Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2026

Pros and cons

Pros

• Easy to use 
• Accurate readings
• Comprehensive heart health measurements 

Cons

• Most expensive on this list 
• Subscription required for data sharing with your doctor and more in-depth insights 

Features

• App: Yes
• Cuff size: 8.7 to 16.5 inches
• Validated: Yes

Key takeaways from our testing

Clinical health measurements at home. The CONNEQT Pulse stands out from other blood pressure monitors because it’s able to track metrics beyond blood pressure that can tell you about your cardiovascular health and how efficiently your heart is pumping blood, such as indicators of arterial stiffness. This monitor also includes its own FDA-cleared technology (called SphygmoCor), which is used in hospitals and clinical settings. 

Home testers were impressed by the comprehensiveness of CONNEQT Pulse’s features, and by how the paired app explains them. Ken, 57, one of our home testers, noted that the app provides context about what your measurements mean, like whether your blood pressure is within a normal range. “The readability, navigation and display are all comprehensive and simplistic,” he said.

Subscription offers deep insights into heart health. If you purchase the CONNEQT Pulse, you get a 30-day free trial subscription to Care+, which includes unlimited heart health assessments and a monthly cardiology report you can send to your doctor. However, continuing with the Care+ plan costs $25 per month or $199 per year after the trial ends.

Pricey. At $289, the CONNEQT Pulse is the most expensive blood pressure monitor on this list, and that price doesn’t include the optional Care+ subscription. While this blood pressure monitor and its app are comprehensive, anyone who simply wants an accurate way to take their blood pressure at home without the extra heart health readings may be better off with a more basic, affordable monitor. The CONNEQT Pulse also has a less-impressive warranty period (just one year, limited) than other models on this list (up to five years of a limited warranty). Read our more in-depth CONNEQT blood pressure monitor review.

Best for Data Tracking: Homedics 5-Day Trend-at-a-Glance Arm 700 Series Blood Pressure Monitor

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Displays five-day history for quick reference
• Accurate readings
• Companion app offers detailed tracking

Cons

• Display glitched during testing
• Tightly packaged and hard to unbox

Features

• App: Yes
• Cuff size: 9 to 17 inches 
• Validated: Yes

Key takeaways from our testing

Helpful weekly trends. Our home testers were impressed by the Homedics 5-Day Trend-at-a-Glance Arm 700 Series Blood Pressure Monitor’s informative display, competitive price and easy-to-use companion app. Daria liked how the screen showed a lot of data clearly, including a color-coded blood pressure reading with pulse and irregular heartbeat detection. She also liked being able to view her five most recent readings without needing to flip through the library’s results. “The five-day trend graph is the standout feature,” Daria said. “It’s an easier way to track my health patterns over time with just a quick glance at the screen.”

Straightforward data tracking. Our home testers appreciated that the Homedics 5-Day Trend-at-a-Glance Arm 700 Series Blood Pressure Monitor connects to an app using Bluetooth and automatically defines (as normal, elevated, etc.) and stores readings. It also allows them to share results with their doctor with the tap of a button.

Display was hard to read at times. Although this device boasts top-notch accuracy, one of our home testers experienced a glitch. “The numbers are displayed like a digital clock, and some lines are missing numbers. For example, a two could be mistaken for an eight since you aren’t sure which lines are missing,” said Daria. We flagged the issue to Homedics customer service via email. Three hours after reaching out, an agent responded and confirmed the display was indeed not working correctly and committed to resolving the issue. We then ordered another device to test its performance. The second device’s display was fully functional. So if you experience a display issue, you may choose to contact the company’s customer service via phone or email for a resolution.

How we tested blood pressure monitors

We started our process by researching the market. Which products are popular and why? Who has the best reviews — and are the reviews legitimate? After performing in-depth research and talking with medical experts, we narrowed our list from dozens of blood pressure monitors to the eight that we wanted to test. 

For our lab testing, we purchased and unboxed each device ourselves.

To put the blood pressure monitors through their paces, we tested each device in our lab, assessing things like battery life, ease of use and maximum data storage. Then we recruited three testers ages 50 and older who use blood pressure monitors at home to give us their unbiased feedback. They took a minimum of three readings on each device and compared them to their normal blood pressure readings to gauge their accuracy. 

Home testers answered questions like: Were the devices easy to set up and use? How comfortable were the cuffs? Were the readings accurate? Products that shined in our tests made our list of the best blood pressure monitors.

For more details, see our blood pressure monitors testing methodology page.

How to choose the best blood pressure monitor

According to our survey participants, the three most important factors when selecting a blood pressure monitor were accuracy (56 percent), user-friendliness (around 25 percent) and affordability (around 11 percent).

Accuracy

A device’s accuracy largely depends on its parts and its validity. An incorrect cuff size can skew results, and faulty equipment may cause unnecessary stress or doctor visits, says Dr. Rana Afifi, a vascular surgeon and associate professor at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. She suggests checking whether a monitor is validated by looking it up on validatebp.org. You can also take it to a doctor’s office to compare readings to those taken by a calibrated office monitor.

User-friendliness

Picking a blood pressure monitor that is easy to use and understand can help you effectively manage your heart health. For many of our survey participants, this means having a large screen with clear numbers or a comfortable cuff that’s easy to put on and take off. For some, it also means simplifying data tracking and sharing by connecting to a mobile app. And for a few, it’s having voice guidance to talk them through the steps of taking a reading.

Affordability

You don’t need to drain your wallet to get a reliable blood pressure monitor. Generally, blood pressure monitors cost between $50 and $100, says Dr. David Hsi, chief of cardiology and co-director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Stamford Health in Stamford, Connecticut. Most people can find simple monitors with good cuffs in this price range that do their job well. “Some insurance carriers or community programs may offer incentives, like free blood pressure monitors for population health,” he adds.

Does Medicare cover blood pressure monitors?

Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover blood pressure monitors. But once per year, in some situations, Medicare Part B may cover the rental of a specific type of monitor called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). This device is designed to be worn for 24 to 48 hours and collects readings on a set schedule to track blood pressure patterns. ABPMs are prescription-only, while the blood pressure monitors reviewed in this article are over-the-counter. You may have coverage for an annual monitoring session with an ABPM if your doctor diagnoses you with white coat syndrome, masked hypertension or other certain medical conditions (see the section on factors that can skew your results below).

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer expanded coverage or wellness benefits that include home blood pressure monitors, says Afifi. Call your insurance provider to see if you’re covered — terms vary between plans and can change from year to year. 

If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, your coverage depends on where you live. As of 2024, 42 state Medicaid plans cover home or self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices, according to a 2024 news report on the AMA website. You can check your state Medicaid program to see what it covers.

Does private insurance cover blood pressure monitors?

Private insurance may cover blood pressure monitors, depending on your state and your specific plan. Typically, private insurance plans only cover monitors and other durable medical equipment (DME) if deemed medically necessary or you have a prescription. You may also need to buy the device through an approved in-network supplier. Most insurers provide a list of approved suppliers on their website.

You may also be able to secure insurance coverage through disease management programs, remote patient monitoring initiatives or chronic care management, Afifi says. These programs and initiatives are provider- and region-specific. For example, Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Program offers a hypertension management program that provides eligible members with a free blood pressure monitor along with other tools and guides. 

Contact your insurance provider to see if your plan covers a blood pressure monitor and under what conditions. Also ask about their programs — you may be eligible for free (or discounted) resources and devices.

How much do the best blood pressure monitors cost?

How to save money on blood pressure monitors

There are two primary ways to lower blood pressure monitor costs:

• Tax-exempt savings plans. If your insurance won’t cover a blood pressure monitor, consider using your health reimbursement account (HRA), flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), if you have one. These accounts are designed to help pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance. Most savings plans cover blood pressure monitors, but it's best to check your account’s terms before buying a device.  
• Employer or labor union. If you’re still working, check with your employer or labor union. They may partner with an organization that offers wellness support as a benefit. For example, Hello Heart partners with many employers to provide free resources to protect heart health, including blood pressure monitors and free access to compatible health tracking apps.

How to take a blood pressure reading at home

Follow these steps to get an accurate reading: 

• Don’t smoke, drink caffeine or exercise 30 minutes beforehand.
• Before taking a reading, rest for five minutes. That means no walking or talking on the phone. 
• Wear short sleeves and don’t take the reading over clothing. Placing the cuff directly on your bare skin gets the most accurate reading, because clothing can constrict blood flow and lead to inaccurate readings.
• Place your arm on a flat surface level with your heart. (You can use a pillow to prop up your arm if needed.) Keep both feet flat on the floor and your back straight.
• Wrap the cuff around your arm so that the bottom is right above the bend of your elbow.

Factors that can skew results

A couple of medical conditions can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings both at home or at the doctor’s office:

• White coat syndrome. This is a condition where your blood pressure readings are higher in a health care setting but lower in other settings. Medical experts think white coat syndrome is due to stress or anxiety about visiting a doctor.
• Masked hypertension. The opposite of white coat syndrome, masked hypertension is when you have normal blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office but higher readings in everyday settings like at home or work.

Who should monitor their blood pressure? 

Anyone can track their blood pressure, but it’s especially important if:

• You’re diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• You’re taking a blood pressure medication.
• You have risk factors for high blood pressure, such as a family history of high blood pressure or a certain racial background (Black, Hispanic and Asian adults tend to have higher rates of high blood pressure).

In addition, Hsi recommends tracking blood pressure at home if you have diabetes, chronic (long-term) hypertension or coronary artery disease. “This data can be very helpful for medication adjustment,” he says.

What is a normal blood pressure range?

A normal blood pressure range for most adults is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic mm Hg, although it can vary by age. Systolic (the top number) refers to the pressure produced when your heart beats to pump blood through your body. Diastolic (the bottom number) refers to the pressure in your vessels when your heart is at rest.

In general, these are the different blood pressure ranges:

What should I do if I get a low or high reading?

A sudden fall or spike in blood pressure readings can be dangerous.

• High readings. If your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher (hypertensive crisis), call 911 immediately. If your numbers are elevated, Stage 1 or Stage 2 hypertension, you don’t need to call emergency services but you should alert your doctor.
• Low readings. If your blood pressure is below 90/60, you may be experiencing low blood pressure, or hypotension. If you’re showing symptoms of extremely low blood pressure, such as low readings coupled with blurred or fading vision, feeling dizzy, fainting or fatigue, call 911 immediately. 

FDA marketing authorization for blood pressure devices 

The FDA has warned consumers, patients, caregivers and health care providers not use unauthorized blood pressure monitors. But what does that mean? 

What is an authorized blood pressure monitor?

Authorized blood pressure monitors are medical devices that the FC:  has evaluated and authorized for marketing in the U.S. For most blood pressure monitors intended for medical use, this means manufacturers have submitted what is called a “510(k)” Premarket Notification to the agency to show that the device is as safe and effective — and “substantially equivalent” — to a similar legally U.S. marketed device. If the agency determines that the device is substantially equivalent, it can be marketed in the U.S.

To check whether a blood pressure monitor has been evaluated and authorized by the agency, you can search the FDA’s 510(k) database using the device name. All four of the blood pressure monitors we recommend have a marketing authorization.

Validation for blood pressure devices

In this review, we’ve also noted that the devices we recommend have been “validated.” But what does that mean — and how does this process work? 

What is a validated blood pressure monitor?

A validated blood pressure monitor has passed testing by validatebp.org using review criteria from the AMA that is developed with input from health care organizations, clinicians, blood pressure device manufacturers and the FDA.

What to know about the validation process

If device manufacturers want their devices to be considered for the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing, they can voluntarily submit their devices for review by an independent committee of experts. 

Determinations from the independent review committee — which is composed of experienced professionals who review manufacturer submissions and assess whether devices satisfy the VDL Criteria — are made quarterly. If a device has been validated, the AMA adds the device to the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing at validatebp.org. The “ultimate judgment” regarding whether a blood pressure measurement device meets the VDL Criteria belongs to the independent review committee and “is not in any way determined or influenced by the AMA,” the Validated Device Listing website confirms. 

Lacking validation doesn’t necessarily mean a device is dangerous or inaccurate – it just can mean that validatebp.org’s independent review committee either hasn’t tested the device because the manufacturer hasn’t voluntarily submitted it or that testing may be in progress. That said, the independent review committee may have evaluated a device but refrained from approving it. 

So remember: Every blood pressure monitor we recommend in this review is validated for clinical accuracy and appears on the Validated Device Listing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best blood pressure monitor?

The A&D Medical Multi User Blood Pressure Monitor is our top pick because testers said it’s user-friendly, accurate and comfortable. It also has a relatively affordable price and averaged near-perfect scores across our testing metrics, such as ease of use, display clarity and accuracy. 

What is the most accurate blood pressure monitor for home use?

The most accurate blood pressure monitors based on our combination of home and lab testing are the A&D Medical Multi User Blood Pressure Monitor and the OMRON 3 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor. Our lab team and home testers reported these devices recorded accurate readings that were in line with their usual numbers.

What type of blood pressure monitor do cardiologists recommend?

Cardiologists typically advise using an automated upper-arm blood pressure monitor with a well-fitting cuff and have a digital display that stores readings.

Does Apple Watch monitor blood pressure?

No, the Apple Watch doesn’t measure blood pressure. The new Apple Watch Series 11 claims to recognize patterns related to high blood pressure by sensing how your blood vessels respond to your heartbeats, but it’s not yet considered a reliable method for tracking blood pressure. “Physicians currently don’t recommend using these devices at this point,” Hsi says. “They also have more limitations in people with darker skin.” That’s because the Apple Watch uses light to   record blood pressure, but people with darker skin have more melanin, which can absorb the device’s light and lead to inaccurate results.

Is a wrist or arm blood pressure monitor better?

Generally, an arm blood pressure monitor is more accurate than a wrist monitor. The AHA says blood pressure monitors placed on the upper arm provide the most reliable readings. It does not recommend wrist and finger readings, but there is an exception. “In some patients who do not find a good fit for arm blood pressure or if it is too painful during inflation, then a wrist blood pressure monitor is a reasonable alternative,” says Hsi.

Is a wrist or arm blood pressure monitor better?

The AHA does not recommend wrist and finger blood pressure monitors, noting that these devices give “less reliable” readings. The association specifically recommends “an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm (biceps) monitor” for home use. But there can be an exception. “In some patients who do not find a good fit for arm blood pressure or if it is too painful during inflation, then a wrist blood pressure monitor is a reasonable alternative,” says Hsi.

Why should I monitor my blood pressure at home? 

Monitoring your blood pressure at home can provide many benefits, including: 

• Tracking effectiveness of medication and lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise)
• Detecting high or low blood pressure earlier 
• Cutting health care costs (early detection may mean fewer doctor visits down the road)

Also, high blood pressure rarely comes with symptoms, so monitoring your blood pressure at home can aid in early detection. 

When is the best time of day to measure blood pressure? 

The American Heart Association recommends taking your readings at the same time each day and says to talk to your health care professional about how often you should check your blood pressure. The association also recommends that when you measure your blood pressure, you take two readings, one minute apart.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.

CORRECTION: This article incorrectly stated that blood pressure monitors are validated by the American Medical Association (AMA). Blood pressure devices are validated after passing testing by validatebp.org using review criteria from the AMA that was developed with input from health care organizations, clinicians, blood pressure device manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration. An independent review of device qualifications by a committee of experts is key to determining which blood pressure devices are listed on the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing (VDL) at validatebp.org.