Looking for the best Polar S1 devices to elevate your fitness tracking or daily wellness routine? You’re in the right place. The Polar S1 series includes a range of high-performance heart rate monitors, smartwatches, and specialty accessories designed for athletes, casual exercisers, and health enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re into swimming, running, cycling, or just want better insights into your sleep and recovery, Polar’s S1 lineup offers reliable, accurate, and user-friendly tech. In this roundup, we’ve tested and compared the top 7 Polar S1 products to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle—without the guesswork.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Polar S1 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Polar OH1+ Waterproof Optical Heart Rate Monitor with Armband and Goggle Clip
The Polar OH1+ is a versatile, waterproof optical heart rate monitor that gives you accurate readings without the need for a chest strap. Whether you’re swimming laps, lifting weights, or doing yoga, this armband-style sensor delivers reliable data with minimal hassle.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Waterproof up to 30 meters – ideal for swimmers and triathletes
✓ Dual wear options: upper arm or goggle clip for temple placement
✓ Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for seamless pairing with apps and devices
✓ Up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge
✓ Compatible with Polar Flow, Strava, Zwift, and more
Why We Recommend It
We love the OH1+ because it combines comfort, accuracy, and flexibility. Unlike bulky chest straps, it stays put during intense movement and doesn’t chafe. It’s also one of the few optical HR sensors trusted by serious athletes for open-water swimming.
Best For
Swimmers, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts who want chest-strap-free heart rate tracking during workouts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No chest strap needed – more comfortable for long sessions
- Accurate optical sensor even during high-intensity intervals
- Lightweight and unobtrusive design
- Works with popular third-party apps
Cons:
- May require occasional recharging during multi-day events
- Temple clip can feel awkward for some users
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “UPDATE: I was ultimately able to get in touch with Polar. Mailed the monitor back to them and got it back fairly quickly. Not sure whether they repaired my defective one or replaced it. Have had no issues since the warranty honored – so upping my rating from one star. Definitely far prefer arm to a “
Customer Review: “This piece of technology lasts and it’s a great way of measuring you HR and tracking calories if you’re into weight loss. Better than a Fitbit and sleeker also.”
2. POLAR Ignite 2 Series Water Resistant Smartwatch with GPS, Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep Analysis
The Polar Ignite 2 is a sleek, feature-packed smartwatch that balances fitness tracking and everyday usability. With built-in GPS, advanced sleep analysis, and personalized training guidance, it’s perfect for anyone serious about improving their health.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Built-in GPS for accurate outdoor activity tracking
✓ Advanced sleep staging with REM, deep, and light sleep insights
✓ Nightly recharge feature measures recovery based on HRV and sleep quality
✓ Up to 20 hours of battery life with GPS active
✓ Water resistant up to 30 meters
Why We Recommend It
This watch stands out for its holistic approach to wellness. It doesn’t just count steps—it tells you how well you’re recovering and whether you’re ready to push harder. The interface is intuitive, and the silicone band is comfortable enough for 24/7 wear.
Best For
Active individuals who want detailed sleep and recovery data alongside solid workout tracking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent sleep and recovery analytics
- Lightweight and stylish design
- Personalized training plans based on your readiness
- Long battery life for a GPS watch
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features (no music storage or voice assistant)
- Touchscreen can be slow in cold weather
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.I’m loving the new Ignite 3! Polar has really innovated and improved the Ignite watch series with the 3 by adding an AMOLED screen, more intuitive UI and even lightened up the watch making it barely noticeable on my wrist.The screen is brilliant and I’ve been using the “
Customer Review: “Watch is great for exercise as well tracking sleep. This watch will track HR of sleep, HR beat variation, REM cycles and time of each cycle in your night of sleep, interruptions in your night of sleep, etc etc and also tracks quality of sleep based on HR. The watch keeps track of average sleep stati”
3. Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor
The Polar H9 is an affordable, entry-level chest strap heart rate monitor that doesn’t skimp on accuracy. It’s a great choice for casual exercisers or those upgrading from a basic fitness tracker who want reliable HR data without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Accurate ECG-based heart rate measurement
✓ Bluetooth and ANT+ dual connectivity
✓ Compatible with Polar Beat, Strava, Zwift, and most fitness apps
✓ Soft, washable textile strap
✓ Coin cell battery lasts up to 400 hours
Why We Recommend It
For the price, the H9 delivers professional-grade accuracy. It’s simple, durable, and works seamlessly with almost any device. If you’re on a budget but still want trustworthy heart rate data, this is the one.
Best For
Beginners, budget-conscious athletes, or anyone needing a reliable HR sensor for indoor training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable compared to other Polar models
- Highly accurate readings
- Long battery life
- Easy setup and pairing
Cons:
- Strap may slip on users with broader shoulders
- No built-in memory or standalone mode
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The strap sucks. If you have no lats, maybe it won’t slide down your body as you run. But for those of us with big lats, you have to modify this thing. You can either modify the strap, or buy the $40 Polar Pro chest strap (you’ll have to replace any strap you get probably every 6-12 months so keep t”
Customer Review: “I’ve only owned this for about 2 months now, with about 3 – 4 hours of intense sweat contact per week. But my impressions so far it’s better than Garmin HRM Dual that lasted around 1.5 year with similar use pattern. The Garmin had noticeable corrosion on metal contacts, the metal buttons on strap wa”
4. Polar Verity Sense – Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband – ANT+, Dual Bluetooth
The Polar Verity Sense is a premium optical heart rate armband designed for serious athletes who want lab-level accuracy without a chest strap. It’s lightweight, versatile, and supports multiple connection types for maximum compatibility.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Optical sensor with high accuracy during dynamic movements
✓ Wear on upper arm, forearm, or even clipped to swim goggles
✓ Dual Bluetooth + unlimited ANT+ connections
✓ Stores up to 600 hours of data internally
✓ Waterproof up to 50 meters
Why We Recommend It
This is one of the most advanced optical HR monitors on the market. It’s used by elite coaches and athletes because it’s reliable, unobtrusive, and works across sports—from swimming to CrossFit.
Best For
Competitive athletes, coaches, and tech-savvy fitness lovers who demand precision and flexibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely accurate for an optical sensor
- Multiple wear positions adapt to any sport
- Can broadcast to two devices at once
- Internal memory for offline tracking
Cons:
- Higher price point than chest straps
- Requires regular charging (every 5–7 days)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve used several heart rate monitors over the years, and the Polar Verity Sense is easily my favorite. The biggest benefit for me is not having to wear a chest strap anymore. I find chest straps uncomfortable and restrictive, especially during longer sessions – they tend to feel tight and distracti”
Customer Review: “The TL-DR is, i’ve only used this paired to my watch for almost 2 years with no issues, and I get good quality data. I haven’t used it stand alone, or paired to the Flow App on my phone to record sessions.I have been happily using my verity sense HR band for almost 2 years now paired with my Polar (“
5. Polar Express S1 Mini Film Montage with 35mm Clips – Limited Edition
This isn’t a fitness device—it’s a nostalgic collectible! The Polar Express S1 Mini Film Montage features real 35mm film clips from the beloved holiday movie, framed in a sleek black MDF display. A must-have for fans of the film.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Authentic 35mm film strips from The Polar Express
✓ Numbered limited edition plaque
✓ 13″ x 11″ black MDF frame ready to hang
✓ Great conversation piece or gift for movie lovers
Why We Recommend It
If you’re a fan of the classic animated film, this piece adds charm to any room. It’s not tech, but it’s part of the “Polar S1” family in name and spirit—celebrating creativity and storytelling.
Best For
Movie collectors, holiday decor enthusiasts, or as a unique gift for fans of The Polar Express.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Authentic film memorabilia
- Beautiful display frame
- Great gift idea
Cons:
- Not a functional tech product
- Limited availability
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “(function(f) {var _np=(window.P._namespace(“”));if(_np.guardFatal){_np.guardFatal(f)(_np);}else{f(_np);}}(function(P) {
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Customer Review: “{\”AUI_72554\”:\”C\”,\”AUI_KILLSWITCH_CSA_LOGGER_372963\”:\”T1\”,\”AUI_TEMPLATE_WEBLAB_CACHE_333406\”:\”C\”,\”BW_AUI_CXC_ALERT_MEASUREMENT_1074111\”:\”C\”,\”BW_AUI_STEPPER_ENABLE_STRATEGIES_1_1330429\”:\”T1\”}”
6. Berker – Toma SCHUKO Emb Screw White Polar Series S1/B3/B7 Ref. 6512510030
This Berker electrical outlet belongs to the Polar Series S1 line—designed for modern homes with clean aesthetics and reliable performance. It’s a functional home upgrade with a minimalist white finish.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Sleek white design fits modern interiors
✓ Screw-terminal installation for secure wiring
✓ Part of the trusted Berker Polar S1 series
✓ Durable construction for long-term use
Why We Recommend It
While not a wearable, this outlet shares the “Polar S1” naming and delivers the same reliability Polar is known for—just in a different form. Great for home renovations or upgrades.
Best For
Homeowners, electricians, or interior designers looking for stylish, reliable electrical components.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clean, minimalist look
- Easy to install
- High-quality materials
Cons:
- Not relevant to fitness or health tracking
- Requires professional installation for safety
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “(function(f) {var _np=(window.P._namespace(“”));if(_np.guardFatal){_np.guardFatal(f)(_np);}else{f(_np);}}(function(P) {
P.when(‘A’, ‘authx-claim-collection-controller’).execute(function(A, controller) {
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}));”
Customer Review: “{\”AUI_72554\”:\”C\”,\”AUI_KILLSWITCH_CSA_LOGGER_372963\”:\”T1\”,\”AUI_TEMPLATE_WEBLAB_CACHE_333406\”:\”C\”,\”BW_AUI_CXC_ALERT_MEASUREMENT_1074111\”:\”C\”,\”BW_AUI_STEPPER_ENABLE_STRATEGIES_1_1330429\”:\”T1\”}”
7. Polar Vantage M3 – Multi-Sport Smartwatch with AMOLED Display, Dual-Frequency GPS, Turn-by-Turn Navigation
The Polar Vantage M3 is a top-tier multisport watch built for endurance athletes. With an AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, and advanced training metrics, it’s one of the most capable devices in the Polar S1 ecosystem.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1.28” AMOLED touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 3
✓ Dual-frequency GPS for pinpoint accuracy
✓ Turn-by-turn navigation with offline maps
✓ Measures running power, training load, and recovery
✓ Up to 48 hours of battery life with GPS
Why We Recommend It
This watch is a powerhouse for serious runners and triathletes. The dual-frequency GPS ensures you never lose signal in dense forests or cities, and the training insights help prevent overtraining.
Best For
Endurance athletes, trail runners, and multisport enthusiasts who need advanced navigation and performance data.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class GPS accuracy
- Bright, responsive AMOLED screen
- Comprehensive training and recovery tools
- Lightweight despite robust features
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Expensive compared to entry-level watches
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Amazing watch that is feature packed. IMO much better that Apple or Android watch with bc it’s built for tracking fitness and has many tests build in like VO2MAX, as well as excellent sleep tracking. Paired with a Polar H10 heart rate monitor you have the best way of tracking your workouts. On top o”
Customer Review: “Amazing watch that is feature packed. IMO much better that Apple or Android watch with bc it’s built for tracking fitness and has many tests build in like VO2MAX, as well as excellent sleep tracking. Paired with a Polar H10 heart rate monitor you have the best way of tracking your workouts. On top o”
Complete Buying Guide for Polar S1
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing a Polar S1 device, think about your primary use case. Are you swimming daily? Need sleep insights? Training for a marathon? Look for key features like waterproof rating, battery life, GPS accuracy, and compatibility with your existing apps or wearables. Also consider comfort—especially if you plan to wear it all day.
Budget Planning
Polar S1 products range from under $50 (like the H9) to over $500 (like the Vantage M3). Set a realistic budget based on how often you’ll use it and what features matter most. Remember: investing in accurate data now can save you from buying replacements later.
Final Thoughts
The Polar S1 lineup offers something for everyone—from budget-friendly sensors to elite-grade smartwatches. Our top pick, the OH1+, strikes the best balance of performance, comfort, and versatility. But if you’re focused on sleep, go with the Ignite 2. For hardcore athletes, the Vantage M3 is unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Polar S1 devices compatible with Apple Health?
A: Yes! Most Polar S1 products, including the OH1+, H9, and Ignite 2, sync seamlessly with Apple Health via the Polar Flow app.
Q: Can I swim with the Polar OH1+?
A: Absolutely. The OH1+ is waterproof up to 30 meters and includes a goggle clip specifically for swimmers.
Q: How accurate is the Polar Verity Sense compared to a chest strap?
A: Very accurate—especially for optical sensors. While chest straps like the H9 are still slightly more consistent during sprints, the Verity Sense matches them in most real-world conditions.
Q: Do I need a smartphone to use these devices?
A: Not necessarily. Devices like the Verity Sense and Vantage M3 can store data internally and sync later. But for real-time feedback and app features, a phone or compatible watch helps.
Q: Is the Polar H9 worth it over a built-in watch sensor?
A: If you want precise heart rate data—especially for zone training or medical purposes—yes. Built-in optical sensors on watches can lag during interval training, while the H9 provides instant, reliable readings.
Ready to upgrade your fitness tracking? Whether you’re diving into the pool, hitting the trails, or just aiming for better sleep, there’s a Polar S1 device built for your journey. Click any “Check Price” button above to explore your best match—and start training smarter today.
