If you want to enhance your stream, using a heart rate monitor is an excellent way to achieve that.
However, many streamers would like to attempt something like that, but they are unsure how to set up a heart rate monitor for their viewers to see.
That’s why I created this straightforward guide, in which I will outline the heart rate monitor setup process.
Table of Contents
How to Set Up a Heart Rate Monitor for Streaming?
1. Put on your heart rate monitor
I assume you have a heart rate monitor for streaming, so this would be the first step.
Simply place the heart rate monitor around your chest and ensure that you do not experience any discomfort, as it can be quite distracting during streaming.
If you haven’t yet decided which heart rate monitor to purchase, be sure to check out my list of heart rate monitors for streaming below.
2. Connection and Setup
The next step is to set up a heart rate monitor and connect it to your stream.
For this, you will need an app or software that connects your heart rate to your stream and makes your heart rate visible during the broadcast.
3. Software and Apps
One of the most popular software options for setting up a heart rate monitor is GoldenCheetah, which requires an ANT+ connection. Therefore, you’ll need to be cautious about the type of heart rate monitor you purchase.
Then, there is Cardia, which is very similar to GoldenCheetah, but here you can connect your devices via Bluetooth, as ANT+ is not required.
However, I would like to highlight the Pulsoid app as my favorite.
For this app, you will need a basic heart rate monitor that supports Bluetooth, and you must ensure that your monitor is compatible with the Pulsoid app.
Afterward, you need to select your heart rate monitor in the Pulsoid app.
Pulsoid then provides you with the option to modify the appearance of the heart rate widget, allowing you to customize the color, alignment, range, and font on their website, pulsoid.net.
Finally, you need to copy the link located near the widget settings, add a browser source in your streaming software, and then paste the link into the widget as the source.
4. Final Choice
Whichever software or app you choose, you won’t go wrong.
They all function effectively and can assist you in delivering great enjoyment to your viewers while creating a high-quality and entertaining recording.
Heart rate monitors are increasingly being integrated into streaming.
They provide a completely different dimension to a stream, making it more engaging and realistic, and certainly enhance viewers’ impressions of a particular streamer.
But how do you choose the right one?
Fortunately, I know precisely what you need: a reliable heart rate monitor. But how can you determine which heart rate monitor is the best? I’m here to assist you.
With the list I’ve prepared, you will become acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of each heart rate monitor. Hopefully, this will assist you in making a decision about which heart rate monitor to purchase.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Heart Rate Monitor
 | Top Choice POLAR H10
| |
 | CooSpo H6
| |
 | Polar H7
|
1. POLAR H10
Best Overall
Stefan’s Take:
Polar H10 is my first choice because it has very good compatibility, supports both Bluetooth and ANT+ technologies, and supports GoPro Hero 4 and 5 options which can be a great possibility for a streamer.
I also liked that it’s waterproof, so I feel like there are no limits when it comes to its use. Also, as somebody that doesn’t like to think too much about recharging my devices, I appreciate that this heart rate monitor runs on coin cell batteries which you can simply replace when they run out.
| Accuracy | 10 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 10 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Price | 9 |
Since 1977, Polar has been a leading brand in heart rate monitors and technological innovations.
They assert that their products will enhance each user’s athletic performance and rehabilitation process.
Additionally, their products promote healthier living and are available in over 80 countries.
Why do I believe the Polar H10 is the best among these?
It is accurate, powerful, comfortable, precise, reliable, adaptable, and can therefore be used for various purposes.
Who is it ideal for?
This product is primarily designed for athletes and individuals who engage in sports regularly.
However, as more streamers incorporate heart rate monitors into their equipment, they can also serve that purpose.
Either way, the POLAR H10 will accomplish what’s most important: providing accurate and precise data.
Key Features
This heart rate monitor measures your heart rate and immediately sends the results to the Polar Beat app on your phone.
To begin the setup process, first download the required app and provide some information, including your age, weight, height, and so on.
The intriguing aspect is that you can use the app even if you haven’t set up an account.
However, if you intend to use the app on multiple devices, it may be beneficial to sign up.
Furthermore, when you place the monitor, you will need to moisten the electrodes on the strap to ensure it can conduct electricity and provide accurate results.
This fact is particularly important for streamers.
Specifically, if you are an athlete using this monitor during your sport practice, the electrodes will become wet from your sweat.
However, if you are a streamer, I can assume that you won’t be sweating, so you should use water to moisten the electrodes.
Regarding the design and comfort, it is so comfortable that you will nearly forget you’re wearing it.
Therefore, you will be able to fully enjoy the experience, whether you are training or streaming, knowing that your heart rate monitor won’t distract you.
The results you obtain will be highly accurate, as H10 utilizes ECG rather than optical technology.
Regarding connectivity and compatibility, the device and the app can connect to iOS mobile devices running iOS 11 or later.
For Android, you will need version 5 or later with Bluetooth 4.0 capability.
Subsequently, you can connect the H10 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
Regarding H10’s strengths, I would like to highlight its remarkable accuracy and the fact that you only need to have your phone at the start of the recording.
After that, even if your phone is out of range, it will sync and store the data later.
Conversely, the weakness is also associated with the phone.
Specifically, the H10 lacks a screen, so if your phone is out of reach, you won’t receive real-time feedback until you retrieve it.
If you use a GoPro, the Hero5 option allows you to overlay your heart rate data on any recorded video, which can be very useful for streamers.
The device uses a standard coin cell battery, so you won’t need to charge it.
Additionally, the battery is highly durable, lasting up to 400 hours. It is also worth mentioning that this heart rate monitor is waterproof.
Pros
- Very accurate
- Very good battery life
- Comfortable
- GoPro Hero 4 & 5 options
Cons
- No real-time feedback without phone
2. CooSpo H6
Excellent budget choice
Stefan’s Take:
CooSpo H6 was quite pleasant to wear. It fits tightly without causing any discomfort. I put just a bit of water on its electrodes, and it collected data for several hours without almost no delays.
I also liked the Bluetooth and ANT transmission and compatibility with different apps besides the dedicated CooSpo app. It does work the best with this app, but if you prefer another app, it should connect to that one without any problems too.
| Accuracy | 10 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Price | 10 |
CooSpo is a Chinese company that was founded in 2011.
Their products are highly popular and are distributed in more than 50 countries, primarily in Europe, Australia, and North America.
CooSpo asserts that this heart rate monitor is soft, comfortable, and compatible. Here is my opinion.
Who is it most suitable for?
Like the previous model, this heart rate monitor can be used by anyone for various purposes.
However, if you are a streamer who, let’s be honest, needs a heart rate monitor just for fun, I believe this one might be a better option for you, as it is very affordable and can still perform well.
Nevertheless, I am confident that CooSpo’s competitive pricing will attract many people’s attention.
Key Features
In addition to offering an excellent price-quality ratio, this device also boasts accurate results.
The CooSpo heart rate monitor is waterproof, and my findings indicate that it is compatible via Bluetooth and ANT+ with a range of GPS devices, smartphones, and apps (such as Strava, Zwift, Wahoo, etc.).
Additionally, you will be able to view your heart rate in real-time. The strap is comfortable to wear, machine washable, and adjustable in length from 165 to 240 cm.
Similar to the previous model, the battery does not need to be charged, and the electrodes must be wet when you begin using the monitor.
These mentioned aspects are what CooSpo got right.
Regarding the things they got wrong, there are several points to mention.
First of all, this device does not have integrated memory, which means you will not be able to view your previous heart rate results.
Furthermore, although I haven’t encountered this type of problem during my evaluation process, I must mention it.
It is not compatible with many apps, and only a limited number functioned well with this monitor.
Furthermore, because I haven’t used it for a long time, I have been unable to gather data on battery durability.
I estimate that you should be able to use the monitor for over 50 hours before needing to replace the batteries, which is a commendable battery life.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Good accuracy
- Good price-quality relationship
Cons
- Possible limited compatibility
- No integrated memory
3. Polar H7
The Most Accurate Heart Rate Monitor
Stefan’s Take:
This is another heart rate monitor that performed beyond my expectations. I wasn’t sure how it would work, considering that it uses only one type of technology: Bluetooth.
However, this doesn’t impact its performance. I was able to track my heart rate in real-time with zero latency in the Polar app.
Also, the strap is comfortable and doesn’t cause itching or irritations, which is important when you’re wearing it for several hours during live streams.
| Accuracy | 10 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Price | 9 |
Regarding H7, Polar offers numerous possibilities and exceptional accuracy.
Additionally, they guarantee strong connectivity, high-quality and dependable devices, comfortable straps, and outstanding battery life.
Who is it most suitable for?
Unlike the previous heart rate monitor, this one can be easily used by both streamers and athletes, as it meets all expectations.
Typically, this monitor is pricier, but you will receive significantly better quality.
In summary, your decision will primarily depend on how much money you are willing to spend and how reliable you want the device to be.
Key Features
H7 relies solely on Bluetooth technology, in contrast to some competing heart rate monitors that also utilize ANT+.
Similar to other Polar heart rate monitors, the H7 also utilizes ECG rather than optical technology, which delivers more accurate results.
H7 utilizes a standard coin cell battery (CR2025), which, based on previous experience, ensures at least a couple of years of use before requiring replacement.
This type of battery is readily available and inexpensive, so you won’t have any difficulty locating a replacement.
In addition to its durable battery, the primary strength of this heart rate monitor is the Polar Beat app, which is excellent, user-friendly, and offers real-time results.
Regarding H7’s drawbacks, I find it difficult to identify many.
The only aspect I believe is worth mentioning is the poor compatibility with numerous apps.
It is essential to wet the electrodes before measuring your heart rate, just as with any other monitor.
H7 is slightly bulkier than some competing monitors in terms of design.
The strap is comfortable, and I noticed that it doesn’t cause any irritation or discomfort. You can choose from three available colors: black, pink, and blue.
The strap can be easily washed in the washing machine, and the device itself is waterproof.
In conclusion, I can say that this heart rate monitor exceeded my expectations.
Pros
- Good accuracy
- Good price-quality relationship
- Great Polar Beat app
- Comfortable
Cons
- No ANT+
- Not so good compatibility
4. CooSpo IP67
Ideal for streaming
Stefan’s Take:
CooSpo IP67 is a heart rate monitor that’s compatible with different apps making it the best for streaming. Also, it’s quite accurate, thanks to Bluetooth and ANT+ technologies.
I didn’t have any issues with the battery life, even after using it for several hours every day for a week. However, I did see quite a few complaints about battery duration, so this is something to be aware of.
| Accuracy | 9 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Price | 9 |
CooSpo characterizes its IP67 model as precise, efficient, and robust.
They also assert that it is highly compatible with various apps and can be connected through multiple sources.
Finally, they claim that the strap is of high quality and comfortable.
Who is it most suitable for?
Considering that this heart rate monitor offers solid performance for its price, I can say that it is suitable for use as a Twitch heart rate monitor.
Of course, it can also be used for training. However, I believe you could find a better monitor for that purpose, as individuals who want to use a heart rate monitor for Twitch streaming primarily require a durable battery.
At the same time, athletes are increasingly interested in the actual performances of the monitor.
Key Features
IP67 offers reliable Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ connections, functioning effectively without any significant issues.
These connection options allow you to connect this monitor to multiple devices, which is a crucial feature for streamers.
When you are connected and the device begins measuring your heart rate, the LED light indicator will respond, and you will hear a beep.
IP 67 is extremely lightweight, and the strap is very comfortable, ensuring that you won’t feel any pressure or pain even after several hours of streaming and wearing it.
One of the main strengths of this device, and an improvement over the previous model, is its significantly faster connection.
If you’re in a hurry, you can be confident that this monitor won’t slow you down.
Conversely, I must highlight a concern regarding battery durability as an area for improvement.
Although CooSpo claims that the battery can last up to 12 months, many users have reported significant issues, with the battery lasting only a month, a few weeks, or even just one week.
Of course, this will depend on how frequently you stream and for how long. I wore it for several days, a few hours each day, and the battery remained strong.
Pros
- Good connectivity
- Cool LED lights
- Comfortable
- Cheap
Cons
- No memory
- Bad battery life
Things to Consider When Buying a Heart Rate Monitor for Streaming
1. Accuracy
Even though you will use the heart rate monitor for entertainment purposes as a streamer, you still want to obtain real and accurate information.
Therefore, while accuracy may not be the most crucial feature for a streamer, it is still significant enough to be included on this “things to consider” list.
2. Compatibility and Connection
This may be the most crucial feature for a streamer, as you need to connect your heart rate monitor to your streaming device.
You will want your heart rate monitor to be compatible with as many devices and apps as possible. Additionally, it is essential to know whether it supports Bluetooth, ANT+, or both technologies.
3. Comfort
We all know that streams typically last for at least a couple of hours, so it’s important to feel comfortable during that time.
If a heart rate monitor’s strap is uncomfortable and causes irritation or pressure, you won’t feel well during the stream, which is one of the most important aspects.
Therefore, choose wisely, review our list, and select a heart rate monitor with a soft strap.
5. Price
Price is always a significant factor.
We believe that all devices on this list are affordable; however, the final decision rests with you, based on your financial situation and how much you wish to invest in a heart rate monitor.
Conclusion
First and foremost, I hope you found this list helpful.
I would like to briefly highlight my top three choices:
Whichever option you choose, I hope you are satisfied with your purchase and that you have successfully connected your heart rate monitor using the provided short step-by-step guide.
Enjoy your streaming!
Related: Best Streaming Deck
