Choose Garmin if you want a watch that reliably broadcasts heart rate via ANT+. Garmin’s Forerunner, Fēnix, Instinct and Vivoactive lines are repeatedly recommended for ANT+ transmission. If you don’t need a watch, Wahoo TICKR FIT or Coros armbands (or a Garmin HRM chest strap) provide accurate ANT+ broadcasting instead.
Best overall: Garmin—Forerunner, Fēnix, Instinct and Vivoactive models reliably broadcast wrist heart rate to ANT+ receivers; pick Instinct for rugged outdoor use or a Forerunner for running-focused features.
Best for a dedicated sensor: COROS armband provides comfortable, specialized ANT+ (and Bluetooth) HR broadcasting for athletes who want a non-watch sensor rather than a full smartwatch.
ANT Watches | REI Co-ophttps://www.rei.com/c/watches/f/fet-ant
5%
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5%
Anyone use a watch that will monitor HR and also pair well with cycling computer?https://www.reddit.com/r/Velo/comments/x7r6ww/anyone_use_a_watch_that_will_monitor_hr_and_also/
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Broadcast HR to ANT+ deviceshttps://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/1ewtp4v/broadcast_hr_to_ant_devices/
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Comparing the inReach Mini, inReach Mini 2, and ... - Garmin Supporthttps://support.garmin.com/en-US/
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TP5+ BLUETOOTH ANT+ HEART RATE MONITOR | Cardiosporthttps://www.cardiosport.com/tp5-heart-rate-monitor
Best watch for beginner triathlete, ant+ compatible - Reddithttps://www.reddit.com/r/triathlon/comments/1fkpr0u/best_watch_for_beginner_triathlete_ant_compatible/
Yes. If ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting is a hard requirement, I’d focus primarily on Garmin watches. Garmin explicitly says its compatible watches broadcast heart rate over ANT+ when broadcasting is enabled.
One important distinction: you want a watch that broadcasts its wrist-based HR as an ANT+ Heart Rate Monitor, not merely a watch that receives ANT+ sensors. Garmin documents this functionality explicitly.
COROS is trickier: some older models can broadcast HR over ANT+, but current COROS documentation has changed considerably, and several newer models only support Bluetooth accessories.
If you tell me what device you want the watch to broadcast to (e.g. Peloton, Concept2, Zwift, Garmin Edge, gym equipment, bike computer) and your budget, I can narrow it down to 2–3 specific watches that are confirmed compatible.
If you need a fitness watch that actively broadcasts your heart rate over ANT+ (so you can pair it with a bike computer, indoor trainer, or separate display), Garmin is your go-to ecosystem. When you turn on the broadcast feature on a compatible Garmin watch, it simultaneously outputs data via both ANT+ and Bluetooth.
Top Garmin watch options with native heart rate broadcasting include:
Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., [Garmin Forerunner 70 ](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1941179/pn/010-04307-00/), Forerunner 255, Forerunner 965 ): Excellent for runners and multisport athletes. You can pull up the heart rate widget, hold the menu button, and select Broadcast Heart Rate to start transmitting.[2]
Garmin fēnix Series (e.g., [Garmin fēnix E ](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1652337/pn/010-03025-03/), fēnix 8): Premium rugged multisport options built for rugged outdoor adventures and heavy data tracking, which also feature the built-in wrist broadcast tool.[1]
Garmin vívoactive Series (e.g., Garmin vívoactive 5 ): A more lifestyle-and-fitness-oriented smartwatch that still supports native ANT+ heart rate broadcasting through its health stats menu.
Note: Broadcasting your heart rate from your wrist uses extra battery power, so it's designed to be turned on specifically during workouts.
To help narrow down the best model for you, let me know:
What device or app are you trying to broadcast your heart rate to?
Do you have a preference for a budget-friendly running watch or a high-end multisport/outdoor watch?
If you need a fitness watch that can broadcast your wrist-based heart rate to bike computers, indoor trainers, or fitness equipment using ANT+ , your best options are Garmin and COROS ecosystem watches. Almost all modern GPS sports watches from these brands have a built-in "Broadcast HR" feature that streams your heart rate over ANT+ in real time.
Top choices and series that support ANT+ heart rate broadcasting include:
Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., [Garmin Forerunner 965 ](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/886725/pn/010-02809-00/), Forerunner 265, 165 ) — Excellent for runners and multi-sport athletes, with easy access to heart rate broadcasting in the settings or controls menu.[1]
Garmin Fenix / Epix / Enduro Series — Premium rugged multi-sport and outdoor adventure watches that seamlessly broadcast over both ANT+ and Bluetooth.
Garmin Venu & Vivoactive Series (e.g., Garmin vívoactive 6, Venu 3 ) — More lifestyle-oriented GPS fitness smartwatches that still include native ANT+ heart rate broadcasting for gym equipment or bike head units.[1]
COROS Watches (e.g., Pace 3, Apex 2, Vertix 2 ) — COROS devices also support broadcasting heart rate data via ANT+ (accessible by holding the Back/Lap button to open the Toolbox menu).
If you can tell me what device or app you are trying to broadcast to (like a specific bike computer, Zwift setup, or treadmill) and your preferred budget or style , I can narrow down the exact watch model that fits your needs best.
Yes — if you specifically need the watch itself to broadcast its wrist-measured heart rate over ANT+, there are several good options.
Good choices
Garmin Instinct 3 - $299.99 (Target)
Garmin Forerunner 165 - $235.00 (Best Buy)
Garmin Forerunner 265 - $449.99 (Best Buy)
COROS PACE 4 - $249.00 (Best Buy)
Garmin Instinct series — Garmin explicitly supports HR broadcasting over ANT+. The Instinct 2, for example, can broadcast HR to ANT+ compatible devices.
Garmin Forerunner series — Garmin's Forerunner watches support HR broadcasting over ANT+; Garmin documents both normal broadcasting and broadcasting during an activity.
COROS — Some COROS watches support ANT+ HR broadcasting as well. COROS specifically documents ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting. COROS Help CenterBe careful with newer models, though: COROS's current accessory documentation shows that models such as PACE 4 support Bluetooth accessories only, while ANT+ compatibility varies by model.
If ANT+ HR broadcast is the hard requirement, I'd concentrate on Garmin. It has particularly broad support for broadcasting the watch's optical HR sensor to another ANT+ receiver.
If you tell me what device you want the heart rate to broadcast to (e.g. Peloton, Garmin Edge, Zwift, treadmill, bike computer, rowing machine) and your budget, I can narrow it down to 2–3 specific watches that will work with it.
Yes. If you specifically need a watch that broadcasts its wrist-based heart rate over ANT+, Garmin is the safest choice.
My picks
Best value: Garmin Forerunner 165 — around $200–250. Garmin supports HR broadcasting, and the 165 is a relatively inexpensive modern watch.
Garmin Forerunner 165 - $249.99 (Garmin)
Best for serious training: Forerunner 570 — newer training features and multisport capability; Garmin's current Forerunner line supports HR broadcasting.
Premium: Forerunner 970 — top-end running/triathlon option, but probably overkill if your primary requirement is ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting.
Garmin Forerunner 970 - $749.99 (Garmin)
Garmin's documentation explicitly describes broadcasting heart rate from the watch to a compatible ANT+ device.
One important caveat: COROS is less straightforward. COROS says its watches can broadcast HR via ANT+, but its current watch lineup has changed substantially, and some newer models no longer support ANT+ accessories.
If you tell me what you want the watch to broadcast to (e.g. Peloton, Zwift, Garmin Edge, treadmill, Concept2, bike computer) and your budget, I can narrow it down to 2–3 watches that are definitely compatible.
If you need a fitness watch that broadcasts your optical wrist-based heart rate over ANT+reg ANT+ raised to the reg power A N T+r e g (and usually simultaneously over Bluetooth), Garmin is practically your only major option on the market. Most other brands (like Apple, Samsung, or Fitbit) lock their heart rate data to their own ecosystem or phone apps and do not natively broadcast live ANT+ data to bike computers, smart trainers, or treadmills.
Here are the best current Garmin fitness and smartwatches that feature the Broadcast Heart Rate capability:
Garmin Venu Series (e.g., Garmin Venu 3 ): A sleeker everyday lifestyle/smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display that still retains full ANT+ and Bluetooth sensor-broadcasting features.
Go to the Heart Rate widget/screen on your watch or start an activity.
Hold the menu/up button.
Select Broadcast Heart Rate (you can also set it to automatically broadcast during activities via the main sensor/bluetooth settings menu).
Your nearby ANT+ device (like a Wahoo head unit, Garmin Edge, or indoor trainer) will pick up the watch ID instantly.
Are you trying to connect the watch to a specific device (like a bike computer, indoor trainer, or Zwift setup), or looking for a certain style/budget range to narrow down which model fits best?
Yes. If by ANT you mean ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting—so another device such as a bike computer, treadmill, rowing machine, or training app can receive your wrist HR—the choices are fairly limited.
Best options
COROS PACE 4 - $249.00 (Best Buy)
COROS PACE 3 - $199.99 (Best Buy)
Garmin Forerunner 265 - $364.99 (Best Buy)
Garmin Forerunner 165 - $199.99 (Garmin)
COROS PACE 4 — my first choice for value. COROS explicitly supports broadcasting wrist HR over ANT+ as well as Bluetooth. It's lightweight, AMOLED, and currently around $249.
COROS PACE 3 — excellent cheaper option. Also supports ANT+ HR broadcasting and is particularly attractive if you don't need an AMOLED display.
Garmin Forerunner 265 — excellent all-around choice. Garmin explicitly supports broadcasting the watch's wrist HR to paired devices, and the watch supports ANT+ sensors.
Garmin Forerunner 165 — lower-cost Garmin option. I'd consider it if you want Garmin's ecosystem and don't need the more advanced training features of the 265.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is another strong option if you want maps and a premium watch; Garmin documents its HR broadcasting function as well.
One important distinction: you want a watch that says “Broadcast Heart Rate”, not merely a watch that receives ANT+ heart-rate sensors. The models above can transmit the wrist sensor's HR outward.
If you tell me your budget, what device you want to broadcast to (Peloton, Garmin Edge, Zwift, treadmill, etc.), and whether you want AMOLED, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices and current prices.
Garmin sports and fitness watches are the primary devices capable of broadcasting your wrist-based heart rate over ANT+ to compatible equipment like bike computers or fitness displays.[2]
Most modern Garmin smartwatches (such as the Garmin Forerunner 265 , Forerunner series, Fenix series, and Instinct series) include a built-in "Broadcast Heart Rate" setting that transmits your live optical heart rate data over ANT+ during an activity.[1]
Top Garmin Fitness Watches with ANT+ Heart Rate Broadcasting
Rugged build, long battery life (up to 16 days), supports Garmin heart rate broadcast.
Garmin Forerunner 165
$200 - $250
Budget-friendly running watch with built-in Garmin training metrics and ANT+ broadcast.
How to Enable Heart Rate Broadcasting on Garmin
Hold down the Menu/Up button on your watch.
Scroll to and select Settings > Wrist Heart Rate.
Select Broadcast Heart Rate.
Select Start Broadcasting . Your watch will now pair with any nearby ANT+ compatible bike computer or receiver.
If you can tell me your preferred sport (running, triathlon, cycling) and budget , I can recommend the exact Garmin model that fits your training needs.
If you need a fitness watch that can broadcast your wrist-based heart rate over ANT+ (so it can pair with a bike computer like a Garmin Edge, a rowing machine, a treadmill, or a second-screen setup), Garmin is the gold standard and virtually the only major ecosystem that reliably offers this feature built right into their smartwatches.
Most modern Garmin sports watches and fitness trackers include a Broadcast Heart Rate feature—either manually toggled on from the settings/control menu or set to automatically broadcast whenever an activity starts.
Top Garmin watch options supporting ANT+ heart rate broadcasting include:
Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., [Garmin Forerunner 570 ](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1464001/pn/010-02971-00/), Forerunner 265, 965 , or budget-friendly Forerunner 55 ): Excellent for runners and triathletes, with seamless ANT+ pairing to cycling computers and gym equipment.[2]
Garmin Fenix / Epix Series (e.g., Fenix 7/8, Epix Pro ): Premium multi-sport outdoor watches with rugged builds and full ANT+/Bluetooth broadcasting capabilities.
(e.g., [ ]() , Instinct 2): Rugged, military-standard outdoor watches that support wrist HR broadcasting.[1]
Note: Broadcasting heart rate continuously via ANT+ uses extra battery power, so expect a noticeable drop in overall battery life while the broadcast mode is active.
If you'd like, tell me:
What device or equipment are you broadcasting the heart rate to (e.g., an Edge bike computer, Zwift on a PC, a gym machine)?
What is your preferred style or budget range?
I can recommend the exact Garmin model that fits your use case.
Yes. If ANT+ heart-rate broadcasting is a hard requirement, Garmin is the safest choice. Garmin explicitly lists “HR Broadcast” over ANT+ on compatible watches.
Good choices
Garmin Forerunner 165 - $199.99 (Best Buy)
Garmin Forerunner 265 - $349.99 (Best Buy)
Garmin Forerunner 570 - $549.99 (Target)
Garmin vívoactive 6 - $299.99 (Best Buy)
Forerunner 165 — best value if you mainly want a fitness/running watch with ANT+ HR broadcasting. Current listings show around $200.
Forerunner 265 — excellent middle ground if you want more serious training features.
Forerunner 570 — newer, higher-end option with extensive training features.
vívoactive 6 — better if you want a general-purpose fitness/smartwatch rather than a running-focused watch.
One important distinction: ANT+ receiving isn't enough. You specifically need “HR Broadcast”, which makes the watch act like an ANT+ heart-rate sensor for another device. Garmin documents this capability on the Forerunner line.
If you tell me what device you want the watch to broadcast to (e.g. Peloton, Concept2, Garmin Edge, treadmill, bike computer, Zwift, etc.) and your budget, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options.
Garmin Venu & Vivoactive Series (e.g., Venu 3, Vivoactive 5 ): More lifestyle-oriented smartwatches that still retain core Garmin sports features, including ANT+ HR broadcasting.
Follow how AI answers questions like this in Heart Rate Monitoring Wearables.