
Pulling on some cuffs is easier and more pleasant than others.
Pulling on some cuffs is easier and more pleasant than others.

Analysis and Test Results


While wearing our arms out testing accuracy, we tried out all the features these monitors have to offer. We found out which work well and took notes on how easy these devices are to use. Overall, we're impressed with these monitors' price points and quality. We highlight the top models in each key performance area below.


What's the Best Value?


You'll get the best value out of a blood pressure monitor by finding the one that works for you. In some instances, that may mean spending a little more to meet your needs. If you tend to have higher blood pressure, need a highly accurate option, and would like to easily email your results to your physician, the top-notch Omron Platinum offers a solid value. That's doubly true if you have two people in your household that need to use it. But in most instances, we think the Alcédo offers the best value in the test. One of the most accurate options, it is also easy to use and has voice commands to instruct you and read your results out loud. It records 120 readings for two people if you want to share.

blood pressure monitor - the alcedo offers top-notch accuracy at a very reasonable price.
The Alcedo offers top-notch accuracy at a very reasonable price.
Credit: Clark Tate

Our test's most compact and tech-friendly options are also the most expensive. Of the three wireless and tubeless options we tested, the Omron Evolv is the most accurate and the easiest to use. The extra cost may be worth it to you to avoid the hassle of wrapping and unwrapping tubes and wires.

blood pressure monitor - the omron evolv is an accurate and self-contained unit.
The Omron Evolv is an accurate and self-contained unit.
Credit: Clark Tate

Accuracy


Your blood pressure changes with every move you make. A single measurement is just a snapshot of information. And blood pressure monitors take indirect measurements by compressing your artery. If you want a direct (i.e., completely accurate) reading, you'd need to stick a needle into your artery and hook it up to a manometer, which can be dangerous — not to mention painful. Since your blood pressure varies, and you're only getting secondhand information about it, it's essential to take measurements at the same time of the day and under the same conditions to get an idea of what's going on with your heart.


Tips to Take Accurate Blood Pressure Measurements:
Remember that blood pressure trends are much more important than an individual measurement. To get the most out of your monitor, make sure to use it at the same time every day. Morning is best.
  • Don't eat, bathe, exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol or caffeine 30 minutes before taking your measurement.
  • Don't sit near your computer or cell phone while taking the measurement.
  • Sit in a quality chair that supports your back, place your feet flat on the floor, and relax for five to ten minutes before the measurement.
  • Rest your test arm (usually your left) on a table and place the cuff level with your heart.
  • Always measure the same arm at the same time of day.
  • Communicate your findings with a healthcare professional. Only they have the training to interpret the readings.
  • Watch online videos from reputable medical and healthcare facilities to learn more.

blood pressure monitor - dr. glen tate demonstrates proper blood pressure-taking posture...
Dr. Glen Tate demonstrates proper blood pressure-taking posture. He'd like you to know that he is also thinking happy thoughts, and you should too.
Credit: Clark Tate

Since blood pressures continually fluctuate, shifts of 10 to 20 mmHg naturally occur from moment to moment. To account for that, we looked for relative differences between the monitors. Some never varied more than 10 mmHg, others did over 35% of the time. Since 10 mmHg is enough variation to shift you from a healthy blood pressure classification group to a concerning one, we use that as our primary accuracy marker.

blood pressure monitor - nearly as accurate as the best monitors and far more convenient, the...
Nearly as accurate as the best monitors and far more convenient, the wireless and tubeless Evolv is an excellent option.
Credit: Clark Tate

The most accurate monitors we tested are the Alcédo, Omron Platinum, Omron Evolv, and Omron Bronze. Only two readings from the Evolv and Bronze, and one from the Alcédo, deviated from the control by 10 mmHg or more. The Platinum never varied by that amount.

blood pressure monitor - the omron platinum produced the most accurate test results of all...
The Omron Platinum produced the most accurate test results of all models tested.
Credit: Clark Tate

We've tested some of these devices several times now, for example, the Balance Greater Goods Cuff Kit. It did very well in our first round of tests, with only one concerning reading. In the latest round, it had three. We still consider it to be an accurate monitor, but less so.

The iHealth Track Smart, Paramed Automatic Accurate, and QardioArm Wireless Monitor were average performers in the test, with a few more readings that varied 10 mmHg or more. The Withings BPM Connect and LifeSource are slightly behind those, with only one more measurement beyond the marker than the QardioArm, but their numbers range more widely. We still think they work well enough to take regular blood pressure measurements and determine trends over time.

The other monitors are less accurate. Though they would probably do a reasonable job of tracking your blood pressure over time, it's hard to recommend them over more accurate options within similar price ranges.

How to Choose the Right Cuff Size
According to the American Medical Association, all you need is a flexible tape measure, though a second person is helpful.
Step 1 — Measure your arm, typically the left, from the top of your shoulder to the point of your elbow. (Technically speaking, from the acromion process to the olecranon process.)
Step 2 — Find the midpoint and, thus, the middle of your upper arm.

Step 3 — Wrap the tape measure around the midpoint to find your arm's circumference in inches or centimeters.

General size range recommendations are as follows:
Small Adults: 22-26 cm or 8.7-10.2 in
Average Adults: 27-34 cm or 10.6-13.4 in
Large Adults: 35-44 cm or 13.8-17.3 in
Larger Adults: 45-52 cm or 17.7-20.5 in

blood pressure monitor - having a cuff that fits is essential for an accurate measurement.
Having a cuff that fits is essential for an accurate measurement.
Credit: Clark Tate

Ease of Use


To identify blood pressure trends, we are looking for changes over time. To collect meaningful data, you need frequent and consistent results. Experts recommend getting a reading once a day at around the same time. With that in mind, it's ideal if the process is easy to do.


The Omron Evolv Wireless blows by the competition here. It has a molded cuff, making it as easy to pull on as a bracelet. Once you do that and manipulate it into the right location with the help of the user manual, all you have to do is press the start button to get a reading. To view that reading later, you'll need to download the app, link it to your device, and press the upload button on the monitor. The second process is less seamless but worth it to us for the everyday ease of taking a quick reading.

blood pressure monitor - the molded evolv cuff makes it the easiest to pull on by far.
The molded Evolv cuff makes it the easiest to pull on by far.
Credit: Clark Tate

With a generous screen showing current and past readings, the Omron Platinum is a close runner-up. It has a button to toggle between users, one that averages your morning readings, and a memory button. You do have to poke around the user manual to figure out some of the more advanced functions, like setting up a three-reading average measurement, but it's not intimidating. The comfy cuff also has a “how-to” diagram for easy placement.

blood pressure monitor - the omron platinum is a straightforward device with dedicated...
The Omron Platinum is a straightforward device with dedicated buttons for almost anything you need it to do. It requires a very small learning curve that the manual walks you through.
Credit: Clark Tate

Like the Platinum, the Balance Greater Goods Cuff has clearly labeled buttons and performs a straightforward function. The cuff also has a graphic to help you align it correctly. The only hitch in the easy-peasy armor is that you must enter your data into the Balance Health app or a notebook if you want to save more than 60 readings. (The Greater Goods Bluetooth option solves this problem, letting you upload data, but its poor results in the accuracy test keep us from recommending it.)

The Omron Bronze is also straightforward. You've got a START/STOP button and a button to scroll through all 14 of your recorded readings, so it's hard to get confused.

The Alcédo and practically identical ParaMed are only slightly more complicated to use than the top options — mostly because they make it harder to switch between users. You need to press the SET button while the units are asleep and alternate between users with the MEM button to achieve the switch. On the upside, they talk to you, reminding you to keep calm and still during measurement, and they then read your results back out to you.

Both of these devices used to play annoying music while taking a blood pressure measurement. The 2022 version of the Alcédo we tested no longer does. We tested the ParaMed in 2020, and it may still play music. Regardless, we recommend the Alcédo since it is slightly more accurate. (You can place both units in silent mode by pressing the “Set” button twice when the power is off.)

blood pressure monitor - the alcedo is easy to use, you'll just need to read the instruction...
The Alcedo is easy to use, you'll just need to read the instruction manual to figure out how to switch users.
Credit: Clark Tate

The two techiest options, the QardioArm Wireless and Withings BPM Connect, aren't that hard to figure out. However, they do require some time and effort to do so. The iHealth Track Smart monitor is similar, though we did find ourselves checking the manual frequently, and it's not the most clear.

blood pressure monitor - the withings bpm connect shows readings on the monitor itself and...
The Withings BPM Connect shows readings on the monitor itself and automatically loads it to the app, making it easy to keep up with.
Credit: Clark Tate

The Life Source model is straightforward but oddly finicky. It's hard to take two blood pressure readings in rapid succession, for example, and it makes it harder to check past readings than most options do.

blood pressure monitor - the qardioarm features unlimited memory, like all of the app-based...
The QardioArm features unlimited memory, like all of the app-based devices.
Credit: Clark Tate

Memory


Memory matters if you're doing the hard work of checking your blood pressure daily. You will want to make sure you can communicate that information to your doctor so your health will benefit.


The options in our lineup with apps have virtually unlimited memory. The QardioArm and Withings monitors automatically upload your readings, chart them, and save them. Both make it easy to email the recordings to yourself or your doctor.

The Omron app also provides these services, but you have to press some buttons to transfer your records via Bluetooth with the Platinum and the Evolv or manually enter them with the Bronze. Otherwise, the Omron Bronze only has space for 14 readings for a single user. The iHealth Track monitor holds 99 readings unless you upload them to the iHealth MyVitals app. Then, with the touch of a button, they become unlimited.

Tip:
Not sure how to email your blood pressures to your doctor or prefer a blood pressure monitor that doesn't offer this option? Just take your blood pressure monitor with you to your next appointment.

blood pressure monitor - the platinum has limited internal memory (100 for each of 2 users)...
The Platinum has limited internal memory (100 for each of 2 users), but you can transfer it over to the Omron app for more storage.
Credit: Clark Tate

The ParaMed and Alcédo have twice the memory of the Balance Greater Goods Cuff, 120 readings for each of two users instead of only 60. But the Balance has an app for you to upload your readings manually. The LifeSource only records 60 entries for one user.

If you measure your blood pressure every day for years, the reduced memory of simpler models will require you to use an external tracking system like a notebook or spreadsheet.

blood pressure monitor - you can easily scroll through your readings on the platinum by...
You can easily scroll through your readings on the Platinum by pressing the memory button.
Credit: Clark Tate

Features


Most of these monitors will do a fine or even great job of measuring your blood pressure. But what else will they do for you? All of the options we tested give you your heart rate along with your blood pressure. All but one, the Withings, will alert you if they detect an irregular heartbeat. They also interpret your blood pressure using color codes based on the American Heart Association or the World Health Organization hypertension guidelines. And you'll get a case or sack with all but the Omron Bronze, iHealth Track, and Vive Precision. The QardioArm, Omron Evolv, and Withings wrap themselves up in tidy little packages.


You can set up the Omron Platinum, the QardioArm Wireless, and the Withings BPM Connect to take three measurements in a row and average them to enrich the data. The ParaMed and Alcédo will average your last three readings. This will give you an idea of what is going on over time. The Platinum has a dedicated button to average your morning readings (morning is a great time to schedule consistent daily measurements) to summarize data at a glance.

blood pressure monitor - the qardioarm wireless monitor is as featureless as it gets to the...
The QardioArm Wireless Monitor is as featureless as it gets to the eye, but its integrated app connects it to an entire digital ecosystem.
Credit: Clark Tate

The talking ParaMed and Alcédo are very useful if you have trouble seeing the monitor with or without your glasses. The ParaMed we tested also played bad music, as did the first version of the Alcédo we tested. The version we retested in 2022 no longer has a soundtrack — it only speaks to you, and we really appreciate that. It's a lot to commit to listening to someone else's tune choice every day.

Stay healthy
Adding a top-rated face mask can potentially help you avoid illnesses that could cause health-related issues.

blood pressure monitor - janet's a little too excited to take her blood pressure right now...
Janet's a little too excited to take her blood pressure right now, we had to give it a minute.
Credit: Clark Tate

Conclusion


We hope we've helped you find the perfect blood pressure monitor for your home health care, and if you're looking for a way to get quick readings through the day, a top smartwatch or a portable pulse oximeter may be an additional tool worth considering. To get you ready for a proper reading, we'd like you to relax. Take a deep breath in. Let it out. Imagine you're swinging in a shade-cooled hammock beside a sun-struck beach. The white sand looks cool in the oblique light, but the sun is warm where a ray warms your feet. Birds are singing…

Clark Tate