Garmin HRM-Swim vs Polar OH1 - Where are the differences?

Brand
Garmin
Polar
Product name
HRM-Swim
OH1
Show all
Only differences
Heart Rate Sensor
Measurement on arm
Measurement on arm
No
Measurement on arm
Yes
Chest strap
Chest strap
Yes
Chest strap
No
Technology
Technology
EKG
Technology
Optical
Battery
Removable
Removable
Yes
Removable
No
Battery
Battery
CR2025
Battery
-
Battery life
Battery life
10,0 Month
Battery life
-
Battery life
Battery life
-
Battery life
12,0 hours
Waterproof
Waterproof
Waterproof
Yes
Waterproof
Yes
Up to
Up to
50 m
Up to
30 m
Suitable for swimming
Suitable for swimming
Yes
Suitable for swimming
Yes
Specifications
Weight
Weight
51 g
Weight
5 g
Belt
Length, min
Length, min
58,0 cm
Length, min
-
Length, max
Length, max
145,0 cm
Length, max
-
Adjustable
Adjustable
Yes
Adjustable
-
Sensors
ANT+
ANT+
Yes
ANT+
Yes
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
No
Bluetooth
Yes
5 kHz
5 kHz
-
5 kHz
No
Bluetooth devices, amount
Bluetooth devices, amount
-
Bluetooth devices, amount
1
Memory
Available
Available
Yes
Available
Yes

Where are the differences?

Let's take the heart rate sensors Garmin HRM-Swim* and Polar OH1* in the comparison and look at the differences more closely.

Heart rate measurement

Garmin HRM-Swim works with a EKG measurement. For the Polar OH1 rely on the Optical technology. In general the measurement via ECG is considered more accurate. Thus the Garmin HRM-Swim* is equipped with the more accurate technology.

With the Garmin HRM-Swim the measurement is taken across the chest. This is a chest belt. The Polar OH1 is worn on the arm.

Connection options

Bluetooth has become a very popular option for connecting heart rate sensors and pulse belts. This is where the conventional heart rate sensors differ. In contrast to the Garmin HRM-Swim, the Polar OH1 offers Bluetooth as connection possibility. The connection via Bluetooth is mostly used for cell phones or fitness watches. Some new devices in fitness studios also offer Bluetooth as an option.

The standard ANT+ less known. However, it is often used in the field of sports. Some finte watches, especially from Garmin and Polar, support the form of the connection. In comparison between the Garmin HRM-Swim and the Polar OH1 you get ANT+ with both.

Waterproof

Both heart rate sensors from the comparison are waterproof. The Garmin HRM-Swim can be used up to 50 m under water. The Polar OH1 can be submerged up to 50 m under water.

Belt

Most heart rate sensors can be adjusted in size. This is especially relevant for chest straps. The minimum belt length of the Garmin HRM-Swim is 58,0 cm. The maximum length for the Garmin HRM-Swim is 145,0 cm.

Relevant comparisons