Garmin HRM 600

The Garmin HRM 600 has taken the proven accuracy of its previous Pro Plus strap and given it a thoroughly modern refresh. The headline features are a rechargeable battery (no more coin-cell batteries!), and the promise of multi-sport data that will please runners, triathletes and swimmers.

Battery life and sustainability

The biggest update here is the rechargeable battery. Garmin claims 60 hours of use per charge, and in my testing it comfortably exceeded that, lasting several weeks of daily riding and the odd run before I even thought about topping it up.

It is also more convenient than cracking open a pod to swap out a coin cell, and kinder to the environment too. If you have ever juggled CR2032 batteries or cursed a dying strap mid-ride, the move to rechargeability feels like a genuine upgrade.

Charging is straightforward, with the pod using the same connector as my Garmin Forerunner 955, which means one cable fewer to keep track of.

Fit and comfort

Chest straps live or die by how comfortable they are over the long haul – and the HRM 600 passed with flying colours. The strap itself is soft and remained perfectly in place on long base rides and high-intensity sessions alike, without slipping or chafing. After several hours in the saddle, I simply forgot it was there, which is the highest compliment you can pay to a heart rate strap.

The strap is fully washable thanks to its detachable pod, which makes cleaning easy if you are putting in sweaty hours on the turbo.

Accuracy and connectivity

On the bike, the HRM 600 delivered rock-solid data. Across steady Zone 2 base rides, long hilly days in Wales and lung-busting paceline efforts, heart rate readings were consistent and free of dropouts, spikes or irregular jumps. It was more stable than some older straps I have used, particularly in Zwift sessions on Apple TV, where it paired instantly and broadcasted smoothly.

Connectivity is strong too. The HRM 600 supports ANT+ and Bluetooth simultaneously, and I had no issues pairing it with my Garmin Edge 830 head unit, Forerunner 955 watch and Zwift at the same time. Multiple Bluetooth connections mean you can feed several devices at once, handy if you mix platforms.

Features beyond cycling

Here is the catch for cyclists: the HRM 600 is packed with multi-sport features you may never use. It records running dynamics like stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation, along with the ability to log swim workouts without a watch.

For triathletes, this makes it a brilliant do-it-all strap. But for pure cyclists, those metrics are essentially wasted. You are likely always riding with a head unit or smartwatch, so the HRM 600’s offline recording and Garmin Connect app control are not really game-changers.

Durability and build quality

Garmin pitches the HRM 600 as built to last – and it feels like it. The strap and pod system is sturdily made, and the washable design should extend its usable life far beyond fixed-pod competitors. The rechargeable cell means no fiddly screws or fragile seals, and the multiple-seal system with water-resistant grease ensures protection against rain and sweat. After several weeks of use, mine shows no signs of wear, and I would expect it to hold up well to years of regular riding.

Value

At £129, the HRM 600 sits at the premium end of the heart rate monitor market.

The Polar H10 costs £86.50 and we found it accurate and comfortable, though it uses coin cells.

The £80 Wahoo Trackr has a similar strap feel, a coin-cell battery and is more than a third cheaper.

The entry-level Garmin HRM 200 is a penny cheaper than the Wahoo and offers solid heart rate data without the extras.

If you’re a cyclist and you only want accurate heart rate data, those cheaper straps make a lot more sense. The HRM 600’s extras simply will not get used. Where it does justify its price is for triathletes, runners, or multi-sport Garmin ecosystem users who will actually tap into the advanced metrics and app integration.

For further choices, check out our best heart rate monitors buyer’s guide.

Conclusion

The Garmin HRM 600 is a seriously well-built, accurate, and comfortable strap that modernises the chest HRM with its rechargeable pod and washable strap. For multi-sport athletes, it is the obvious pick of Garmin’s lineup, pairing effortlessly with watches, head units, and apps while unlocking advanced running and swim metrics. For pure cyclists, though, it is harder to justify.

If you want a set-and-forget strap that outlasts Garmin’s claims, charges via the same lead as your watch, and feels invisible on long rides, the HRM 600 delivers. But if you are not planning to lace up your trainers or dive into a pool anytime soon, your wallet might thank you for looking elsewhere.

Verdict

Accurate, comfortable and rechargeable, this is great for multi-sport athletes – but overkill for pure cyclists

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