> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sonohealth.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Choose a Personal EKG Monitor > A buying guide to personal EKG monitors: what single-lead devices can and can't do, which features matter, accuracy versus smartwatches, and how to use one responsibly. A personal EKG can be genuinely useful for documenting heart symptoms that come and go — but only if you understand what these devices do and pick one that fits how you'll use it. This guide covers the decisions that matter. A personal EKG cannot rule out a heart attack. If you have chest pain, pressure, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, **call 911** — do not stop to record a trace. ## 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](/ekg/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](/ekg/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. ## 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](/ekg/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](/ekg/how-to-take-a-good-ekg-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 $79 (reg. $149), FSA/HSA eligible, and backed by a 2-year warranty and 60-day trial. See the [EKGraph product page](https://sonohealth.com/products/ekgraph-portable-ekg-monitor-detect-afib-abnormalities). As always, it screens and documents rhythm — it does not diagnose. *** **Related:** [Home EKG Monitoring](/ekg/overview) · [EKGraph vs. KardiaMobile](/ekg/ekgraph-vs-kardiamobile) · [Best Personal EKG for Seniors](/ekg/best-personal-ekg-for-seniors) · [Best Home EKG for AFib](/ekg/best-home-ekg-for-afib) · [Single-Lead vs. 12-Lead](/ekg/single-lead-vs-12-lead)