Runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts know that heart rate is an essential data point, especially when training. Chest strap heart rate monitors (HRMs) are becoming a thing of the past, thankfully, as wrist-worn devices come to market. Only recently have manufacturers been able to create wristband HRMs that are reliable, comfortable, and affordable. The MIO Link ($99) is one of the latest in this category, a well-designed, yet straightforward HRM. Don't expect it to double as a pedometer, activity tracker, or anything else. It fits a very specific need, and does so well. You pair the MIO Link with any app that supports HRMs with Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ (the Link has both), and use it like any other HRM.

MIO Link Design

If you've ever worn a classic chest strap HRM, you know the only benefit of its design is being able to thump that hard lump of plastic at your breastbone and pretend you're Tony Stark. You have to wear them quite snug, and they don't give you any information about your heart rate in the moment. If you're not sweaty enough, you have to lick or spit on them to get the heart rate to conduct. It's gross. I know.

The MIO Link, on the other hand, is all around better. It's a comfortable and sleek wristband with a single LED light that flashes different colors as your heart rate reaches different zones. You do have to strap it on tightly enough that it doesn't slide around, and it helps to wear it slightly higher on your arm than around your wrist bones. It's still way more comfortable.

The strap comes in two colors, gray and whitet, and two sizes: S/M (4.8 inches to 6.9 inches) and L (5.9 inches to 8.2 inches). The hardware component pops out of the strap, so you can change the bands if you want. The strap itself is one of the best designs I've seen for a wearable sports device. It stretches, feels soft, and has clasp holes along the whole length of it so you can customize exactly how tight or loosely it fits. The loose end has two prongs that securely connect into the back to the band; this way it never flaps around when you're being active.

The MIO Link is the half-priced little sister to the MIO Alpha ($199), which looks more chunky and funky thanks to a full watch-face display. The Link, on the other hand, looks like nothing more than a pliable band. It's thinner and lighter, and the battery life is great—running seven to ten hours in active mode with the ability to last for weeks when in standby.

One of the key differences between the Alpha and the Link is the Alpha shows your exact heart rate and works as a stopwatch. The Link, on the other hand, has no display other than the one indicator light that changes color with your heart rate zones. To see the history of your exact heart rate with the Link, you'll need a compatible app.

Testing the MIO Link

The MIO Link really does work like any other HRM, so there isn't any setup required. You simply pair the device with any supported app, such as Strava (shown below), Map My Run, Endomondo, Runtastic, Wahoo Fitness, or any other app for fitness that supports Bluetooth Smart (4.0) or ANT+ devices.