5 Best Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use

Did you know that roughly one in three Americans suffers from high blood pressure? Even worse, this condition is frequently dubbed a “silent killer” since it can cause damage to your body before symptoms or warning signs appear. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep tabs on your blood pressure by purchasing a monitor to use at home.

Monitoring blood pressure periodically is a good health practice for anyone, but it’s especially important for:

• Anyone at risk for high blood pressure or related conditions
• Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure/hypertension
• Anyone currently being treated for high blood pressure/hypertension (to evaluate the effectiveness of their medication)
• Following up on (potentially) false readings
• Pregnant women with preeclampsia or hypertension

A Few Blood Pressure Monitor Options to Consider

• Wrist Versus Upper Arm Monitor There are two main types of blood pressure monitors — wrist and upper arm. Wrist monitors are often smaller, lighter, and more portable. They also offer a greater degree of comfort. However, it can be tricky to figure out the proper placement to get an accurate reading since your wrist is not at your heart level. It’s easier to get consistent results with an upper arm monitor.
• Complete Readings It’s important to buy a monitor that tracks both systolic and diastolic pressure; these are the two numbers that you’ve heard put together when your doctor checks your pressure (such as 120 over 80). Additionally, you might also consider choosing a device that measures your pulse rate.
• Cuff Size All upper arm monitors require the use of a cuff. While they are typically adjustable, you still need to be certain that it will fit your arm properly. If a cuff is too large or too small, you won’t get an accurate reading.
• Features When investing in a blood pressure monitor, you must consider any special features you might want or need. Some monitors just offer basic readings whereas others can track and graph your data, time stamp your readings, connect to your smartphone or tablet, and even accommodate multiple users.
• Automatic Versus Manual You can purchase blood pressure monitors that operate either automatically or manually. While automatic monitors typically only require you to press a button, manual monitors must be pumped by hand (using a rubber bulb). The automatic option is generally better if you haven’t received the proper training on the technique .
• Ease of Use Like most devices, blood pressure monitors can range from simple to fairly complex. Keep this in the back of your mind as you make your selection. After all, you want a monitor that doesn’t make it difficult to set up or interpret results.
• Time Some monitors can read your blood pressure in as little as 20 seconds whereas others can take over a minute. Though the difference might seem negligible, some people appreciate any and all time saved (especially if they find the cuff uncomfortable).
• Warranty Take a look at each monitors’ warranty before you make a purchase. It’s common for these devices to be covered anywhere from one to three years.
• Calibration Most blood pressure monitors require calibration roughly every two years. This is typically done by the manufacturer. Before buying, find out how this process works and if you’ll incur any additional costs.

Now that you understand which features to look for, take a look at our 5 top picks for blood pressure monitors.

Just so you know, all products featured here are selected by Everyday Health’s commerce team and meet our standards for performance and quality. If you buy something, Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall Blood Pressure Monitor

Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

It’s easy to understand why the Omron 10 Series is one of the best rated blood pressure monitors available. For starters, it’s simple to use: just slip the adjustable, pre-formed cuff around your arm and press start. The cuff, which fits a 9-17” circumference, inflates automatically, and provides an accurate reading. You can test the accuracy, too, since it gives you an average of your last three readings (taken within a 10-minute window). The backlit screen and extra-large numbers makes the display easy to read. Additionally, the monitor can be used by two people, and stores their last 100 readings. A companion app is also available for further data storage. Beyond measuring your blood pressure, the monitor also scans for irregular heartbeat.

Available from @ESGdm starting at $61

Best Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is a great device for gadget lovers. As the name suggests, it’s wireless. In fact, there’s no display at all. You simply wrap the cuff around your arm and connect it to a companion app that syncs your data automatically. Indeed, it displays and stores your readings and also enables you to send a detailed report to your doctor. And since it’s fairly compact, you can test your blood pressure either at home or when you’re on the go.

Available from @ESGdm starting at $140

Best Simple Blood Pressure Monitor

Panasonic Portable Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

This blood pressure monitor from Panasonic is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, no frills device. To operate, you only need to apply the cuff and push the start button. And its large LCD display makes it really easy to read your results. Additionally, the monitor has an automatic memory that captures your last 90 readings so you can quickly track your numbers over time and identify any changes.

Available from @ESGdm starting at $52

Best Budget-Friendly Blood Pressure Monitor

LotFancy Blood Pressure Monitor

Extremely affordable, LotFancy’s blood pressure monitor is FDA-approved and a cinch to operate. It comes with a standard adult-sized cuff that automatically inflates/deflates at the touch of a button. The monitor’s LCD display is easy to read and shows both systolic and diastolic pressure as well as pulse rate. Even better, LotFancy can average your last three readings for optimal results, while also storing up to 30 readings for four different users. The monitor also detects irregular heartbeats.

Available at @ESGdm starting at $27

Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

Omron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

If you prefer a wrist monitor, look no further than the Omron 7 Series. Thanks to its slim size and silent inflation, you can discreetly check your blood pressure on the go. It also features heart zone guidance technology to help ensure your wrist is properly placed at heart level. Like other models, the 7 Series automatically averages your last three readings (over a period of ten minutes). It also stores up to 100 readings, allowing you to get a comprehensive picture of your heart health.

Available at @ESGdm starting at $58