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

Cardiio vs InPulse

Cardiio 4.7★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Cardiio
InPulse 4.6★ · Free + IAP 55

Cardiio has a slight edge due to its more consistent core functionality, despite both apps facing significant user complaints regarding accuracy and subscription practices.

Full reviews: Cardiio · InPulse

Cardiio and InPulse both offer heart rate monitoring via phone camera, but both struggle with consistent accuracy and user experience, especially on newer iPhone models. Users frequently report issues with signal quality and misleading subscription practices for both apps.

Head to head

Features edge: CardiioR5R16R17R41
Cardiio Cardiio is primarily a heart rate monitor, with some users appreciating its ability to track irregular rhythms and provide peace of mind R17R41. However, some users were disappointed it didn't offer ECG-like waveforms or blood pressure monitoring R5R16.
InPulse InPulse also focuses on heart rate monitoring, with users finding it helpful for tracking their pulse . However, many users felt misled by its advertising, expecting blood pressure or blood sugar monitoring which the app does not provide, only manual logging R89R97.
Ease of Use tieR1R2R3R4
Cardiio Cardiio is generally described as easy to use for checking heart rate R2. However, a significant number of users report difficulty getting a reading, often due to 'poor signal quality' or needing to sit perfectly still R1R3R4R7. Newer iPhone models also present challenges with camera and flash alignment R18R21R34R37.
InPulse InPulse is also described as easy to navigate and use by some . Similar to Cardiio, many users report issues with getting accurate readings or any reading at all, particularly with newer iPhone models where camera placement interferes .
Reliability edge: CardiioR1R4R7R9
Cardiio Cardiio users frequently encounter issues with readings, such as 'poor signal quality' messages even when data appears consistent R1R4R7. Some report it being inaccurate or giving readings 'all over the place' R25R45. Newer iPhone models (11, 15, 17 Pro Max) are specifically cited for causing accuracy problems due to camera/flash positioning R18R21R34R37. The app also crashes for some users R9.
InPulse InPulse also faces significant reliability concerns, with users reporting inaccurate readings, sometimes wildly fluctuating . Some users report the app not working at all or failing to get a read . There are also reports of the app freezing or locking phones . A particularly concerning review states it gave a reading on a Coca-Cola can, suggesting it can generate fake data .
Price/Value tieR10R35R39R40
Cardiio Cardiio is free to download but has in-app purchases, leading to complaints about it demanding money after download R10. Some users feel the free version is sufficient for approximate heart rate, but the pro version isn't worth buying due to reliability issues R35R39. There are also complaints about being billed immediately after signing up for a free trial or being unable to cancel subscriptions R40R43R55.
InPulse InPulse is also free to download but requires payment for full use, leading to accusations of false advertising and being a 'scam' R61. Many users report being charged for yearly plans without authorization or during a free trial, and then being unable to cancel or access premium content they paid for R95. Some feel it offers nothing unique compared to free or cheap alternatives .
Support tieR6R12R43R95
Cardiio Cardiio users report difficulty getting developers to respond to concerns R6. Multiple users mention sending requests for help regarding issues like unwanted reminders or cancellation, but receiving no response R12R43.
InPulse InPulse users also report poor or non-existent customer support, particularly when trying to resolve billing issues or access paid features R95. One user mentioned emailing numerous times with no response and wishing for a phone number R95.
Pick Cardiio if

Pick Cardiio if you need a basic heart rate monitor and are willing to experiment with finger placement, especially if you have an older iPhone model, or if you specifically want to monitor for irregular rhythms R17R41.

Pick InPulse if

Pick InPulse if you find its interface particularly appealing and are aware that it primarily measures heart rate, not blood pressure or blood sugar, despite potentially misleading advertising R89R97.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, particularly regarding accuracy and subscription practices. The evidence for both is strong on these points. The free-vs-paid asymmetry is evident, with many negative reviews for both apps stemming from friction with their in-app purchase models and perceived false advertising.

Frequently asked

Do these apps accurately measure heart rate?
Both Cardiio and InPulse receive mixed reviews on accuracy; many users report inconsistent or inaccurate readings, often citing 'poor signal quality' or wildly fluctuating numbers (R1, R4, R25, R45 for Cardiio; , , , , for InPulse).
Do these apps measure blood pressure or blood sugar?
No, both Cardiio and InPulse primarily measure heart rate using the phone's camera, despite some users being misled by InPulse's advertising to believe it measures blood pressure or blood sugar (R5, R16 for Cardiio; R89, R97, for InPulse).
Are these apps truly free?
Both Cardiio and InPulse are free to download but require in-app purchases or subscriptions for full functionality, leading to numerous complaints about misleading 'free trial' offers and unexpected charges (R10, R40, R55 for Cardiio; R61, , , for InPulse).
Do these apps work well with newer iPhones?
Many users report that both Cardiio and InPulse struggle with newer iPhone models (e.g., iPhone 11, 12, 15, 17 Pro Max) due to changes in camera and flash lens positioning, making it difficult to get accurate or any readings (R18, R21, R34, R37, for Cardiio; for InPulse).

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] 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
  2. [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.
  3. [R17] Cardiio 5/5 · US Awesome Monitor: I have many heart issues including an implanted defibrillator and Cardiio helps me monitor my heart rate and will warn me if it gets too low or too high. That is very important for my peace of mind.
  4. [R41] Cardiio 5/5 · US A Fibrillation: I suffer from A Fib, this app helps me confirm that my heart is not is sinus rhythm. Have just had ablation done to hearts week ago and having palpitations, so want to make sure it’s not A Fib. Appreciate app, would love to be able to purchase it, but on social security there is zero dollars left 2 days after payday.
  5. [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
  6. [R2] Cardiio 5/5 · US Makes it simple!: I enjoy checking my bpm with this makes it so easy
  7. [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.
  8. [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.
  9. [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.
  10. [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
  11. [R10] Cardiio 1/5 · US Scam: Claims it’s free, demands money for use after download.
  12. [R35] Cardiio 4/5 · US It’s pretty cool: I personally don’t think it’s worth buying but I use it a lot when I do uppers 😂
  13. [R39] Cardiio 3/5 · US Useful enough...: The app is useful enough to get a roughly accurate pulse but so many things can go wrong with a reading (finger moving slightly, finger being cold, etc), I can’t see buying the pro version. The free version is great for approx heart rate.
  14. [R40] Cardiio 1/5 · US Cancelled before free trial expired: I did not subscribe to this thing. They are charging me for it.
  15. [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.
  16. [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
  17. [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!
  18. [R95] InPulse 1/5 · US Paid for annual subscription: App is not allowing me to access premium content!! I have emailed them numerous times with NO RESPONSE, would prefer a phone number to call to speak to an actual person!!
  19. [R25] Cardiio 1/5 · US Bad readings: This app barely gets readings. It takes 8-10 tries for me to get a reading for an app that claims do be so great it is terrible! Waisted money will not be renewing this app that is for sure!!!!!
  20. [R45] Cardiio 3/5 · GB Inaccurate off the chart: Terrible accuracy.most of the readings are in the hundreds.I’ve tried sitting still and doing everything right way but still gives readings all over the place.if I had cardiophobia or hypercondria I’d have lost my mind by now and had lots of hospital visits.but I’ve not .I used it after walking or excercise.I’m sure the app will get better but I’ve now got an Apple Watch.
  21. [R89] InPulse 1/5 · US Disappointed: I thought this app measured and log in blood pressure. It does not . In fact it doesn’t do anything that I need. Regret this purchase. It is not useful to me! I’d like to cancel my subscription.
  22. [R97] InPulse 1/5 · US Blood pressure: This app doesn’t have access to check the blood pressure as they advertise. Don’t subscribe it
  23. [R55] Cardiio 1/5 · US Beware: I signed up for a free trial and Apple billed me the very first day
  24. [R61] InPulse 1/5 · US Con artist: Do not try this app. It said three day free trial and then tried to charge me $20.
  25. [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.
  26. [R21] Cardiio 3/5 · US Pretty accurate: Difficulty placing finger in the correct position on iPhone 15
  27. [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!!!
  28. [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!

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