We purchased the most popular at-home blood pressure monitors and tested their accuracy with a Contec MS200 Blood Pressure Simulator. We were surprised to find out that devices made by some of the most well-known brands are not as accurate as they say. Take a look at our results and recommendations below.
To perform the accuracy test we used the Contec MS200, a multi-purpose test instrument for use with oscillometric Non-Invasive Blood Pressure(NIBP) Monitors. It is an easy-to-operate machine that allows you to select systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heartbeats per minute. Then you simply connect a blood pressure monitor and take a reading. The closer the reading on the blood pressure monitor to the reading of the test machine, the more accurate the monitor is.
We tested each device by taking 3 readings while the MS200 was set to our control reading shown above.
MS200 SIMULATED CONTROL READING
- 120 mm Hg systolic pressure
- 80 mm Hg diastolic pressure
- 80 Heartbeats per minute
The Most Accurate Blood Pressure Monitors of 2024*
Accuracy
99%
User Friendliness
★★★★★ 5/5
Features
★★★★★ 5/5
Test Results
| Type | Target | Test #1 | Test #2 | Test #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYS mmHg | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| DIA mmHg | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| BPM | 80 | 80 | 81 | 80 |
Description
The Oxiline Pressure XS Pro is the most accurate blood pressure monitor that we tested. It consistently provided almost perfect readings with slight deviations of just +/-1 mm Hg. It was the only device that provided such accurate results during our test.
On top of its accuracy, the Pressure XS is an overall complete blood pressure monitor with key features such as irregular heartbeat detection, 3 reading average, and Bluetooth App connectivity compatible with various free apps. This device features a large backlit display that makes it easy to view. Oxiline also includes a lifetime warranty on all its devices.
Pros
- Most Accurate (+/- 1mm Hg)
- Lifetime Warranty Included
- Large Color Display
- Apple/Android Compatible App
- Standard and XL Cuff Options
Cons
- None
Accuracy
94%
User Friendliness
★★★★☆ 4/5
Features
★★★☆☆ 3/5
Test Results
| Type | Target | Test #1 | Test #2 | Test #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYS mmHg | 120 | 127 | 123 | 127 |
| DIA mmHg | 80 | 85 | 83 | 84 |
| BPM | 80 | 84 | 79 | 83 |
Description
The Welch Allyn 1500 Series is manufactured by one of the most trusted brands in the USA. However, during our test, the 1500 Series provided results with deviations of +/-6 mm Hg. The max deviation of an at-home blood pressure monitor should not exceed +/- 4 mm Hg.
1500 series is smartphone compatible, features an easy-to-use app, backlit display, and 3 measurement average. This device is permanently connected to the arm cuff hose which may be inconvenient to store, and in our experience, causes it to be damaged more quickly.
Pros
- Apple/Android Compatible App
- Easy to Use Interface and App
Cons
- Multiple Users Not Available on Device
- Reading Storage Not Available on Device
- Reading Accuracy +/- 6mm Hg
Accuracy
90%
User Friendliness
★★★☆☆ 3/5
Features
★★★☆☆ 3/5
Test Results
| Type | Target | Test #1 | Test #2 | Test #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYS mmHg | 120 | 130 | 122 | 122 |
| DIA mmHg | 80 | 92 | 84 | 85 |
| BPM | 80 | 91 | 87 | 79 |
Description
The Sunbeam TMB-1583-S is a device with a unique stand and vertical display. For that reason, we placed a small box under it after each reading so that the display could face the camera. During our test, it averaged a reading deviation of +/- 7 mm Hg. One of the readings showed a substantial deviation of 10 mm Hg.
The TMB-1583-S features 3 reading average and a large touchscreen display which proved troublesome to use since the surface was at times not responsive. It includes an AC adapter and 3-year limited warranty. This device does not have Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone apps.
Pros
- AC-adapter included
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- No Bluetooth/ App Connectivity
- Reading Accuracy +/- 7mm Hg
Accuracy
94%
User Friendliness
★★★★☆ 4/5
Features
★★★★★ 5/5
Test Results
| Type | Target | Test #1 | Test #2 | Test #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYS mmHg | 120 | 129 | 128 | 128 |
| DIA mmHg | 80 | 86 | 86 | 85 |
| BPM | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
Description
The Omron Series 10 is a popular blood pressure monitor and the largest device that we tested. With a deviation average of +/- 9 mm Hg the results were completely inaccurate in both systolic and diastolic pressure.
The Omron Series 10 has a unique cuff system that is ideal for users with arms smaller than 14” in circumference but can prove difficult or unusable for users with larger arms. (Omron offers an XL cuff at an additional cost) It features a smartphone app that is user-friendly and has great functionality for both Apple and Android devices.
Pros
- Apple/Android Compatible App
- Great Cuff for 14″ or Below Arm Size
- Large Display
Cons
- Inaccurate Readings +/- 9mm Hg
- Price
Accuracy
95%
User Friendliness
★★★★★ 5/5
Features
★★★☆☆ 3/5
Test Results
| Type | Target | Test #1 | Test #2 | Test #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYS mmHg | 120 | 120 | 100 | 118 |
| DIA mmHg | 80 | 86 | 71 | 87 |
| BPM | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
Description
The Beurer BM55 was designed in Germany and is manufactured in China. During our test, it averaged +/- 7 mm Hg in the diastolic pressure and provided accurate results in 2 of the 3 systolic pressure readings. It was off by 20 mm Hg in one of the systolic pressure readings.
The Beurer BM55 features irregular heartbeat detection, 3 reading average, a backlit display, and limited lifetime warranty. However, this monitor does not have Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone apps.
Pros
- Great interface
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Large Display
Cons
- Reading Accuracy +/- 7mm Hg
- No Bluetooth/ App Connectivity
Additional Blood Pressure Monitors Tested*
*DISCLAIMER
It is important to note that the results shown below only demonstrate the accuracy of one blood pressure monitoring device. As these devices are manufactured in large quantities we cannot assume that other devices of the same model will provide the same exact readings. This test was done to provide some insight but cannot be taken with absolute certainty. There are other variables to consider such as the blood pressure cuff and the skill of the person taking the reading. Always consult your doctor about blood pressure readings and blood pressure monitoring devices.
