Polar H7 Bluetooth Low Power Heart Rate Monitor In Depth Review
Today we are continuing on our journey to learn more about heart rate monitors, and the best way to choose the right one. Today we review the Polar H7 Low Power Bluetooth 4.0 Heart Rate Monitor.
Before we get started, we should probably have a quick discussion about Bluetooth Low Energy. So what is Bluetooth Low Energy? Bluetooth Low Energy is a feature of the latest Bluetooth specification, Bluetooth 4.0. Different manufacturers call it by different names; Bluetooth Low Power, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Bluetooth 4.0. Thew advantages of Bluetooth Low Power is that they consume a fraction of the power of classic Bluetooth products. So why should you care? Because products that use this new Bluetooth protocol may not be compatible with old phones. As an example, the Polar H7, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy (which we will call BLE from now on), is only compatible with the iPhone 4S and the Motorola Razr Droid. So even though all other smart phones have built in Bluetooth, those phones are not compatible with the Polar H7. To solve this problem, Polar makes two versions of Bluetooth heart rate monitors. Polar makes the Polar H7, and the Polar Wearlink+ heart rate monitor straps. The main differences are shown below. This was taken directly from the Polar site:
You can see that the Polar Wearlink+ is compatible with Symbian, Blackberry, and Motorola Droid phones. This review will cover the Polar H7, connected to an Apple iPhone 4S.
What’s in the box?
Here is the product box:
Here’s what is inside the box:
The product includes the Bluetooth heart rate monitor strap, transmitter, manual, and box.
So what are the features and specs?
The Polar H7 heart rate sensor is designed to be used with a smart phone, or connected to one of the Polar training computers. The features are shown below:
- Compatible with iPhone 4S and Motorola Droid Razr
- Bluetooth Low Energy transmission
- Compatible with Polar training computers, including the FT series, RS100, RS200, RS300, RS400, CS100, CS200, CS300, and RCX5
- Also compatible with Polar compatible gym equipment using the 5 Khz coded protocol
- Can transmit up to 30 feet
- Battery life up to 350 hours
- User replaceable battery CR2025
- Soft, washable strap
Using the Polar H7
Before I could use the strap, I needed to decide what software I would use to log my workouts. I found that Endomondo and CardioMapper work, but I also found a trick on the internet that will get you up and running with Runkeeper. It seemed to work for me. Here is the video:
I used the Polar H7 with MapMyRun, RunKeeper, and Endomondo. It worked well with all three apps. I have included a few screen shots for fun:
The strap connected to all three apps, but to get it to work with RunKeeper, I needed to follow the video shown above. The strap felt great and worked well, with no dropouts or issues.
Thoughts, Opinions and Summary:
So, after using it for a while, what did I think of the hardware? The device paired easily, and the strap felt good. As is typical, I wore the strap for the day to gauge its comfort. I also used it during workouts, and it definitely felt as comfortable as any strap on the market. The Bluetooth connection was great, with no signal or dropout issues noticed in my data. I think as time goes on, more applications will support the Bluetooth Low Power heart rate monitors. Claimed battery life is better for the BLE heart rate straps than the standard Bluetooth HRM’s, but we have not verified the battery life of the Polar H7.
Pros:
- The connection was great.
- The strap was soft and comfortable.
- Claimed battery life is excellent for a Bluetooth HRM.
- Works with other Polar training computers and gym equipment using the built in 5KHz radio.
Cons:
- Not as many apps support BLE protocol yet.
- As with any phone application, all of the data that is based on GPS location information, such as speed and distance, is only as good as the GPS capabilities of the phone. The iPhone is pretty good, but not as good as a good GPS HRM watch.
Added May 14th, 2012
Last week, we reviewed the Polar H7 Bluetooth Low Energy heart rate monitor strap. This is a followup to that review. The review can be found here.
We have had many readers want more information on the Polar H7 Bluetooth Low Energy heart rate monitor strap. One of the biggest questions that readers have is, “Which iPhone apps work with the Polar H7?” So we set out to check all of the most popular apps that are out there. On the iPhone 4s, the apps that we test most often are:
- RunKeeper
- SportsTracker
- WahooFitness
- MapMyRun
- MapMyRun+
- EndoMondo
- Endomondo Pro
- iSmoothRun
- MapMyRide
- MapMyRide+
- runtastic
- Runmeter
- Jog Log
- LogYourRun
- Garmin Fit
So,…….the answer is………..all of them but SportsTracker and Garmin Fit. Of course, SportsTracker and Garmin Fit both sell their own hardware.
Here are images of all of the apps that work with the Polar H7. You can see the heart rate displayed on the screen for each app:
RunKeeper and WahooFitness
MapMyRun and MapMyRun+
Endomondo and Endomondo Pro
runtastic and Runmeter
Jog Log and LogYourRun
iSmoothRun
To get RunKeeper to work, you will typically need to follow the instructions on the following video:
So the bottom line – I was pretty amazed that I could get all of these apps to work with the Polar H7.
If you have any other apps that you want us to try, just leave us a comment, or send us an email and we’ll check ‘em out.
I needed a spare transmitter for my Polar FT7 watch, so I bought the H7, knowing that it doesn’t work with iPhone 4. While I’m waiting for iPhone 5, I thought I’d use the H7 with my iPad 3. Even though everything I’ve read says that iPad 3 is Bluetooth 4.0, I can’t get the H7 to sync. What gives?
Robert,
I also had a problem with apps that worked on the iPhone. I was able to get Runmeter and WahooFitness to work. I tried about 10 other apps, and couldn’t get them to work. I’m not sure what’s up. I will let you know if I find out more. Let me know the same.
Thanks,
John
My H7 linked to iPad 3 for a couple of workouts using DigiFit. (great app) After a couple of days, it stopped working in Bluetooth Low Energy. None of the apps link now. I’ve tried several different apps. The H7 doesn’t even show up under iPad setting, so I think it is a problem not limited to the app.
Like Robert, I bought the H7 to use as a spare HRM for my FT40. Was planning to use it most with the new iPhone since i have a 4 and not a 4S currently. Works fine in Polar xmit mode.
Another app to check is Digifit. I use this app a lot for my gym workouts and when I walk outside. I would like to know how the h7 works with the Digifit app.
Thanks,
Terri
Terri,
I tried Digifit with the Polar H7 on the iPhone 4S. Digifit says that it is still in Beta with Bluetooth 4.0, but it works just fine. We have added Digifit to the list of apps that we want to review in the coming months. To use Digifit a Bluetooth 4.0 HRM, there is a charge from Digfit of $2.99. Have fun with the HRM and app. (Don’t forget that you need the 4S to work with the Polar H7).
Your Comment
I’m looking for a good way to get an accurate handle on the calories I burn throughout the day. I had a fitbit, but often suspected I wasn’t getting entirely accurate numbers. If I wear the monitor during all waking hours (and not just while working out) will it work continuously to give me an accurate calorie read? I only want to do this for a few days to get a better feel for my actual calorie burn on workout days vs days at home chasing children…..
Any thoughts you have on this would be appreciated.
Thank you.
[...] Polar WearLink+ Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor In Depth Review Jun 012012 We are continuing on our journey to learn more about heart rate monitors, and the best way to choose the right one. Today we are reviewing the Polar Wearlink+ Bluetooth heart rate monitor. The Wearlink+ Bluetooth is made to work with Android phones. If you are looking for a Polar heart rate monitor that works with the iPhone 4S, check out our review of the Polar H7 Bluetooth Low Energy Heart Rate Monitor In-Depth Review. [...]
Hi,
Thanks for the review.
Is the Polar H7 better than the Wahoo Fitness Blue HR?
Morten,
We are doing a test on the BlueHR next week.
John
Hi,
Do you know if the H7 HRM works with BikeBrain? I have just started using this app and really like the interface.
Thank you for the review.
We have it on the list to test.
John
I have this HRM and it works well for me. LIke Peterdoes, I don’t need bells and whistles, so the FT7 is a good value for me. The only coalmpint I have is that the FT7 didn’t come with a decent instruction booklet. Instead, you are directed to their online site for additional information. Kind of irritating, but I suppose that if you are reading this, getting online isn’t that difficult for you. I was able to initially use the FT7 without going online though.
Can you explain to me how you got it working. I lost the original transmitter of my ft7 and now bought the h7 as a replacement part. But can’t get the two connected. Cheers, Onno
Onno,
The FT7 and H7 are not compatible. You will need to buy a replacement FT7 strap.
John
Hi,
I purchased the H7 heart monitor and tried to use it with a Droid Razr Maxx. It did not work. In fact, the H7 did not work with any application I tried. I visited Polar’s web site and ultimately found that the Polar H7 is only compatible with the Iphone 4S. Please see the following link for more information: http://www.polar.fi/en/support/FAQs/H7_heart_rate_sensor_compatibility
I will try the Wearlink + as that is compatible with my device according to Endomondo.
Safe travels,
Sam
Sam,
You are right. Originally, Polar claimed that it would work with the Droid Razr Maxx. They have removed this text, and now specify that it will only work with the iPhone 4s. Here is what is on their website:
The Polar H7 heart rate sensor provides live heart rate on your mobile training application, so you can make the most of every session. In addition to low energy Bluetooth smart technology, the H7 heart rate sensor uses coded 5 kHz transmission to connect with the majority of Polar training computers on the market and with compatible gym equipment. The soft fabric chest strap seamlessly adapts to your body shape, bringing full freedom of movement to your training.
* Uses Bluetooth smart technology and coded 5 kHz transmission, providing ECG-accurate heart rate to any Bluetooth smart ready device and compatible Polar training computers
* Makes it quick and easy to add heart rate to your smartphone
* Long transmission range (~10m)
* User replaceable battery
* Includes a soft and comfortable hand washable fabric chest strap
*Compatible with iPhone 4S
We will be clean this up in our update for the H7 next week.
Thanks,
John
I bought a H7 for my new Lg P880 phone. They connected to each other but finally Endomondo said there was no hrm device connected to the btooth 4.0 powered smart phone. How is this possible?
Based on my tech.knowledge this simply needs some “fine tuning”. I really hope that Polar and the sporttracker companies will find a solution.
[...] The only other heart rate monitor strap that works with the iPhone 4s and later is the Polar H7. If you want to learn more about the Polar H7, check out or review at “Polar H7 Low Power Heart Rate In Depth Review” [...]
Really like the H7. Since 2006 I’m running with Nike+ and sadly Nike doesn’t support the H7 (yet).
Here’s the support incident I logged with them:
“Currently the only option for logging your Heart Rate in Nike+ with this H7 belt on an iPhone 4S is via the iSmoothRun app: just run with this third party iOS app and share/ upload the complete run including track and HR profile to your Nike+ online logbook.
FYI I run with both RunKeeper and Nike+ Running apps active at the same time! This works well as a backup solution in case one of the two apps would crash mid- or post-run. In practise this happened to me on a few occasions mostly after new major version releases (e.g. 1st run with Nike+ Running v4.0.2).
Now I can run with 3 apps active simultaniously: RK, Nike+ and iSR. If one of the first two crashes, I can upload the run again to the online logbooks of both via iSR!
Nike+ please make the lives of 4S+H7 owners easier by implementing the required changes.”
Reply Nike support:
“Sorry to disappoint you that this H7 HR monitor will NOT be made made compatible with Nike+ on 4S. At least we currently don’t have plans to do so. I will forward your feedback to the proper department. At present only the Polar wearlink can be used with the following Nike+ devices: SportWatch GPS, SportBand en de iPod nano.”
Additionally: besides logging HR data via iSmoothRun to both my logbooks with Nike+ and Runkeeper, this this new H7 also works perfectly with my ancient Polar XTRAINER Plus coded watch from 1995! Really great since checking HR while running from your wrist is so much easier than from a locked 4S sitting snugly in a (upper) armband with a hard to access a terribly readable screen…
[...] Polar H7 Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Monitor In Depth Review [...]
Has anyone tried the H7/iPhone combination with Strava?
motionX-GPS?
I’m using The Strava app in combinatoir with aan iPhone 4S. Now I’ve plannen to Buyten The Polar H7 LP. Looking into the Strave compatible sensors I found ou that ” various sensors including heart rate monitors are supported”. Therefore my conclusion is that the H7 should work perfectly.
Looking at your overview and tested apps Strava is not mentioned. Is this because you just did not test is, or does the H7 not work?
Hope to hear from you
Thanks
Tiemo,
We do use Strava, and like the app, and are in the process of reviewing it. We have been testing it with a Garmin 210 and 610, and H7. The H7 is compatible with Strava:
Strava for iPhone is currently compatible with Wahoo bluetooth sensors (for iPhone 4S, 5) and the ANT+ Key for connecting to any ANT+ accessory (for iPhone 4, 4S). We are also compatible with the Polar H7 Bluetooth HRM.
-Elle, Strava Support
I hope this helps.
John
FYI,
Received confrimation by Strava as well. They confirmed the proper functioning in combination with the iPhone 4S & 5 and the mentioned Polar. Will order it based on their confirmation.
Keep you posted
Tiemo,
Thanks for the info. This is very helpful. Let us know if you learn anything else.
John
This is the transaltion of the message I posted on my Facebook page (need I say more):
This is what they call plug & play. Bought a Polar H7 heartrate monitor for my iPhone4s.The only thing I had to do is Launch Strava app. enable the bluetooth sensor and it works!
I know the H7 works with many apps, but can anyone confirm if it will work with several apps running at the same time. Sometimes I like to compare different apps because they seem to give different results. I heard BLE syncs with the app, not necessarily the phone so this may not allow it to sync with multiple concurrent apps. Has anyone with the H7 tried this?
Thanks
Hi
I want to use this but run nike+ for logging miles, cacn the polar beat app be run in the back ground so I can get the best of both worlds. Any solutions you have to use both would be great! Thanks
Does the polar H7 can be used with the nike+ application on the iPod nano 7th?
[...] Polar H7 Review [...]
[...] Polar H7 Bluetooth Low Energy Heart Rate Monitor Polar H7 Bluetooth Low Energy Heart Rate Monitor In Depth Review In-depth review. Read our review of the Polar H7 Bluetooth heart rate monitor strap. It uses the newest Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, with a battery life of up to 350 hours. This heart rate monitor is made to work with the iPhone 4S and newer. Price is $79.95. [...]