With nearly one out of three Americans dealing with out of control high blood pressure, the importance of understanding these numbers and keeping them in check has never been more important.
Stopping in for your annual physical and getting your blood pressure checked may seem like enough, but it is likely more beneficial to keep regular tabs on your blood pressure, throughout the year.
To cater to this growing need, many new connected blood pressure cuffs have entered the market, with the QardioArm standing out as one of the top contenders in the industry. Overall, I found the QardioArm to be a solid blood pressure cuff.
To help you come to an educated decision on whether the QardioArm is the right connected blood pressure cuff for you, I’m going go into detail on what I thought about the device, its accompanying app, and whether I think it is worth your dime.
About QardioArm
The QardioArm is a smart blood pressure cuff that makes at-home blood pressure monitoring nearly fool-proof. No training is needed in order to use this device: Simply secure the QardioArm to your arm, tighten the Velcro strap, and then start it up with the accompanying Qardio app (Available on both Android and iOS devices).
The readout from the QardioArm syncs automatically with the Qardio app, and additionally, the information can even be forwarded directly to your doctor if you would like.
The QardioArm is a dead-simple blood pressure cuff to use and has all the features one would want from a smart blood pressure monitor.
QardioArm Device Review
The first thing that came to my mind upon opening up and taking a first look at the QardioArm was just how nice and inconspicuous it looked. Unlike the clunky, old fashioned straps we’re used to from the doctor’s office, the QardioArm is thoughtfully designed, looking more like a smartphone than a medical device. For those that feel self-conscious about bringing their blood pressure monitor out and about with them, this is great!
The first thing that came to my mind upon opening up and taking a first look at the QardioArm was just how nice and inconspicuous it looked. Unlike the clunky, old fashioned straps we’re used to from the doctor’s office, the QardioArm is thoughtfully designed, looking more like a smartphone than a medical device. For those that feel self-conscious about bringing their blood pressure monitor out and about with them, this is great!
While the QardioArm is simple to use overall, the included instructions were a bit lacking, and I found myself having to search online before figuring out how to use the device properly for the first time. It really is easy to use though, and when using the QardioArm for later blood pressure measurements, I had no trouble sliding the device on and getting an accurate reading.
The one issue I have with the device itself is the lack of a recharge capability. The QardioArm runs on four AAA batteries, which makes it feel a bit dated, in my opinion. I know rechargeable batteries are common these days, but not everyone has the foresight to keep an extra charged pair laying around.
Overall the device seems well built, and once I found out how to correctly strap on the device, it was very easy to use. Based on build-quality alone, I feel safe recommending the QardioArm as one of the best smart blood pressure monitors available.
QardioArm App Review
Smart blood pressure cuffs like the QardioArm are simple enough, but what about their corresponding apps? What good is a well-built smart blood pressure monitor if the app is a confusing mess?
The app receives overall high ratings on both the Android and iOS App Stores, and I tend to agree with a lot of what is said about it. The Qardio app is easy to use, syncs seamlessly with the QardioArm blood pressure cuff, and provides all the useful charts and metrics one could ask for from a blood pressure monitoring app.
Some of the metrics tracked by the Qardio app include:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Respiratory rate
- ECG/EKG
- Body composition (body fat%, muscle%, bone%, water%)
- Weight
- BMI
- Calories
- Steps
- Skin temperature
Fortunately, the simplicity of the QardioArm’s design carries over to the accompanying Qardio app as well. To begin using the Qardio app with my QardioArm, all I had to do was install the app, register an account, and that was it basically!
Upon opening the app to take a blood pressure reading, you are brought right to the start screen to begin taking a measurement. You couldn’t ask for a more simple user experience, really. It is for these reasons that I hold the Qardio app in high regard as well.
How Much Does The QardioArm Cost And How Does It Compare To The Competition?
The QardioArm is available for purchase from a variety of retailers including Qardio itself, Walmart, Amazon, and BestBuy. The device retails generally for $99.99, though often you can find it discounted 20%, bringing the price down to a tempting $80.
Compared to other top smart blood pressure cuffs on the market, the QardioArm is priced fairly. The Withings BPM is priced roughly the same as the QardioArm, with similar features, but I find the QardioArm wins if looks are at all important to you.
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The other smart blood pressure monitor I feel is worth mentioning is the Omron 10 Series, which admittedly falls more on the style spectrum of a medical device than a smartphone. For a little less money than the QardioArm, the Omron 10 Series offers both connected and standalone blood pressure readouts, meaning you can use the device without having to pair it with your smartphone.
The Bottom Line
I believe the QardioArm to be the best smart blood pressure cuff on the market today. It packs a lot of value into a stylish and compact design. And while it lacks standalone blood pressure monitoring, or the ability to keep track of multiple users’ readouts, its ease of use and compact design make it the best smart blood pressure monitor amongst the devices I have tested!
QardioArm Pros and Cons
QardioArm Pros
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and Kindle devices
- Gives clear and accurate blood pressure readings
- Simple and intuitive app
- Compact design
- FDA approved
- Simple to use
QardioArm Cons
- While easy to use, the included instructions are lacking
- A smartphone or smartwatch is required
- May only be paired with one smartphone or smartwatch at a time
- Can only track one user at a time
- No third-party app integration
