Blood Pressure Monitors Guide
A practical guide to choosing a home blood pressure monitor — with accuracy front and centre.
* This page is currently under review and being updated - the layout and content are likely to change during this process. Thank you. *
UPDATED: 11 February 2026
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is common as we get older — and it often has no obvious symptoms. That’s why home monitoring can be so valuable: it helps you spot patterns over time and keep a clear record to share with your doctor.
At the same time, buying a monitor can feel surprisingly confusing — especially online, where many devices look similar.
Our goal with this page is to help you choose a monitor you can trust, understand the features you’ll see on modern devices, and take readings at home in a way that produces consistent, useful results.
If you’re new to the topic, you may also want our overview of what high blood pressure is and why it matters: High blood pressure.
What you’ll learn
How to choose a monitor you can trust (and why clinical validation matters)
Which features are genuinely useful (and which are mostly “nice to have”)
How to measure your blood pressure at home so your readings are consistent and meaningful
Important:
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. If you’re worried about your blood pressure, speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
Why choosing a home monitor can be difficult (and how this guide helps)
Buying a home blood pressure monitor should be simple. In practice, it isn’t — because:
There are huge numbers of devices online, and they don’t all meet the same standards.
Some devices look professional but haven’t been properly tested for accuracy.
For example, a 12‑month analysis across 10 countries published in the Journal of Hypertension reported that around four out of five devices in Amazon’s top 100 best‑selling lists had not passed adequate clinical validation testing. View the study abstract. (That doesn’t mean every unvalidated device is inaccurate — it means you often can’t tell whether it’s accurate without proper testing.)
Features can be confusing, and it’s easy to pay for extras you won’t use.
Cuff size matters, and the wrong fit can make readings unreliable.
This guide focuses on the things that matter most:
Accuracy (clinical validation)
A cuff that fits properly
A monitor that matches your needs and preferences
If you want to skip the theory and go straight to monitors we consider good quality, you can use our recommended list.
We only recommend using blood pressure monitors that have been clinically validated
What is clinical validation?
Clinical validation is a formal study comparing the accuracy of a blood pressure monitor relative to the measurement of a clinical observer using a mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope on a patient.
Clinical validation comprises three major components:
Utilisation of modern protocols
Independent verification of accuracy
Publication in a peer-reviewed journal
Your doctor can trust the accuracy of blood pressure readings taken at home if the monitor has been clinically validated and is less than four years old.
Several organisations assess whether a blood pressure monitor has been clinically validated:
European Society of Hypertension - Stride BP - https://stridebp.org/bp-monitors
British and Irish Hypertension Society - https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/
German Hypertension League (Deutsche Hochdruckliga) - https://www.hochdruckliga.de/betroffene/blutdruckmessgeraete
Medaval - https://medaval.ie
Buying tips
Clinically validated - Only choose a blood pressure monitor that has been clinically validated - you want accurate blood pressure readings from a monitor that gives results similar to what you’d see in the doctor’s office.
If possible, choose a monitor with an upper arm cuff - Medical guidelines only recommend using blood pressure monitors using upper arm cuffs, as these are generally more accurate. However, wrist blood pressure monitors may be a suitable alternative for some people, but bear in mind that the readings may not always be accurate.
Make sure the cuff fits you - Before buying a blood pressure monitor, measure around your upper arm so you know what size cuff to buy - A cuff that’s too large or too small will be uncomfortable and inaccurate. It should also be wide enough to cover about 80% of your upper arm, from your elbow to your armpit, and fit comfortably.
Think about what features you need - Mobile App integration is helpful but not essential if you prefer keeping a written log. AFib assessment is another safety check if you don’t use another method. Larger display size for easy reading.
Check with your doctor - They can make sure you're using it the right way, and check the accuracy of its results.
Prepare – Avoid smoking, drinking caffeine/alcohol, taking medications, or exercising 30 minutes before measuring.
Rest and relax for at least 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure.
Sit still with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed, and your arm resting on the table.
Use an appropriately sized cuff in the correct position (2cm above the elbow joint on the left arm). Remove clothing covering the location of cuff placement, i.e., roll up the sleeve.
Take three measurements at 1-minute intervals and use the average of the last two (avoid talking during measurements). Record the results in a notebook or with a connected mobile app.
How to measure blood pressure at home
When initially checking your blood pressure at home or following an elevated reading obtained at the doctor’s surgery/health centre, it’s a good idea to:
Measure and record your blood pressure twice daily (using an average as mentioned in step 5 above), both in the morning and evening, for ideally 7 days.
Discard the measurements from the first day and calculate the average of the remaining days. This will help guide you and your doctor.
When to seek medical help
This content is for general education and does not interpret individual readings or provide medical advice.
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or feel unwell, contact your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
National health organisations provide guidance on when medical attention may be needed:
NHS: High blood pressure
If you feel acutely unwell, seek urgent medical help.
To view a selection of clinically validated home blood pressure monitors, click below.
Important Information:
This page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Medical knowledge and guidance evolve over time, and information may change. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health concerns or medical decisions.
For more details, please see our full Disclaimer.