What can a personal EKG actually do?
A home device records a single-lead electrocardiogram — your heart’s rate and rhythm from one viewpoint. That’s enough to document palpitations and flag some irregularities like atrial fibrillation, but it is not the twelve-angle picture a clinical EKG provides. Its superpower is catching intermittent symptoms you can then show your doctor — see single-lead vs. 12-lead.Which features matter when buying one?
Look for a device that captures a clean trace quickly (around 30 seconds), stores recordings, and can export or share them — ideally as a PDF for your doctor. Ease of use matters because you’ll often record one-handed during a symptom. Simple, reliable recording beats extra bells and whistles. Two features quietly shape the day-to-day experience: whether the device has its own built-in screen so you don’t need a phone, and whether storing your history costs a subscription — factor both into value, not just the sticker price under $100.Is a dedicated EKG better than a smartwatch?
A purpose-built single-lead EKG records the heart’s actual electrical trace, which is generally more informative for rhythm than a smartwatch’s optical pulse sensor — though some smartwatches now include their own EKG feature. If documenting palpitations clearly is your goal, a dedicated device that exports a clean trace is a strong choice. Neither replaces a clinician. See personal EKG vs. smartwatch.How do I get good recordings?
Sit still, rest your hands, keep them warm and dry, and don’t talk during the recording. A noisy or “unclassified” trace usually just means a poor signal — wait a moment and try again. Our how to take a good reading guide has the details.How SonoHealth fits
SonoHealth’s EKGraph is an FDA-cleared personal EKG monitor built around exactly these priorities: it records a clean trace in ~30 seconds, shows the result on a built-in screen (no phone required), stores recordings with free unlimited cloud storage and no subscription, and exports a PDF for your doctor. It’s 149), FSA/HSA eligible, and backed by a 2-year warranty and 60-day trial. See the EKGraph product page. As always, it screens and documents rhythm — it does not diagnose.Related: Home EKG Monitoring · EKGraph vs. KardiaMobile · EKGraph vs. Apple Watch ECG · Best Portable EKG Under $100 · Best EKG With a Built-In Screen · Best Personal EKG for Seniors · Single-Lead vs. 12-Lead