Garmin HRM-Pro Plus Review 2026: The Chest Strap Triathletes Still Need
Why a chest strap still beats your watch’s wrist sensor
Optical wrist heart rate has improved a lot, but it still struggles during hard efforts, cold-water swims, and anywhere your watch can shift on your wrist. The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus is a chest strap that uses ECG-based electrical detection rather than optical sensing, and it’s built to work across all three triathlon disciplines rather than just running.
Key specs
- Connectivity — Three concurrent Bluetooth connections plus unlimited ANT+, so it can pair with a watch, a bike computer and a smart trainer at the same time
- Swim use — 5ATM water resistance and a fit designed to stay in place during swimming, with swim interval heart rate data captured for later analysis
- Running dynamics — Tracks vertical oscillation, ground contact time and stride length, and unlocks running power on compatible Garmin watches
- Battery — Roughly one year from a single coin cell, with a tool-free quarter-turn battery door
- Fit range — Chest sizes 60–106cm
What reviewers say
DC Rainmaker and Trusted Reviews both rate the HRM-Pro Plus as consistently accurate across cycling, swimming and running, and comfortable enough for long sessions. The main criticism across reviews is price relative to simpler heart rate straps that give you accurate HR without the running-dynamics extras — worth considering if you only need basic zone data.
Price and where to buy
Garmin’s UK RRP is £119.99, though it’s regularly discounted below that on Amazon.
If you’re choosing between a strap and Garmin’s optical armband, our Garmin HRM-600 review covers that alternative, and our best heart rate monitors roundup compares both against cheaper options.
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