We researched the best blood pressure monitors and created this guide to help you identify the best one for you.
Omron Platinum
Averages 3 readings
Detects irregular heartbeats
Unlimited users in app
Greater Goods
Averages 3 readings
Detects irregular heartbeats
2 users
LifeSource
Averages all readings
Detects irregular heartbeats
1 user only
Security Expert, Safety & Tech Reporter
For those with high blood pressure, monitoring your health at home can help you and your doctor keep track of how treatments are working and make adjustments to improve your health.
One of the best tools for the job is the Omron Platinum. This automatic blood pressure monitor can help you and your doctor spot trends between appointments.
Find other blood pressure monitors with expanded cuff sizes or lower price points below.
Top 5 best blood pressure monitors
- : Best overall
- : Nurse recommended
- : Best for budget
- : Best cuff size options
- : Best app
Blood pressure monitor reviews
1. Omron Platinum: Most accurate blood pressure monitor
The Omron Platinum (about $75) packs accuracy and storage into one powerful device. This blood pressure monitor comes with TruRead technology for clinically accurate results, and its mobile app can store unlimited pressure readings from an equally endless number of users.
Unlimited users with mobile app
TruRead technology for improved accuracy
Up to 200 stored readings on the device
Limited cuff size for smaller arms
Only two users without the mobile app
Poor mobile app performance
Clinical accuracy
The Omron Platinum Bluetooth blood pressure monitor is also very accurate because it uses advanced averaging and TruRead technology. Advanced averaging gives an average result of your last three consecutive tests for more consistent results. TrueRead takes advanced averaging a step further by performing all three pressure readings during the same session. It’s not as fast as a regular test but helps provide precise results.
Mobile app has issues
There are two downsides to this Omron blood pressure monitor: the cuff and the mobile app. The cuff tends to be larger, so it might not be as accurate if you have small arms. But the mobile app is a bigger problem, with most user reviews citing poor performance and an inability to sync readings on their smartphones properly. Overall, we recommend the Omron Platinum more for its accurate readings than its mobile app.
Stores 100 readings per user
Even without the mobile app, the monitor tracks readings for two users, so another family member can use it. It has enough storage space for 200 readings (100 for each user). This high memory storage tracks your history longer to help your doctor know if your medication works properly.
2. Lazle JPD-HA101: Nurse recommended
Lazle blood pressure monitors come highly recommended from our own expert advisor, Sally Russell, as well as her other nursing colleagues. “Lazle came up in my conversations with other healthcare providers," she told us.
"The two people who had patients who had gotten these lately had lots of good things to say about them,” including its large, easy-to-read display that date stamps readings, leaving you with fewer numbers to commit to memory.
Up to 100 readings per user
Recommended by health professionals
Incorrect usage alerts
Lazle also alerts users when they put the machine on wrong, so you’ll avoid incorrect readings. It will store readings for two people, and the adjustable cuff helps ensure a good fit for both users.
Stores 100 readings per user
All these features are great, but according to Russell, memory is key. “One thing that I looked at with all of these [blood pressure monitors] is how often they can take their [patients’] blood pressure. I know two people who take theirs several times a day, and that can be a problem with some products if they only have limited memory.”
This Lazle model can record up to 100 readings per user. Once that space is full, it erases the oldest record.
3. Greater Goods BP Monitor: Best for budgets
The Greater Goods BP Monitor is accurate, versatile, and easy to use. We especially like its large, backlit display that’s easier to read than the screens on most other blood pressure monitors. The only real downside is low memory storage compared to other monitors on the market, but if that doesn’t bother you, this blood pressure cuff is a great value.
Comes with a carrying case
Average storage capacity for readings
Accessible display
The large LCD screen makes this home blood pressure monitor incredibly user friendly. The numbers and buttons are big, so you won’t need glasses to see your results. Most online customers rave about this monitor’s accuracy, so you can trust that the results will greatly assist your doctor in managing your blood pressure.
Smaller cuff than other monitors
It has a comfortable cuff that’s easy to put on and fits on most arm sizes (8.75–16.5 inches). This blood pressure machine also comes with a handy carrying bag that holds the monitor and its accessories. This is ideal for tossing in your bag for a doctor's appointment or packing before a road trip.
There’s not much memory storage, so you won’t be able to keep an in-depth log. This Greater Goods blood pressure monitor holds no more than 60 records each for two users. Still, we think this is the best blood pressure monitor for most folks.
4. LifeSource: Best cuff size options
The LifeSource blood pressure monitor by A&D Medical stands out because its cuffs come in a wide range of sizes to fit all kinds of folks. If you have a big arm and struggle to squeeze yourself into tiny little cuffs, you’ll appreciate the size of LifeSource (Extra Large Cuff). Finding the right cuff makes a big difference in accurately gauging your blood pressure levels.
Irregular heartbeat detector
Average storage capacity for readings
Improved accuracy for larger arms
We like the LifeSource extra large cuff because it fits arms (16.5–23.6 inches) that are too big for every other BP monitor on our list (about 9.0–16.5 inches). This is great for people with particularly muscular builds because they don’t have to settle for less accurate readings from a wrist blood pressure monitor or finger-type blood pressure monitor.
Stores fewer readings than other BPMs
One big miss on this blood pressure monitor is the memory storage. It stores only up to 60 readings, which is average compared to other monitors on the market. While this is acceptable on cheaper devices, it’s not great on a single-user device that costs over $100.
Ultimately, we think this is an excellent option if you don’t fit the average arm circumference of most people.
5. Withings BPM Connect: Best mobile app
The Withings BPM Connect is a compact blood pressure monitor that connects to your smartphone with an excellent mobile app. The Withings app is easy to use and presents information in an easy-to-understand way.
Unlimited cloud storage for your readings
Only holds eight readings on device
Best as a single-user device
Portable blood pressure monitor
The Withings BPM Connect is also an attractive device that looks more like a small Bluetooth speaker than a blood pressure meter. There’s a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six months on a charge, which goes perfectly with the small size to make this BP monitor ideal for trips or even just carrying around in a bag during errands.
The device has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections to sync your readings. The Wi-Fi is especially helpful because the BPM Connect automatically stores your readings online. This convenient feature streamlines the way you track your blood pressure level and simplifies sharing results with your doctor.
Low storage capacity without app
This Withings blood pressure monitor stores an abysmal eight readings—the lowest capacity on our list. While this isn’t a problem as long as you have internet access, it makes the unit a little harder to take on trips. This monitor technically supports multiple users, but switching the device between users with different Withings accounts isn’t a smooth process. You may want to keep this to a single user.
Despite its relatively high price compared to other BP monitors, we think the Withings BPM Connect is a great portable option for people that love smart tech.
Other brands we considered
Paramed blood pressure monitor
The Paramed Blood Pressure Monitor has a large digital display that is easy to read. It also stores up to 120 readings. If you have more than one person that needs to save readings it will save two profiles for two different users.
2022 LAZLE Blood Pressure Monitor
The 2022 LAZLE Blood Pressure Monitor is the younger brother of the one recommended in our picks and features some upgrades. It stores 200 readings for two users instead of 100. It still features the large, bold screen we like.
How to use a blood pressure monitor
Steps to use a digital blood pressure monitor
Take an accurate in-home blood pressure reading using digital blood pressure monitors by following the steps below:
- Get ready. Make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. Your bladder should be empty, as a full one can impact the reading. Avoid smoking, exercise, and caffeine before taking your blood pressure.
- Sit down. A comfortable sitting position is also the best position for taking a blood pressure reading. Remove any clothing that is tight or bulky around the upper arm, or roll up your sleeve. Place both feet on the floor (no crossed legs!) and rest your forearm comfortably on a table at heart level. Place your arm with the palm of your hand facing up.
- Find your pulse. Locate the brachial artery by finding your pulse in the center of your elbow. Press your index and middle fingers lightly against the inside of your elbow. If you can’t find it by feeling, use the upper arm cuff to locate your pulse.
- Use the right size of cuff. For an accurate reading, you need a blood pressure arm cuff that fits correctly. The length of the cuff should equal at least 80% of the circumference of your upper arm.
- Apply the blood pressure cuff. Wrap the cuff around your upper arm (it might help to have someone assist you). The lower edge of the cuff should be about one inch above the pit of your elbow. The arm cuff should feel snug, but not tight.
- Power up the monitor. Press the power button on your automatic blood pressure monitor to turn it on. You should see all the display symbols flash on the screen, followed by a zero. The zero means that the monitor is ready for action.
- Inflate the cuff. Press the start button if your digital monitor has automatic cuff inflation.
- Get your readings. Watch the monitor for the pressure readings. They will display on either the left or right side of the screen. You’ll hear a long beep, which means the blood pressure measurement is complete. Take note of the pressures on the display.
- Systolic blood pressure should be on the left or the top of the screen.
- Diastolic pressure should be on the right side of the screen or just below the systolic blood pressure reading.
- The monitor may also display your pulse rate.
- Many monitors also track if there’s an irregular heartbeat, which may indicate undiagnosed health issues.
- Finally, allow the cuff to deflate completely before taking it off.
What to do if your reading is inaccurate
Sometimes you’ll get a BP measurement that just doesn’t make sense. This is fairly common, especially when you’re new to home blood pressure monitoring.
If you didn’t get an accurate reading, don’t immediately re-inflate the blood pressure cuff. Remove the cuff and give yourself at least one minute before reapplying the cuff and repeating the steps to measure your blood pressure.
The American Heart Association recommends taking your new home blood pressure monitor with you to your next doctor’s appointment.1 You can ask questions, and your doctor can make sure you’re using the monitor correctly.
You can also verify that your home monitor gets the same results as the equipment in your doctor’s office. It’s good practice to bring in your home monitor at least once a year to make sure readings are still accurate.
Consistent blood pressure monitoring is key
Staying on top of your blood pressure is important, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right home blood pressure monitor, it’s easy to keep your health in check.
By partnering with your doctor to keep an ongoing record of your blood pressure between appointments, you’re more likely to get the right recommendations and medications.
Final Word
We recommend the Omron Platinum automatic home blood pressure monitor thanks to its clinical accuracy and advanced features:
- Works for unlimited users when paired with the Omron app
- Stores up to 100 readings per user
- Has an adjustable cuff
- Can be battery-powered or plugged into the wall
Using a blood pressure monitor is just one way to improve your health so you can live a safer, more active life. Find more ways to look after your wellness and keep your household safe with our extensive safety resources covering everything from medical alert devices to carbon monoxide detectors.
Blood pressure monitor FAQ
There are three methods for measuring blood pressure:
- Upper Arm Monitors are the only type recommended by the American Heart Association because they’re the most accurate.2 The cuff wraps around the upper part of your arm and tightens to measure your blood pressure.
- Wrist Monitors wrap around your wrist to measure your blood pressure. Wrist blood pressure monitors aren’t considered as accurate as upper arm monitors unless you have your arm and wrist positioned exactly at heart level. You must follow the manual very closely because there’s a lot of room for error. Wrist monitors are easy to travel with and can be more comfortable than upper arm monitors.
- Finger Monitors are very similar to wrist monitors. They’re small, easy to travel with, and more comfortable than an upper arm monitor. Again, the main shortcoming is that it’s not the most accurate.
You want to pick the best type for your needs that also meets your doctor’s recommendations.
Most health insurance plans do not cover blood pressure monitors. Medicare will most likely not cover the cost of one either. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable options available through sellers like Amazon.
While many used blood pressure monitors are available, it’s a good idea to buy a new one. The accuracy and reliability of your blood pressure monitor can determine your hypertension care course and may save your life. You want to make sure your machine works correctly.
Not all blood pressure monitors are the same. Just like any instrument, there are slight differences between the different models. Calibrating your blood pressure monitor involves taking it to your doctor’s office to verify that readings match the monitors in their office.
The DASH diet (and others like it) are great choices for managing your blood pressure, especially under the supervision of your doctor. But they don’t replace the need for a blood pressure monitor because you still need to take accurate and frequent readings to see if the diet works.
In general, wrist monitors aren’t as accurate as upper arm cuffs. Some patients prefer to use a wrist cuff because it’s easier to use with one hand.
All of the upper arm cuffs we recommend are easy to put on and use with one hand.
Most blood pressure monitors come with a one-size-fits-most cuff for upper arms measuring 9.0–16.5 inches. Getting a blood pressure cuff that fits right is critical for accurate readings.
If your upper arm measures more than 16.5 inches around, you should get a bigger cuff. You can usually purchase extra cuffs separately, and most are compatible with various blood pressure machines. Just make sure your tubing is the correct size to connect with your monitor.
My doctor told me I have high blood pressure. Can I use my Fitbit or smartwatch to monitor my blood pressure?
While Fitbits and smartwatches are great for tracking general fitness data, like steps taken and pulse rate, they aren’t accurate or reliable enough for monitoring high blood pressure. In fact, most heart monitors for exercise only track your heart rate. They simply can’t take the correct measurements.
The only proper way to take your blood pressure involves sitting down for at least a few minutes with both feet flat on the floor and your arm resting at heart level. For more recommendations for proper use, see the American Heart Association’s recommendations for monitoring your blood pressure.
Normal blood pressure readings fall between 90 and 120 systolic pressure and between 60 and 80 diastolic pressure.2
If either number is out of range, talk to your doctor—even if the second number is normal. If you don't feel well, get immediate medical attention.
How we reviewed blood pressure monitors
We started our evaluation by looking over prices, user reviews, and doctor recommendations. Here are some things we considered when selecting blood pressure monitors for our list:
- Simple interface: A user-friendly interface with large numbers and big buttons makes it easier to navigate the blood pressure monitor and understand the results.
- Multiple users: A multiple-user feature tracks more than one person’s blood pressure, so you can share the monitor with family members and skip the hassle of buying multiple devices.
- Accurate readings: Accuracy is one of the most important things to look for in a blood pressure monitor. We chose only upper arm monitors for our list because they tend to have the best accuracy. Learn more about the different types of blood pressure monitors.
- Memory storage: With high memory storage, you can log your blood pressure readings multiple times a day and over a long period to give your doctor a better picture of your health.
- Advisor recommendations: We asked Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE, health expert, and educator, to review our selection and suggest one of her own.
Learn about how we rank products by checking out our full methodology.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- American Heart Association, “Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home” November 2017. Accessed July 15, 2022.
- National Institute on Aging, "High Blood Pressure and Older Adults," October 2021. Accessed July 15, 2022.
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Written by
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past eight. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime reports and spotting trends. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, NPR, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of radio and TV clips.