Amazfit Helio Strap Review

For serious athletes, wrist-based heart rate monitoring often falls short when precision is paramount. The Amazfit Helio Strap enters this competitive space aiming to deliver chest-strap accuracy with armband convenience. This device promises to be the missing link for data-driven training, but does it truly deliver?

The core function of any external heart rate monitor is accuracy, and the Helio Strap performs admirably. Worn on the bicep or forearm, its optical sensor array provides data that is a significant leap forward from any wrist-based watch sensor, especially during activities involving intense wrist flexion like weightlifting or kettlebell swings. In side-by-side tests with a high-end ECG chest strap during interval runs and cycling, the Helio Strap tracked rapid changes in heart rate with minimal lag. While an ECG strap will always have a slight edge in responsiveness, the Helio Strap closes that gap to a degree that is imperceptible for all but the most elite-level performance analysis. For steady-state cardio, the readings are virtually identical, providing reliable data for zone-based training.

From a design perspective, comfort is king. This is where the Helio Strap shines and makes its case against the often-constricting nature of chest straps. The band is made from a soft, elastic, and breathable fabric that feels secure without digging into your skin. Its lightweight design means you quickly forget you’re wearing it, even during long, sweaty sessions. The sensor pod is compact and snaps securely into its cradle, while the hook-and-loop closure provides ample adjustability for a snug fit. With an IP67 rating, it can handle sweat and rain without issue, though it isn’t designed for swimming.

Beyond raw performance, the Helio Strap’s feature set is focused and effective. Its key strength is universal connectivity through both ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing it to pair simultaneously with a GPS watch, a bike computer, and a fitness app like Zwift or Peloton. This plug-and-play simplicity is exactly what users need; it connects quickly and holds a stable signal throughout a workout. While it integrates with Amazfit’s own Zepp app for firmware updates, its primary value is as a standalone sensor for the broader fitness tech ecosystem. It’s important to note what it doesn’t have: advanced running dynamics like vertical oscillation or ground contact time, which are features reserved for premium chest straps.

This brings us to the value proposition. The Amazfit Helio Strap is aggressively positioned against established players like the Polar Verity Sense and the Wahoo Tickr Fit. It offers a nearly identical core experience—accurate, comfortable, armband-based heart rate monitoring with dual-band connectivity—often at a more accessible price point. For the athlete who demands better data than their watch can provide but is unwilling to tolerate the discomfort of a chest strap, the value is undeniable. It strikes a perfect balance between performance, comfort, and cost.

The Amazfit Helio Strap is an excellent tool for a specific type of user: the data-driven athlete who prioritizes comfort and reliable heart rate tracking above all else. If you’re a runner, cyclist, or HIIT enthusiast frustrated by the inaccuracy of your watch but put off by chest straps, this is a fantastic solution. However, if you require the absolute fastest response time or advanced running metrics, a top-tier ECG chest strap remains the superior, albeit less comfortable, choice.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon