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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Instant Heart Rate vs Heartify

Instant Heart Rate 4.9★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Instant Heart Rate
Heartify 4.7★ · Free + IAP 50

Instant Heart Rate is a slightly better choice for basic heart rate monitoring due to its higher reported accuracy and longer history, but both apps face significant user complaints regarding subscription practices and occasional inaccuracies.

Full reviews: Instant Heart Rate · Heartify

Instant Heart Rate and Heartify are both free-to-download apps with in-app purchases for heart rate monitoring, but both struggle with user trust due to perceived deceptive subscription practices and inconsistent accuracy. Instant Heart Rate generally receives more positive feedback on its core functionality, while Heartify users report more issues with functionality and billing.

Head to head

Accuracy edge: Instant Heart RateR5R7R8R9
Instant Heart Rate Instant Heart Rate users report mixed accuracy, with some finding it 'pretty accurate' and helpful for tracking elevated heart rates R5R8R14R32, even comparing favorably to manual checks R14. However, others find it 'inaccurate,' especially compared to medical devices R7. Some note it struggles with very low heart rates R9.
Heartify Heartify users frequently question its accuracy, with many calling it 'not even accurate' , 'not real' , 'useless' , 'not reliable' , 'very inaccurate' , and 'super inaccurate' compared to other devices like Apple Watch . One user even tested it on a red cup and blue tape, which still registered a heart rate .
Ease of Use & Functionality edge: Instant Heart RateR3R9R12R19
Instant Heart Rate Instant Heart Rate is described as 'simple, quick and easy to operate' and 'easy to use' R9. However, some users experience issues with the camera not turning on R12R19, slow readings R3, or the app not working with newer iPhone models . Recent updates have reportedly shortened measurement times, making it 'pretty useless' for some .
Heartify Heartify users find it generally easy to use for quick checks , but many report significant functional problems. These include the app not loading past the splash screen , issues with premium features disappearing , and a slow measurement process . Users also request options to disable haptic vibrations .
Subscription & Pricing tieR1R4R6R7
Instant Heart Rate Many Instant Heart Rate users complain about being charged for subscriptions despite canceling free trials R4R6R7R28. The app is frequently criticized for not being truly 'free' R1 and for pushy tactics to get users to sign up R13. Some users are charged $60-$64 for annual subscriptions R4R6R7R42.
Heartify Heartify users express strong dissatisfaction with its pricing model, calling it 'greedy' and a 'scam' . Many are upset that basic measurement features are now behind a paywall or that they were charged without notice or consent, sometimes weekly R70. The subscription cost is considered 'very high' .
Data & Privacy tieR10R13R18R22
Instant Heart Rate Instant Heart Rate users are concerned about privacy, with some advising to 'read the privacy policy' R10 and others disliking the requirement to create an account to use the app, viewing it as a way to 'sell your info' R13R18R22. There are also reports of lost readings after updates .
Heartify Heartify users mention giving 'all our data for free' and some express general distrust, calling the app a 'scam' that 'lies just to make u stressed' . There are no specific complaints about data loss or privacy policy details, but the overall sentiment around billing and accuracy suggests a lack of trust.
Customer Support tieR16R21R42R70
Instant Heart Rate Instant Heart Rate receives negative feedback for its customer service, described as 'horrible' R16. Users report difficulty canceling subscriptions R42 and a lack of directions or ways to ask questions within the app R21.
Heartify Heartify users report 'poor customer service' and difficulty canceling subscriptions R70. One user was told only Apple could issue refunds R42.
Additional Features edge: Instant Heart RateR8R15R32R34
Instant Heart Rate Instant Heart Rate offers a plethysmogram which can detect AFib and other arrhythmias in the free version , and some users appreciate its ability to detect heart palpitations and bradycardia R32. However, it does not take blood pressure R34R37 despite some advertising claims R37. Some users want an iPad version R8 and better data retention for full charts R15.
Heartify Heartify offers 'key cardiac data' and 'useful information' , but users complain that features like heart risk quizzes and blood pressure readings are locked behind paywalls R68R104. Sleep reports are sometimes erroneous , and some users found it didn't alert them to Atrial Fibrillation .
Pick Instant Heart Rate if

You need a quick, basic heart rate check and are comfortable navigating potential subscription pitfalls, especially if you value the plethysmogram feature for arrhythmia detection R32.

Pick Heartify if

You are looking for a more comprehensive health monitor and are willing to pay for a subscription, despite the reported issues with accuracy and billing, and if you are interested in its 'key cardiac data' .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high number of negative reviews related to billing and subscription practices, which skews recent sentiment despite high lifetime ratings. The evidence for accuracy is mixed for Instant Heart Rate and largely negative for Heartify. Many reviews for both apps are short and lack specific details.

Frequently asked

Are these apps truly free?
No, both Instant Heart Rate and Heartify are 'Free + IAP' apps that have significant complaints from users about being charged for subscriptions, often without clear consent or difficulty canceling, with annual charges around $60-$64 for Instant Heart Rate R1R4R7R28 and weekly charges of $6.99 for Heartify .
How accurate are these apps for heart rate measurement?
Instant Heart Rate has mixed reviews on accuracy, with some users finding it 'pretty accurate' and helpful R5R14R23, while others report it being 'inaccurate' compared to medical devices R7; Heartify receives more consistent feedback of being 'very inaccurate' and 'not reliable', with some users even testing it on inanimate objects that registered a heart rate .
Do these apps measure blood pressure?
Instant Heart Rate does not measure blood pressure, despite some advertising claims, and users report it only takes pulse R34R37; Heartify users also report that blood pressure measurement features are locked behind a paywall R68R104.

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. [R5] 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.
  2. [R7] 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,
  3. [R8] Instant Heart Rate 5/5 · US Its okay I guess: The app is nice, helpful but is it really true? Either way..it has really helped me a lot in the past month and days too and pretty good anyway over all it seems pretty accurate oh and by the way can you add a iPad version please and thank you?
  4. [R9] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US Works well, won’t read low HR: App is easy to use and works well. Only problem is, since the new update, it won’t work for a heart rate less than 40 bpm. Sometimes my heart rate can be 38-39. If this is true (per my watch), the app glitches and won’t register it. It just doesn’t work!!! This didn’t used to be true, only since a recent update. Very annoying!!
  5. [R3] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US Maddening to sign in: There was no way to close the keyboard so I could reach the "sign up" or "login" options at the top. I had to force quit the app and start over multiple times to get signed in. I already had an account from a long time ago, so I used the forgotten password feature. In the email, there was a button to open the app, but it took me to the web instead. It took forever to take
  6. [R12] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US Great app when the Camera works: Half the time the camera won’t turn on on my IPhone. Meaning I cannot use the app properly. It’s a 50/50 shot whether or not it works for me.
  7. [R19] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Terrible do NOT get.: my friend wanted me to get this app to reacted to different names when she mentioned them, and it DOESN’T work at all. It keeps telling me to gently place my index finger over my camera lens, but I do MULTIPLE times and it doesn’t work! I also have a pretty new IPhone so it should work.
  8. [R1] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Not Free: Not Free
  9. [R4] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Not happy: Cancelled membership but was still charged 64 for something I never even used
  10. [R6] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US Nice app: Overall it’s a nice app, me personally I found better. I uninstalled the app after using it for a few hrs and realized it isn’t for me. But ever since it keeps trying to charge my card 64$ I went back to delete my whole account and it tried to charge my card again! Good thing is my card was locked.
  11. [R10] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Bad privacy: I bet nobody actually reads the privacy policy. Read it.
  12. [R13] Instant Heart Rate 2/5 · US Pushy: Kind of pushy that another app needs you to make an account to use it(presumably to sell your info)
  13. [R18] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US Deleted: I used to live this app but New version won’t let you use unless you log on with your email and create an account. Immediately deleted ! There are alternatives in Apple Store that won’t require account creation
  14. [R22] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Requires login/dara risk: Requires login, cannot be trusted with private health data
  15. [R16] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Horrible customer service: I decided to delete and they are obnoxious and offensive making it difficult to exit.
  16. [R21] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US What gives?: I am a premium member and for 2 weeks have been teased with “one more detailed reading to get heart age-“ why on Earth is it not counting the more recent ones? Zero directions or way to ask questions regarding the app.
  17. [R42] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Not happy: It does tell you what your heart rate is. It gives you a 3 day free trial. However, if you decide you do not want the subscription, there is no way to cancel it. You will still be charged and apple will not refund. They stole $64.36 from me. When I finally got a response from someone from customer service from this app, they told me they can’t issue any refunds, only Apple can. And I do
  18. [R70] Heartify 1/5 · US Renewal Without Notice, can’t cancel: App stopped working after trial. Started billing me without app functionality. No notice near end of 7 day trial.
  19. [R15] Instant Heart Rate 3/5 · US Could be more useful: The info it collects is helpful, except it only retains part of the data collected from each test. It would be far more useful for me if the whole chart was stored and shareable the same way it’s collected. Also, if I use it 3X in a row, sitting in the same chair, same position, I get 3 very different measurements. Not sure why. So it’s not very useful for me now. If I knew
  20. [R32] Instant Heart Rate 5/5 · US love this app detected heart palpitations and bracyacardia: i started using this app when i kept feeling random strong beats and it detected heart palpitations so i went to the doctor and I’m now getting a monitor in the next two weeks it’s very accurate and consistent Side note: it is not an ekg it shows the rhythm of your heart
  21. [R34] Instant Heart Rate 2/5 · US Not at all what I thought: Mainly got this app for B/P. The app would only take my pulse
  22. [R28] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US They try to charge you fast: They tried to take 60 dollars before the free trial was even over! Dont use this.
  23. [R14] 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.
  24. [R23] Instant Heart Rate 5/5 · US Accurate: It actually reads right
  25. [R37] Instant Heart Rate 1/5 · US Finger BP?: Several of this type of health app advertise having the ability to take BP directly from a finger. Blatant false advertising and they all need to take that down. If you want BP you will have to have a BP cuff.
  26. [R68] Heartify 4/5 · US Good app: It’s a good app! It works as far as I know, but I was taking the heart risk quiz and it asked me for me blood pressure and it said something along the lines of “your blood pressure should be above this quiz,” and when I went to check it so I could check my risk of heart disease, it was locked behind a paywall. I understand that it takes a lot of work to develop things like this, but if y
  27. [R104] Heartify 5/5 · US Bp: It didnt measure my bp. Nothing is free

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