Home Blood Pressure Monitors: Buying Guide

Quick answer: for home use, choose an automatic upper-arm monitor with a cuff that fits your arm. The American Heart Association recommends upper-arm monitors that have been validated for accuracy. Wrist monitors are smaller and easier to wear, but readings are more sensitive to arm position. Manual (aneroid) monitors are mainly for trained users with a stethoscope.

Monitor types compared

Type	Pros	Cons	Best for
Automatic upper arm	Easy, one button; recommended for home use	Cuff size must fit	Most people
Automatic wrist	Compact, works for very large arms	Wrist must be held at heart level	Travel; when an arm cuff will not fit
Manual aneroid	No batteries; clinical standard technique	Requires stethoscope and training	Nurses, clinics, trained caregivers
Professional digital	Fast, multi-patient, connectivity	Higher cost	Clinics and offices

Step 1: get the cuff size right

A cuff that is too small can read high, and one that is too large can read low. Measure around the middle of your upper arm with a soft tape and compare it to the range printed on the cuff or listed on the product page. Many monitors offer a wide-range cuff; for example, the Welch Allyn 1500 lists a 22 to 42 cm cuff. Larger arms may need a large-adult or thigh cuff, available in our blood pressure accessories.

Step 2: choose the features you will use

Memory and averaging to track readings over time.
Bluetooth or app connection to share readings with your care team, as on the Omron 5, 7 and 10 Series wireless monitors and the ADC Advantage Connect 6024N.
Large display or talking readout for low vision, such as the Perfect Measure Big Digit Talking monitor.
Multiple users if two people share one monitor.

Step 3: measure the same way every time

Avoid caffeine, exercise and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring.
Sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor for 5 minutes.
Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at heart level, on bare skin.
Do not talk during the reading.
Take two readings about a minute apart and record both.

For step-by-step instructions, see how to use an automatic blood pressure monitor and how to use a manual monitor.

Wrist vs upper arm

Upper-arm monitors are the usual recommendation for home use. Wrist monitors can work well if you hold your wrist at heart level for every reading. Read the full comparison in wrist vs upper arm blood pressure monitors. Smartwatch readings are not a replacement for a cuff; see can a smartwatch measure blood pressure?

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of blood pressure monitor for home use?

An automatic upper-arm monitor with a correctly sized cuff, validated for accuracy.

How do I know my cuff size?

Measure your upper arm circumference at the midpoint and match it to the cuff's printed range.

Why are my home readings different from the doctor's office?

Readings vary through the day and can be higher in a clinic. Bring your monitor to an appointment so your clinician can check it against theirs.

Browse all blood pressure monitors or call 1-800-494-5750.

General information only. Talk to your doctor about what your readings mean and how often to measure.

More buying guides

Updated October 2026.