Comparison

SelfLoops HRV vs Optimal HRV

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SelfLoops HRV

This app measures and analyzes heart rate variability (HRV) using Bluetooth heart rate monitors. It helps users track recovery, stress, and training readiness to optimize performance. Advanced metrics are provided for sports science and research applications.

Highlights
  • Accurate HRV measurement
  • Daily recovery & readiness tracking
  • Clear trend monitoring
  • Intuitive interface
  • Bluetooth heart rate monitor compatible
  • Sports science metrics
Features
Read full description

SELFLOOPS HRV – Recovery, Readiness & Performance SELFLOOPS HRV is a professional-grade app to measure and analyze heart rate variability (HRV)—trusted by pro athletes, coaches, and researchers to track recovery, stress, fatigue, and training readiness. Using precise beat-to-beat (R-R interval) data from Bluetooth heart rate monitors, SELFLOOPS delivers highly accurate HRV insights used in sports science and performance optimization. Why track HRV? Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the variation between heartbeats and is one of the most reliable indicators of: 1. Recovery status 2. Training readiness 3. Stress and fatigue 4. Nervous system balance 5. Long-term performance Track your HRV daily to understand when to push harder or recover, reduce the risk of overtraining, and improve performance over time. Advanced HRV Analysis SELFLOOPS HRV provides the key metrics used in elite sports and scientific research: 1. RMSSD 2. ln(RMSSD) (HRV Score) 3. SDNN 4. pNN50 5. AVNN Key Features 1. Accurate HRV measurement from beat-to-beat data 2. Daily recovery & readiness tracking 3. Clear trends to monitor progress over time 4. Fast, simple, and intuitive interface 5. Compatible with leading Bluetooth heart rate monitors 6. Used in endurance, strength training, cycling, running, and fitness Device Compatibility Requires a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) heart rate monitor. For best accuracy, use a chest strap that supports R-R interval data. Not all heart rate monitors provide this data. Connection Tips If your sensor does not connect: 1. Make sure it is not connected to another app or device 2. Do not pair it directly in iOS Settings Disclaimer SELFLOOPS HRV is not a medical app and does not provide medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health-related decisions.

About

Optimal HRV

Monitor, analyze, and improve your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scores. This app offers personalized training, biofeedback, and stress-reducing activities to enhance health, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity.

Highlights
  • Real-time HRV monitoring
  • Personalized training plans
  • Guided meditation and breathing exercises
  • Comprehensive data analysis
  • Stress response insights
  • Biofeedback optimization
Features
Read full description

Are you feeling stressed, burned out, or just not yourself? Optimal HRV is the guided biofeedback app that teaches your body to calm down — for real. Backed by a Harvard Medical School mindfulness expert and trusted by athletes worldwide. Optimal HRV pairs real HRV data with live biofeedback, so every session trains your nervous system to handle stress better — not just tells you that you're stressed. Why HRV and Biofeedback Training Work Your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a window into how well your body handles stress, anxiety, and recovery — and biofeedback is how you train it to improve. Together, they show you what's happening inside your body, then guide you to change it in real time. With Optimal HRV, you can: • See how stressed — or relaxed — your body really is, using real HRV data. • Learn what actually helps you recover, from sleep to workouts to busy workdays. • Use live biofeedback to train your body to relax faster, right as it's happening. • Discover your own personal "perfect breathing rhythm" through guided sessions. Features You'll Actually Use • Daily Check-Ins — take a quick reading each morning, or anytime you want to see how you're doing. • Your Perfect Breathing Rhythm — a simple test finds the exact breathing pace that works best for you. • Live Feedback While You Train — a simple on-screen guide shows you when you're doing it just right. • Calming Mindfulness Sessions — guided practices created with a Harvard Medical School mindfulness expert, covering stress, anxiety, pain management, athletic performance, and more, with calming narrations in your choice of voice. • Easy-to-Read Progress — see your trends over days, weeks, and months, no data expertise needed. • Video Tutorials — learn HRV concepts and techniques at your own pace. • Make It Yours — adjust sounds, pacing, and reminders so training fits your life. • Available in 14 Languages — use Optimal HRV in your native language. • Device Testing — quickly verify if your heart rate monitor works with the app. • Great for Teams Too — employers and coaches can track group wellness together (Dashboard access needed). Why Optimal HRV Works with External Sensors (Not Apple Watch) We choose precision over convenience. Apple Watch is great for daily wellness, but Optimal HRV is built for serious HRV training. That's why we connect directly to an HRV monitor via Bluetooth — they deliver millisecond-accurate R‑R intervals that wrist sensors can't match. What that means for you: • More accurate data – better insights, better decisions. • Real-time streaming – no gaps, no guesswork. • Reliable results – trusted by athletes and coaches worldwide. Love Optimal HRV? Leave a review and help others find their calm. Your feedback helps us improve and reaches more people who need stress relief. Try it free for 30 days and feel the difference for yourself. Download now and start training your nervous system today. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

SelfLoops HRV4 screens
Optimal HRV4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SelfLoops HRV at 75% against Optimal HRV's 17%. SelfLoops HRV also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0). Optimal HRV's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (24 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SelfLoops HRV sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Optimal HRV sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SelfLoops HRV holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Optimal HRV has 24 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of SelfLoops HRV's written reviews are positive against 17% of Optimal HRV's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SelfLoops HRV ships an update every 4 months, Optimal HRV fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
SelfLoops HRV versus Optimal HRV: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSelfLoops HRVOptimal HRV
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better3.0 (24 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better16.7% of reviews
Number of ratings224 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB52 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSelfLoopsOptimal, LLC

Customer experience

SelfLoops HRV

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative0.0%

Optimal HRV

All ratings24 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative83.3%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SelfLoops HRV

One-time1
  • HRV premium$3.99
3 purchases

Optimal HRV

Subscriptions3
  • 1 month1 Month trial$9.991 Month
  • 6 Month1 Month trial$47.996 Months
  • One Year1 Month trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is SelfLoops HRV free?
SelfLoops HRV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Optimal HRV free?
Optimal HRV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SelfLoops HRV or Optimal HRV?
SelfLoops HRV is rated higher. SelfLoops HRV averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Optimal HRV averages 3.0 from 24 ratings.
Do SelfLoops HRV or Optimal HRV have ads?
Neither SelfLoops HRV nor Optimal HRV shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SelfLoops HRV or Optimal HRV?
SelfLoops HRV ships an update every 4 months, and Optimal HRV fortnightly. Most recently, SelfLoops HRV was updated on October 11, 2026 and Optimal HRV on October 8, 2026.

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