Medically Reviewed by: Dr Hafiz Aladin
It's important to keep an eye on our blood pressure, so that's why it's useful to invest in a blood pressure monitor to track it at home. They're one of the easiest-to-use gadgets for monitoring your health at home so if you're concerned about the levels of your blood pressure, we'd recommend having one for peace of mind.
Known as the 'silent killer', around a third of Brits in the UK suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is the second biggest risk factor for premature death and disability.
"Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it's pumped around your body," says Dr Hafiz Aladin, a Portfolio GP Partner at Tower House Surgery, Medical Examiner and Clinical Tutor based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it's not treated. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is usually not a cause for concern and is especially common in young women. In most cases, it doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, in a small number of people, it can lead to dizziness, light headedness, or fainting."
Best blood pressure monitors at a glance
Why monitoring your blood pressure is important
The real danger with blood pressure comes when we ignore it or don’t see it as important. As symptoms aren’t always easy to spot, without an accurate reading you could be in danger of missing out on a vital indication that you are at risk of a serious medical condition.
“High blood pressure often has no symptoms and may not show any signs," says Dr Aladin. "Even when it's dangerously elevated. Therefore, you might not know you have it unless it is measured.”
According to Dr Aladin the main health risks with hypertension arise from sustained elevations in resting blood pressure over time, rather than isolated readings. This is why it's important to measure your average blood pressure at home across multiple measurements.
"Checking your blood pressure at home can be especially helpful, since you're more likely to be relaxed compared to a busy clinic or pharmacy," says Dr Aladin. "This helps avoid 'white coat hypertension,' where anxiety in medical settings can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure."
How to read your blood pressure at home
According to Dr Aladin blood pressure monitors that use an inflatable cuff around the upper arm are generally more accurate than blood pressure watches.
"If you choose to use these alternative devices, it's important to interpret the readings with caution," he advises. "For the most reliable results, use a device that has been clinically validated. You can find a list of approved monitors on websites such as The British Heart Foundation or through your local pharmacist"
When to measure blood pressure at home
"You should measure your blood pressure twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, says Dr Aladin. "On each occasion you should take two readings, one minute apart. You should take readings for at least four days and ideally for seven days. Your doctor should then use all the readings, apart from those taken on the first day, to calculate your average blood pressure.”
What is a high blood pressure reading?
According to Dr Aladin, normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg, whether it is measured at home, in a pharmacy, at a GP surgery, or in a clinic, in line with NHS guidelines. High blood pressure is defined as a reading of 135/85 mmHg or higher if measured at home. The British Heart Foundation advises that if your reading falls between 120/80 mmHg and 135/85 mmHg, you may be at risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. Being in this range may prompt you to adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce your risk.
How we tested these blood pressure monitors
Members of the Yours team and their family and friends have tried-and-tested these blood pressure monitors at home.
We sourced these blood pressure monitors and used them for an extended period of time in our homes. We then considered a number of factors, including accuracy, the clarity of the display, ease-of-use, value for money and comfort. All our reviews are honest and genuine, and we’ve included both the positive and negative comments we received from our reviewers.
Best blood pressure monitors
Tested
This OMRON M3 Comfort Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor works in any position, wrapped around the upper arm, so it's easy to take a reading yourself. Importantly, this blood pressure monitor can detect an irregular heartbeat. You can track your readings over time to note any changes. Date and time are also shown alongside each reading to help you clearly track your results. It has easy-to-use control buttons and a clear LCD display that is easy to read.
Our tester says: "This feels like it’s of good quality and would last. It looks very similar to what you see in doctors' surgeries and hospitals. The bag it comes with is also a nice extra, so you don’t have to keep the box to store it, and it would make it easier to pack away after use.
"Although the instructions are quite concise, it was relatively easy to set up. Batteries are installed easily (and there is no need for a screwdriver, which is an added bonus). The display is nice and clear, and the measurements are easy to read. It's very easy to switch between people if you want to use and store readings for both yourself and your partner, for example.
"I used the device on both myself and my daughter, and we had different readings, but they were close to what we experienced when checked by a medical professional. The pulse measurement was also very close to my daughter's smartwatch reading.
"It stores information on the device for two profiles which you can just slide between. There is also a guest mode.
"It comes with four batteries so you can use it immediately. We’ve done quite a few readings and the batteries are still going strong. There is the option of an AC adapter but this isn’t provided and would need to be purchased separately. I think this would be worthwhile if you were planning to use it on a daily basis.
"It's not the easiest one to get on without some help initially, especially to get the air tube in the right position. However, it does get easier with use and isn’t quite so stiff as it is when it first comes out of the box after a few uses. It isn’t uncomfortable, even when it inflates, and it fits well on the arm."
Pros
- Easy-to-read high blood pressure colouring indicator
- Cuff wrapping guide for easy use
- Can store up to 60 readings for long-term tracking
Cons
- There isn’t an option to connect to a smartphone
Best easy-to-use blood pressure monitor
Yours/AileThe Aile Blood Pressure Monitor is an easy-to-use blood pressure monitor that meets CE Medical Standards for home and clinical use. It has a large and comfortable cuff and easy-to-use controls. The large screen displays a clear and accurate reading. Its memory stores up to 99 readings for two users.
Reviewed by Features & Reviews Editor Samantha Ball: "I think the Aile Blood Pressure Monitor is very good. It was easy to set up, and I liked that it came with batteries, meaning it didn’t have to be plugged in. I thought the display was easy to read and clear as well. I compared it with my previous monitor for readings, and they were exactly the same, so I would say that it’s reliable and as accurate as it can be.
"It’s good value for money, and I liked the fact that it stores your readings, which is something my previous monitor didn’t do, despite it being a more expensive blood pressure monitor.
"Another bonus is that, as it’s simple to use, you don’t need to rely on your phone for any tracking information. I liked this as I feel these elements add a bit more complication to the product, so for me, being able to use just the machine was a huge benefit.
"I found the cuff comfortable to wear, and I don’t think anyone would have difficulty with it, as it’s a gigantic cuff. My partner and I found it easy to adjust."
Pros
- Good value for money
- Comfortable cuff
- Easy-to-read display and straightforward to use
- Can be powered by a micro-USB cable or batteries
Cons
- Some customer reviews comment that the cuff was too small for them
The OMRON X2 Basic automatic blood pressure monitor is operated by a single button and it has a large and clear display. Like all OMRON blood pressure monitors, it's clinically validated. The cuff size is 22-32cm.
Reviewed by Senior Digital Writer Becky Fuller: "I have high blood pressure and have to monitor it so my medication can be adjusted as needed. I am also experiencing irregular heart rhythms due to perimenopause, so I like that this BP monitor has an irregular heartbeat detection mode on it.
Set up was easy, and I liked that it came with four AA batteries included. While I’ve been testing it, I have compared it to the other BP monitor I have and have found their readings to be more or less the same. The display is really easy to read and understand, clearly showing the diastolic and systolic pressure, along with heart rate.
"I know some people want more information from their BP readings but for me this is perfect as anymore and it gets complicated.
"The cuff was easy to get on and off. My mum, who is 78, also tried to put it on and could do so without difficulty. This is definitely a useful device to have at home and I think it’s all the better for being so simple."
Pros
- Easy-to-use one-touch control
- Detects an irregular heartbeat
- Gives an accurate reading
Cons
- It's basic – some people may prefer more detailed readings and monitoring information
If you or a loved one feel more comfortable with a traditional blood pressure device, this CAZON Blood Pressure Monitor Upper Arm has a large, easy-to-read display that also indicates irregular heartbeat and colour-coded blood pressure results to show whether you're in range. While it looks simple, it contains advanced sensors to give you accurate readings.
Additionally, this blood pressure monitor features a double-user mode, able to support two person's readings with a memory of up to 99 readings. Also, you don't have to rely on batteries, as it can been powered from its micro USB port.
Reviewed by Senior Digital Writer Becky Fuller: "I bought this BP monitor from Amazon because it had so many good reviews. It is simple to set up, and I think it’s great value for money as well. I like that it can store readings—this has been handy for monitoring my high BP when I’ve needed to keep records for the GP. You can also store info for more than one person on it, though I’ve not needed to.
"The display is clear and easy to read, and using the memory button, you can easily see previous readings and the average of your last three readings.
"The cuff is large and the Velcro is very strong. This might not be an issue but some people might find it difficult to undo. It does inflate very tightly. Despite this, I found it to be in line with the Omron BP monitor for readings."
Pros
- Great value for money
- A best-selling device that gives you accurate results without the need for an app
- Large LED display screen
Cons
- Batteries not supplied
It's easier to understand the test results with this Braun ExactFit 5 Connect Smart Blood Pressure Monitor, thanks to its colour-coded display. Both cuff sizes have soft inflation technology so that whatever your shape, you get a tailored, accurate fit. You'll get deeper insight too, thanks to long-term averages and even irregular heartbeat detection. As long as you feel comfortable using a smart device, you'll benefit clear monitoring via an app on your phone. This data can be shared directly with your doctor, should you need to.
Our tester said: "This product was very easy to use. I followed the instructions, and once I had downloaded the app, it gave me step-by-step instructions on how to get going. The display is lovely and bold, so it’s easy to read. The traffic light system is brilliant as it helps to identify what range your blood pressure is sitting at; with green being the normal range, yellow mild hypertension, amber moderate hypertension or red severe hypertension. Another added bonus to this product is it comes with two cuff sizes a small and a large, a pouch to put it in and four batteries.
"The readings were very accurate and matched readings from my doctor. I always take the reading three times to get an average and make sure they are roughly the same. This product is excellent value for money. It also records up to 60 readings, which is great when you are having to monitor for a few weeks at a time. You don’t have to attach it to a smartphone; you can just use it as and when needed, but the smartphone allows you to record on the app.
"I sometimes found the cuff on my old monitor to be a bit uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but this inflated at a comfortable pace.
"A great product, very well made and a modern design. I wouldn’t expect anything else from the great brand Braun."
Pros
- Irregular heartbeat detection
- Comes with owner's guide, storage case and batteries
- Can be paired with an app for long-term tracking
Cons
- Some reviewers had difficulty pairing the monitor with their smart device
If you're comfortable using a smart watch, this Omron EVOLV Smart Home Blood Pressure Monitor is an excellent choice for tracking your blood pressure through an accompanying free app. It's the number one blood pressure monitor, as recommended by cardiologists. This neat blood pressure monitor has no tubes or wires, making it discreet for on-the-go use. It will measure your blood pressure in seconds, syncing to your phone so you can just sit back and let it do its thing.
Reviewed by Digital Writer Rebecca Lancaster: "My husband has been told he has to monitor his blood pressure as it’s slightly higher than it ought to be and the doctor wants to make sure he moderates his lifestyle to stop it getting any higher. With that in mind he had bought a £20 basic blood pressure monitor which did the job but was more laborious to use and required him to note down the results (which then inevitably got lost).
"In comparison, the Omron Evolv makes it so easy to take readings and track his progress that it’s almost given him an incentive to try and improve the readings. The app is easy to download and set up an account – it took a few minutes. The app is pretty intuitive to use but does also guide you through what all the different aspects of the app and the display mean and do.
"I liked that it clearly showed the different bands for blood pressure – Optimal, Normal, High Normal, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 and Isolated systolic hypertension – so I could understand what my reading meant. It also allows you to enter a reading manually, for instance if you have one taken at the doctors or can’t sync it with the app at that point. You can then track your blood pressure over a day, week, month, 6 months, a year, or a custom range.
"The app has more capabilities than just the blood pressure – you can link it to an Apple Health so it can also track your steps and heart rate for instance, and you can also set reminders for taking medication.
"The band itself is comfortable to wear – it does tighten up as you’d expect but not uncomfortably so and only for a few seconds. It fits my arm and my husband’s larger arm so would work for a range of sizes.
"In terms of accuracy, I took a couple of readings close together and they were similar, and then repeated it again the next morning and they were also within the same range. One thing I did notice is that when I took a reading on my arm, but within range of my husband’s phone, the reading synced to his app instead of mine which obviously then confused his readings. Not a huge issue now we know as we can just be sure to take readings far away from each other’s phones.
"The app stores the information for you and also offers to store it in the Cloud so it can be accessed without your device. The AAA batteries were flat when we got the machine, so we changed them. We haven’t had to change them since, though we’ve only used the machine for a few weeks.
"It's certainly an investment, but as more than one person can use the machine and download the app separately, I’d say it could offer value for money for a couple. However, without the app, I would argue it doesn’t offer the best value for money – the screen is on the armband, so it’s quite tricky to read at an angle – it really needs to be syncing with the app to make it simple to see the reading."
Pros
- Wire-free, neat and stylish design
- Ideal if you love using tech to track your health
- Smart device compatible
Cons
- Although the device can take readings from multiple people, the app processes this data as just one person's reading
Tested
Best blood pressure monitor that measures two people
If you're wanting to monitor the blood pressure of you and another person this Salter Automatic Arm Blood Pressure Monitor can store 60 readings for two people. This blood pressure monitor can also detect irregular heartbeat and arrhythmia too, which is important if you are in an 'at risk' category.
Our tester says: "Firstly, I found this very easy to use; I didn’t read the instructions for setup, but it was very intuitive, so there was no need. You simply press one button to take the reading, so it’s easy to do yourself, the reading on the screen is large and clear. I have used a blood pressure monitor before, and what I preferred about this model was that along with the reading it gives you an idea of where your reading sits from low, normal to high – saving me having to Google my reading to check if it’s where my doctor wants it to be! You can also store up to 60 readings for two people, this was very useful when monitoring my blood pressure.
"I found the readings to be precise, I would take two or three just to check, as I do sometimes get white jacket syndrome! It’s a reputable brand and I think the price is very fair for the accuracy and reliability of the product. It requires four AA batteries, which are included, so you could use it as soon as it arrives. Plus AA batteries are pretty easy to come by. One thing I would say is that the arrow that comes up on the screen to show whether the reading is normal etc. is rather small so I did have to look closely to spot where it was – it would perhaps be better if a light came on or something like that."
Pros
- Tracks two profiles
- Can detect irregular heartbeat
- Can store up to 60 readings
Cons
- The arrow indicator on the screen is a bit small, so it's difficult to see if your reading is normal
Blood pressure monitors we're currently testing
We're currently testing the blood pressure monitors listed below and will update this page with our findings. We still wanted to include them in this round-up as they have received some great reviews online.
Best large display blood pressure monitor
AmazonWith an extra-large easy-to-read black display, this Beurer BM58 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor has integrated memory for two users with 60 blood pressure and pulse measurements each. It will also alert you to any signs of arrhythmia and measure your vitals against the colour-coded risk indicator for easy-to-understand results.
For accurate results, a user advises: "Use three times per session and take the mean reading and you have a very good means to check your blood pressure regularly."
It's the large display which sets this model apart from others, and could help if you or a loved one needs a bigger numbers and high contrast.
Be aware, this monitor stores readings via a piece of PC software, which needs to be downloaded from Beurer Health Manager.
Pros
- Tracks two profiles
- Can detect arrhythmia
- Large screen is beneficial for visually impaired users
Cons
- Some may prefer a monitor without touchscreen technology
Best blood pressure monitor with WHO classification
completecareshop.co.ukThe A&D Medical Blood Pressure Monitor is ideal for keeping a close eye on your health at home. It uses the World Health Organisation (WHO) blood pressure classification indicator and provides data on the trends of your readings. This blood pressure monitor also comes with a five-year warranty from the brand for your peace of mind.
A customer praises its accuracy: "I feel like it's really accurate as the readings are consistent (I try and do three at once to check and it's pretty consistent)."
Pros
- Clinically validated by World Health Organisation
- Latex and metal-free cuff
- Five-year warranty from the brand
Cons
- Instructions could be larger print
Best affordable blood pressure monitor
EbayFor a simple and value-for-money blood pressure monitor, this is a great choice that's under £20.
The Digital Blood Pressure Meter BP Monitor Automatic Cuff UK has a large digital LCD display that can help you to read the measurements, date and time clearly and correctly. Not only that, but it can also store up to 180 historical measurements so that you can record and monitor any blood pressure changes with ease.
A user suggests that it's a good device if you've never used a blood pressure monitor before: "Firstly, it is very simple to use, and the instructions are very clear and helpful for first-time users."
The user praises the display: "The screen is colour-coded, (green for good pressure, red for high BP)." They say it takes around 40 seconds to take a reading.
When not in use, it stores away neatly, or take it with you as it's totally portable.
Pros
- Portable
- Will indicate when it's running low on battery
- Can be charged using a USB cable
- Value for money
Cons
- USB cable not included
Frequently asked questions about blood pressure
How often should I check my blood pressure at home?
"If you're monitoring for hypertension, then it is advisable to do twice daily monitoring (morning and evening) for a week when starting," says Dr Aladin. "Then, a few times per week once stable, or as advised by your doctor. Importantly, avoid over-checking, as this can cause anxiety or skew results."
Does the size of the cuff matter when measuring blood pressure at home?
"Cuff size has a significant impact on blood pressure readings, and using the wrong size can lead to inaccurate results," warns Dr Aladin. "If the cuff is too small it may squeeze the arm too tightly, resulting in falsely high readings (leading to an incorrect diagnosis of hypertension or unnecessary medication). If the cuff is too large it may not apply enough pressure, leading to falsely low readings. This could cause missed or delayed diagnosis and treatment. The bladder (inflatable part of the cuff) should wrap around 80–100% of the arm's circumference and cover about 40% of the arm's width. Most home monitors come with a 'standard' size cuff, but this may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with larger or smaller arms."
Would I be put on medication for life if I have raised blood pressure?
"Not necessarily," says Dr Aladin. "Being diagnosed with hypertension doesn't always mean you'll be on medication for life. It depends on several factors, including how high your blood pressure is, your overall health, and how well you respond to lifestyle changes."
Why are different people given different medicines for treating high blood pressure?
"Everyone responds differently to blood pressure medication, and finding the right one for you can take a bit of trial and error," says Dr Aladin. "Things like your age, background, and even how much salt you eat can all play a role in how well a medicine works. In general, younger people who aren't of African or Caribbean descent tend to respond better to angiotensin type medications. Older adults and people of African or Caribbean origin often find that calcium-channel based medications or water tablets (diuretics) work better for them.
"Doctors usually start with the medicine that's most likely to work best based on this research and evidence. Try to be patient as it might take a few adjustments to get it just right."
Why is checking your blood pressure so important?
One in three people in the UK has high blood pressure or hypertension, but many aren't aware of it. Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms and the only way to find out is to be measured.
Cheryl Lythgoe, Matron at Benenden Health, says, "Checking – and understanding - your blood pressure can be a really simple, yet hugely important activity in monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
People shouldn’t be afraid to get checked out as it is simple to do and even if your reading is outside of the normal threshold, blood pressure can be managed to minimise the threat of associated health risks."
"We shouldn’t ignore our wider health and would encourage people to find out their reading either by visiting their GP or pharmacy or by purchasing a machine themselves at a very reasonable price," continues Cheryl, "Therefore, we highly recommend regular monitoring and if you do have any concerns, that you visit your GP and have a test.”
Checking your blood pressure with a BP monitor device can help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. You could also use an NHS-approved oximeter to measure the oxygen levels in your blood, if you have a respiratory condition.
You can seek advice from your GP if you find your blood pressure is too high. Additionally, you can find out more about high blood pressure at the British and Irish Hypertension Society.
Can I use apps to monitor my blood pressure?
You can track your blood pressure with ease with these handy apps for your smartphone and other devices. These apps can be helpful when tracking your blood pressure history, for doctor's appointments or emailing results to your GP. However, you should never substitute these apps for checking the results with the GP.
If you're concerned about your blood pressure, contact your GP or visit the NHS website for more information.
Meet The Experts
Dr Hafiz Aladin is a Portfolio GP Partner, Medical Examiner and Clinical Tutor based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. He has a specialist interest in health education and palliative care. He works within the NHS, General Medical Council and also holds affiliations with multiple medical schools across the UK.
Cheryl Lythgoe, Matron at Benenden Health is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who has a wealth of experience in diagnosing and managing many health conditions. Cheryl Lythgoe MSc joined Benenden Health in December 2018 following 15 years working in primary care.
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.