CR tests blood pressure monitors on real people, and we compare the results with those of a mercury sphygmomanometer, the device considered the gold standard in BP testing. Accuracy makes up the bulk of the score for each monitor, but we also evaluate ease of use and comfort.
After all, “you aren’t going to want to use the product if it’s not comfortable,” says Susan Booth, who oversees home blood pressure monitor testing at CR.
In our latest round of blood pressure monitor testing, we evaluated a number of devices, including those from the store brands of CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. In general, these don’t perform as well as name-brand monitors, particularly Omron.
Whatever monitor you choose, keep in mind that an accurate reading depends on using the right technique.
