Over recent months, in-depth testing of optical heart rate (HR) sensors, particularly armband types, has been extensive. This began while evaluating the Polar Vantage M and COROS APEX, utilizing optical HR for data comparison. Subsequently, reviewing the Polar OH1 Plus led to further side-by-side analyses. While a dedicated review of the Scosche Rhythm24 is forthcoming, this article provides a comprehensive comparison to aid your purchase decision when considering How To Compare Polar Sensor Result and similar devices.
Armband optical HR sensors like the Polar OH1 Plus, Scosche Rhythm24, and Wahoo TICKR FIT are favored for their accuracy. The upper arm provides an ideal location for heart rate measurement due to more tissue and less wrist-related movement artifacts. This placement minimizes interference from vibrations during activities like cycling and strain during weightlifting, common issues with wrist-based optical HR sensors.
Furthermore, these armbands bypass the dryness-related problems encountered by chest straps, especially in cooler, drier conditions. This makes them reliable year-round. With no major new entrants expected soon, these sensors represent the current top options. If you’re considering an optical HR armband, now is an opportune time to explore your choices.
(Note: References to Polar OH1 and Polar OH1 Plus are interchangeable following the Spring 2019 firmware update, making them functionally identical, except for the inclusion of swim clips with the OH1 Plus.)
Hardware and Battery Life: A Detailed Look
Let’s begin by examining the physical attributes of these sensors. While sharing general similarities, each presents unique hardware nuances. Size is a good starting point for comparison.
(Size comparison of the sensor pods, showcasing the compact design of the Polar OH1 Plus alongside Scosche Rhythm24 and Wahoo TICKR FIT.)
The Polar OH1 Plus pod appears larger in some images due to its non-detachable strap. However, in reality, the size difference is minimal.
Strap designs vary; Wahoo and Scosche use clip closures, while Polar’s is a continuous loop.
(Close-up view of the strap clip, highlighting the adjustable and secure fastening system used by Wahoo and Scosche.)
Practically, the strap closure type is less critical, as clipping before arm placement is recommended for all to avoid awkward one-handed fastening.
Charger designs differ significantly. Scosche employs a robust clip-style charger. Polar uses a USB stick charger, compact but potentially port-blocking. Wahoo’s magnetic charger is functional but less secure for portable charging.
(A comparative look at the charging mechanisms of the three sensors, emphasizing the design differences and usability.)
The Scosche charger is favored for its sturdiness, while Polar’s excels in portability, though its size can obstruct adjacent USB ports.
Battery life is a key differentiator:
- Polar OH1/OH1 Plus: 12 hours
- Scosche Rhythm24: 24 hours
- Wahoo TICKR FIT: 30+ hours
For typical usage, charging weekly often suffices, as workout durations rarely exhaust these sensors in a single session.
Workout Usage and Data Transmission Methods
Operating each sensor varies slightly. The Polar OH1 Plus, once slipped onto the arm, can easily rotate, requiring attention to ensure the sensor faces the skin – especially challenging under layers or wetsuits.
(Close-up showing correct placement of the Polar OH1 Plus on the arm, highlighting the sensor’s position.)
Activation is via a button press, initiating ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart transmission. LED indicators confirm connection status and battery level. Double-pressing the button starts workout recording. Polar OH1 Plus integrates with Polar Flow and Polar Beat apps; Flow for data analysis and Beat for real-time monitoring. It functions with any Bluetooth Smart heart rate compatible app. Workout modes are not preset but can be adjusted post-activity in the app if offline recording is used.
The Scosche Rhythm24 is best clasped before arm placement. A long press powers it on, activating heart rate transmission over ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart.
(Demonstrating the Scosche Rhythm24 being worn on the arm, ready for activity tracking.)
Unique to the Rhythm24 is its ability to transmit running footpod and cycling cadence data, configurable via its app. These can pair with smartphones or watches, such as Garmin Forerunner devices.
(Screenshot of a Garmin Forerunner watch display showing the Scosche Rhythm24 paired as a footpod.)
The app also allows mode and zone customization and displays battery level.
(App interface showing user options for modes, heart rate zones, and battery status of the Scosche Rhythm24.)
Offline recording on the Scosche is activated by holding the smaller button. It also features zone display via 5 LED colors and configurable sport profiles, including triathlon/duathlon modes switchable with a double button press. Notably, Rhythm24 records HRV data, a unique feature among optical HR sensors.
(Scosche app screen enabling HRV data recording, a distinctive feature of this sensor.)
While advertised with a swimming mode, Scosche’s swim data sync with Garmin and underwater HR transmission are limited. Swim mode is essentially a generic sport profile, and underwater Bluetooth/ANT+ range is minimal unless the sensor is very close to the receiving device.
The Scosche Rhythm24 is feature-rich, offering versatility beyond heart rate monitoring, but the utility of all features depends on individual needs.
The Wahoo TICKR FIT is the simplest of the three. Clasping before arm placement is also recommended. Wahoo suggests lower arm placement, below the elbow, but other positions are acceptable.
(Illustration showing the recommended placement of the Wahoo TICKR FIT on the lower arm.)
A single button powers it on, initiating concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart transmission. It functions as a standard heart rate sensor without offline saving, zones, or modes. Powering off is manual. Simplicity is its core design.
Protocol recap:
- 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 support firmware updates via smartphone apps, and Polar OH1 Plus also via desktop through its USB charger.
Offline Data Recording Capabilities Compared
Polar and Scosche sensors can record workout data internally, unlike the Wahoo TICKR FIT (though Wahoo’s TICKR X chest strap does offer this).
Polar’s offline recording is seamlessly integrated, functioning like their watches in app synchronization. Double-tap the button to start recording (double-blinking LEDs indicate recording), power off to stop.
(Screenshot of the Polar Flow app displaying a synced workout from the Polar OH1 Plus, showing detailed metrics.)
Data syncs automatically to Polar Flow mobile app or via USB to desktop Polar FlowSync. Workout analysis, 3rd party platform sync (like Strava), and .TCX export are supported, mirroring Polar watch functionality. 200 hours of storage is ample, and the system is user-friendly.
Scosche Rhythm24’s recording starts with a hold of the smaller button (orange LEDs indicate recording) and stops by powering off. Triathlon mode allows sport transitions with the larger button, broadcasting sport-specific data.
Workout download requires manual steps via the Scosche app; there is no desktop option. Users must connect in-app, select “sync,” and choose workouts to download, followed by manual sharing.
(Screenshots from the Scosche app showing the workout list and download progress during synchronization.)
Downloaded files in the Scosche app are inaccessible if the sensor is off or out of range. A significant limitation is the ~6-hour recording capacity; beyond this, recording stops without notification. This, coupled with manual sync and limited storage, can be frustrating. While workout files can be emailed, Scosche offers no in-app analysis, necessitating third-party platforms.
Despite limitations, both Polar and Scosche offer internal recording, a feature absent in Wahoo TICKR FIT.
Heart Rate Accuracy: Side-by-Side Testing
Extensive accuracy testing over years, including direct comparisons with chest straps and watches, shows generally high accuracy across all three sensors. Recent direct “threesome” testing, using all three simultaneously with chest strap references, aimed to highlight subtle differences. However, results were overwhelmingly similar.
An interval run data set showed near-identical HR tracking from Polar and Wahoo. Scosche data was absent due to a recording failure, highlighting potential reliability issues.
(Due to data loss in original test, specific data charts not included here, but the analysis is based on extensive prior testing as described in the original article.)
Indoor cycling tests similarly showed missing Polar OH1 data due to user error, further emphasizing real-world usage challenges.
Broad accuracy overview based on extensive testing:
- Polar OH1/OH1 Plus: Most Accurate. Among the top optical HR sensors, comparable to Apple Watch Series 4. Rare stumbles, highly reliable.
- Scosche Rhythm24: Very Good. Minor cycling stumbles possible. Potentially a slight accuracy decrease from the original Rhythm+, possibly for battery life optimization. Excellent gym performance, consistent with Valencell sensor technology strengths.
- Wahoo TICKR FIT: Good. Better than most watch-based optical sensors, but slightly less consistent than Polar and Scosche in peak accuracy. Fewer data stumbles than Scosche, placing it in a solid ‘B’ accuracy range.
For detailed accuracy charts, refer to individual product reviews. These sensors have been incorporated into hundreds of data sets over two years of testing.
(Accuracy data analysis is supported by the DCR Analyzer tool, accessible for user comparisons via DCR Analyzer.)
Feature Comparison Table
Comprehensive feature comparison table for Polar OH1 Plus, Wahoo TICKR FIT, and Scosche Rhythm24:
| Function/Feature | Wahoo TICKR FIT | Polar OH1 Plus | Scosche Rhythm 24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 | $79 | $99 |
| Measurement Type | Optical | Optical | Optical |
| Typical Placement | Mid/Upper Arm | Upper Arm | Mid/Upper Arm |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours+ |
| HR Transmission ANT+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HR Transmission Bluetooth Smart | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual concurrent ANT+/BLE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Usable HR data underwater | Yes (YMMV) | Yes (YMMV) | Yes (YMMV) |
| Record activity in memory | No | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Data: Run Pace | No | No | Yes |
| Additional Data: Run Cadence | No | No | Yes |
| Additional Data: Cycling Cadence | No | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Can show workout afterwards (in app) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can sync files/workout to 3rd party | No | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase Links: Amazon | Link | Link | Link |
(Feature comparison table summarizing key specifications and functionalities of the three optical heart rate sensors.)
For customized comparisons, use the product comparison tool.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Sensor for Your Needs
No single “best” sensor exists; choice depends on individual priorities.
- Polar OH1 Plus: Ideal for offline workout recording and seamless data synchronization. Unmatched ease of use in data management.
- Scosche Rhythm24: Best for broadcasting running/cycling cadence and feature-rich data metrics. Offers versatility with sport modes and HRV.
- Wahoo TICKR FIT: Optimal for longest battery life and straightforward heart rate monitoring. Simplicity and extended operation are key advantages.
The original Scosche Rhythm+ remains a strong contender, balancing features and cost, though lacking the battery life of TICKR FIT and offline recording of newer models.
For personal use as DCR, the Polar OH1/OH1 Plus is preferred due to reliable offline recording and ANT+ compatibility. Data sync dependability outweighs minor battery life concerns. The only minor drawbacks are potential for overturning during swims or under long sleeves.
Ultimately, understanding your specific needs regarding features, battery life, and data handling will guide you to the best optical heart rate sensor.
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