Garmin HRM 200 vs HRM 600: Which Heart Rate Monitor?

The Garmin HRM 200 and HRM 600 are both chest-strap heart rate monitors, but they serve different training needs. Choose the HRM 200 if you want a simple, reliable heart rate strap for basic fitness tracking and daily workouts; choose the HRM 600 if you need advanced running dynamics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation to analyze and improve your running form.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a given finish time and distance. The formulas are:

• Pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• t = finish time in minutes (e.g., 50 minutes)
• d = distance in kilometers (e.g., 10 km)

The pace result tells you how many minutes it takes to cover one kilometer, and the speed result tells you how many kilometers you cover in one hour. This is useful for setting training paces or checking if you hit your target on a run.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So with a 50-minute 10K, your average pace is 5:00 per kilometer, and your average speed is 12 km/h. The calculator rounds to two decimals, so it shows 5.00 min/km and 12.00 km/h.

Background: The Garmin HRM Series

Garmin’s HRM (heart rate monitor) straps have been around for years, pairing with Garmin watches, bike computers, and even gym equipment via ANT+ or Bluetooth. The HRM 200 and HRM 600 are both chest straps that measure your heart rate by detecting electrical signals from your heart. They are more accurate than optical wrist sensors during high-intensity intervals or when your wrist moves a lot.

The HRM 200 is the entry-level model, while the HRM 600 sits above it in Garmin’s lineup, adding running dynamics. Both are waterproof and have replaceable batteries (CR2032), but they differ in what data they transmit and how they connect.

How They Work: Heart Rate and Running Dynamics

Both straps use a flexible band with two electrode pads that sit against your chest. They detect the electrical activity of your heart and transmit the pulse wirelessly. The HRM 200 only sends heart rate data, while the HRM 600 also measures:

• Ground contact time (how long your foot stays on the ground)
• Ground contact time balance (left vs. right foot)
• Vertical oscillation (how much your torso bounces up and down)
• Vertical ratio (vertical oscillation ÷ stride length)
• Stride length and cadence

To get these running dynamics, you need a compatible Garmin watch (like the Forerunner series or Fenix). The HRM 600 also has a built-in accelerometer that measures your upper body movement, which is how it calculates those metrics.

How to Choose Based on Your Training

Your choice depends on what you want to get out of your training:

• Choose HRM 200 if: You just need accurate heart rate for zone training, you do casual running, cycling, or gym workouts, and you don’t care about running form metrics. It’s also cheaper and simpler.
• Choose HRM 600 if: You are a serious runner who wants to improve efficiency, reduce injury risk, or track progress in running form. You also need a compatible Garmin watch to view the extra data.

If you’re a triathlete or swimmer, note that neither strap is designed for swimming; the HRM 600 is not waterproof for pool use (it’s water-resistant but not meant for swimming), while the HRM 200 is also not for swimming. For swimming, look at the HRM Pro or HRM Swim.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that the HRM 600 is just a more expensive version of the HRM 200 with a fancier name. In reality, the HRM 600 lacks some features found on even the HRM 200, such as the ability to store heart rate data during a workout without a watch (the HRM 200 does not have memory either, but the HRM 600 also does not). Actually, neither has onboard memory; they both need a paired device to record.

Another issue: the HRM 600 does not support Bluetooth, only ANT+. The HRM 200 supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth, so it can pair with phones and tablets, while the HRM 600 cannot connect to a phone directly. That’s a significant difference if you want to use a third-party app like Zwift or your phone’s GPS.

Also, the HRM 600’s running dynamics require a Garmin watch that supports them. Older or basic watches like the Vivoactive may not show all metrics. Check your watch’s compatibility before buying.

Comparison: HRM 200 vs HRM 600 at a Glance

Feature	HRM 200	HRM 600
Heart rate	Yes	Yes
Running dynamics	No	Yes
ANT+	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes	No
Water resistance	IPX7 (sweat/rain)	IPX7 (sweat/rain)
Battery	CR2032	CR2032
Typical use	Fitness, cycling, gym	Running form analysis

Costs and Value

The HRM 200 is usually significantly cheaper than the HRM 600. The price difference reflects the added accelerometer and running dynamics. If you don’t need those metrics, the HRM 200 gives you the same heart rate accuracy at a lower cost. However, if you’re training for a marathon or working on form, the HRM 600 can be worth the extra money because it provides data that can help you adjust your stride and reduce injury risk.

Both straps are durable, but the elastic band may wear out over time. Replacement bands are available, but they can be pricey. Consider that when budgeting.

Safety and Accuracy Notes

Chest straps are generally safe, but they can cause skin irritation if worn too tight or for long periods. Make sure the strap is snug but not constricting. Clean the electrodes with water after each use to prevent rash. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, consult your doctor before using any heart rate monitor.

Heart rate data is for fitness purposes only, not medical diagnosis. Always listen to your body and stop exercising if you feel pain or discomfort.

Alternatives to Consider

If neither model fits your needs, Garmin offers other options:

• HRM Pro – Adds running dynamics and has memory, so you can swim and record data without a watch.
• HRM Swim – Designed for pool swimming, stores heart rate data.
• HRM Dual – A basic strap with both ANT+ and Bluetooth, similar to HRM 200 but without Garmin’s proprietary running dynamics.

Also, many third-party straps (like Wahoo TICKR) work with Garmin devices and offer Bluetooth plus ANT+ at a similar price to the HRM 200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the HRM 600 with my phone?

No, the HRM 600 only broadcasts ANT+, which most phones do not have. You need a Garmin watch or an ANT+ USB stick for a computer. The HRM 200, in contrast, has Bluetooth and can connect to phone apps.

Do I need a Garmin watch to use these straps?

You need some device that receives ANT+ or Bluetooth. That could be a Garmin watch, a bike computer, or a smartphone (for HRM 200). The HRM 600 requires a Garmin watch to display running dynamics.

Are the HRM 200 and HRM 600 interchangeable?

Yes, both use the same standard chest strap attachment, so you can swap them between workouts. But the data they provide is different.

Can I use these straps for cycling?

Yes, both work with cycling computers and transmit heart rate. The HRM 600’s running dynamics are not applicable to cycling, but heart rate works fine.

How do I know if my watch supports running dynamics?

Check Garmin’s website or your watch’s manual. Generally, Forerunner 645, 745, 945, Fenix 5 and newer support running dynamics. Older or basic models may not.

Which strap is better for a beginner?

The HRM 200 is better for beginners because it’s cheaper, has Bluetooth for phone pairing, and provides all the heart rate data you need to start training with zones.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2