Best blood pressure monitors

We researched the best blood pressure monitors and created this guide to help you identify the best one for you.
Best overall
Omron JPN-500
  • pro
    Stores last 60 readings
  • pro
    Detects irregular heartbeats
  • pro
    Easy to use
Best budget
Frontida Health
  • pro
    Stores last 200 readings
  • pro
    2 users
  • pro
    Under $60
Best smart monitor
Withings BPM Connect
Withings BPM Connect
  • pro
    Stores all readings in app
  • pro
    Rechargeable battery
  • pro
    Up to 8 users
Best wearable monitor
YHE BP Doctor Pro
  • pro
    Inflating wrist cuff
  • pro
    Other health tracking features
  • con
    Not as accurate

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For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. We may earn money when you click links on our site, but this does not affect our recommendations. Learn how we test and review.

Cathy Habas
Jul 31, 2024
Icon Time To Read8 min read

If you're one of the 34% of Australian adults with high blood pressure or hypertension, twice-daily blood pressure readings can clue you in to trends over time—data that could help you prevent a heart attack or stroke.

To make sure we recommended a sensitive, accurate, and easy-to-use blood pressure monitor, we educated ourselves about blood pressure measurement technology and read hundreds of user reviews across the web. Our verdict: the best blood pressure monitor for at-home use is the Omron JPN-500.

The Omron JPN-500 is clinically accurate and offers easy-to-understand results. But its stand-out feature is its ability to detect irregular heartbeats.

Find other blood pressure monitors with extra features or at lower price points in our full list below.



Compare the best blood pressure monitors

Monitor
Best for
Price
Maximum storage
Cuff size
Mobile app
Power source
Learn more
Best overall60 readings22—32cm
Icon No  LightNo
4 x AA batteries (included)
Best budget

200 readings

22—42 cm
Icon No  LightNo
4 x AAA batteries (included)
Best smart monitor16 on device, unlimited via app22—42 cm
Icon Yes  LightYes
Rechargeable battery
Best wearable monitor Unlimited via app13.5—21.5 cm
Icon Yes  LightYes
Rechargeable battery

Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer

Blood pressure monitor reviews

1. Omron JPN-500: Best blood pressure monitor overall

Best overall
Omron JPN-500
$129.95

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Omron JPN-500 packs accuracy and storage into one powerful device. This blood pressure monitor comes with Intellisense technology that applies the right amount of pressure for clinically accurate results, and it can store the last 60 readings for easy reference. We also love that it can detect irregular heartbeats as well as any body movement that may result in an inaccurate reading.

Omron is one of the most trusted brands in the health monitoring space, and the JPN-500 is clinically validated to meet the highest standards of precision.

On the downside, this monitor doesn't allow for different user profiles, and its cuff size is somewhat limited.

pro
Pros
pro Stores up to 60 readings
pro Irregular heartbeat detection
pro Intellisense technology for improved accuracy
pro Battery powered
con
Cons
con Limited cuff size
con Can't handle multiple users

2. Frontida Health Digital Blood Pressure Monitor: Best budget

Best budget

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're on a budget, we reckon it's hard to go past Frontida Health's Digital Blood Pressure Monitor. Coming in at under $60, it offers essentially the same features as our top pick above, and even more, like double the storage (for up to 200 readings), an extra user profile, a colour display, and a larger arm cuff.

Sure, it's a much lesser-known brand than Omron, but this monitor is still TGA approved and gets the job done.

pro
Pros
pro Stores up to 200 readings
pro Irregular heartbeat detection
pro Large colour display
pro Battery-powered
con
Cons
con Lesser-known brand

3. Withings BPM Connect: Best smart blood pressure monitor

Best smart monitor
Withings BPM Connect

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Withings BPM Connect is an accurate, versatile, and compact smart blood pressure monitor. Though it doesn't show a whole lot of information on the device itself, through the Withings companion app, you get access to a whole wealth of health data, and iOS users can even share their results directly with their doctor.

While it's not the cheapest option you'll find, it's easily the most versatile option on our list, catering for up to eight different users. We also like that it has a rechargeable battery, which can save you money in the long term.

pro
Pros
pro Unlimited readings for up to 8 users via app
pro Compact design
pro Larger cuff size
pro Rechargeable battery
con
Cons
con Not the cheapest
con No irregular heartbeat detection

4. YHE BP Doctor Pro: Best wearable blood pressure monitor

Best wearable monitor

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Though they don't tend to be as accurate as regular blood pressure monitors, wearable units can be useful for those who need frequent measurements. Enter the YHP BP Doctor Pro, a wrist-based blood pressure monitor that also functions as a fitness tracker.

It's surprisingly sleek, works with both iOS and Android devices, continuously monitors blood pressure and blood oxygen levels throughout the day, and can even track your daily walks and runs. Unfortunately, it can't track other exercises, and it's not waterproof, so there are limits.

pro
Pros
pro Sleek, subtle design
pro Fitness tracking features
pro Sleep tracking
pro Blood oxygen measurement
con
Cons
con Expensive
con Not as accurate

How to use a blood pressure monitor

Take an accurate in-home blood pressure reading using digital blood pressure monitors by following the steps below:

  1. Get ready. Make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. Your bladder should be empty, as a full one can impact the reading. Avoid smoking, exercise, and caffeine before taking your blood pressure.
  2. Sit down. A comfortable sitting position is also the best position for taking a blood pressure reading. Remove any clothing that is tight or bulky around the upper arm, or roll up your sleeve. Place both feet on the floor (no crossed legs!) and rest your forearm comfortably on a table at heart level. Place your arm with the palm of your hand facing up.
  3. Find your pulse. Locate the brachial artery by finding your pulse in the centre of your elbow. Press your index and middle fingers lightly against the inside of your elbow. If you can’t find it by feeling, use the upper arm cuff to locate your pulse.
  4. Use the right size of cuff. For an accurate reading, you need a blood pressure arm cuff that fits correctly. The length of the cuff should equal at least 80% of the circumference of your upper arm.
  5. Apply the blood pressure cuff. Wrap the cuff around your upper arm (it might help to have someone assist you). The lower edge of the cuff should be about one inch above the pit of your elbow. The arm cuff should feel snug, but not tight. If your blood pressure cuff has an arrow on it, make sure it points to the bend of your arm.
  6. Power up the monitor. Press the power button on your automatic blood pressure monitor to turn it on. You should see all the display symbols flash on the screen, followed by a zero. The zero means that the monitor is ready for action.
  7. Inflate the cuff. Press the start button if your digital monitor has automatic cuff inflation. For manual inflation, close the air valve and pump the bulb rapidly until the pressure gauge reads at least 160. (We recommend devices with automatic inflation because they're much easier to use.)
  8. Get your readings. Watch the monitor for the pressure readings. They will display on either the left or right side of the screen. You’ll hear a long beep, which means the blood pressure measurement is complete. Take note of the pressures on the display.
    • Systolic blood pressure should be on the left or the top of the screen.
    • Diastolic pressure should be on the right side of the screen or just below the systolic blood pressure reading.
    • The monitor may also display your pulse rate.
    • Many monitors also track if there’s an irregular heartbeat, which may indicate undiagnosed health issues.
  9. Finally, allow the cuff to deflate completely before taking it off. If you used a manual inflation device, open the air valve to release pressure in the cuff.
Light Bulb
What do systolic pressure and diastolic pressure mean?

Systolic Pressure is the blood pressure in your vessels when your heart beats. Diastolic Pressure measures the blood pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats.

What to do if your reading is inaccurate

Sometimes you’ll get a BP measurement that just doesn’t make sense. This is fairly common, especially when you’re new to home blood pressure monitoring.

If you didn’t get an accurate reading, don’t immediately re-inflate the blood pressure cuff. Remove the cuff and give yourself at least one minute before reapplying the cuff and repeating the steps to measure your blood pressure.

It's also worth taking your new home blood pressure monitor with you to your next doctor’s appointment so you can ask questions and your doctor can make sure you’re using the monitor correctly.

You can also verify that your home monitor gets the same results as the equipment in your doctor’s office. It’s good practice to bring in your home monitor at least once a year to make sure readings are still accurate.

Consistent blood pressure monitoring is key

Staying on top of your blood pressure is important, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right home blood pressure monitor, it’s easy to keep your health in check.

By partnering with your doctor to keep an ongoing record of your blood pressure between appointments, you’re more likely to get the right recommendations and medications.

Final Word

We recommend the Omron JPN-500 automatic home blood pressure monitor thanks to its clinical accuracy and advanced features.

Using a blood pressure monitor is just one way to improve your health so you can live a safer, more active life. Find more ways to look after your wellness and keep your household safe with our extensive safety resources covering everything from wearable health monitors to carbon monoxide detectors.

Blood pressure monitor FAQ

There are three methods for measuring blood pressure:

  • Upper arm monitors are the gold standard because they’re the most accurate. The cuff wraps around the upper part of your arm and tightens to measure your blood pressure.
  • Wrist monitors wrap around your wrist to measure your blood pressure. Wrist blood pressure monitors aren’t considered as accurate as upper arm monitors unless you have your arm and wrist positioned exactly at heart level. You must follow the manual very closely because there’s a lot of room for error. Wrist monitors are easy to travel with and can be more comfortable than upper arm monitors.
  • Finger monitors are very similar to wrist monitors. They’re small, easy to travel with, and more comfortable than an upper arm monitor. Again, the main shortcoming is that it’s not the most accurate.

That said, you should pick the best type for your needs that also meets your doctor’s recommendations.

"The body has to adjust from a lying-down position to push blood against gravity up to the brain. So when the pressure is low, it takes more effort to increase blood flow to the brain," explains our health advisor Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE.

"When you quickly sit up or stand up and you have low blood pressure, the brain isn't getting enough oxygen. This makes you faint."

Some private health insurers cover medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, but it's worth checking with your provider before purchasing as it may not be included in your cover.

While many used blood pressure monitors are available, it’s a good idea to buy a new one. The accuracy and reliability of your blood pressure monitor can determine your hypertension care course and may save your life. You want to make sure your machine works correctly.

Not all blood pressure monitors are the same. Just like any instrument, there are slight differences between the different models. Calibrating your blood pressure monitor involves taking it to your doctor’s office to verify that readings match the monitors in their office.

The DASH diet (and others like it) are great choices for managing your blood pressure, especially under the supervision of your doctor. But they don’t replace the need for a blood pressure monitor because you still need to take accurate and frequent readings to see if the diet works.

In general, wrist monitors aren’t as accurate as upper arm cuffs. Some patients prefer to use a wrist cuff because it’s easier to use with one hand.

All of the upper arm cuffs we recommend are easy to put on and use with one hand.

Most blood pressure monitors come with a one-size-fits-most cuff for upper arms measuring 22 to 32 cm, though some go up to 42 cm. Getting a blood pressure cuff that fits right is critical for accurate readings.

If your arm is larger or smaller than this range, you can usually purchase extra cuffs separately, and most are compatible with various blood pressure machines. Just make sure your tubing is the correct size to connect with your monitor.

Normal blood pressure readings fall between 90 and 120 systolic pressure and between 60 and 80 diastolic pressure.

If either number is out of range, talk to your doctor—even if the second number is normal. If you don't feel well, get immediate medical attention. 

How we reviewed blood pressure monitors

We started our evaluation by looking over prices and reviews from experts and everyday users. Here are some things we considered when selecting blood pressure monitors for our list:

  • Simple interface: A user-friendly interface with large numbers and big buttons makes it easier to navigate the blood pressure monitor and understand the results.
  • Multiple users: A multiple-user feature tracks more than one person’s blood pressure, so you can share the monitor with family members and skip the hassle of buying multiple devices.
  • Accurate readings: Accuracy is one of the most important things to look for in a blood pressure monitor. We mostly focused on upper arm monitors for our list because they tend to have the best accuracy. 
  • Memory storage: With high memory storage, you can log your blood pressure readings multiple times a day and over a long period to give your doctor a better picture of your health. 

Learn about how we rank products by checking out our full methodology.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.

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