Cardiogram was, for a long stretch, many Apple Watch owners' first taste of turning wrist heart-rate data into something meaningful. Over the years, though, plenty of its users have gone looking for something else — whether because the app's features and subscription shifted, or simply because their needs changed. If that is you, the encouraging news is that the space around heart-rate insight on Apple Watch is now well served, in several different directions.
The trick is knowing what you actually used Cardiogram for. Some people want deep heart-rate-variability and recovery analysis; others want simple resting-heart-rate trends and a plain read on their day. Below are six of the best Cardiogram alternatives in 2026, sorted so you can find the one that matches your goal — plus a note on what Apple's own Health app now does for free.
Start here: your Apple Watch and the built-in Health app already record resting heart rate, walking and workout heart rate, and heart rate variability, and chart their trends at no cost. Every app below adds interpretation on top of that data — a score, a recovery verdict, or a daily summary — rather than better raw measurements.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Focus | Price (approx.) | Free tier? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Genie | Simple daily read | One Vitality Score | Free tier; optional purchases | Yes |
| Apple Health | Raw trends, no extra app | Built-in metrics | Free | Built-in |
| Athlytic | Deep recovery & HRV | Recovery, Strain | Check current listing | Check eligibility |
| Bevel | Broad tracking | Recovery, sleep, stress | Check current listing | Check eligibility |
| Welltory | Stress & HRV analysis | Energy, stress, HRV | Free + subscription | Yes |
| Training Today | Simple readiness | HRV readiness | Free + paid | Yes |
Prices are approximate and change; confirm on the App Store. This article is about general wellness apps and is not medical advice — for heart-rhythm concerns, use Apple's ECG features and consult a clinician.
1. Health Genie — the simplest daily read
If your goal is a focused daily summary, Health Genie is one option. It calculates a Vitality Score from resting heart rate and steps, adding sleep when available, and can provide a plain-English brief. The score runs on-device; other data flows are documented in the Privacy Policy. A free tier is available, with optional in-app purchases. Try the formula with the Vitality Score calculator.
2. Apple Health — you may not need a third-party app at all
It is worth saying plainly: the built-in Health app now covers a lot of what early Cardiogram users wanted. Resting heart rate, walking heart rate, cardio recovery, heart rate variability, and high/low heart rate notifications are all there, with trends, for free. If you mostly want to see your numbers rather than have them scored, start by exploring what Apple already gives you.
3. Athlytic — for deep heart-rate and recovery analysis
If you want to go deeper than Cardiogram rather than simpler, Athlytic turns your Apple Watch HRV and resting heart rate into a full Recovery percentage plus Strain and Cardio Load. It is the choice for data-driven users who want to scrutinize how their heart data reflects training and recovery. See our Athlytic alternatives guide for the wider recovery field.
4. Bevel — broad tracking with a free tier
The Bevel app spans recovery, sleep, stress, and more, with AI summaries on its paid plan and a usable free tier. It is a good landing spot for someone who wants a broad dashboard of heart and health signals without committing money up front.
5. Welltory — heart-rate variability and stress
Welltory is the most HRV- and stress-focused option here, framing your day around energy and recovery balance measured through heart rate variability. If your interest in Cardiogram was really about what your heart data says about stress and resilience, Welltory leans hardest into that. Our Welltory alternatives guide covers adjacent options.
6. Training Today — one simple readiness number
Training Today keeps it minimal: an HRV-based readiness score with a free tier and little else to distract you. It is a clean pick if you want a daily heart-derived signal without a dashboard.
Want the simple version of your heart data?
Health Genie calculates a Vitality Score from resting heart rate and steps, adding sleep when available. Free tier available; it is not a heart-rhythm diagnostic tool.
View Health Genie on the App StoreHow to choose your Cardiogram alternative
- You want a simple daily read, free: Health Genie, or Apple Health for raw trends.
- You want to go deeper on recovery: Athlytic.
- You want broad tracking with a free tier: Bevel.
- Your focus is stress and HRV: Welltory.
- You want one readiness number: Training Today.
Match the alternative to the reason you left, and you will be happier than if you chase the app with the most features. For most former Cardiogram users who simply want to understand their heart rate day to day, the simplest option is the one they keep using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardiogram still available?
Cardiogram is still on the App Store, but many long-time users have looked for alternatives after changes to its features and subscription over the years. If your goal is understanding heart rate and resting heart rate trends from an Apple Watch, several apps now cover that ground, from simple trackers to full recovery dashboards.
What is the best Cardiogram alternative?
The answer depends on whether you want Apple Health trends, a general wellness score, training recovery or regulated heart-rhythm features. Confirm each app’s current capabilities and medical status on its official listing.
Is there a free Cardiogram alternative?
Some alternatives have free tiers. Health Genie has a free tier and optional in-app purchases. It is a general wellness app, not a heart-rhythm diagnostic tool.
Can the Apple Watch track heart rate trends without Cardiogram?
Yes. The Watch and Health app already record resting, walking, and workout heart rate plus HRV, and show trends. Third-party apps add interpretation on top, but the underlying data does not require Cardiogram.
Why did people leave Cardiogram?
Reasons vary — changes to features and pricing over time, and a preference for apps with a clearer single focus. Some want deeper recovery metrics; others want something simpler. The alternatives above span both directions.