HEALTH – TECHNOLOGY

The Best Blood Pressure Monitors In South Africa 2024

Jenna Heyes
2 days ago
MEDICALLY REVIEWED
by Dr. Sarah Davies, H&L chief medical editor
If you’re here, you’re likely focused on monitoring your health. Whether you need to track your blood pressure due to hypertension, manage it during exercise, or simply want peace of mind, a blood pressure monitor is an easy, non-invasive solution. It works by measuring your systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with your pulse, using an arm or wrist cuff. Best of all, it’s simple to use at home, providing accurate readings without needing professional assistance, helping you stay on top of your heart health.
A blood pressure monitor provides valuable health insights in two key ways:
Tracks Blood Pressure Levels: It measures both systolic and diastolic pressure, helping you monitor changes over time and detect early signs of hypertension or other cardiovascular issues.
Monitors Heart Rate: Many blood pressure monitors also track your pulse, giving you an additional indicator of your overall heart health, especially when combined with blood pressure readings.
However, not all blood pressure monitors are created equal, and accuracy is the most critical factor when choosing one. Inaccurate devices can lead to false readings, which can be dangerous when managing conditions like hypertension. Precision in measurement should be your top priority, as many monitors on the market can be off by several points, which can mislead users into thinking their blood pressure is higher or lower than it actually is. A reliable, accurate monitor ensures you are making informed decisions about your health.
For this review, we purchased and tested some of the most popular blood pressure monitors on the market. These devices were used by individuals managing hypertension, athletes tracking their cardiovascular health, and elderly individuals needing consistent monitoring. Each user rated the monitor based on their experience, focusing on accuracy, ease of use, and overall performance. We also consulted with cardiology specialists for professional insights. We’ve compiled their reviews and listed the top recommendations below. Be sure to read our detailed evaluations to help you choose the best device for your needs.

The Best Blood Presure Monitors of 2024

vitaltrack pro

Overall

5/5

aCCURACY

5/5

uSER EXPERIENCE

5/5

DESCRIPTION

The Vitaltrack Pro is unrivaled in its accuracy for home blood pressure monitoring. Utilizing patented chipsets typically reserved for hospital-grade devices, it delivers readings with unparalleled precision. If you’re seeking the most reliable measurements available in a consumer device, the Vitaltrack Pro is the clear choice. Its advanced technology ensures every reading—whether systolic, diastolic, or heart rate—is as accurate as professional-grade monitors. For those who prioritize truly dependable results, the Vitaltrack Pro stands above all other home devices, offering medical-grade accuracy you can trust every time.
It combines advanced features with simplicity, making it ideal for both home and clinical use. Despite its high-level performance, it remains user-friendly, particulary for elderly customers featuring a bright, clear and responsive display. The ergonomic arm cuff slips on easy whilst ensuring comfort and reliable results. Best of all, at its current price, no other device offers this level of precision and value.

PROS

Highest accuracy recorded
Easy to operate
Historical analysis
Memory for two users
Best value for money
Ten year warranty

CONS

Often out of stock

OMRON M4

R1,999

Overall

4/5

aCCURACY

5/5

uSER EXPERIENCE

5/5

DESCRIPTION

The Omron M4 is a professional-grade blood pressure monitor designed for both clinical and home use. It provides accurate readings with built-in atrial fibrillation detection, making it ideal for those managing hypertension or cardiovascular conditions. The WatchBP has dual measurement modes—one for standard home readings and another for doctor’s office use—ensuring precision in different environments. Its large, backlit display makes readings easy to see, and the device can store up to 250 measurements for tracking over time.
The Omron M4 excels in usability with an adjustable cuff that accommodates a wide range of arm sizes. The device operates on four AA batteries and can connect to a PC for easy data transfer and analysis. Its automatic averaging function improves accuracy by calculating the average of multiple readings. The combination of features like atrial fibrillation detection and comprehensive tracking makes the Microlife WatchBP a reliable option for those serious about monitoring their heart health at home.

PROS

Solid accuracy
Suitable for children
Professional grade
Large Memory storage
Excellent screen

CONS

Dated features

omron M6

R2,310

Overall

4/5

USER EXPERIENCE

3/5

FEATURES

5/5

DESCRIPTION

The Omron M6 blood pressure monitor is highly regarded for its precision and reliability, making it a top choice for both healthcare professionals and home users. It provides quick and accurate measurements of blood pressure and heart rate, even in patients with hypertension. However, while the Omron M6 offers great overall performance, it doesn’t quite match the level of precision provided by the Vitaltrack Pro. Designed for various settings, the Omron comfortably fits a wide range of arm sizes and features a large, easy-to-read backlit display.
Durability and efficiency are key strengths of the Omron M6. This compact device is built to withstand daily use, with prolonged battery life and automatic inflation for ease of use. It can store up to 60 readings, making it ideal for tracking trends over time. Priced competitively, its accuracy and durability make it a solid investment for reliable blood pressure monitoring.

PROS

Great accuracy
Easy to read screen
Professional Grade
Great Battery Life
Two year warranty

CONS

Cuff tricky to fit

withings bpm connect

R3,459

Overall

3/5

USER EXPERIENCE

3/5

FEATURES

4/5

DESCRIPTION

The Withings BPM Connect is a reliable option for those looking to monitor their blood pressure at home, with a clear LED display and easy-to-use interface. It syncs seamlessly with the Withings Health Mate app, allowing users to track their blood pressure and heart rate over time. However, the accuracy of the readings has been found to be inconsistent at times, particularly when compared to more premium models. While it’s lightweight and portable, this inconsistency makes it less ideal for those requiring the most precise readings. It requires the cuff to be placed perfectly from our findings for an accurate reading.
Despite some concerns about accuracy, the Withings BPM Connect still offers value for its price point. The comfortable, adjustable cuff fits a wide range of arm sizes, and the ability to track your data via a smartphone adds convenience. It remains a decent choice, especially when you consider the detail of statistics which come with the smartphone companion app.

PROS

Smartphone app companion
Advanced cuff
Professional Grade
Interesting design choice
Clear LED display

CONS

Complicated
Questions over accuracy

omron evolve

R2,499

Overall

3/5

USER EXPERIENCE

4/5

FEATURES

5/5

DESCRIPTION

The Omron Evolve is a compact, all-in-one blood pressure monitor designed for home use. It features a sleek, wireless design that connects to the Omron Connect app via Bluetooth, allowing users to track their readings over time. The monitor’s cuff wraps around the upper arm, and it displays systolic, diastolic, and pulse readings on a bright LED screen. However, many users have found the setup process and app connection to be more complicated than expected, leading to a less straightforward experience.
Despite its sleek design and Bluetooth capabilities, the Omron Evolve has received mixed reviews for its accuracy. Some users have reported unreliable readings, particularly if the cuff isn’t positioned perfectly or calibrated correctly. While the device offers advanced features like data syncing and storage, these inaccuracies and the somewhat complicated interface can make it challenging for users seeking a hassle-free blood pressure monitoring experience.

PROS

Good accuracy
Companion phone app
Latest Bluetooth
Good battery life
View historical readings

CONS

Complaints of discomfort
Have your say.
That finishes up our roundup of the most popular blood pressure monitors available in South Africa today. Not all units made the cut to be shown above, just the top five from our clinical and subjective testing. Have you come across a blood pressure machine you’d love to share with us? Have your say and we’ we’ll look into reviewing it and featuring it on our site.

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