Best Blood Pressure Monitors to Take Care of Your Health in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 2, 2024
To prevent health problems, monitoring blood pressure on a regular basis is absolutely important. It's also the only way to check ...Read more
PROS

Thanks to the unique Intelli Wrap Cuff, you'll get accurate blood pressure measurements in any position around your upper arm. Thanks to the rigid design, the cuff is easy to fit with one hand only.

CONS

The interface may seem a bit complicated to use.

OUR VERDICT

The Omron X7 is one of the smartest and most sophisticated blood pressure monitors on the market. Unlike most other models, in addition to the regular features, it can also detect the possibility of Atrial fibrillation, the cause of many heart problems, including stroke and embolism.

detailed parameters
Type

Automatic

Cuff style

Upper arm

Cuff size

22 - 42 cm

Blood pressure range

0 - 299 mmHg

Blood pressure accuracy

±3 mmHg

Pulse rate range

40 to 180 bpm

Pulse rate accuracy

±5%

Power source

4 x AA batteries / AC adapter

Features

Bluetooth enabled, Memory: 2 users x 100 readings, Intelli Wrap Cuff technology, High Blood Pressure Colour indicator, Averaging function, Irregular Heartbeat detection, Body Movement detection, Storage Case included

Warranty

3 years

PROS

You can download the free Braun Healthy Heart app (available on iOS and Android platforms) and manually input your readings to receive insights on your health.

CONS

It can be powered by AA batteries only.

OUR VERDICT

The Braun ExactFit 1 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is a frills-free, high-quality model by a reputable brand. It's clinically accurate and very easy to use. Plus, it prevents any discomfort thanks to the Soft inflation technology. A win-win choice for seniors.

detailed parameters
Type

Automatic

Cuff style

Upper arm

Cuff size

22-42 cm

Blood pressure range

0 - 299 mmHg

Blood pressure accuracy

±3 mmHg

Pulse rate range

40 to 180 bpm

Pulse rate accuracy

±5%

Power source

4 x AA batteries

Features

Single button operation, Large LCD display, Stores last reading, Soft inflation technology, Connects to Braun Healthy Heart app (iOS, Android)

Warranty

2 years

PROS
One-button hit operation maximally simplifies the unit's handling while a fan-shaped cuff minimises the feeling of pressure.
CONS

The included cuff might feel tight on biggish arms. Yet, you can buy a bigger cuff separately.

OUR VERDICT

With similar functionality of the more expensive rivals, this Omron version can become your best choice. Simple classic design, excellent diagnostic features, user-friendly display, and affordable price makes it a great value for the money. 

detailed parameters
Type
Automatic
Cuff style
Upper arm
Cuff size
22 - 32 cm
Blood pressure range
0 - 299 mmHg
Blood pressure accuracy
±3 mmHg
Pulse rate range
40 to 180 bpm
Pulse rate accuracy
± 5%
Power source

4 x AA batteries / AC adapter 

Features

Last measurement memory, Fan-shaped cuff, Hypertension indicator

Warranty
3 years
PROS

Battery life extends to approximately 1,000 measurements, which is much more compared to most other cordless devices. And thanks to the addition of the AC adapter, you can plug the monitor into a power socket.

CONS

Some users find the price a bit too high. 

OUR VERDICT

The automatic tonometer Omron M3 with an improved cuff design is an easy-to-use model that always provides accurate readings. It wraps 360° around your upper arm, making it impossible to place the cuff incorrectly.

detailed parameters
Type

Automatic

Cuff style

Upper arm

Cuff size

22 - 42 cm

Blood pressure range

0 - 299 mmHg

Blood pressure accuracy

± 3 mmHg

Pulse rate range

40 to 180 bpm

Pulse rate accuracy

±5%

Power source

4 x AA batteries, AC adapter

Features

Large display, 2 x 60 memory, One-touch detection, Cuff Wrap guide, Irregular heart beat detection, Body movement detection, Intellisense technology, Storage case included

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Not only is it one of the most precise blood pressure monitors out there, it is also very easy to store and transport thanks to its durable protecting case and a soft cover that comes included with the purchase.

CONS

The cuff might seem hard. 

OUR VERDICT

The Duronic BPM150 upper arm pressure monitor is a universal medical device for comfortable use at home. It measures blood pressure accurately and immediately notifies you in case you have an irregulate heartbeat.

detailed parameters
Type

Automatic

Cuff style

Upper arm

Cuff size

22 - 42 cm

Blood pressure range

0 - 280 mmHg

Blood pressure accuracy

±3 mmHg

Pulse rate range

40 to ~200 bpm

Pulse rate accuracy

± 5%

Power source

4 x AA batteries, AC/DC adapter

Features

Stores 60 measurements, Large LCD screen, Irregular heartbeat indication, Previous reading saving

Warranty

2 years

So High-Tech

The X7 Smart is one of the most sophisticated blood pressure monitors on the market and surely the smartest one in Omron’s lineup. Without addressing its exceptional accuracy, we would like to start off with the specs that make it stand out from the competition.

To begin with, it comes fitted with the advanced Intelli Wrap Cuff that takes away all the guesswork of cuff placement on your arm. Simply wrap the cuff in any position around your upper arm and the smart guide will signal if it’s placed correctly. To get started, you can either press start or hold the "start" button for two seconds, with the latter option being used to not only measure your pressure but also detect the possibility of AFib (Atrial fibrillation). It is a nice touch considering how often AFib goes unnoticed and how many heart problems occur in the result of not detecting it in time. In this blood monitor, the AFib function indicates potential risks with high specificity (93.%) and sensitivity (95.5%). Running in the AFib mode, the X7 also takes 3 consecutive readings and gives you the average one. Moreover, the unit has a dual-screen mode, allowing you to compare your latest results with previous readings and weekly averages. Another way to check your readings is by using your smartphone - all you need is to pair the monitor with it by enabling Bluetooth and downloading the Omron Connect app. Even better, you can ask Alexa to inform you about the latest readings even without a need to pick up your phone.

For sure, the Omron X7 is a very high-tech device that can give you much more than simple blood pressure readings. It’ll help you keep track of your progress and highlight potential Atrial fibrillation, thus allowing you to minimise the risk of a stroke and embolism.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £89.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Z9LRZPN

Basic Monitor by a Trustworthy Manufacturer

Braun is a big name in the healthcare industry, and the ExactFit 1 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor fully lives up to big expectations from the brand. It's a clinically accurate machine validated by the European Society for Hypertension, which delivers professional accuracy and consistent results. Also, the device is very easy to use - you just put the cuff on, press the button and off it goes. In general, the armband gets nice and tight before relaxing but if you experience discomfort, you can press the main button and the cuff will immediately deflate. A kind of emergency stop function.

By the way, the cuff has a universal fit and suits any arm circumference from 22 to 42 cm. The armband is high-quality with reliable velcro and the fit isn't too tight. We also like that the cuff has a piece of foam bar at the end to prevent sliding.

A large, easy to read display shows the results quickly and, afterwards, it saves the results to memory. Though, take note that it can store only the latest reading and, accordingly, can't let you track your health history. Yet, you can input the readings manually into the Braun Healthy Heart app to monitor your blood pressure fluctuations there.

All in all, it's a frills-free monitor by a reputable brand that is a pleasure to use. The quality is high overall, the cuff is easy to fit and test yourself while working one-handed. And, most importantly, it gives very accurate results. Ideal for seniors!

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £32.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08TBXTJGQ

Simple Device

The Omron X2 Basic is a decent representative of classic upper arm tonometers that still has a card up a sleeve. It offers a variety of advantages that guarantee comfortable, fast and accurate blood pressure readings. Being fully automatic, this device inflates the cuff to the ideal level that is not too high, so a user doesn't have the unpleasant feeling of pressure while using it.

Besides measuring blood pressure, the Omron X2 can also be used to detect irregular heartbeats and hypertension. It has a large screen and portable size, making it convenient for on-the-go use. What's more, it is very easy to use. Actually, it has nothing but one button to press, after which, in less than a minute, the readouts will appear on the screen. This makes it especially convenient for elder users who may have troubles using modern gadgets or/and have weak sight.

When it comes to comfort, the Omron X2 Basic features a 22-32-cm cuff that suits the majority of users easily. Its shape allows tight wrap at the elbow and minimum pressure on the arm. With all that said, we can readily recommend this unit to all users who're looking for a handy, affordable and accurate device with user-friendly controls. It's produced by a reliable manufacturer and is able to provide you with all the basic information that you need to know about your blood pressure levels.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08NXBRYFJ

Middle-ground Solution

The M3 Comfort is a well-balanced model that sits in the middle of the Omron Blood Pressure monitors lineup. It has no fancy features like Bluetooth compatibility but offers better measuring results compared to cheaper Omron devices. This is largely achieved owing to the addition of the upgraded arm cuff that is supposed to reduce the number of false readings which might occur when traditional cuffs are not positioned properly.

The Omron "IntelliWrap" cuff here is sturdier than traditional ones. It's a semi-rigid all-around 360° measuring cuff with a non-fluffy type of velcro (standard arm cuffs used in previous Omron models have a measurement area in one section only). Therefore, the new cuff not only automatically curls around your arm but also takes accurate measurements regardless of how it's rotated around the arm. And if the cuff is wrapped too loosely, there is an indicator light on the device telling the user whether it's positioned snugly enough.

The monitor is also equipped with two more warning LEDs (against SYS and DIA) that go on if the readings are above the standard numbers. Everything is shown on a large and clear display that can save the measurements in the memory and store data for two separate users. Also, it offers a guest mode for taking one-off measurements.

Long story short, the M3 Comfort BP monitor is a really comfortable monitor for taking quick measurements. Fitted with an improved cuff, it fits better and is more accurate than many other models on the market.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £54.48
Stock In stock
ASIN B019DYT6DA

User-Friendly Blood Pressure Monitor

Aiming to produce the type of blood pressure monitor that would be highly accurate yet simple to use, the Duronic company has designed its BPM150 arm blood pressure monitor which ticks these boxes and then some.

This model is a high-quality monitor that's able to determine pulse and blood pressure very accurately with a margin error of +-5% and +- 3mmHg respectively and lets you store up to 60 measures in the memory of the device, in order to track changes in your health condition over a certain period of time.

It is also very simple to use thanks to its fully-automatic one-touch operation design. It enables you to operate the device with a press of a single button. Reading the data isn't hard either, as the BPM150 is equipped with a large LCD screen that outputs readings in large font so that every user can read them effortlessly. Also, it has special tabs to show you whether your physical condition is normal or not.

The arm cuff is well-made, too. It is nice to the touch, convenient to wear, and is fully adjustable for an arm with a circumference from 22 to 42 cm. Thanks to such a design, the Duronic home blood pressure monitor is suitable for use by almost every adult.

Finally, this device comes with a soft carrying bag and is pretty lightweight, which makes it convenient for transportation when the need be. So if you are looking for a monitor that can provide you with both the precision of readings and simple controls, the BPM150 is the right choice.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00BEW65YI

What Is a Blood Pressure Monitor?

To live a healthy life, people need to take care of their health. For this purpose, in addition to regularly visiting your therapist, it is important to keep track of the concentration of glucose level in your blood as well as to measure blood pressure. And if you or someone from your family has heart or circulatory disease, having a blood pressure monitor is a must for you. With a blood pressure monitor machine at hand, you will be able to keep track of your blood pressure readings anytime when it's suitable for you, without having to pay unnecessary visits to your doctor. Modern blood pressure monitor machines are very easy to use. You don't need to have any special skills: it's enough to put its cuff on your arm, press one single button and the readings will be shown on the display in the blink. Using it is so easy even your senior relative should be able to handle it without help.

We've mentioned the importance of keeping track of the concentration of glucose levels in the blood; for that, you may need to buy a glucometer. And you definitely need to make sure that you have an ear thermometer in your medicine cabinet.

What Features to Compare

To choose a blood pressure monitor that will be the right one for you, you need to consider a few things. Here they are:

Cuff Style

There are a few types of blood pressure monitors you can buy: those that measure the blood pressure at your wrist, those that measure it at your finger, and traditional models that measure the blood pressure at your arm. Which one to choose mostly depends on individual preferences. What is important is that the cuff is the right size and wraps your arm (wrist or finger) snugly, leaving only a tiny bit of space enough for two fingertips to slide underneath. This will ensure the most accurate measurement readings. Keep note though that most blood pressure monitors come with standard, mid-sized cuffs, so if your arms are smaller or larger than that, you may need to look into buying a different-sized cuff optionally.

Utility

A wonderful addition to your blood pressure monitor will be a Bluetooth connectivity function. It will allow you to store your results on the computer or smartphone, sparing enough of the internal memory of the device for new readings (most devices remember only the last three measurement readings). Also, you will get a chance to send your readings to your therapist, so both of you will be able to track your blood pressure. Obviously, with the Bluetooth connectivity, you will also be able to share your results with other people who might be in charge of your health. Another thing some people find important is the size of the device itself. For those who plan to use a blood pressure monitor machine in the office or gym, we recommend opting for lightweight, small and compact models. Usually, these are featured with automatic inflation and operate using a few AAA batteries. And if you want to measure your blood pressure at home, it might be a good idea to select a device offering you two ways of powering it - using batteries and via a power cord.

Accuracy

No matter what type of blood pressure monitor you choose, accuracy is what matters most. Make sure that a device you choose is clinically validated. This is really important because if a blood pressure monitor is not approved for use in your country, you won't be able to get it serviced when the need be. Plus, choosing a validated blood pressure monitor, you're guaranteed to obtain accurate results that you and health care professionals will be able to trust.

Sources:

1. Get the most out of home blood pressure monitoring, Mayo Clinic. July 08, 2015.

2. How to Choose the Right Blood Pressure Monitor, Blood Pressure UK.

3. Sphygmomanometer, Wikipedia. November 3, 2016.

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