iCardio★ 4.4 · 2,410 ratings
Pulse Tracker★ 4.7 · 1k+ ratingsPulse Tracker vs iCardio (2026)
iCardio is a newer heart rate tracker that bundles blood pressure, blood sugar and sleep logs with a camera pulse measurement. Pulse Tracker goes deeper on the measurement itself and is explicit about what the camera can and cannot do.
Feature comparison
Here is how iCardio compares with Pulse Tracker across 20 measurement, tracking and privacy features. “Not listed” means the feature does not appear in iCardio's App Store description.
| Feature | Pulse Tracker | iCardio |
|---|---|---|
| Camera heart rate (PPG)Fingertip on the lens, no accessory | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Live pulse wave while measuringSee each beat drawn in real time | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Measurement quality scoreKnow when to trust a reading or repeat it | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Personal 30-day baselineEach reading compared with your own normal | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| HRV: RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50Full time-domain variability metrics | ✓ Yes | HRV (metrics not specified) |
| Respiratory rateBreaths per minute from the same scan | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Rhythm classificationShare of beats in slow / normal / fast rate ranges (not a diagnosis) | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Stress and energy levelsCalibrated to your age and baseline | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Daily Heart ScoreOne 0–100 summary of the reading | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Blood pressure logCuff readings with AHA stage and trends | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Estimated blood pressureFrom the pulse wave after cuff calibration, clearly labeled | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Blood oxygen (SpO2) logKeep oximeter readings next to heart data | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Mood and notes per readingContext saved with every measurement | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| AI health assistantAnswers that use your actual numbers | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| AI food scanner and diet planHeart score for meals, 7-day plan | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Guided breathing10 programs incl. blood pressure breathing | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Apple Health syncRead and write heart metrics | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Home Screen widgetsLatest reading and trend at a glance | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Reminders and streaksMeasure at the same time daily | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Shareable report for your doctorHistory and trends in one summary | ✓ Yes | Not listed |
| Listed features | 20 of 20 | 6 of 20 |
Pricing comparison
Pulse Tracker
- Free: unlimited heart rate and respiratory rate measurements, blood pressure and SpO2 logging
- Premium weekly $6.99 after a 3-day free trial
- Premium monthly from $8.99
- Premium yearly from $34.99
iCardio
- Free with limited features
- Weekly PRO $9.99
- Yearly PRO $19.99 and Year PRO $39.99 (both listed)
In-app purchase list as shown on the App Store listing, 2026-10-28.
What the camera measures, and what it doesn't
iCardio's own description says heart rate is measured while blood pressure and blood sugar require external devices. Pulse Tracker takes the same honest line and goes further: the live pulse wave, a quality score, HRV metrics, respiratory rate and rhythm breakdown all come from the optical signal, and the blood pressure estimate is clearly marked as derived and calibrated.
Depth over breadth
iCardio spreads across blood sugar and sleep logging. Pulse Tracker concentrates on the heart: every metric has a range bar, an age-based range, a 30-day baseline and a written explanation, and the AI assistant can answer questions about any of them.
Privacy and data
Both apps declare limited tracking. Pulse Tracker needs no account, keeps measurements on the device and syncs with Apple Health only if you turn it on.
Privacy labels
Pulse Tracker: no account required. Data used to track you: Usage Data and Other Data. Health data is declared as not linked to you. Measurements are stored on the device; Apple Health sync is optional.
iCardio: Data used to track you: Purchases, Identifiers, Usage Data. Health & Fitness data is declared as not linked to you.
Privacy labels are developer-declared on the App Store and not verified by Apple.
What iCardio users complain about
Recent one- and two-star App Store reviews of iCardio, quoted verbatim, with how Pulse Tracker handles the same situation.
“The language in their ad made it seem like it could measure your HR & BP. It is only a tracker, you need to put in your BP from another device.”
Pulse Tracker approach: Pulse Tracker says exactly which numbers come from the camera and which are logged. Its blood pressure estimate exists, but it is labeled as an estimate, requires a cuff calibration and never replaces your cuff readings.
“I purchased this app with the understanding I'd be charged weekly as advertised and was instead immediately charged $39.99.”
Pulse Tracker approach: Pulse Tracker shows weekly, monthly and yearly options side by side with the price of each before you confirm, and the 3-day trial sends an expiration reminder.
“This app is quite useless. It only measures your pulse rate.”
Pulse Tracker approach: From one 30-second scan Pulse Tracker reports BPM, HRV (RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50), respiratory rate, rhythm classification, stress, energy and a Heart Score, with a quality score and a baseline comparison.
Bottom line
iCardio is a capable app with a real user base. Pulse Tracker is built for people who want the measurement explained, not just reported: the live pulse wave, a quality score, HRV by name, respiratory rate, rhythm, a personal baseline, a blood pressure journal that is honest about estimates, and an assistant to ask about it all. Heart rate measurements are free without limits, so you can judge the accuracy yourself before paying for anything.
References
- iCardio - Heart Rate Tracker on the App Store, listing and reviews read 2026-10-28.
- Pulse Tracker on the App Store.
- American Heart Association, Understanding blood pressure readings.
- Shaffer F, Ginsberg JP. An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms. Frontiers in Public Health, 2017.
iCardio is a trademark of APEXMOBI PTE. LTD.. Pulse Tracker is not affiliated with APEXMOBI PTE. LTD.. Information about iCardio is taken from its public App Store listing on 2026-10-28 and may change. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will fix it.
Wellness disclaimer. Pulse Tracker is intended for general wellness use only. It is not a medical device, is not FDA cleared or approved, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Blood pressure shown in the app is either a value you entered from your own cuff or an estimate derived from the pulse signal after cuff calibration; it is not a measurement and must not be used to make medical decisions. Read the full wellness disclaimer. Camera readings, estimates and classifications are for general information only and can be affected by movement, lighting, skin temperature and other factors. Do not use them to diagnose, treat or make decisions about a medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, and call emergency services if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or other urgent symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pulse Tracker a good alternative to iCardio?
Yes if you want a deeper heart measurement with HRV metrics, respiratory rate, rhythm classification and a personal baseline, plus a labeled blood pressure estimate. iCardio adds blood sugar and sleep logs that Pulse Tracker does not have.
Does iCardio measure blood pressure with the camera?
No. Its description states that blood pressure and blood sugar readings require external devices. Pulse Tracker logs cuff readings and offers a labeled estimate after cuff calibration.
Which is cheaper?
Pulse Tracker's heart rate measurements are free without limits; Premium is $6.99 a week after a 3-day trial or from $34.99 a year. iCardio lists weekly PRO at $9.99 and yearly PRO at $19.99 and $39.99.
Measure your heart rate free, no limits
See the live pulse wave, HRV, respiratory rate and rhythm from one 30-second scan. Premium is optional.
Download for iPhoneRequires iOS 17 or later · ★ 4.7 rating · Available in 8 languages