Review: Find the Best Blood Pressure Monitor

Before buying a blood pressure monitor, it's important to inform yourself and weighing their costs and benefits. In our review, we tested eight different devices to find the best blood pressure monitor available in the UK. Find out which device is the right one for you.

The following devices have been closely examined in our blood pressure monitor review:

• Omron Complete
• Withings BMP Core
• Omron X7 Smart
• Omron M7 Intelli IT
• Omron EVOLV All-In-One
• Withings BMP Connect
• Omron RS3 Intelli IT
• Omron X4 Smart
• Beurer BM 85
• Braun iCheck 7
• Beurer BM 58
• Omron X3 Comfort

Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2024

In total we tested eight different devices available in the UK. After a thorough consideration of their features, measurement accuracy and price, we found that the best blood pressure monitor is the Omron Complete. It is followed by the Withings BPM Core, last year's test winner, and the Omron X7 Smart, the test winner of Stiftung Warentest (11/2023), in second and third place.

Here is an overview of how the devices scored in the blood pressure monitor test:

1. Omron Complete

The Omron Complete blood pressure monitor presents itself as a comprehensive solution for monitoring heart health, offering numerous functions and benefits. With its advanced technology, the device delivers precise measurement results and allows not only easy and comfortable measurement on the upper arm, but also the performance of an electrocardiogram (ECG) including detection of atrial fibrillation.

The Omron Complete has an attractive design, a large display and a user-friendly interface that make it easy to read and interpret the measured values. Measurements can be transferred via Bluetooth to the Omron connect app, from where they can be made available to other apps such as Cora Health via Apple Health.

Although the Omron Complete is inferior to the second-placed Withings BPM Core in some minor details, such as a slightly more user-friendly app or the detection of valvular heart disease, it takes first place in the 2024 blood pressure monitor test due to its better price-performance ratio.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) via ECG
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £170

Buy Omron Complete

2. Withings BPM Core

The Withings BPM Core is an exciting evolution of the Withings BPM Connect. Compared to its predecessor, this measuring device offers numerous improvements that are truly impressive. In addition to extremely accurate blood pressure measurements, the Withings BPM Core comes with innovative new features: it enables the creation of an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect atrial fibrillation and even the identification of valvular heart disease using a digital stethoscope.

As you would expect from Withings, the BPM Core also impresses with its attractive and modern design. The accompanying Health Mate app is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also characterised by its user-friendliness. Other manufacturers could definitely take a leaf out of this book!

The only drawback of the Withings BPM Core is its high price: at £230 RRP, the best blood pressure monitor in our test is also by far the most expensive.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Colour categorisation of the measured values
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) by means of ECG
• ✅ Detection of valvular heart disease using a digital stethoscope
• ✅ User-friendly app
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Withings HealthMate app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ High price

Price: ⁓ £230

Buy Withings BPM Core

3. Omron X7 Smart

The Omron X7 Smart is the perfect all-rounder for measuring blood pressure at home and test winner of the blood pressure monitor test by Stiftung Warentest (11/2023). In our blood pressure monitor test, the blood pressure monitor particularly impressed with its wide range of functions, the Bluetooth transmission of blood pressure measurements to the smartphone and the accurate measurement results.

The Omron X7 Smart is the successor to the extremely popular Omron M7 Intelli IT blood pressure monitor. With the update, Omron has added further useful functions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection. The measuring device also has a new, more modern design.

Work has also been done on the Omron Connect app, which is now more user-friendly than before. However, there are still occasional problems when setting up and connecting the app to the meter.

Pros:

• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health
• ✅ Good price-performance ratio

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £80

Buy Omron X7 Smart

4. Omron M7 Intelli IT

The Omron M7 Intelli IT is the predecessor model to the new Omron X7 Smart (ranked no. 2 in our blood pressure monitor review). The Omron M7 Intelli IT boasts a wide range of features, Bluetooth transmission of blood pressure measurements to the iPhone and very accurate readings.

Our biggest criticism is the Omron Connect app, which tends to be a bit difficult to use. In some cases there are also Bluetooth connection problems.

Overall, we consider the Omron M7 Intelli IT one of the best value blood pressure monitors in our review.

Pros:

• ✅ High accuracy (±3 mmHg)
• ✅ WHO categorisation, arrythmia detection & display of average values
• ✅ Bluetooth and Apple Health interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health app possible
• ✅ Great value for money

Cons:

• ❌ App

Price: ⁓ £60

Buy Omron M7 Intelli IT

5. Omron EVOLV All-In-One

The Omron EVOLV All-In-One is an absolute eye-catcher and just the right one for design lovers who can do without some advanced functions such as ECG. In our blood pressure monitor test, the completely cordless measuring device not only impressed us with its innovative design, but also with its high measuring accuracy, ease of use and wide range of functions. The modern blood pressure monitor features the tried-and-tested Omron IntelliWrap cuff fit control, which checks whether the cuff has been fitted correctly before the measurement, as well as the Omron connect interface, which enables the transmission of measured values to the Omron Connect app and to third-party apps via Bluetooth.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Portable and easy to use
• ✅ Colour coding of the measured values
• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ High price
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £100

Buy Omron EVOLV

6. Withings BPM Connect

The Withings BPM Connect blood pressure monitor provides accurate and reliable blood pressure measurements that can be taken both at home and on the go thanks to its compact design. Its simple operation and the intuitive user interface of the companion app make it suitable for people of all ages. Measurements are transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to the Withings Health Mate app. In addition, the BPM Connect offers automatic detection of cardiac arrhythmias, which can alert users to potential health issues.

As the Withings BPM Connect is the entry-level model from Withings, users have to do without additional functions such as the ability to create an electrocardiogram (ECG). However, the model is significantly cheaper.

All factors considered, the BPM Connect is a solid choice for people looking for a reliable and user-friendly solution for monitoring their blood pressure.

Pros:

• ✅ Great design
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Colour categorisation of the measured values
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ User-friendly app
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Withings HealthMate app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ High price

Price: ⁓ £120

Buy Withings BPM Connect

7. Omron RS3 Intelli IT

Even though the Omron RS3 Intelli IT is getting on in years, it continues to impress in our test with its excellent price-performance ratio.

The Omron RS3 Intelli IT enables a pleasantly gentle measurement on the wrist and recognises application errors when putting on the cuff. Measured values can be transmitted to the Omron Connect app via a Bluetooth interface.

Due to its small size, the Omron RS3 Intelli IT is extremely portable, making it the ideal measuring device for frequent and business travellers.

Pros:

• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ Certified measurement accuracy (±5 mmHg)
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection
• ✅ Gentle measurements without unpleasant pressure sensation
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Omron Connect app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health
• ✅ Very good price-performance ratio

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)
• ❌ Forearm measuring devices are generally considered less accurate than upper arm measuring devices

Price: ⁓ £70

Buy Omron RS3 Intelli IT

8. Omron X4 Smart

With its advanced Intellisense technology, the Omron X4 blood pressure monitor ensures accurate readings and a comfortable measurement without excessive pressure on the upper arm. The simple operation and clear display make it easy for users of all ages to check and understand their blood pressure readings. The Omron X4 is equipped with an internal memory that allows the storage of measurement data for two users, supporting long-term blood pressure monitoring.

The Omron X4 Smart is the entry-level model of Omron's Bluetooth-enabled devices and therefore lacks some of the features of its larger siblings such as the Omron X7 Smart. These include atrial fibrillation detection, for example. Nevertheless, the Omron X4 remains a solid choice for people looking for a reliable and user-friendly blood pressure monitor that delivers accurate readings and offers app connectivity.

Pros:

• ✅ Cuff fit control
• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission via Omron connect interface
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health
• ✅ Good price-performance ratio

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ App has potential for improvement
• ❌ App sends health data to Omron (only with optional registration)

Price: ⁓ £80

Buy Omron X4 Smart

9. Beurer BM 85

The Beurer BM 85 impresses in our blood pressure monitor test with its comprehensive range of functions. The improvements compared to its "little brother", the BM 58, include a resting indicator and Bluetooth transmission of measured values. In contrast to the BM 58, the BM 85 also has a larger cuff, which can, however, lead to measurement errors in patients with a small upper arm circumference.

Whether the improvements of the Beurer BM 85 ultimately justify the high surcharge (the BM 85 costs almost twice as much as the BM 58) is questionable, however, as the Bluetooth connection is somewhat unreliable.

Pros:

• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection, resting indicator & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Beurer HealthManager app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ High price
• ❌ Low battery life
• ❌ App has major flaws
• ❌ Bluetooth connection occasionally fails
• ❌ Measurement errors possible with small arm circumference

Price: ⁓ £100

Buy Beurer BM 85

10. Braun iCheck 7

The Braun iCheck 7 is the second-placed wrist blood pressure monitor in our test.

The monitor impresses with its slim and elegant design and helpful functions such as colour coding of blood pressure values from green (good values) to red (bad values). The "ball in the hole" guide also makes it very easy to place the cuff in the correct position on the wrist.

Our biggest criticism of the Braun iCheck 7 in the blood pressure monitor test is that although the measured values can be transmitted via Bluetooth to the Braun Health Heart app for smartphones, they cannot be shared with third-party apps via Apple Health. It is also too expensive compared to the Omron RS3 Intelli IT.

Pros:

• ✅ Seal of approval from the European Hypertension League
• ✅ Colour categorisation of measurement results, arrhythmia detection
• ✅ Gentle measurements without an unpleasant feeling of pressure
• ✅ "Ball in the hole" guide for displaying the correct arm position
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission

Cons:

• ❌ No ECG
• ❌ No Apple Health interface
• ❌ Forearm monitors are generally considered less accurate than upper arm monitors

Price: ⁓ £55

Buy Braun iCheck 7

11. Beurer BM 58

Tenth place in our blood pressure monitor test went to the Beurer BM 58. The upper arm monitor impressed us with its reliable measurement accuracy. The range of functions meets the expectations of a blood pressure monitor in its price category, with the exception of the interfaces. It is true that measured values can be transferred to computers and smartphones via a USB interface. However, this is significantly more complex than with blood pressure monitors with a Bluetooth connection.

Another point of criticism is the very small cuff of the Beurer BM58, which, with a length of 22 to 30 cm, is too narrow for people with a wide upper arm. They should therefore refrain from buying the Beurer BM58.

Pros:

• ✅ High measuring accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German Hypertension League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Bluetooth transmission to the Beurer HealthManager app
• ✅ Data import to the Cora Health App via Apple Health

Cons:

• ❌ No Bluetooth transmission
• ❌ Cuff too tight for wide upper arms
• ❌ No guest mode for other users

Price: ⁓ £50

Buy Beurer BM 58

12. Omron X3 Comfort

The Omron X3 Comfort is the entry-level upper arm blood pressure monitor from Omron and the successor to the popular Omron M5.

In contrast to the other Omron models presented in the 2024 blood pressure monitor test, the Omron X3 Comfort does not offer any interfaces. It is therefore particularly recommended for those who are looking for a reliable measuring device without a lot of bells and whistles.

Pros:

• ✅ High measurement accuracy
• ✅ Seal of approval from the German High Pressure League
• ✅ WHO classification, arrhythmia detection & mean value display
• ✅ Cuff seat control

Cons:

• ❌ No USB or Bluetooth interface
• ❌ Poor price-performance ratio
• ❌ Poor dealer availability

Price: ⁓ £70

Buy Omron X3

Blood pressure monitor test: criteria

In the 2024 blood pressure monitor test, the blood pressure monitors were categorised according to the following criteria: Price, accuracy of measurement, functions and ease of use.

Price

People like to say that quality has its price. This can also be seen in the test results of the Cora Health blood pressure monitor test. It is primarily higher-priced models that make it to the top ranks. Nevertheless, our price-performance rating indicates whether the prices of the individual measuring devices are reasonable.

Measuring accuracy

The most important basic requirement for a blood pressure monitor should be a precise measurement. We have therefore included clinical studies by the manufacturers, recommendations by the German and European Hypertension League, certifications received and field reports in the evaluation of measurement accuracy.

Connectivity

Our world is becoming increasingly connected. This trend can also be observed in blood pressure monitors. The ability to store and analyse health data on a smartphone is no longer just a gimmick, but is now expected by many users.

We analysed two features in particular:

• Bluetooth and USB transmission: Ability to transfer readings to computers and smartphones via Bluetooth and USB
  Apple Health support: Support of the Apple Health interface for data exchange with third-party apps such as Cora Health

Functions

Some of the devices in this year's blood pressure monitor test have a very different range and number of functions. But more is not always better.

The test criteria include:

• Creation of an electrocardiogram
• Detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) using ECG or similar technology
• Detection of valvular heart defects using a digital stethoscope
  WHO grading: Optical categorisation of measurement results into hypertension grades according to WHO
  Arrhythmia detection: Detection of irregularities in the heart rate; an arrhythmia can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep and other factors in addition to heart disease.
  Rest indicator: Increased measurement accuracy by recognising physical and mental rest
  Mean value display: Display of the average value of past measurements

Ease of use

Ideally, you should use your blood pressure monitor every day and you should enjoy using what you use every day, which is why user-friendliness is very important to us in our blood pressure monitor test. User-friendliness includes ease of use as well as the size and universal usability of the cuff.

The size of the cuff is particularly important for upper arm monitors. If the cuff does not fit correctly, it is likely that the measurement results will be falsified. Although most blood pressure monitors have a universal size cuff, there are also devices with relatively narrow or wide cuffs.

Cuff size:

• Universal size: 22 to 42 cm
• Narrow cuff: up to 35 cm
• Wide cuff: from 36 cm

Most of the devices tested come with a universal cuff. In the exceptions where this is not the case, this is explicitly stated.

General information on blood pressure monitors

The blood pressure monitor measures the arterial pressure of the blood. The measured values are given in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). They indicate the upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic) pressure, whereby the normal blood pressure values are 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.

In general, a distinction is made between two different types of blood pressure monitors based on their application: upper arm monitors and wrist monitors, both of which we analysed in detail in the blood pressure monitor test.

Wrist blood pressure monitor

The advantage of wrist blood pressure monitors is that they are very compact and easy to use. The cuff, to which the device is also attached, is fastened to the wrist. However, it is important to pay attention to the position of the device during the measurement. It must be held at heart level. The disadvantage of these measuring devices is their relatively inaccurate measurement compared to upper arm blood pressure monitors.

Upper arm blood pressure monitor

The upper arm monitor has a cuff that is connected to the display device via a tube. When measuring the upper arm, the cuff is attached to the upper arm and therefore automatically at heart level, which makes it easier to use than the wrist blood pressure monitor and provides more accurate measurement results.

Why you should have a blood pressure monitor

High blood pressure is one of the most common ailments. In Europe alone, one in four adults is affected by high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a dangerous condition and a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Therefore, those affected should measure and document their blood pressure regularly.

Why blood pressure measurement by app does not work

Where to buy a blood pressure monitor?

All of the blood pressure monitors presented in our blood pressure monitor test can be easily purchased online, for example via Amazon. Alternatively, you can also buy blood pressure monitors in pharmacies, electronics shops, medical supply stores, specialised medical technology shops and occasionally in drugstores and supermarkets.
If you are looking for an analogue blood pressure monitor, it is best to visit a specialist medical technology shop.

How much does a blood pressure monitor cost?

Depending on which type of blood pressure monitor, which functions and which brand you choose, you will have to pay different amounts for a device. While blood pressure monitors with the essential basic functions are available for as little as £20, an innovative blood pressure monitor can cost up to £150.

Here is an overview of all blood pressure monitors in the blood pressure monitor test: