Which heart monitor with Zwift?
 

Using a Zwift kickr core connected to a Mac. I've tried using my Apple Watch as heart monitor, but can't seem to get it to work. I'd like to race a bit more, and need a heart monitor for it to count.

Anyone have recommendations they find that are easy to use and not fussy?

Apple Watch, as you found, doesn't broadcast heart rate (like a Garmin watch or wrist or strap monitor does).

There is a phone app that allows you to create a bridge. I don't know anything about it, but you could probably find it on the app store.

The Apple watch does not work. Traditional chest straps like the Bontrager or TACX work well. You are looking for one that uses both Bluetooth and ANT+. I have both the Bontrager and TACX which have given me years of trouble-free use. My wife swapped to a rhythm wristband linked here. Some say they aren't accurate but this one seems to work fine after more than a year of use. It is more comfortable and a little more convenient.. If my other two chest straps HR will break I will replace them with a wrist strap.

Wife uses a $40 Fitbit, seems to work as well as my Polar HRM

I like the Garmin Dual. There are a number of generic knock offs that tend to work well as well.

I've tried HR chest strap probably 10 years ago and hated it. This wrist band seems much easier to put on and likely more comfortable. I might look into that. Thanks!

If a wrist one doesn't work out for you. I have used chest straps from both Garmin and Wahoo. I have found the Wahoo to be better. The replacement straps seem to last longer and hold shape better plus cost a bit less. Wahoo's C/S has been superior to Garmin as well.

I use a Garmin chest strap HRM for Zwift - it connects via ANT+ so I also have an ANT+ dongle for my Mac. (I also connect my Wahoo trainer via ANT+ as I've found it to work better than Bluetooth).

I use this same HRM for outdoor riding - connected to my Wahoo head unit.

My Garmin strap is starting to show a lot of wear (I've had this one for a few years and it's been through the washing machine many times). I'll probably look to Wahoo for a replacement - I'm intrigued by these wrist/arm straps. My Fitbit isn't very accurate but I think it's because I keep it too loose on my wrist. Something with a fabric strap probably works better than a watch in this regard.

Honestly, I have 3 of the fabric straps that I rotate in between. The straps tend to fail a lot more frequently than the sensor units, so I figure rotating between them makes it last longer.

Wahoo TickR chest strap. Way more predictable than my old Garmin.

I did have a problem with the first one after about 6 months and they replaced it, no questions asked. Pairs in seconds with Zwift Ant or BT and my Wahoo head unit. Would buy again.

I use a Wahoo Tickr and it works just fine. No issues at all using it for a couple of years.

If you don't like chest straps I can definitely recommend the Polar Verity Sense wrist/armband HRM. I've been using the older version (OH1) for 3 years and it hasn't missed a beat (see what I did there?)

DC Rainmaker has some good reviews on HRMs, above score very highly.

I've been using the original Scosche Rhythm which is worn on the forearm -- has been pretty reliable and convenient. Just hang it up on the handlebar when done with a ride, strap it on when starting a ride. Easy to rinse off under the tap, etc.

I have three...Wahoo Tickr, Garmin and Polar H9...they all work well with Zwift but I find the Polar to be more steady while I've had dropout problems with the other two...the problems are sporadic otherwise they work fine.

I got a polar H10 when I got my tacx last winter. I thought battery life was suspect, but that appears more of operator error when it would take a couple minutes to connect, not a dead battery after a month.

To close the loop, I got the one that La Tortue linked to here. Three races so far, and works like a charm. Longevity - not sure yet. Easy to use and sending data that corresponds to what my watch is recording meaning it's either accurate or they are both off. Either way I've been benchmarking to my AW for 3 years, so it's good enough for me :)

My Tickr quit working after about 3 years -- it started getting intermittent, then finally stopped completely.

I just started using a Polar H10, and I like the strap on it. Gripper dots to keep it from slipping down, and a wide sensor area.

I had a Polar (lasted just over 12 months, didn't keep track of duration of use), CooSpo (just under 2 years & ~600 hours), and now using a Magene H303 (9 mos old and ~220 hours). I go through the straps approximately one a year. They all work about the same and didn't seem to justify spending 3x the price for named stuff. I still have my CycleOps hard strap that I use mainly outdoors. That was around ~$100 back in 2020. It acts up indoors but not outside, go figure.