Polar Fitness trackers and heart rate monitors

Polar Electro Oy is a pioneer in wearable sports technology, credited with inventing the world's first wireless heart rate monitor in 1977. Based in Finland, the brand has remained at the forefront of the sports science and fitness technology industry for decades, offering a wide range of devices from chest straps to GPS sports watches.

While the company's research, development, and design are centered in Kempele, Finland, the physical manufacturing of their consumer electronics is primarily outsourced to facilities in China and other Asian manufacturing hubs to ensure global distribution efficiency. Polar has maintained its status as an independent private entity throughout its history.

The brand is held by the original founding family and continues to operate as an independent Finnish company. This autonomy allows Polar to focus deeply on physiological analysis and sports medicine integration, distinguishing its products from more general-purpose smartwatches produced by major mobile phone manufacturers.