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 (the EKGraph does not specifically detect 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 $79 (reg. $149), FSA/HSA eligible, and backed by a 1-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