Frontier X2 review: the heart rate monitor I actually prefer using

Date:
Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Frontier X2s accurate metrics and helpful screen more than make up for
its busy app.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Frontier
X2: One minute review While the Polar H10 chest strap is used by athletes
the world over as a heart rate monitor accuracy benchmark, one of its biggest pain points can be its connectivity issues. Its hard to know whether its
going to drop out, or you need to replace or clean the strap, until you actually start a workout. Theres also no interface or control on the heart rate monitor itself, and the app is cluttered and outdated. I like using the Polar H10 for its accuracy, but when it doesnt work for me, its not always obvious until after the fact which, when testing multiple devices simultaneously, is a frustrating experience.

Frontier X2 from Fourth Frontier offers a different chest strap experience: a more modern app and a USB-chargeable device, with a screen and a button allowing you to manually start a workout and receive haptic feedback. That haptic feedback also triggers when you cross heart rate zone thresholds.While you cant view the screen while wearing it on your chest of course, it does make workout preparation and phone connection so much easier than Polars offering. Guessing the heart rate monitor is working, even checking your
phone to make sure heart rate is streaming correctly, only to have it drop
out halfway through and lose my data due to a poor connection or crap strap, is an experience Id like to leave in the past. The Frontier X2 uses heart
rate information to calculate Whoop-style metrics like a Strain score, Stress score, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Breathing Rate, and estimates calories burned. That last metric is somewhat outdated, as research from Stanford University found that calorie estimates based on heart rate are unreliable as they measure effort rather than energy expended. A premium tier subscription costs an additional $119.99 / 109.99 per year, adding a Readiness score, VO2 Max and even sleep stage analysis. As an already-expensive device, I wouldnt recommend this unless youre planning to make Frontier X2 your privacy fitness tracker, and accuracy is hyper-important to you. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

The continuous electrocardiogram, or ECG, can livestream an ECG scan for yourself or a medical professional to the Frontier app. Not only is this useful for spotting irregular heart rate rhythms over time, but I most often used it to check the HRM is streaming data correctly before starting working out in earnest, which is recommended, as the scan flags up in the app if theres insufficient data due to poor connection.

In terms of accuracy, I had no complaints. I took it for a test run against the Apple Watch Ultra 4 (which offers a redesigned Health Sensing System said to be the most accurate ever on a wearable) and the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro, which uses Garmins Elevate V5 that Ive already tested against the Polar H10 and found to be very accurate.

The results of the Frontier X2s test run were excellent , with just 2 bpm separating the Frontier X2 from the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Garmin Fenix 9 Pros average heart rate readings, a clear indication that all three devices are telling the same story about my body, and thus all three are very likely to be accurate. After some more solo runs and workouts, I feel like I could certainly recommend the Frontier X2, if you dont mind paying the hefty
premium price. (Image credit: Future) Fourth Frontier Frontier X2 (Black) at Amazon for 199 Frontier X2: Price and availability $599 / 449 / AU$775 Very expensive for a HRM Not competitively priced compared to the industry
standard The Frontier X2 can be found on storefronts like Amazon for $599 in the US and 449 in the UK. In Australia, its more difficult to locate, but Selfridges AU storefront lists it for AU$775. The optional subscription for premium features on top is tough to swallow at this price. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

This is a lot for a device that fundamentally only measures heart rate, and although the Frontier X app can interpret strain, readiness, training load, specific workout profiles and other metrics, its still a lot to ask for compared to the $89.95 / 79.50 / AU$139 Polar H10.

However, it does address quite a few of Polars pain points, notably including a micro-USB charger rather than a replaceable coin battery, and a screen for an easier indicator of connection. The continuous ECG is a nice touch too, offering a way to test the monitors connection in addition to providing reliable ECG data for a medical professional. All in all, its an excellent package, but I wouldnt call it excellent value. Value score: 3.5/5 Frontier X2: Specifications (Image credit: Future) Swipe to scroll horizontally

Component

Frontier X2

Dimensions

73mm x 24mm x 13mm

Weight

25g without strap

Case material

Plastic

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Water resistance

IP67

Accelerometer

Yes

Battery

14 days typical usage Frontier X2: Scorecard Swipe to scroll horizontally

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A premium product with more to recommend it over Polar, but not enough to stretch your budget.

3.5/5

Design

So many pain points addressed.

4.5/5

Features

More than most HRMs, but limited.

4/5

Performance

Accurate and reliable with little friction.

4.5/5 Frontier X2: Should I buy? (Image credit: Future) Buy it if

You want the best heart rate monitor

If money is no object, the Frontier X2 wont let you down.

You want a rechargeable battery

Dont want to faff around with coin batteries? The Frontier X2 uses standardised micro-USB.

You want ECG

The Frontier X2 is as good for people watching their heart health as it is
for serious athletes. Dont buy it if

Youre running a triathlon

The Frontier X2 isnt for use in saline water.

Youre on a budget

Just get a Polar H10 instead, although youll have to put up with its app and the odd connection dropout. Also consider

Coros Heart Rate Monitor

While not electrical, but optical like a smartwatch, this arm-mounted HRM performed incredibly well during testing.

Read our full Coros Heart Rate Monitor review View Deal

Polar H10

The industry-standard accurate heart rate monitor.

Read our full Polar H10 review How I tested I took the Frontier X2 on test runs, gym sessions and meditations, draining the battery down and wearing it consistently. I used its continuous ECG functionality, compared its in-app metrics to competitor wearables, and cleaned the band after each use. First reviewed: October 2026 Fourth Frontier Frontier X2: Price Comparison 199 View 399.99 View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/frontier-x2-review


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