Optical heart rate sensors have become increasingly popular, offering a convenient alternative to traditional chest straps. Armband-based optical HR sensors, in particular, are lauded for their accuracy and comfort. This guide delves into a detailed comparison of three leading contenders in the market: the Polar OH1 Plus, Scosche Rhythm24, and Wahoo TICKR FIT. We’ll explore their features, performance, and help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Hardware and Battery Life Comparison
Let’s begin by examining the physical attributes and power capabilities of each device. While all three armbands share similarities in function, subtle hardware differences and battery performance can significantly impact user experience.
Size and Design
The size of the sensor pod is a crucial factor for comfort and usability. Below is a visual comparison showcasing the dimensions of each device.
As illustrated, the Polar OH1 stands out with its compact design. Removing the strap from the Polar pod reveals its truly diminutive size, especially when contrasted with the Scosche and Wahoo devices.
Straps and Comfort
The armband itself plays a vital role in comfort and secure fit during workouts. While all three offer adjustable straps, their designs differ. The Wahoo and Scosche straps utilize clips for closure, whereas the Polar’s strap is a continuous loop, sewn shut.
Practically, the strap closure mechanism is a minor consideration as pre-clipping the strap before placing it on your arm is generally recommended for all devices. Attempting to fasten a two-part strap one-handed while wearing it can be cumbersome.
Charging Mechanisms
Charging methods vary across the three sensors, each presenting its own advantages and disadvantages. The Scosche employs a sturdy clip-style charger, ensuring a secure connection. Polar opts for a unique USB stick charger, plugging directly into a USB port for both charging and data syncing. Wahoo utilizes a magnetic charger with contact points, which is functional but less robust than the Scosche’s clip.
The Scosche charger is favored for its robust and secure connection. However, the Polar charger’s compact size is a plus, though its bulkiness can sometimes obstruct adjacent USB ports when charging alongside other devices.
Battery Performance
Battery life is a significant differentiator. Here’s a comparison of the official battery specifications:
- Polar OH1/OH1 Plus: 12 hours
- Scosche Rhythm24: 24 hours
- Wahoo TICKR FIT: 30+ hours
For most users, these battery durations are ample for multiple workouts before needing a recharge. Weekly charging is generally sufficient for regular use.
Workout Usage and Data Transmission
Let’s explore how each sensor performs during workouts and their data transmission capabilities.
Polar OH1/OH1 Plus
Using the Polar OH1 is straightforward. Sliding it onto your arm activates it, but its small size can cause it to flip, requiring users to ensure the sensor is correctly positioned against the skin. This can be slightly challenging under layers of clothing or wetsuits.
Once positioned and powered on with a button press, the Polar OH1 transmits heart rate data via both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. LED indicators provide feedback on connection status and battery level. For offline workout recording, a double-press of the button initiates the recording.
The Polar OH1 seamlessly integrates with Polar Flow and Polar Beat apps. Polar Flow focuses on data analysis and historical tracking, while Polar Beat offers real-time monitoring. Beyond Polar’s ecosystem, the OH1 is compatible with numerous fitness apps supporting Bluetooth heart rate sensors. While lacking sport-specific modes during workouts, activity types can be adjusted post-workout when using offline recording.
Scosche Rhythm24
The Scosche Rhythm24 is designed to be clasped before sliding onto the arm. A long press of the button powers it on, activating heart rate transmission via ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart.
Unique to the Scosche Rhythm24 is its ability to transmit as a running footpod and cycling cadence sensor, configurable via its smartphone app. This versatility is not offered by Polar or Wahoo. These additional data streams can be paired with compatible devices like Garmin watches.
The Scosche app allows customization of sport modes, heart rate zones, and displays battery level clearly.
Offline recording is initiated by holding the smaller button. The Scosche Rhythm24 also uniquely records and transmits HRV (heart rate variability) data, a feature not found in other optical HR sensors in this category. HRV recording can be enabled in the app.
Despite advertising a swim mode, the Scosche’s swim tracking is basic and doesn’t offer swim-specific metrics. Underwater Bluetooth and ANT+ transmission limitations also restrict live heart rate data unless the sensor is very close to the receiving device.
The Scosche Rhythm24 is the most feature-rich of the three, offering a range of functionalities beyond basic heart rate monitoring. Whether these features are necessary depends on individual user needs.
Wahoo TICKR FIT
The Wahoo TICKR FIT prioritizes simplicity. Like the Scosche, it’s recommended to close the strap before placing it on the arm, typically on the lower forearm, though placement is flexible.
A single button press powers it on, initiating simultaneous ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart heart rate transmission, compatible with watches, apps, and bike computers. Detailed usage information is available in dedicated Wahoo TICKR FIT reviews. The TICKR FIT lacks offline recording, sport modes, or zone displays, focusing solely on reliable heart rate data transmission – straightforward and effective.
Transmission Protocol Summary:
- Polar OH1/OH1 Plus: ANT+ Heart Rate, Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate
- Scosche Rhythm24: ANT+ Heart Rate, Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate, ANT+ Footpod, ANT+ Cadence Sensor, Bluetooth Smart Cadence Sensor
- Wahoo TICKR FIT: ANT+ Heart Rate, Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate
All three devices support wireless firmware updates via their respective smartphone apps, and Polar OH1 also supports updates via desktop through its USB charger.
Offline Recording Functionality
Both Polar and Scosche offer offline workout recording, while Wahoo TICKR FIT does not. However, their implementation and usability differ significantly.
Polar OH1/OH1 Plus Offline Recording
Polar treats the OH1’s offline recording similarly to their sports watches, ensuring seamless integration with their ecosystem. Starting a recording is as simple as double-tapping the button, indicated by a double-blinking LED. Stopping the recording is done by powering off the device.
Workout data syncs automatically to Polar Flow via the mobile app or USB connection to a desktop. Analysis, third-party platform syncing (like Strava), and data export are identical to Polar watches. With 200 hours of storage, capacity is rarely an issue. The Polar system is characterized by its reliability and ease of use.
Scosche Rhythm24 Offline Recording
Scosche’s offline recording is initiated by holding the smaller button until orange LEDs flash. Triathlon mode and sport switching are available using the larger button. Ending a recording is simplest by powering off the device.
Workout download requires manual syncing within the Scosche app; there is no desktop option. A major limitation is the approximately 6-hour internal storage. Once full, recording stops without warning, a frustrating issue if unnoticed. Furthermore, saved files are only accessible while the Scosche device is powered on and connected, hindering offline file management. While workout files can be emailed from the app, Scosche offers no in-app analysis, necessitating third-party platforms for data review.
Despite offering offline recording, Scosche’s implementation is less user-friendly and more limited compared to Polar’s seamless and robust system.
Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy Comparison
Extensive testing over years, including direct comparisons and reference chest straps, reveals consistent accuracy across all three sensors. Recent direct threesome tests further confirm this, although some testing attempts faced unexpected device failures.
For instance, during an interval run, the Scosche inexplicably failed to record HR data.
Example Interval Run Data Analysis Link
The data reveals minimal differences, primarily a slight lag (1-3 seconds) in optical HR sensors compared to chest straps, potentially marginally more pronounced in the Polar OH1. This minor delay is generally imperceptible during workouts.
Similarly, an indoor cycling test encountered issues with the Polar OH1 failing to record data due to a user error in starting the recording.
Indoor Cycling Data Analysis Image
Broadening the scope to years of accumulated data suggests the following accuracy hierarchy:
- Polar OH1/OH1 Plus: Most Accurate. Consistently performs exceptionally well, rivaling the accuracy of top-tier optical sensors like the Apple Watch Series 4. Rarely exhibits inaccuracies.
- Scosche Rhythm24: Very Good. Generally accurate but may exhibit slight inconsistencies during cycling, particularly outdoors. Potentially a minor step down in optical sensor performance compared to the original Rhythm+. However, performs well in gym workouts with arm movements, a strength of Valencell sensor technology.
- Wahoo TICKR FIT: Good. More accurate than most wrist-based optical HR sensors but slightly less consistent than Polar and Scosche. Data stumbles are infrequent but more common than with the Polar OH1.
In summary, all three sensors provide reliable heart rate data, with Polar OH1 exhibiting a slight edge in consistent accuracy.
Feature Comparison Table
| Function/Feature | Wahoo TICKR FIT | Polar OH1 Plus | Scosche Rhythm 24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 | $79 | $99 |
| Product Announce Date | Jan 3rd, 2018 | Mar 20th, 2019 | Jan 9th, 2018 |
| Product Availability Date | Jan 3rd, 2018 | Mar 22nd, 2019 | Late April 2018 |
| Measurement Type | Optical | Optical | Optical |
| Typical Placement | Mid/Upper Arm | Upper Arm | Mid/Upper Arm |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours+ |
| Battery Type | USB rechargeable | USB Rechargeable | USB rechargeable |
| NFC Capable | No | No | Yes |
| ANT+ Heart Rate | Yes | Yes (with firmware update) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Smart | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual concurrent ANT+/BLE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Analog for gym equipment | No | No | No |
| Usable HR data underwater | Depends: If on same wrist, YMMV. | DEPENDS: IF ON SAME WRIST, YMMV. | Depends: If on same wrist, YMMV. |
| Bridging ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart | No | No | No |
| Can record activity in memory | No | Yes | Yes |
| Run Pace | No | No | Yes |
| Run Cadence | No | No | YEs |
| Run Economy/Metrics | No | No | No |
| Cycling Cadence | No | No | Yes |
| Cycling Power Meter Estimation | No | No | No |
| Valid HRV/RR data | No | No | At rest only |
| Configurable Sport Modes | No | No | Yes |
| Displays HR Zones | No | No | Yes |
| Requires Bluetooth Smart Phone for Configuration | No | No | Yes |
| Firmware Updateable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SDK For App Developers | No | ||
| Can show workout afterwards | N/A (No recording) | Yes | No |
| Can sync files/workout to 3rd party | N/A (No recording) | Yes | Yes |
| More Info | Link | Link | Link |
| Purchase Amazon | Link | Link | Link |
| Backcountry.com | Link | ||
| Competitive Cyclist | Link | ||
| REI | Link |
Final Recommendations: Choosing the Right Optical HR Armband
Selecting the ideal optical HR armband depends on individual priorities. There isn’t a single “best” option, but clear leaders emerge for specific needs.
For users prioritizing offline workout recording and seamless data synchronization, the Polar OH1 (or OH1 Plus) is the top choice. Its reliable data handling and user-friendly ecosystem are unmatched.
If broadcasting cadence data for running and cycling is essential, the Scosche Rhythm24 is the most versatile option.
For those seeking extended battery life, the Wahoo TICKR FIT, boasting 30+ hours, excels.
It’s also worth considering the original Scosche Rhythm+. While older, it rivals the Wahoo TICKR FIT in features, often at a lower price point, though it lacks the extended battery life and offline recording of the newer models. Its accuracy remains highly competitive.
For personal use, the Polar OH1/OH1 Plus is favored for its consistent accuracy and dependable offline data syncing, particularly with the addition of ANT+ connectivity. The primary drawback is its susceptibility to being overturned under wetsuits or long sleeves. The shorter battery life compared to Scosche and Wahoo is not a significant concern for typical usage patterns.
Ultimately, consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing between these excellent optical heart rate armbands.
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Polar OH1 Plus
Scosche Rhythm 24
Wahoo TICKR FIT
Amazon $80 Backcountry $80 Competitive Cyclist $80 REI $80
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