When it comes to wearable fitness trackers that focus on recovery and training optimization, the Amazfit Helio HYROX Strap is a fresh option.
Like the Whoop band, the Helio Strap tracks your sleep, heart rate, and recovery to help you train smarter, not just harder. What sets it apart is that all these features come without the hassle of a subscription fee.
Currently, the HYROX Edition of the Helio Strap, marked by its unique branding, is being distributed exclusively to HYROX athletes at the HYROX World Championships in Chicago.
The standard public version and other strap options have yet to be announced. Let’s dive into what this strap offers and what you can expect from it.
The Amazfit Helio HYROX Strap is designed as a lightweight, comfortable wearable that tracks recovery metrics and provides daily training guidance.
What Is the Amazfit Helio HYROX Strap?
Unlike many fitness bands, its main focus is on helping users understand when to push and when to pull back based on how well they’ve recovered.
A Subscription-Free Experience
A major selling point is the lack of any subscription requirement to access its full suite of features. This offers a simple and straightforward user experience that’s easy to manage.
Design and Comfort
The strap is made of nylon with a strong Velcro closure, securing the device snugly during sleep or workouts. The pod, which houses the sensors, attaches to the strap via watch-like pins and slots into a small holster.
It feels comfortable and light—ideal for overnight wear when sleep tracking is most important. It’s less intrusive than a typical watch and won’t interfere with exercise movements.
Beyond the HYROX Edition
So far, only the HYROX-branded version has been made public, and Amazfit hasn’t shared plans for a broader release or alternative strap styles.
There could be potential for other options like bicep straps or more subtle bands, especially since the pod is removable.
Ecosystem Compatibility
The Helio Strap works smoothly with Amazfit’s lineup of devices and the Zep app. You can wear it for sleep tracking and swap over to an Amazfit watch during outdoor activities.
It also syncs data with the Helio Ring and other Amazfit devices, keeping all your metrics in one place.
Charging and Battery Life
Charging is done through a magnetic puck that snaps on the back of the pod. The device uses a USB-C cable, which you’ll need to supply yourself because it’s not included in the box.
Amazfit claims the battery can last up to 10 days, and early use confirms it’s heading in that direction.
What Data and Feedback the Helio Strap Provides
The real value of a recovery strap lies in the kind of insights it provides.
The Helio Strap offers a clear daily snapshot through its app, giving you actionable data from the moment you wake up.
Morning Dashboard Includes:
- Sleep Score: A number that summarizes the quality of your recent sleep (typically ranges from 0-100).
- Biocharge Number: This is a dynamic indicator of your current energy or recovery level. It adjusts throughout the day based on your activity and rest.
- Exertion Level and Target: The app recommends how hard to train based on your recovery and previous workouts.
- Nutrition Log: Shows calories burned and any foods you’ve logged.
Detailed Metrics Monitored:
- Resting Heart Rate (RHR)
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Sleep duration and stages
- Skin temperature variations through the night
The sleep data compares well with devices like the Oura Ring and Garmin watches. For example, the Helio Strap sometimes detects early relaxation or meditation before you fall asleep more accurately.
However, sleep stages and scores can vary between devices. The Helio Strap’s sleep score tends to be on the generous side but aligns well with your perceived energy through the Biocharge number.
Experts say sleep duration and awake times tell more reliable stories than detailed sleep stages, as even medical equipment isn’t perfect at pinpointing those subtleties.
So focusing on overall sleep length and interruptions works best.
Understanding the Biocharge Metric
The Biocharge score is the Helio Strap’s standout feature. It provides a real-time energy level estimate, factoring in how you slept, your training intensity, and any rest or activity during the day.
This score updates dynamically, much like Garmin’s Body Battery. After a tough training day, your Biocharge might dip, signaling that you shouldn’t push too hard the next day. After a restful sleep, this number climbs, letting you know when your body is ready to perform.
Throughout the day, the Biocharge reflects your energy changes. For example, after a morning workout or a long work session, it’ll show gradual decreases, helping you manage your exertion responsibly.
Workout Tracking and Performance
The Helio Strap works with the Zep app to track a wide range of workouts—27 types in total—including running, cycling, walking, general gym workouts, and HYROX-specific training.
Starting a workout is simple: just select the type and tap to begin. One small downside is a 10 to 20-second delay for the heart rate lock-on, which can feel a bit slow and could be improved.
Indoor vs Outdoor Experiences
Indoor workouts show basics like heart rate, calories, and duration.
However, the app’s indoor workout screen leaves large blank areas unused, which could be better filled with graphs or more detailed metrics.
Outdoor workout tracking is more robust with options to cycle through metrics and a map of your route.
Heart Rate Accuracy
- Indoor cycling: Near-perfect heart rate tracking after initial signal lock.
- Interval training: Mostly stable with minor fluctuation during some harder intervals.
- Outdoor cycling: Surprisingly solid on bumpy roads despite wrist vibrations and gripping handlebars.
- Weight training: Wrist sensors show some spikes and variation, which is expected due to arm movements and gripping. Still, the results are acceptable.
- Rowing: Strong accuracy despite challenges for wrist trackers with this sport.
- Mixed workouts (rowing + skiing machine): Tracking was less reliable, with some inconsistency in heart rate data.
Since the pod can be removed, a bicep strap option might improve heart rate accuracy during tricky activities, though this hasn’t been announced yet.
A nice addition is that the strap’s heart rate can be broadcasted to other devices like tablets or Apple TVs during workouts, adding versatility.
Where the Helio Strap Could Improve
While promising, the Helio Strap has room to grow.
User Interface
The indoor workout screens are basic and could offer more useful data and visual feedback. A heart rate graph or exertion alerts during exercise would enhance training visualization.
Strap Options and Look
Currently, only the HYROX-branded strap is available, which might not appeal to everyone. There’s interest in seeing more strap choices — sportier designs, more subtle looks, and possibly premium materials.
Fashion plays a role in the success of devices like the Whoop band, so Amazfit could benefit from expanding options to make the strap personal and attractive beyond just function.
Feature Set
The Helio Strap doesn’t have some advanced features found on competitors, like Whoop’s Healthspan tracking. However, its core recovery and training metrics cover the essentials most users need.
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
For now, the Amazfit Helio HYROX Strap is only available as a limited edition given to HYROX athletes at the World Championships. No public release date or pricing details have been shared.
A key advantage is the lack of a subscription fee, setting the Helio Strap apart from others like Whoop, where ongoing costs can add up.
Given Amazfit’s track record, a competitive price can be expected once the device launches broadly.
The Amazfit Helio Strap stands out as a promising budget-friendly fitness wearable for 2025, offering subscription-free recovery tracking and training insights.
With some refinement—particularly in the app experience and strap design—it has strong potential to become a top choice for serious athletes seeking value and performance.
Drop your thoughts below if you’re interested in the Amazfit Helio HYROX Strap or want to know more.
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Is the Amazfit Helio Strap better than Whoop?
The Amazfit Helio Strap is a great alternative to WHOOP if you want recovery and training insights without a subscription. It offers solid features like BioCharge score and workout tracking at a one-time cost. However, WHOOP still provides more detailed metrics and a stronger app ecosystem — but requires a monthly fee.
Why Minimalist Athletes Are Choosing the Amazfit Helio Strap
Minimalist athletes prefer the Amazfit Helio Strap because it offers essential training and recovery insights without clutter or subscriptions. Its sleek, screenless design, comfort, and one-time cost make it a smart, no-fuss choice for those who want focused performance tracking without distractions.
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