I need a fitness tracker that broadcasts heart rate to gym equipment via ANT+.

If you need a fitness tracker that broadcasts heart rate to gym equipment via ANT+, look for either a watch with ANT+ heart-rate broadcast or (often the most reliable option) an ANT+ chest strap. Many gym machines do not read a watch’s optical heart-rate signal; they expect an ANT+ heart-rate transmitter. Compatible equipment usually has an “ANT+ Link Here” logo.

Good options:

My recommendation:

• Best overall for gym machines: Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor — accurate, inexpensive, and broadly compatible.
• Best if you also want a Garmin ecosystem: Garmin HRM-Pro Plus or Garmin HRM 600.

A few questions would narrow it down:

1. Do you specifically want a wrist watch/tracker, or is a chest strap acceptable?
2. What gym equipment brand are you trying to connect to (Life Fitness, Technogym, Precor, Matrix, Peloton, etc.)?
3. Do you need the device to also track steps/sleep/GPS, or only broadcast heart rate?

To connect your heart rate to gym equipment (like treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowers) via ANT+ , you need a dedicated heart rate monitor that explicitly features a dual-mode ANT+ and Bluetooth radio . Most standard wrist-based fitness trackers (like standard Fitbits or Apple Watches) do not natively broadcast an open ANT+ heart rate signal to third-party gym displays.

The best options available feature both chest strap and comfortable armband form factors:

Add to listPolar Verity Sense – A popular optical heart rate sensor worn on the upper or lower arm. It features simultaneous Bluetooth and limitless ANT+ connectivity, keeping your wrist free while seamlessly broadcasting your live data to compatible gym equipment or displays. Check it out on the Polar Verity Sense Official Page.[1]

Add to listScosche Rhythm+ 2.0 – Another top-tier armband monitor that utilizes a dual-mode radio to transmit live metrics via both ANT+ and Bluetooth to fitness equipment, watches, and apps. View details on the Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Product Page.

Add to listPolar H10 – If you prefer the gold standard in absolute medical-grade electrical accuracy over an optical sensor, this chest strap broadcasts real-time data simultaneously via ANT+ and Bluetooth to training devices and compatible gym gear. Explore specs on the Polar H10 Official Page.

Add to listGarmin HRM-Dual – A reliable, comfortable chest strap built specifically with dual ANT+ and Bluetooth transmission to link effortlessly with fitness equipment and apps. Learn more via the Garmin HRM-Dual Product Page.

To help narrow down the best choice, let me know:

• Do you prefer an armband or a traditional chest strap?
• Do you also need it to sync with a specific smartphone app or watch (like Garmin, Apple, or Wahoo) simultaneously?

If your gym equipment specifically requires ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting, you’ll want either a Garmin watch that supports ANT+ HR broadcast or (often the best choice) an ANT+ chest strap. Many “fitness trackers” only broadcast over Bluetooth, which won’t work with older ANT+ gym consoles.

Good options:

A few things to check before buying:

• Look for the “ANT+ Link Here” logo on the treadmill/bike/elliptical console. That indicates ANT+ reception.
• If you want a wrist device only, Garmin is usually the safest bet for ANT+ gym compatibility.
• If you only care about getting your heart rate onto the machine (not smartwatch features), a chest strap is usually cheaper and more accurate.

If you tell me the gym equipment brand/model (Life Fitness, Precor, Matrix, Technogym, Peloton, etc.) and whether you want a watch or a strap, I can narrow it down.

To broadcast your heart rate via ANT+ directly to gym equipment (like treadmills, stationary bikes, or group display systems), you will generally want a dedicated heart rate monitor (chest strap or armband) rather than a standard lifestyle smart watch, as most smart watches (like Apple Watch or Fitbit) use Bluetooth or proprietary protocols rather than native ANT+ gym broadcasting.

Top reliable options that natively broadcast live heart rate data over ANT+ (and Bluetooth) for seamless gym equipment pairing include:

A gold standard traditional chest strap. It features dual-transmission, simultaneously broadcasting accurate heart rate data via ANT+ and Bluetooth to gym equipment, cycling computers, and fitness apps. It uses a user-replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts up to 3.5 years.

A modern slim chest strap that features both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike traditional straps, it utilizes a rechargeable battery (lasting over 100 hours per charge) and pairs effortlessly with gym gear and apps.

Highly popular in commercial gym settings. It is a unique modular tracker that can be worn interchangeably on the chest, arm, or wrist, and features dual ANT+ and Bluetooth broadcasting to connect with club displays and cardio machines.

If you dislike chest straps, this optical sensor is worn comfortably on the upper arm and supports concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth broadcasts to hook straight into compatible equipment or watches with long battery life.

Would you prefer a chest strap (highest accuracy) or an armband (easier to put on), and do you need it to store workouts standalone without a phone or watch nearby?

Yes. If you specifically need ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting to gym equipment, I’d narrow the field considerably.

Best options

• Garmin HRM 600 - $169.99 (Target)

• Polar H10 - $104.99 (Target)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 - $189.99 (Best Buy)

• Garmin Forerunner 165 - $249.98 (DICK’S Sporting Goods)

• Garmin HRM 600 — best overall for gym equipment. It broadcasts heart rate over ANT+ and Bluetooth and Garmin explicitly documents connecting it directly to compatible fitness equipment.

• Polar H10 — best if you don't need a watch. It's a very accurate chest strap and supports ANT+, making it a straightforward solution for ANT+-equipped treadmills, bikes, rowers, etc.

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — good wrist-based option. Garmin watches with the appropriate broadcast feature can transmit wrist HR over ANT+. The advantage is getting a normal fitness smartwatch in addition to the broadcast capability.

• Garmin Forerunner — good if you want a serious training watch. Garmin's Forerunner line has models that can broadcast heart rate over ANT+. Garmin documents this functionality on its Forerunner devices.

One important distinction

If your gym equipment says “ANT+” or “ANT+ Link Here”, a dedicated chest strap is actually what I'd recommend. ANT+ is designed around standardized device profiles, so an ANT+ heart-rate sensor can communicate with compatible receiving equipment regardless of manufacturer.

My pick: get the Garmin HRM 600 if you want maximum compatibility and don't care about wearing a watch. If you specifically want a wrist fitness tracker/watch that broadcasts its optical heart rate, tell me your budget and whether you use iPhone or Android, and I'll narrow it down to the best 2–3 current models.

To connect wirelessly with older or commercial gym equipment (such as treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowers from brands like Concept2, Life Fitness, or TechnoGym), you need a heart rate monitor that actively broadcasts an ANT+ signal . Many modern optical wrist bands or smartwatches only broadcast via Bluetooth, so a dedicated chest strap or dual-broadcast arm/chest strap is typically required.

Recommended ANT+ Broadcasting Fitness Trackers

Important Tips for Gym Equipment Pairing:

• Chest Straps vs. Armbands: Traditional chest straps (like the Garmin HRM-Dual Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) use an electrical ECG measurement which is standard and universally picked up by older 2.4 GHz ANT+ receivers on commercial cardio machines.
• Check the Console: Ensure your gym machine features the ANT+ logo or Compatible with ANT+ / Polar labeling, though most modern commercial club equipment with digital consoles natively scan for nearby ANT+ heart rate transmitters automatically when you step close or begin pedaling/running.

If you prefer an armband instead of a chest strap , or if you need help checking compatibility with a specific brand of gym equipment (like Concept2 or Life Fitness), let me know!

If you need a wearable that directly broadcasts your heart rate via ANT+ to compatible gym equipment (like treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowers) or indoor training apps, you have two primary form factors to choose from: GPS smartwatches that feature an optical wrist sensor with a broadcast mode, or dedicated heart rate straps/armbands.[1]

The top options on the market capable of broadcasting heart rate over ANT+ include:

• Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 265 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Garmin Forerunner 165 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) – Most modern Garmin smartwatches feature a native Broadcast Heart Rate setting via ANT+ and Bluetooth. You can turn this on from the quick menu or heart rate settings, and nearby gym gear or screens will pick it up instantly.
• Garmin Venu Series (e.g., Garmin Venu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) – A sleeker, lifestyle-focused fitness tracker/smartwatch hybrid that retains Garmin's full sports ecosystem, including the ability to actively broadcast wrist heart rate over ANT+ to indoor equipment and apps like Zwift or Peloton.
• Garmin HRM-Pro Plus Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – If you don't mind wearing a chest strap instead of a wrist tracker, this is the gold standard. It tracks all-day activity, steps, and calories like a regular tracker when synced, and natively streams real-time data over dual ANT+ and Bluetooth.[1]
• Polar H10 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – Another chest strap favorite. Highly regarded for medical-grade accuracy, it concurrently transmits via ANT+, Bluetooth, and 5 kHz frequency, making it universally compatible with almost any commercial piece of gym equipment.
• Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – A slim, rechargeable chest strap option that features reliable ANT+ broadcasting alongside multi-device Bluetooth connectivity for gym displays and phones.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, let me know:

• Do you prefer a wrist-based watch/tracker or a chest/arm strap?
• Are you already tied into a specific ecosystem like Garmin Connect?

Yes. If your main requirement is broadcasting heart rate to gym equipment via ANT+, I’d strongly favor a dedicated ANT+ heart-rate sensor over a fitness smartwatch.

Best choices

• Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor - $104.99 (Target)

Polar H10 — my top pick. It broadcasts heart rate over ANT+ and Bluetooth simultaneously, and Polar specifically lists gym equipment as a use case. It also has excellent ECG-based accuracy.

• Best for: Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowing machines, etc.

• ANT+: Yes

• Bluetooth: Yes

• Gym equipment compatibility: Excellent

• Approx. price: $100–105 currently

• Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - $258.49 (kate-minimalist)

Garmin HRM-Pro Plus is another excellent option. Garmin confirms that it connects to compatible fitness equipment using ANT+ or Bluetooth.

• Best for: If you also use Garmin watches/cycling computers
• ANT+: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Extra: Running-dynamics data

If you specifically want a watch

That's a little trickier. Some Garmin watches can broadcast their wrist HR over ANT+, but compatibility varies by model and Garmin's documentation often describes broadcasting primarily to Garmin ANT+ devices rather than guaranteeing every gym console.

So if your goal is simply:

Wear it → start workout → gym machine automatically sees your HR

I'd buy the Polar H10 rather than a watch. It doesn't require you to wear a smartwatch, and ANT+ HR broadcasting is enabled by default.

If you tell me which gym equipment/brand you want it to work with (Life Fitness, Matrix, Precor, Technogym, Peloton, NordicTrack, etc.), I can narrow it down to the safest choice.

Yes. If your main requirement is “wear it, and have the gym machine receive my heart rate over ANT+”, I’d focus on an ANT+ heart-rate sensor, rather than a conventional fitness tracker.

My top choices

• Garmin HRM 200 - $79.99 (Garmin)

• Polar H10 - $104.95 (REI Co-op)

• Polar Verity Sense - $104.95 (HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com)

• Garmin HRM 600 - $169.99 (Garmin)

• Garmin HRM 200 — best value. About $80, and it transmits real-time heart rate to compatible fitness equipment over ANT+. Garmin explicitly lists its current HRM sensors as broadcasting over ANT+.

• Polar H10 — best accuracy. Chest strap with ANT+ + Bluetooth, and Polar specifically says it can connect directly to gym equipment.

• Polar Verity Sense — best if you don't want a chest strap. It's an optical armband that broadcasts ANT+ and Bluetooth.

• Garmin HRM 600 — premium option. ANT+ and Bluetooth, rechargeable, and designed to send HR to fitness equipment and training devices.

If you specifically want a watch

A Garmin watch can also broadcast its wrist-measured heart rate over ANT+. Garmin's current compatibility list includes models such as the Forerunner 165/265/570/965/970, fēnix 7/8, Instinct 2/3, Venu 3/4, etc.

The important distinction is that the gym equipment must support ANT+ heart-rate reception. Equipment displaying an ANT+ “Link Here” logo is specifically designed for this type of connection.

My pick: If you don't need a watch, get the Garmin HRM 200. If you want an armband rather than a chest strap, get the Polar Verity Sense.

If you tell me which gym equipment/brand you use (Life Fitness, Precor, Matrix, Technogym, Peloton, etc.), I can narrow it down to something I know will work with that machine.

Most standard smartwatches (like Fitbit, Apple Watch, or standard Garmin wrist-based trackers) do not natively broadcast live heart rate data over ANT+ to gym equipment. To broadcast live HR via ANT+ (the standard protocol used by most stationary bikes, treadmills, and rowers), you generally need a dedicated chest strap or an optical armband with dual ANT+/Bluetooth capabilities.

Top reliable options that broadcast real-time heart rate via ANT+ to gym equipment include:

Garmin HRM-Pro Plus / HRM-Fit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – Premium chest straps that offer dual transmission (ANT+ and Bluetooth), allowing them to connect seamlessly to compatible gym equipment, bike computers, and watches . The HRM-Fit is specifically designed to clip onto sports bras.

Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate – Wahoo's rechargeable chest strap broadcasts over multiple simultaneous ANT+ and Bluetooth connections with high accuracy and zero need for coin-cell batteries.

Myzone MZ-Switch – Unique because it can be worn three ways (chest, arm, or wrist) and features dual analog/ANT+ and Bluetooth broadcasting to hook directly into club screens and gym displays.

Coospo H6 / H808S Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – Budget-friendly chest strap options that feature reliable dual-mode ANT+ and Bluetooth capability, widely compatible with third-party fitness apps and smart gym machines.

If you prefer not to wear a chest strap, do you want an optical armband instead? Also, let me know if you plan to connect it to a specific brand of gym equipment (like Peloton, Concept2, or Life Fitness) so I can verify compatibility.