Best personal ECG without a smartwatch
You do not need a smartwatch to record your heart rhythm. A small ECG device in your pocket or wallet records one when you feel symptoms.
From Dr. Kenny Civello, cardiologist and electrophysiologist
Reviewed October 2026. Prices as of that date.
A personal ECG lets you capture your rhythm during a racing heart or skipped beats. Bring the recordings to your visit.
My picks
FDA cleared means the FDA reviewed that feature for that use. Wellness means it was not reviewed. How I choose
KardiaMobile 6L
Six views of your heart instead of one, which gives us more to read.
- FDA clearedSix lead ECG
- FDA clearedReadings for normal rhythm, AFib, slow, and fast heart rates
- Extra readings for extra beats and wide beats with KardiaCare
Skip it if you have a pacemaker or ICD. Ask us first.
kardia.comKardiaMobile
The original pocket ECG. Simple and the least expensive.
- FDA clearedSingle lead ECG
- FDA clearedReadings for normal rhythm, AFib, slow, and fast heart rates
Skip it if you want more than one view of your heart.
kardia.comKardia Card
Credit card size. Lives in your wallet.
- FDA clearedSingle lead ECG
- FDA clearedReadings for normal rhythm, AFib, slow, and fast heart rates
Skip it if you want six views. Choose the 6L.
kardia.comOmron Complete BP7900
One device for a patient watching both blood pressure and rhythm.
- FDA clearedUpper arm blood pressure
- FDA clearedSingle lead ECG with AFib detection
Skip it if you only need one of the two.
omronhealthcare.comCompare
| Device | Leads | Free readings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| KardiaMobile 6L | Six | Normal, AFib, slow, fast | $96 to $129 |
| KardiaMobile | One | Normal, AFib, slow, fast | about $79 |
| Kardia Card | One | Normal, AFib, slow, fast | about $84 |
| Omron Complete | One, plus blood pressure | AFib or normal | $120 to $190 |
| Withings BeamO | One, plus thermometer and stethoscope | AFib screening | about $250 |
Know before you buy
It records, it does not watch
A personal ECG only records when you use it. It will not catch AFib while you sleep.
Not for pacemakers or ICDs
Paced beats confuse the readings. Ask us before you buy.
Unclassified is common
Extra beats and fast rates can give an unclassified result. See My watch ECG says inconclusive.
Save and share
Export recordings as PDFs and bring them to your visit.
Common questions
Single lead or six lead?
Both catch AFib. Six leads give us more detail when we read the tracing.
Do I need KardiaCare?
Not for the basic readings. It adds readings for extra beats and wide beats, plus storage and clinician reviews.
Is this better than a watch?
It is better if you do not want to wear a watch. A watch can alert you to AFib you do not feel. A personal ECG cannot.
More on wearables
My watch says I have AFibMy watch ECG says inconclusiveHow I choose the wearables I recommendFind the right wearableBest smartwatch for catching AFibBest smart ring for sleepBest home blood pressure monitorBest wearable for an older parentBest wearable for athletesBest wearable without a screenMore on atrial fibrillation
Lowering your AFib riskHow AFib is treatedGetting ready for your ablationThis guide is general education for my patients. A wearable is not a diagnosis. Talk with your doctor about what your data means for you.
No affiliate links. I have not received payment from any company for these recommendations. See how I choose.
Sources: Maker specifications and FDA clearance statements as of October 2026. Systematic review of wearable ECG devices for AF detection. Diagnostics. 2025. doi:10.3390/diagnostics15243162.