The Best 8 Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use: Check your BP in the comfort and safety of your home
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than the normal. There are many different things which can cause high blood pressure.
This includes smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, increased salt intake, high alcohol consumption, stress, old age, genetic factor, chronic kidney. In essence, anything that causes the contraction or the narrowing of your arteries is a contributing factor to high blood pressure.
It is possible to have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms which also means that damage to your blood vessels and heart continues undetected. When one has uncontrolled high blood pressure, we are at risk of serious health problems especially heart attack and stroke. Thus, it is very important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
Monitoring your blood pressure
While it used to be that blood pressure was something that could only be monitored with a visit to the doctor, these days with modern electronic blood pressure monitors, it is very easy to take your own blood pressure measurements at home.
Below is a table to interpret your blood pressure cut-off points according to the ACC/AHA Updated Guidelines.
| Classification | Blood Pressure Systolic/Diastolic mm Hg |
| normal | less than 120/80 |
| elevated | 120-129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic |
| stage 1 hypertension | 130 to 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic |
| stage 2 hypertension | at least 140 mm Hg systolic or at least 90 mm Hg diastolic |
High blood pressure gradually develops over the years and nearly affects everyone. Some people experience symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath with high blood pressure. Usually, these symptoms only occur when your blood pressure has reached a dangerously high level over a period of time.
Quick guide to understanding your blood pressure reading
Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers the systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body. Then there is the diastolic pressure (lower number) denoting the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
Both readings are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). A blood pressure reading between 120 / 80 mmHg and 140 / 90 mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you don’t take steps to keep your blood pressure under control. Anything less than 120 / 80 mmHg is normal or healthy. See previous table.
High blood pressure monitors
High blood pressure monitors are now available to suit a range of budgets and while it may not be necessary for everyone to own one, it is often useful to have one in your home if you suffer from or have a family history of high blood pressure.
Typically measuring your blood pressure at home on a consistent and constant basis, allows you to track your own blood pressure readings. Most digital monitors come with a memory function that allows you to store up to 100 readings, which can help provide an insight in to long term monitoring.
When you monitor your blood pressure at home, it also allows you to see the effects of a new medication, getting more exercise, cutting back on alcohol, or improving your diet can have on your blood pressure·
Digital blood pressure monitor helps you and your healthcare provider to determine if your treatments are working or if it should be changed.
Top 8 Best Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use
Omron is the most trusted and highly recommended brand when it comes to blood pressure monitor. It is clinically-accurate and stores readings in its onboard memory. They have the widest range from affordable to outright expensive. But more and more manufacturers are joining the market with their own offering. We include units from sinocare, CAZON and
1. OMRON M7 Intelli IT Blood Pressure Monitor with Bluetooth and Intelli Wrap Cuff – Best for Connectivity
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 22-42cm
- Users Supported: 2 users 200 readings (2×100)
Top on our list is the OMRON M7 Blood Pressure Monitor, a modern BP machine with Bluetooth connectivity. Download and install the companion Omron connect app on your mobile, pair with the BP monitor and it will automatically transfer your BP readings to your device. From there, you can track the measurements, history graphs and averages including sharing the readings with you physician.
Other useful features include pre-formed Intelli Wrap 360 Cuff that goes over your upper arm. Intelligent because it will know to signal you if the cuff is put on incorrectly for a more accurate reading. Apart from readings, it will detect irregular heartbeat and come with onboard memory enough to store up to 200 readings or 100 for each user.
2. OMRON X7 Smart with Bluetooth and Intelli Wrap Cuff – Best for AFib Detection & Dual screen
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 22-42cm
- Users Supported: 2 users 200 readings (2×100)
Another smart and connected home blood pressure monitor from OMRON is the OMRON X7. This newer machine shown below also comes with Bluetooth and App connectivity. The screen is bigger with enough room to show dual readings, the last reading taken and the current reading so you can quickly compare between the two.
Other features that it shares with the M7 includes Omron Intelli Wrap cuff, uploading of results to connected mobile device, 2 x 100 user readings, plus Atrial Fibrilation detection, a condition that may lead to embolism and stroke. When operating in AFib mode, it takes three measurements and calculates the average.
Omron is the most trusted and highly recommended brand when it comes to blood pressure monitor. It is clinically-accurate and stores readings in memory for up to 200 readings and unlimited using a connected unit with the Omron connect free app.
ALSO: OMROM X4 Smart, just like the X7 minus the AFib detection triple measurement and dual screen. Also comes with smaller memory capacity at 2 x 60 readings.
3. Lovia Blood Pressure Monitor Upper Arm – Best for Back-lit & Large Display
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 22-40cm
- Users Supported: 2 users 240 memory (2 x 120)
This budget Blood Pressure Monitor is an automatic upper arm BP machine with big back-lit digital display, large cuff size and plenty of memory for two users. The digital display measures 3.2-inch diagonally and shows blood pressure, pulse rate, the selected user as well as the time and date clearly. The unit is powered by 4 AAA batteries but can also be powered by USB adapter.
What it does not have is the traffic light system that tells you at a glance if your BP is normal, high or too high. If you have used one of these before, you are likely to know your normal range, otherwise look at the table above or consult your doctor. However, it will pick up irregular heart rate and show this on the screen. With a simple one button operation, it takes just half a minute to get a reading, be sure to select the correct user (A or B) and place the cuff and arm position according to the diagram. Lastly, use the memory function to check back on previously stored data to see if there are any significant changes over time.
4. Sinocare Blood Pressure Monitor – Best for Voice Function & Tri-Colour Display
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 24-34cm
- Users Supported: 2 x 90 (180) readings in memory
- Back light: Tri-colour changes to result (blue, orange, pink)
This Sinocare BP Monitor can help you track your health easily with enough memory to track up to 2 users. It can store up to 90 readings with date & time stamps for each user for a total of 180 readings in memory so you can check back and how you did previously. Apart from taking blood pressure and heart rate reading, it also has the ability to trace irregular heartbeat.
As for the display, it now comes equipped with a 3-Color LCD display with back light. The colour changes according to reading. Blue for normal, orange for higher than normal and pink for too high. On top of that, it also comes with voice function which can be enabled or disable. It offers instruction and readings at the end for user convenience.
5. A&D Medical Connected Blood Pressure Monitor – Best for AFib Detection and Connectivity
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 22-32cm (medium). Optional large 32-45cm cuff also available
- Users Supported: Unlimited via A&D Connect App
Get your hands on a clinically validated and accurate arm blood pressure monitor that has an easy-to-read screen with large start button and 5 years warranty included. The screen may be on the small side but the digits on the display is sufficiently big. It also has a wireless Bluetooth feature that transfers and save measurements on to your mobile devices so you can access your data anywhere. You don’t have to keep a diary or logbook. It can also be sent directly to your physician to monitor your blood pressure. To start your digital log, download and install the free A&D Connect App, pair with the unit and sync away.
What makes this an ideal go to BP machine is the ability to detect irregular heart beat. Also known as Atrial Fibrillation, it can pick up 15% less or 15% more than the average rhythm while it measures the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The company obtained clinical validation for both blood pressure and atrial fibrillation screening technology, making it a suitable device for home use.
6. Sanitas SBM 03 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor – Best for Compact Size & Portability
- Type: Wrist Type
- Cuff Size: NA
- Users Supported: 1
Sanitas has a range of wrist based blood pressure monitor. The SBM03 is the affordable option. Other units from Sanitas such as the SBC15, SBC22, SBC41 or even the SBC53 with Bluetooth connectivity are equally popular. This fully automatic blood pressure and pulse monitor takes its readings straight from the wrist and displays this on a moderate sized display. For larger display, choose SBC41.
What we like about the Sanitas, apart from the face that it is much smaller and is an all-in-one unit, no arm cuffs, tubes or cluncky base unit is the fact that it comes with a coloured scale to instantly show you where your readings lie. This be it in the green zone for normal, yellow for high and amber and red for really high. Most people will choose an upper arm PB machine over the wrist type but if you need a compact and portable unit for travel, you cannot go wrong with a wrist type. It also comes with onboard memory function which aids in keeping track of the time and activity for when one is prone to have a problem. Overall, an affordalbe and compact unit with a hard carry case for safe storage.
7. CAZON Blood Pressure Monitor Upper Arm
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 22-32cm (medium)
- Users Supported: 2 user mode, 99 per user, 198 total memory
This upper arm blood pressure monitor boast an accuracy of ±3 mmHg / ±0.4 kPa (blood pressure) and ±5%( pulse rate). The CAZON comes with a medium size cuff measuring 22 to 32 cm and can support up to 2 users each with 99 memory slots for a 198 readings. Large LCD display offers quick reading, simple soft touch buttons makes it easy to use and traffic light system based on WHO colour scheme shows the state of your blood pressure. Green for optimal or normal, yellow for slightly high and red for moderate or severely high. The display also shows the time at which the reading is taken. However, it does not come with backlit which can be a bummer especially when trying to read the measurements in dimly lit room.
8. OMRON X3 Comfort Blood Pressure Monitor – Best for Pre-Formed Cuff
- Type: Upper Arm
- Cuff Size: 22-42cm (large)
- Users Supported: 2 users, 60 per users, 120 total readings in memory
The new entry level blood pressure monitor is not as cheap as the CAZON and LOVIA above. Still, this and the M3 below are probably the best-selling OMRON models out there, thanks to its more affordable prices compared to the X4 or X7. It comes with the signature Intelli Wrap Cuff that measures 22-42cm enough to cover a wide range of users. The pre-formed upper arm cuff helps with placement so you can get a more accurate measurement.
The OMRON X3 Comfort is relatively small but comes with everything you need from a blood pressure monitor. It will take your blood pressure, your pulse and even detect irregular heartbeat. If your blood pressure is higher than normal, to avoid risk of hypertension. Lastly, the unit can support up to 2 users, storing up to 60 blood pressure readings per user.
Also: OMROM M3 Blood Pressure Monitor
The previous generation OMRON M3 is still in the market. The unit has all the functions of the new OMRON X3 but does not come with the Intelli Wrap cuff. It does have a bar graph indicator on the display to quickly show the state of your blood pressure. Otherwise, apart from the buttons, colour of the case and some cosmetic differences between the two, these are virtually the same base unit with OMRON’s Intellisense technology. The supplied easy cuff measures 22-42cm.
Final Thoughts
There are some important considerations for when you use a high blood pressure monitor at home. Here is a quick list that you can use as a guide:
Rest: Before taking your blood pressure measurement, make sure that you are rested for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Also, avoid drinking caffeine, exercising, or smoking at least 30 minutes before as these can affect your readings.
Keep a good posture: Make sure to sit with your back straight and lean against the back of the chair for support. Be sure that you have read your blood pressure monitor manual for further instructions.
Check regularly: It is important to take your blood pressure at the same time every day for more accurate results.
Keep track of your record: It is recommended to check your blood pressure at least twice daily – once first thing in the morning and once right before bed. Bring your records with you to your next appointment.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to understand more about your blood pressure and how your heart works. Also, always remember that even if your results are in a normal range when at home monitoring, it is important not to stop your medication. Be sure to always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Monitor your blood pressure along with your pulse rate with these automatic, easy-to-use one-button function BP machines with either the upper arm cuff or wrist band. Most BP machines have an advance hypertension indicator color codes which are green (normal), orange (prehypertension) and red (hypertension).
They can also detect irregular heart rate, a precursor to Atrial Fibrillation or arrhythmia based on the average of three past 3 measurements. As these are battery operated, come with its own carry case and are small enough to pack in the bag, these are portable and compact therefore can go anywhere with you.
