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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

Cardiio alternatives

Cardiio users often seek alternatives due to inconsistent readings, technical issues with newer iPhones, and unresponsive customer support. Alternatives offer more reliable heart rate monitoring, advanced ECG capabilities, or clearer pricing models to address these concerns.

Why users look for alternatives to Cardiio

The alternatives

Instant Heart Rate
4.9★ · 228,842 ratings · Free

Instant Heart Rate is a heart rate monitoring app that some users find to be accurate, especially for tracking heart rate during or after workouts R55R61R63. It aims to provide quick readings to help users monitor their heart rate fluctuations.

Better for: Instant Heart Rate is better for users who prioritize accuracy in heart rate measurement and want to track their pulse during or after physical activity R55R61R63. It may also suit those who want to monitor their heart rate for general health awareness R55R59.

Head-to-head: Cardiio vs Instant Heart Rate
Kardia
4.8★ · 222,469 ratings · Free

Kardia offers ECG capabilities, allowing users to take and save basic ECGs, which can be shared with doctors R66R70. It also tracks blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm, providing a more comprehensive view of cardiac health R72.

Better for: Kardia is better for users who need more advanced cardiac monitoring, specifically ECG readings, to share with their doctors R66R70. It suits individuals who want to track blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm all in one place R72. However, users should be aware of potential connectivity issues and 'electrical interference' messages, especially with newer phones R65R67.

Head-to-head: Cardiio vs Kardia
InPulse
4.6★ · 176,656 ratings · Free

InPulse is an easy-to-use heart rate app that some users find helpful for monitoring their pulse and providing peace of mind during anxious moments R83R85.

Better for: InPulse is better for users looking for a straightforward, easy-to-navigate app for basic heart rate monitoring R83R85. It may appeal to those who need a quick check to alleviate anxiety about their heart rate . However, users should be cautious about potential issues with free trials and subscription charges R79 and note that it may not work well with newer iPhone models R81.

Head-to-head: Cardiio vs InPulse
Heart Rate Monitor
4.6★ · 129,482 ratings · Free

Heart Rate Monitor is an app that helps users track their heart rate throughout the day, which can be useful for sharing data with their doctor R94. Some users find it to be decent and accurate within a point or two .

Better for: Heart Rate Monitor is better for users who need to regularly track their heart rate to share with their healthcare providers R94. It suits those looking for a decent and reasonably accurate heart rate measurement tool . However, potential users should be aware of numerous complaints regarding misleading free trials and unauthorized charges R93R96R98.

Head-to-head: Cardiio vs Heart Rate Monitor
Heartify
4.7★ · 118,935 ratings · Free

Heartify provides heart rate measurements and some users find it helpful for gathering cardiac data and interpreting measurements R108R111. It also offers a heart risk quiz, though some features are paywalled .

Better for: Heartify is better for users who appreciate an app that interprets their heart rate measurements and provides some cardiac data R108R111. It could be suitable for those interested in a heart risk quiz, provided they are willing to pay for locked features . However, many users report that basic measurement features are now behind a paywall R110, and there are complaints about inaccurate readings and issues with premium access and renewals R107.

Head-to-head: Cardiio vs Heartify
Stick with Cardiio if

You should stick with Cardiio if you find it easy to use for quick heart rate checks and it provides peace of mind, especially if you have heart issues and it helps you monitor your condition . It can be a useful tool if it consistently works for your specific phone model and you are not experiencing the signal quality or technical issues reported by others .

Evidence note: No alternative had too few reviews to judge.

Frequently asked

Why do Cardiio users look for alternatives?
Cardiio users often seek alternatives due to frequent 'poor signal quality' messages, making it difficult to get consistent readings R1R4R7R13. Many also experience compatibility issues with newer iPhone models, where the app struggles to get accurate readings R18R21R34R37. Additionally, some users report app crashes, a lack of advanced features like ECG waveforms or blood pressure monitoring, and unresponsive customer support R5R6R9R12.
Which alternative offers ECG features?
Kardia offers ECG capabilities, allowing users to take and save basic ECGs that can be shared with their doctor R66R70. It also tracks blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm, providing a more comprehensive view of cardiac health R72.
Are there free options among the alternatives?
While some apps may offer a free download or trial, many users report that core features quickly become paywalled or that they are charged unexpectedly after a 'free trial.' For example, Instant Heart Rate has a free version but some users find it inaccurate R56, Kardia's free version offers basic ECGs but is considered barebones R70, InPulse is free to download but charges for use , Heart Rate Monitor immediately asks for payment R98, and Heartify now requires payment for basic measurement features at $6.99 per month R110.
Which app is best for tracking heart rate during exercise?
Instant Heart Rate is used by some users when their workouts end and is considered by some to be the most accurate for tracking heart rate R61R63.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Cardiio 1/5 · US Poor signal quality?: I will watch as the app measures my heart rate and stays in a very narrow range as I hold my finger over the camera for however long. It seems perfect, but then it just says “poor signal quality” with no other explanation. The signal quality was in fact not poor as I watched the data being collected and it seemed to be very consistent throughout the entire process. I need to
  2. [R4] Cardiio 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: Every time I used it, it measured the heart rate for quite a long time. Then, at the very end, it said “poor signal” and terminated. This is a terrible product. I deleted it, and I don’t miss it at all.
  3. [R7] Cardiio 1/5 · US Didn’t work: Every time I tried said poor signal and couldn’t do a reading no matter how I adjusted the light and camera. Other similar apps worked much better and actually worked. Disappointed.
  4. [R13] Cardiio 1/5 · US Doesn’t work well: Most of the time it can’t get a reading. Not worth it.
  5. [R18] Cardiio 3/5 · US No longer accurate on iphone11: I loved this app to keep track of my irregular Heart rhythm when I had it in iphone8. It was very accurate. I upgraded to iphone11 and now it’s complete rubbish. It’s near impossible to get an accurate reading now. I guess it’s the light and camera lens positioning on the newer iPhone.
  6. [R21] Cardiio 3/5 · US Pretty accurate: Difficulty placing finger in the correct position on iPhone 15
  7. [R34] Cardiio 1/5 · US Isn’t working properly: It was working excellent on iPhone 16 pro max but on iPhone 17 pro max 8 out of 10 times says poor signal!!!
  8. [R37] Cardiio 1/5 · US Doesn’t work with iPhone 17pro: Great reviews. But unable to get a reading with the way iPhone 17pro lenses are positioned!
  9. [R9] Cardiio 3/5 · US It will be best if the problems will be solved: It always crash when i go to insight tab or i save a heartbeat but its good to being free
  10. [R5] Cardiio 5/5 · US No blood monitors: I’m enjoying the app but the only issue I have is that there is no blood monitor
  11. [R16] Cardiio 1/5 · US Buyer Beware: I thought by the “ heart rate checker and beat analyzer” description that this would actually give me a wave form like an ECG. All it does is give you the whip more like a pulse ox. I’m capable of counting my own pulse so this was a disappointment for me. I’m hoping to get a refund as it’s just been about an hour since I bought it and realized that it wasn’t what I thought it was.
  12. [R6] Cardiio 3/5 · US Better Cardio Apps out there: I am having a problem with this app, and it is virtually impossible getting the developer to respond to my concerns.
  13. [R12] Cardiio 3/5 · US No response: Got the app It keeps waking me up with a reminder, wanted to stop it. Sent request for help same question four times So far no response
  14. [R43] Cardiio 1/5 · US Tried to delete: This might be fantastic for those following it. I realized it wasn’t for me, so contacted them to stop billing & cancel my account. They won’t respond. So much for free trial! Zero impressed!
  15. [R10] Cardiio 1/5 · US Scam: Claims it’s free, demands money for use after download.
  16. [R40] Cardiio 1/5 · US Cancelled before free trial expired: I did not subscribe to this thing. They are charging me for it.
  17. [R3] Cardiio 3/5 · US I like the app but I don’t like it: You literally got to sit still no movement period or it will not register. You guys need to fix that issue.
  18. [R45] Cardiio 3/5 · GB Ok but not great: This is ok but a bit annoying to sit still! I have a fit bit also and the readings are very similar
  19. [R55] Instant Heart Rate 5/5 · US I think this is pretty accurate: I’ve been feeling weak and dizzy due to my heart rate going up. This helps me know when my heart is going above 100 bpm and when I need to lay down.
  20. [R59] Instant Heart Rate 5/5 · US Heart tate monitor: This app is the second I have used and so far so good keeps me on track and good to go definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  21. [R61] Instant Heart Rate 5/5 · US Most accurate!: I downloaded three apps and one said my bpm was 53, one said 72, and this one said 117. I checked my bpm manually and I got 116.
  22. [R63] Instant Heart Rate 4/5 · US Great!: I use this when my workouts end.
  23. [R65] Kardia 2/5 · US Disappointing: I am on my second device… Works well initially, than after a few months it’s starts having interference. Not ideal
  24. [R66] Kardia 5/5 · US This device is life-changing: I usually don’t write these types of reviews, but this product is such an amazing resource. It provides my doctor with a complete array of my readings rather than a few EKG reports spread out over years.
  25. [R67] Kardia 3/5 · US Disappointed: This is my second device. The first one worked fine, I would take multiple EKG’s a day for about a month then suddenly one day I got constant “electrical interference” or “disrupted” messages and my EKG’s were just lines going everywhere. I returned it via Amazon. Then I ordered another one via Best Buy and it lasted about two months I even bought it a case, I thought maybe I dropped
  26. [R70] Kardia 3/5 · US Free version is barebones basic but good enough (for now): I use the free version because subscription services have gotten so ridiculously out of hand, I refuse to pay for yet another form of digital slavery. The free version allows you to take and save basic ECGs. They can be saved in-app or downloaded to your phone. It's not much but it's literally the least they can do after someone buys one o
  27. [R79] InPulse 1/5 · US Con artist: Do not try this app. It said three day free trial and then tried to charge me $20.
  28. [R81] InPulse 3/5 · US Doesn’t work with iPhone 17 promax: I used this all the time on my 14 promax, zero issues. The 17 promax has 1 clear panel over all of the lenses and the flash - so it cannot get a read on my pulse, at all. It has captured 2 readings but they were way off. I loved this app, so I’m very disappointed. I will have to find a new trustworthy heart app, which is impossible on the App Store.
  29. [R83] InPulse 5/5 · US InPulse App: Great app. Easy to use. I love it!
  30. [R85] InPulse 5/5 · US First impressions: New to the site, but I find it easy to navigate. If future experiences are similar, I believe that I will enjoy using the app.
  31. [R93] Heart Rate Monitor 1/5 · US NEED REFUND: i am upset because I did not want to purchase this after trial and they charged me $50!! please refund my money
  32. [R94] Heart Rate Monitor 5/5 · US Heart beat: I have rapid heart beat and having this all to measure throughput the day is a big help. I can show my heart doctor when I se her.
  33. [R96] Heart Rate Monitor 1/5 · US Misleading In App Purchases: I signed up for a 3 day free trial and canceled before the trial ended and they are still trying to make me pay 50 dollars for a one year subscription and I have no way to reach out to developers to resolve this I’m very upset this is fraud
  34. [R98] Heart Rate Monitor 3/5 · US Not cheap!: Was looking for free and this was the top result. I did t actually use the app as it immediately for payment.
  35. [R107] Heartify 1/5 · US Not even accurate hr: Joke?
  36. [R108] Heartify 5/5 · US Mi salud: Me gusta
  37. [R110] Heartify 1/5 · US Now you have to pay, if you want to use the measuring 🙄: If you don’t pay, the app is now almost useless. How greedy can you be? Now you have to pay 6.99 per month if you want to use the basic measurement feature. We give you all our data for free and now you want us to pay you to give you all our heart and movement data? Greed at its finest. I deinstalled the app. Companies like that deserve to
  38. [R111] Heartify 5/5 · US Muy buena aplicación: Me gusta como me interpreta las mediciones
  39. [R72] Kardia 5/5 · US Kardia app: Love this for tracking bp, heart rate and rhythm and tracking weight. Convenient and all in one place. Highly recommend.
  40. [R51] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Not Free: Not Free
  41. [R56] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Be Aware this App isn’t Accurate, Don’t Waste Your Money!: This app is fine if you’re using the free version. It’s not accurate, which is why purchasing any paid subscription is not worth it. Save your money and find a different app that can actually detect your heart rate. I accidentally paid for a year long subscription for $60 when I thought I’d try out the paid version for a free 3 day trial,

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store