Garmin HRM 200 (L) and HRM-Pro Plus (R)GarminThe best sports watches have heart rate reader tech good enough to make most of us consign chest straps to the back of a cupboard. But Garmin has just released a new strap, the Garmin HRM 200.This is roughly the replacement for the old Garmin HRM-Dual, which has been around since 2019.For those buying in 2025, though, the key question is whether you should buy the Garmin HRM 200 or the HRM-Pro Plus, released in 2022.The HRM-Pro Plus is still the higher-end and more feature-rich chest strap in most respects. But there are at least a couple of reasons to pick up the newer model instead.The HRM 200 Is CheaperGarmin charges less for the HRM 200 than the HRM-Pro Plus. Official retail pricing is $79.99 versus $129.99, a $50 difference.Of course, with the HRM-Pro Plus now well-established, you can often pick one up for less than $100. Price may be less of a key separator than youd guess.3ATM Vs 5ATM Water ResistanceMORE FOR YOUThe HRM-Pro Plus is better-suited to swimming than the new HRM 200. It has 5ATM water resistance, just like the HRM-Swim, made specifically for swimmers.Garmins HRM-300 is rated for 3ATM water resistance, not enough for confident use in the pool.If swimming will be your primary use case, the HRM-Swim is going to be the better buy, though, as its non-slip construction may help when pushing off from the poolside.HRM 200 Module Is DetachableOne benefit of the HRM 200 design is the strap is washable. The central module connects to the strap using a couple of poppers, so you can put the strap in the washing machine with your clothes if you like.Garmin HRM 200 rearGarminAn HRM-Pro Plus should never be put in the washing machine. GoPro recommends you hand wash it after every seven sessions.HRM-Pro Plus Is LighterThe older HRM-Pro is a little lighter than the HRM 200. It weighs 52g, while the HRM 200 weighs 63g, when paired with the larger M-XL size strap.The fully integrated style the HRM-Pro Plus also leads to lesser bulk, which may be far more important for some. Its 8.6mm thick, to the 11m of the HRM 200.HRM-Pro Plus Has Far More FeaturesYou can use the HRM-Pro Plus as a standalone wearable if you like, as it has its own onboard storage. It can hold up to 18 hours of data. And while theres no activity-tracking control to make this a particularly desirable way to use the band, its clearly a more capable gadget. It will even record steps.A HRM-Pro Plus will record additional data too, when hooked up to a watch. This includes running dynamics, Ski Power and running pace and distance.The HRM 200 is designed to connect to one of Garmins watches, or bike computers, to transmit heart rate and HRV (heart rate variability) data only.That said, the HRM 200 does have a button and light, not seen in the HRM-Pro Plus, which lets you easily tell if the strap has power and is working.Secure Transmission Is Available In The Garmin HRM 200The HRM 200 gets a new secure transmission mode, which relays heart rate data over an encrypted connection. This means only the paired device can access the data.Its the polar opposite of the classic transmission method of these heart rate straps, ANT+, which flings the signal out freely for anyone to pick up.Both support Bluetooth transmission, though,The HRM-Pro Plus Is Heading Towards Its EndAccording to the Garmin website, the HRM-Pro Plus is only guaranteed to receive security updates until July 2024. It hasnt seemingly received a major software update since 2022 too. Is it not long for this world?Security becomes a bit more of an issue with this model than the basic HRM lines, as it can connect to Garmin Connect on its own. More to the point, the date is also a suggestion Garmin considers, or at least considered at one point, it to be an end-of-life product in 2025.Which Should You Buy?If swimming is going to be part of your exercise routine, the HRM-Pro Plus is the better buy of these two straps.Its inclusion of running dynamics is neat too, although this data is provided by plenty of Garmins higher-end watches already. Theres also an argument for waiting to see if Garmin updates its HRM-Pro line later this year if youre in no rush. It seems unlikely the status quo of the cheaper band having an additional security/privacy feature will carry on in perpetuity.