When comparing MIO Link vs Polar H7, the Slant community recommends Polar H7 for most people. In the question“What are the best heart rate monitors?” Polar H7 is ranked 2nd while MIO Link is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Polar H7 is:
The elastic band comes in three sizes and is soft and malleable. The H7 sits pretty snugly against your chest and doesn't slip around while you're using it.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Good for the casual user
The Link is simple and easy to use, but doesn't come with the more hardcore options that an advanced user would look for.
Pro Customizable bands
The hardware is removable, so you can swap the bands for whichever color you prefer.
Pro Tough and comfortable
It's made from a single, strong plastic band that won't snap or break. The strap feels soft and stretches slightly, and includes clasp holes along the length of the band so you can set it exactly how tightly or loosely you want.
Pro Easy to check heart rate mid run with a built in LED system
The Link comes with an LED that gives you a different color depending on where your heart rate is at. This makes checking your heart rate a lot easier as you don't have to stop and pull your phone out, or risk dropping it while you're running.
Pro Connects via Bluetooth and ANT+, so you have a wide variety of connection options
The Link can be paired with any app that supports a heart rate monitor and does so via either Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+, whichever you prefer. It can feed information to either your phone, a GPS watch, or even your bike computer.
Pro Small and light
It has a focus on being small and comfortable, and definitely hits that mark. It measures about 20mm across, and weighs in at around 30 grams.
Pro Comfortable and secure
The elastic band comes in three sizes and is soft and malleable. The H7 sits pretty snugly against your chest and doesn't slip around while you're using it.
Pro Very accurate
The H7 was tested against an EKG, the medical standard for measuring heart rate, and it was found that the H7's readings matched up with the EKG 99% of the time.
You can see the accuracy tests here.
Pro Waterproof, so it's great for swimmers
The H7 is properly waterproof, making it a good option for swimmers. However, when underwater, your Bluetooth connection won't work so you're forced into using one of Polar's GymLink enabled watches.
Pro Supports a wide range of connectivity options
The H7 can connect via Bluetooth Smart or GymLink. It can connect to a wide range of apps (like Runkeeper, Runtastic, or Strava) and works with Bluetooth sports watches as well. The GymLink connection means it'll work with Polar's other sport watches or activity trackers.
Pro Long battery life with replaceable cell batteries
The H7 runs on a CR2025 coin battery which, as long as you disconnect the device from the strap when not in use, should last you upwards of a month before needing to be replaced.
Cons
Con Decent battery life, but doesn't hold up to the competitors
On a full charge the Link should last you around 8-10 hours of usage. When taken into consideration that this is simply a HRM, that's not so bad, but it still doesn't hold a candle to some of its competitors.
Con Accuracy can leave something to be desired
Under lab conditions, the Link has been shown to be accurate within -27 BPM to +29 BPM. If you're looking for accuracy, you'd be better off with a chest strap HRM than the Link.
Con Doesn't read your heart rate so well underwater
The Link is designed for runners, so the accuracy while swimming leaves much to be desired. You'd be better off with a HRM designed specifically for the water.
Con Uses a proprietary charging dock, so you have limited charging options
Unfortunately, you can't use any old QI charger to charge the Link. It comes with its own charging dock, and that's all you can use.
Con Bluetooth doesn't work underwater
Unfortunately, the H7 can't communicate via Bluetooth when it's submerged. You'll have to use one of Polar's other GymLink enabled watches to get functionality while swimming.