Garmin HRM-Pro vs Pro Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Garmin HRM-Pro Plus & Garmin HRM-Pro many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus rather than the Garmin HRM-Pro.

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus? 

  • The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus comes with a tool-less battery door for quick and hassle-free battery replacement during training sessions, while the Garmin HRM-Pro uses a screw-secured battery door.
  • Garmin HRM-Pro Plus features an improved sealing design for better protection against sweat and water ingress after multiple battery replacements, whereas the Garmin HRM-Pro uses an older door design.
  • It includes built-in indoor pace and distance measurement for accurate treadmill running metrics without relying on a watch’s accelerometer, while the Garmin HRM-Pro required a later firmware update.
  • The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus has a white pod color for easier visual identification in a crowded gym bag or shared training environment, whereas the Garmin HRM-Pro has a yellow pod.
  • Garmin HRM-Pro Plus supports simplified battery compartment access to reduce the risk of damaging the o-ring gasket during battery changes, while the Garmin HRM-Pro uses a screw-down system.
  • It delivers immediate compatibility with Garmin’s latest running power features and firmware enhancements without additional updates, whereas the Garmin HRM-Pro needed firmware updates.

Maybe the Garmin HRM-Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGarmin HRM-Pro PlusGarmin HRM-Pro
Pod colourWhiteYellow
Battery door typeTool-less battery doorSecured by screws
Indoor pace & distance transmission via strap (hardware/software)Built-in supportLacked support initially
Firmware version adding indoor pace/distance to HRM-ProFeature included at launch of PlusNot at launch; added later
DesignNew battery door design to alleviate those issuesOriginal design had more issues with water ingress or o-ring misalignment
Water resistanceReduced risk due to tool-less/better sealing doorMore prone to issues after battery change due to screw door & o-ring misalignment
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What Common Both Can Do?

  • Heart-rate accuracy: Both chest straps use high-quality ECG sensors that capture precise heart-rate data, which is more reliable than wrist-based sensors during high-intensity workouts.
  • ANT+ connectivity: Each model broadcasts data over ANT+, enabling seamless pairing with Garmin watches, cycling computers, and compatible gym equipment for real-time heart-rate monitoring.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy connections (up to 3): Both can connect to up to three Bluetooth devices simultaneously, allowing users to pair with a watch, smartphone app, and third-party fitness equipment at the same time.
  • Running Dynamics metrics: Each strap delivers advanced running metrics such as cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time, providing athletes with detailed form analysis.
  • Advanced Running Power compatibility: Both work with Garmin Running Power to calculate real-time running power, helping runners manage effort and pacing on varying terrain.
  • Stored heart-rate data during swim/out-of-range: Each unit can record heart-rate data internally when a paired watch is out of range, then upload the data afterward—ideal for pool swimming or team sports.
  • All-day heart-rate tracking: Both can track resting heart rate throughout the day, offering insight into overall cardiovascular health and recovery.
  • Calories and intensity minutes tracking: Each model measures calorie burn and intensity minutes, helping users meet daily activity and fitness goals.
  • Steps counting: Both straps track steps when worn, providing basic activity tracking even without a wrist-based device.
  • Battery type (CR2032 coin cell): Both use the widely available CR2032 coin cell, making battery replacement easy and inexpensive.
  • Typical battery life (~1 year at 1 hr/day): Each model delivers about a year of battery life with average daily use, reducing maintenance and downtime.
  • Water resistance 5 ATM: Both straps can be submerged up to 50 meters, allowing safe use during swimming, heavy sweating, or rainy runs.
  • Strap material (soft, adjustable elastic): Each uses a soft, stretchy strap for comfort and a secure fit during intense workouts or long training sessions.
  • Operating temperature −10 °C to +50 °C: Both function reliably across a wide temperature range, suitable for cold-weather runs or hot indoor training.
  • Garmin Connect data sync: Each integrates with Garmin Connect to store and analyze workout metrics, making it easy to review performance trends.
  • Multi-sport compatibility: Both are designed for running, cycling, swimming, and indoor gym activities, so one strap can support an entire training routine.
  • Firmware update capability: Each strap receives firmware updates through Garmin devices, ensuring ongoing feature improvements and bug fixes.

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Check Garmin HRM-Pro Best Price

Common Features

FeatureGarmin HRM-Pro PlusGarmin HRM-Pro
Heart-rate accuracyYesYes
ANT+ connectivityYesYes
Bluetooth Low Energy connections (up to 3)YesYes
Running Dynamics metrics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, cadence, stride length)YesYes
Advanced Running Power compatibilityYesYes
Stored heart-rate data during swim/out-of-rangeYesYes
All-day heart-rate trackingYesYes
Calories and intensity minutes trackingYesYes
Steps countingYesYes
Battery type (CR2032 coin cell)YesYes
Typical battery life (~1 year at 1 hr/day)YesYes
Water resistance 5 ATMYesYes
Strap material (soft, adjustable elastic)YesYes
Operating temperature −10 °C to +50 °CYesYes
Garmin Connect data syncYesYes
Multi-sport compatibility (running, cycling, swimming, gym)YesYes
Firmware update capabilityYesYes
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FAQ

What is the primary function of the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and HRM-Pro?
Both are chest-strap heart rate monitors that capture highly accurate heart rate data and transmit it to compatible devices via ANT+ and Bluetooth, making them ideal for running, cycling, swimming, and indoor training.

Do both models support running dynamics metrics?
Yes, each strap provides advanced running dynamics such as cadence, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation to help runners analyze and improve their form.

Can these heart rate monitors store data when the watch is out of range?
Yes, both straps can record heart rate data internally and automatically transfer it to a paired device once back in range, which is useful for swimming or activities where the watch cannot receive signals.

What type of battery do the HRM-Pro Plus and HRM-Pro use?
Both use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, which is easy to find and simple to replace.

How long does the battery typically last?
With about one hour of use per day, the battery in either model lasts roughly one year before needing replacement.

Are these chest straps waterproof for swimming?
Yes, both have a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning they can be worn while swimming and during heavy sweating or in rainy conditions.

Do they connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, both support up to three Bluetooth Low Energy connections at once, along with unlimited ANT+ connections, allowing pairing with multiple devices during a workout.

Is the strap material comfortable for long sessions?
Yes, each uses a soft, adjustable elastic strap that fits securely while remaining comfortable for extended training or competition.

Do both models work with Garmin Connect?
Yes, data from either strap syncs with the Garmin Connect app, enabling users to view detailed performance metrics and historical trends.

Can the firmware be updated?
Yes, both receive firmware updates through connected Garmin devices to improve performance and add features over time.

Do they provide all-day heart rate tracking?
Yes, both can monitor heart rate throughout the day, offering insights into resting heart rate and recovery status.

Are these monitors compatible with third-party fitness apps?
Yes, they can pair with many popular fitness apps that accept ANT+ or Bluetooth heart rate data, expanding their versatility beyond Garmin devices.

What is the operating temperature range for these straps?
Both function reliably from about −10 °C to +50 °C, covering a wide range of indoor and outdoor conditions.

Can they measure calories and intensity minutes?
Yes, each calculates calories burned and intensity minutes to help users track daily activity and meet fitness goals.

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