22 August 2022
By Laura Kyle
The Withings BPM Connect is a blood pressure monitor designed to be sleek, easy to use, and highly transportable. But, is it the right blood pressure monitor for you?
The BPM connect blood pressure monitor is simple yet packed with many features. Withings is known for looking at existing technology and redesigning it to improve function and form. The BPM Connect is no exception; this product from Withings turned a traditionally clunky, finicky device into a sleek and straightforward piece of health tech.
The cuff is made of a soft, comfortable fabric that is easy to pull on and tighten with one hand. The single-piece device begins the reading with one push of a button and provides the results in around 30 seconds. An easy-to-read LED screen on the device displays systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings and the heart rate. The data will automatically be synced if the device is connected to the free Withings Health Mate app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Want all the details? Here’s our in-depth review of the BPM Connect.
Features
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sync
- Apple Health Support
- Rechargeable battery
- Supports up to 8 users
- Easy-to-read LED display
- App shows blood pressure trends over time
- Fits a wide range (22 to 42 cm / 9 to 17 in)
Pros
- FDA-cleared accuracy
- Great for travel
- Long battery life
Cons
- One-button menu can be confusing
- Unreliable customer service
Withings BPM set-up and use
It’s important to note that you can’t use the monitor without setting up the device first. Setting up the device requires downloading and syncing with the free app, which will ask for your personal information. Once the initial set-up is complete, the device can be operated without the app open.
The blood pressure cuff is designed for single-handed use, making it much easier to place correctly by yourself than traditional cuffs. Press the button once to turn on the device, and press again to take a reading. The cuff will inflate and provide you with results on the LED display. In addition, you can use the Withings app to see your trends over time and download reports for your healthcare team.
A single device can support up to 8 users. Unfortunately, this brings us to one of the minor drawbacks. Each user profile can be set up through the mobile app. However, the single-button design makes navigating through user profiles less intuitive. This may be frustrating for users who are less confident with digital devices.
The Withings BPM Connect is a big update to traditional monitors
The Withings BPM Connect was born from the French electronics company doing what they do best; looking at existing consumer products, saying “this could be better,” and following through with great attention to detail and design. Check out the Withings ScanWatch for another example of their finely crafted smart health tech.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home, especially for those with a history of high blood pressure, is vital for treating and preventing blood pressure-related illnesses. Unfortunately, adhering to regular home monitoring can be a chore for some people. This is especially true with clunky devices and cuffs that are tricky to place correctly by yourself. Smart home monitors can make keeping on track easier by making the process as quick and easy as possible.
They replaced the usual scratchy cuff with a soft, comfortable fabric that looks as good as it feels. Rather than a separate device to worry about, the BPM Connect is one unit with an integrated digital display. The built-in rechargeable battery can last up to 6 months, according to Withings, though most people find a few weeks more reasonable with regular use.
A perfect blood pressure cuff for travellers
This blood pressure cuff is designed with people on the go in mind. It rolls up to roughly the size of a small drinks can and weighs only 250g. No matter how small your luggage, even suitcases and day bags, the Connect will easily fit.
The attached cuff is flexible enough to wrap around the digital display, protecting it from any bumps in your luggage or purse. Withings also sells a specially designed travel case if you want additional protection.
Is it the right blood pressure monitor for you?
Probably. In our opinion, this is a brilliant blood pressure cuff that provides good value for the money. There is no denying the price tag is heftier than many other digital or traditional options on the market. However, if budget is a concern, you can find something for half the price that will accurately take and display your blood pressure. If you are happy to record your readings manually and don’t see yourself taking it on the road with you, this may be a good way to go.
Give the Withings BPM Connect some serious consideration for those looking for a smart blood pressure cuff that is a pleasure to use and records all your data over time. This is especially true if you want to keep up with your monitoring while on the move.
Buy on Amazon & latest price: Withings BPM Connect
Are you looking for something more sophisticated? Consider the Withings BPM Core: a blood pressure monitor that also takes ECG recordings.
Image: Withings
